What kind of strobe to get with Canon A570is + Ikelite housing

[jim2386]

Hey guys,

I'm new to underwater photography and I've seen people recommending the A570IS as a good starter camera for a good price. I'm planning on getting the A570IS and the ikelite housing. I've been looking at strobes and I'm looking for something in the $400-$550 range. I've stumbled upon these two that look interesting.

Sea & Sea YS27 DX Strobe , Underwater Cameras, Sea & Sea, Sea & Sea YS27 DX Strobe

and

IKELITE AutoFlash Kit AF-35 Specifications

I'm learning about this preflash stuff. The first one looks like it can ignore the preflash some cameras have. I can't find if the A570IS has a preflash and if you can turn it off. The second strobe doesn't say anything about preflash so I'm not sure if it'd work for me.

If anyone can give suggestions on these or others that might work for me I'd appreciate it!

-Jim

 

[herman]

Between the 2, I would take the S&S. I prefer the fiber over the electrical connection of the Ike and the S&S has more level setting, wider beam angle and appears to have a higher output.

 

[ScubaBasics]

An Ikelite DS-51 with an EV Controller would also be a good option. I used that setup with a A540 last year and got great results.

 

[jim2386]

Since I'm new to the whole strobe thing, can you explain what an EV controller does? I think I have a good idea but I don't want to assume anything.

 

[firefighter237]

I have the same setup (Canon A570 and Ikelite housing). I am also strongly considering the Ike AF35. I am logging around 40-50 dives every summer in the Gulf of Maine. Not trying to highjack the post but am hoping for some response to the strobe search as well.

Thanks
Sean

 

[ScubaBasics]

The EV (manual) Controller attaches to the strobe and mounts near the housing, providing maximum versatility and control of flash exposure. It can be used with normal or pre-flash camera and strobe systems. More info on Ike's website:
Manual Strobe Controller
It allows you to control the amount of light output of the strobe. The AF-35 is a less powerful strobe than the DS-51 but offers the sensor built in the the arm.

 

[jim2386]

That system does seem awfully more compact with no cords to get caught. Granted it's lower power but I'm wondering if it would be THAT noticeable. The whole point is to try to avoid backscatter.

 

[alcina]

Backscatter isn't so much the amount or power of the light, it's the angle of the light reflecting off the floaty bits between your lens and your subject

I would always go for more power if I could afford it - you're going to need it one day and it'll drive you bonkers when you don't have it

You may also want to consider the Inon range. I use and love these. So lightweight and great light output. I bought mine through Yuzo at UWdigitalcamera.com in Japan - excellent prices and fabulous service. Be aware that there may be differences in the warranty when you buy from Japan, but it's not been an issue for me.

The guys at Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros are awesome to work with, too, and they can talk you through the various options to find one that will meet your needs.

 

[JackConnick]

I have several options that would work for you in many different price ranges. If you want more power, then the YS-110 is a good option also. It will work in D-TTL if you have a single pre-flash camera. Otherwise it's manual. Has a LED target light, etc and can be used if you upgrade to a DSLR.

See: Lighting packages

Jack

 

[dna77054]

Hey guys,

I'm new to underwater photography and I've seen people recommending the A570IS as a good starter camera for a good price. I'm planning on getting the A570IS and the ikelite housing. I've been looking at strobes and I'm looking for something in the $400-$550 range. I've stumbled upon these two that look interesting.

Sea & Sea YS27 DX Strobe , Underwater Cameras, Sea & Sea, Sea & Sea YS27 DX Strobe

and

IKELITE AutoFlash Kit AF-35 Specifications

I'm learning about this preflash stuff. The first one looks like it can ignore the preflash some cameras have. I can't find if the A570IS has a preflash and if you can turn it off. The second strobe doesn't say anything about preflash so I'm not sure if it'd work for me.

If anyone can give suggestions on these or others that might work for me I'd appreciate it!

-Jim

Check out this chart from Ikelite:
Canon Camera Chart

According to it, you can use the the IkeAF35 with your camera. I have an A620 and just last weekend I went to a local dive show and hooked up the AF35 to my camera and housing (canon housing). I do not know if my camera preflashes or not, but I took the camera off auto, turned the flash on and it worked just find. I could even see the differences in the exposure by adjusting the output on the strobe. There is also an auto setting on the strobe which I think you can use with the auto mode of your camera to control the power of the strobe automatically. Now I have yet to use a strobe underwater, but from the chart and my own experiences, I would say the AF would work with your camera. You can always contact the company for more info.