1 x Kraken KR-S160 vs 2 x Inon S-220

[double_dd]

Hey,

I've got a big trip booked for October and I decided to go ahead and buy a housing for the trip, but now I'm working out what strobe set up to get based on budget. For reference I'm using a Fuji XT4 with an Ikelite housing.

I appreciate two strobes is better than one, but my dilema based on current budget and with travel friendliness in the back of my mind, is whether I should go for the larger, more expensive KR-160 strobe, or get two of the Inon S-220's which are less powerful but easier to travel with.

In terms of what I'm interested in, it's pelagic wildlife but obviously want something versatile that I can use for macro when it's needed.

Costs I've got:
1 x KR-160 + ikelite sync - £750 (2 strobes would be approx. £1400 and I would save up and eventually end up with 2)
2 x Inon S-220 + optical conversion + optical cables - £1,050

Thoughts?

 

[cerich]

what lens are you using?

 

[double_dd]

what lens are you using?

Will be primarily using Fuji 10-24mm

 

[Barmaglot]

I'd say that the reach of the more powerful strobe will be more useful for your setup than the wider coverage of S220 pair. 10mm rectilinear on APS-C is not super wide to begin with, and KS160 has good wide coverage, so it shouldn't have issues covering your frame.

 

[cerich]

I'd say that the reach of the more powerful strobe will be more useful for your setup than the wider coverage of S220 pair. 10mm rectilinear on APS-C is not super wide to begin with, and KS160 has good wide coverage, so it shouldn't have issues covering your frame.

it's the same coverage as a 15mm FF and with one strobe will take some careful positioning if trying to light the entire frame. That said, I would go with the more powerful as well with aim to have two of them later.

Single strobe may not be what all the cool kids are using but it can also be awesome, not least because less folks shoot single these days.

 

[double_dd]

ok thanks for the advice. Will go with the Kraken for now and add to it later.

 

[Nemrod]

Always contrarian. Two S220 hands down. The S220 is not as weak as people make it out to be and it has TTL capability which works very well. And is very handy for many types of shooting, especially when the action is fast. And the Inon design is mature, reliable and just works. For years and years. And rthey are tiny little things and so light for travel and hardly no drag in the water.

 

[David Haas]

I'd agree with Nemrod having used the Inon S220 units and previous S2000 for years. They are underrated on power, use AA Eneloop NiMH batteries of any type and a mature reliable product.

The obsession with "more power" is a myth when people realize if you can't almost touch the subject you're shooting too far away......No strobe is going to go out 6' +, bounce off and travel back through the water without losing color. It's simple physics......

Also, today's modern cameras shooting at ISO 200-400 and even higher is easy. You can use smaller f-stops if desired and the files will still look detailed and sharp. Modern software cleans up any digital noise with one click.......

Just one old guy's opinion

David Haas

PS - Beadvised I don't thing you can use STTL on the Inon S220 with an Ikelite housing though. Only manual settings but still the things are nice and small making close up shooting easier.

PPS - One strobe can also be effective and easier to travel and dive with. Two is nice but not as necessary as so many people push new shooters into right away.


P

 

[Barmaglot]

No strobe is going to go out 6' +, bounce off and travel back through the water without losing color. It's simple physics......

My Retra Pros (150 W/s) do it fairly easily at full power. With reflectors they reach out to about ten feet. KS160 should have similar output.

 

[David Haas]

At 6-10' away you will likely get "some" color but not what you'll get if shooting closer than 5'.

Again, just one old guy's opinion LOL.....

Keep diving and shooting fun underwater images !

DH

Shot from about 3' away and one strobe