2 low power strobes vs 1 high power strobe

[broncobowsher]

I put a single light on a GoPro. The results were horrible. Can we say 'massive shadows'? I have 2 cheap lights now and the results are so much better. The lights still suck as they are $25 specials, but the lesson learned was that I will need 2 of whatever when I get big boy lights.

 

[VibesAndHorizons]

Adding a second strobe won't give you more power, but it will be spread out evenly and give you better results for sure.

 

[stuartv]

Two Z240s for $400 is a smokin' deal!! I would jump on that just to have them, use the crap out of them, and keep them as backups if/when you ever decide to get something "better" (in quotes on purpose - the 240s are really good). I have been using a pair of 240s for a few years now. I virtually never run them wide open, so I don't know that you are likely to need a brighter (higher GN) strobe. Maybe if you get into shooting sunballs or other wide angle stuff that is strongly backlit. I am saving my pennies now for a pair of Retra Pro strobes, but that is more about the faster cycle time than the specs saying that the Retras are brighter.

https://www.scubaboard.com/community/threads/review-xtar-d36-5800-flood

This is worth a look? About $330 on Ebay new.

That link doesn't work for me. But, I have one of those lights, and I think it is really nice.

Review: Xtar D36 5800 Flood/Spot dive light

(I think this is the link you were trying to post)

 

[tursiops]

Adding a second strobe won't give you more power,

?? How is this so?

 

[bvanant]

Certainly you get more photons from 2 strobes, but in general I think he meant that for a given exposure you are only interested in enough light for the correct exposure.
Bill

 

[Nemrod]

The useful distance of a strobe underwater is limited. Sure, stronger or multiple strobes may have more a bit more reach but where having two strobes is useful is to have better control and direction of lighting and larger coverage for a WA lens.

My dual D-2000 strobes are GN20. I can get three to five feet with them at which point they are near full dump. Maybe a foot more with a Z240, maybe yet another foot with the Z330 or some of the other GN30+ strobes? Of course it depends upon many things, but what distances do you guys find you can fully illuminate a subject or balance ambient with your strobe(s)?

James

 

[tursiops]

Certainly you get more photons from 2 strobes, but in general I think he meant that for a given exposure you are only interested in enough light for the correct exposure.
Bill

I have no idea what he meant, which is why I asked.

 

[stuartv]

The useful distance of a strobe underwater is limited. Sure, stronger or multiple strobes may have more a bit more reach but where having two strobes is useful is to have better control and direction of lighting and larger coverage for a WA lens.

My dual D-2000 strobes are GN20. I can get three to five feet with them at which point they are near full dump. Maybe a foot more with a Z240, maybe yet another foot with the Z330 or some of the other GN30+ strobes? Of course it depends upon many things, but what distances do you guys find you can fully illuminate a subject or balance ambient with your strobe(s)?

James

I feel like I have some shark photos from inside a wreck, but with decent ambient light coming in from around 3 sides of the compartment, where the shark is 10' away (in the middle of the compartment) and my strobes (Z240s) are lighting it up. Without using a full dump.

If you want, I can go back and look for one or two to post.

 

[bvanant]

Of course it depends on the clarity of the water and a whole bunch of other settings on the camera particularly f stop. 3 meters away should be doable but you would need pretty open aperture.
Bill

 

[Hoag]

A general rule of thumb that I use underwater is that if it isn't close enough that I could reach out and tough it, then I probably can not count on lighting it.