canon s80 & YS-15 strobe

[Vagabonding]

I was given a Canon s80 for my bday. I'd asked for an s70, but apparently with all the discounts out there the 'rents' were able to get the s80 for less than the s70. Strange.

Anyways, I'd like to add a strobe package to this camera. I'd like to keep the cost of both the arms and strobe under $400 and was looking at the Sea & Sea YS-15 Auto strobe from scubatoys. The only other option that I've found was the Inon 2000, which was out of my budget.

Does anyone on the list have any experience combining the s80 with the YS-15 strobe?

Thanks in advance.

 

[DesertEagle]

The YS-15 should be good for macro. As for wide angle, you might be better with something a little more powerful. I would check for strobes on eBay.

You have another option too. If you dive in shallow water (up to about 50 feet), consider using a Magic Filter. All you have to do is cut one to fit over the lens of the camera. Then tape it with a band aid. When you get in the water, set the white balance manually. You can use sand, or even your hand if you don't have a gray card. Now you can keep shooting (fast!) until the card fills up. This will allow you to save on the strobe (for now) and spend the same money on a wide angle lens. What you would give up is some macro capability though.

 

[Ryan]

The YS-15 only works if you set your camera's aperture to f2.8, which is exactly the opposite of what you want for macro shooting...

The YS-25, 90, or Inon D-2000 is a far more appropriate choice for your camera.

My advice would be to practice using the internal flash for macro work until you can afford a better flash.

http://www.digitaldiver.net/lib_docs/olyprimer.pdf has some dated, but good background info. W/ you camera, there is no flash metering in manual mode, so I'd shoot Aperture Priority.