D90 strobe set up and settings

[cberk]

I recently bought a D90 with Ikelite housing and dual DS160's. I am trying to learn about optimal strobe set up, mainly wide angle shooting. The manual mentions sync speed up to 1/60th. Can you shoot any faster (ie 1/200) for faster objects? Any special adjustments needed in the camera menus. Can rear sync mode be used with DS 160 strobes? Any other helpful hints on techniques?

 

[scottfiji]

hello CBerk,

Congrats on your new setup. yes, you can shoot as fast as 1/200th, just shoot in manual mode. No menu adjustment is needed. You can try 1/250th but you most likely will get a black bar in your photo from the shutter curtain.

I'm pretty sure you can use rear-sync but just try it out at home.

Here are some strobe position diagrams that might help you out.

Scott

 

[AussieByron]

I use dual DS125's for my Ikelite housed D90.

The D90 default fastest shutter speed is 1/200th. If you turn on the FP mode you can shoot at faster shutter speeds.

To give you an Idea for my wide angle stuff I normally start at something like f8 and 1/200th or 1/125th. It also depends on few other factors like how clear the water is, amount of natural light available, what your trying to shoot etc etc.

Also strobe postiion like Scott said is also very important. Need to get them out wide and get yourself very close to the subject. Play around which works for you.

Another thing is that you will find your setup heavy in the water. If your doing a fair bit of dives with it and you end up with what my mates call "Ikelite arm". You will have a sore right arm from holding your rig and you might think your even bent.lol .
I bought some ULCS bouyancy arms recently and it has evened out the weight issue in my almost identical setup and I dont get the sore arm now ;-)

Have a look at my flickr link below as I have posted alot of Wide angle stuff recently with my D90 and Tokina 10-17mm with dual strobes. It also has the data of what I was shooting at the time regarding F-stops and shutter speeds. Something to give you some ideas.

Regards Mark

 

[AussieByron]

Also I am using TTL most times with excellent results.

 

[cberk]

Aussie Byron ( Mark),
Awesome pics. Great work. I am new at this and hope to only to come close to your results.

To review:
D90 in manual mode - start f8 at 1/200 , strobe set TTL and adjust according to clarity, ambient lite and subject being shot.

I have a Tokina 11-16 f 2.8 being delivered in 2 days? Any opinions?

Do you use the ULCS buoyancy arms on both sides or only on one side?

Thanks.
Regards, Carl

 

[AussieByron]

Aussie Byron ( Mark),
Awesome pics. Great work. I am new at this and hope to only to come close to your results.

To review:
D90 in manual mode - start f8 at 1/200 , strobe set TTL and adjust according to clarity, ambient lite and subject being shot.

I have a Tokina 11-16 f 2.8 being delivered in 2 days? Any opinions?

Do you use the ULCS buoyancy arms on both sides or only on one side?

Thanks.
Regards, Carl

Hi Carl.

M mode, 1/200th and f8 a good place to start with the Nikon D90 with something like the Tokina 11-16mm. If its dark or lower vis maybe start at 1/160th or 1/125th and f8.

Shoot and preview your shot and check its histogram and see whats happening. It takes a little practice but you will get it sorted quick ;-).

Just remember to get close real close to your subject. On my Tokina 10-17mm it rarely comes off 10mm. I personally havnt used the 11-16mm but if its anything like my 10-17mm you will love it. Especially on big stuff up close.

I have the bouyancy arms on both arms and highly recommend them. Maybe Ikelite might start making them as they are really needed in the Ikelite housing and strobe setup.

Any more questions just ask.

Regards Mark

 

[cberk]

Thanks for your help!!