Dual strobes different size/powered strobes

[DENLASCUBA]

I am looking at using two strobes of different sizes/powers to set up dual strobes. Both of the strobes are Iklite DS TTL, one is a 161 the other a 200. I am looking for some advice/ tips on setting the two storbes up and any opinions or recommendations. I was only able to find one good article online that using two different strobes is fine an will provide good results, and to have the stronger/more powerfull strobe as the main strobe in the series.

 

[John Gulliver]

I use an Ikelite DS125 on the left side and a DS51 on the right. They have the same power but the DS125 covers a wider angle. Despite this, the combination works fine with the Tokina 10-17mm lens.

 

[scubaho]

Dual strobes work fine together even if they are not the same power. The DS-125 and DS-51 are not the same power. I think John had a typo.

 

[John Gulliver]

Sorry, I should have written almost the same power.
Guide # (meters) underwater according to Ikelite's website: DS51 9, DS125 10.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Very interesting that reasons behind the answers are not included here.

AIWT, even when using the same model strobe on both arms, one very popular style is to have a lower power setting on the right strobe.

Since a photo is a 2 dimensional representation of a 3 dimensional scene, shadow is the main way to give the image that 3rd dimension.

If you are taking photos for a textbook or fish ID book, same power both sides seem popular. Most other photography eliminating all the shadows that ocure in nature make it not seem natural. With one strobe at a lower power, the shadow is still there, just not as dark.

Most single strobe systems are left side, so going to dual strobes the primary strobe stays on the left side; hence the typical lower power on the right.

 

[slowhands]

I would go with two DS-161s personally. They have a tiny bit more output, good for wider shots. But I like the idea of turning either one down for artistic effect, and you don't have much adjustment on the DS-51. One problem, with macro they will be seriously overpowered. Bu that's what TTL flash is for.

 

[Ardy]

I agree with Halemano, a second flash that is less on the right is important to keep shadows and depth. The only tricky bit is that sometimes fish don't set up how you want them to. If it is facing to the left of the photo the ideal would be edge flash and less power on the left and main on right. see my posting picture for how it goes wrong. There are so few times with a moving object that you can set the light correctly for the shot that having one side strong and the other a 'fill' flash is the best solution.

If you are doing macro then all of this power of the flash becomes irrelevant as there is more than enough power to wash out the shot assuming you are doing manual. If you are doing TTL - well I don't know yet, just got my first TTL dual flash set up and looking forwards to testing it out.

 

[haring]

I agree with Halemano, a second flash that is less on the right is important to keep shadows and depth.

It is not a problem if I get a DS 160 and a Ds 125 together, I guess.... Am I right?

 

[Ardy]

It is not a problem if I get a DS 160 and a Ds 125 together, I guess.... Am I right?

Correct.

 

[DENLASCUBA]

I would like to thank everyone for their input so far. I have yet to use both strobes together and will not beable to for a few more months. I have used my 161 and was quite happy wih the results when it did work as the battery was loose but sent it back to Ikelite, I haven't used tthe 200 yet but was a deal I couldn't turn down, when I get back in the water in July Inwill
Let everyone know how the two worked out.