explain strobe diffusers to me

[bvanant]

Every Inon strobe I have ever bought (and I have bought quite a few) comes with diffusers, typically both the -.5 and the -1.5. I never take them off my strobes and I know I didn't order them separately. If you bought it new you should ask the guy who sold it to you where the diffusers are. In any case, shoot some test subjects at macro distances (with your macro lens as you choose) and let us know where things stand. WW's suggestion of shooting at a blank wall is really good, that way you get a very good sense of what the light pattern from the strobe should be.
Here is a simple test I just did. This pic was shot without a diffuser

While this one shot at same shutter and fstop looks a lot better.

Is that what you are seeing. Posting some pics might help.
Bill

 

[diverrick]

Clearly I need a diffuser. I got the storbe from a (what I thought was) a legit outfit, but I never got anything like a diffuser. It was new.

I think I attached a pic to show what the low setting on the strobe gets me.

 

[diverrick]

OK lets try that again

 

[Uli Kunkel]

About the diffuser-

Please check in the instruction manual for your D2000 before you go ahead and start planning for revenge. It should list the parts included in the package (and show a picture). I recently purchased a D2000 through a reputable dive shop who gets their strobes from the distributor- there was no diffuser included, thats how theyre shipping now i guess!

 

[beautybelow]

OK lets try that again

I am sure others will chime in, but it looks to me like you have issues other than just exposure. Strobe placement is off too. A diffuser will help with this too because it will widen the angle of the light from the strobe, but the closer you get to your subject the more "focused" your aim must be with your strobe.

Like everyone has said, you should be able to get set the camera's F-stop high enough to get a correct exposure with the strobe. A diffuser, as far as I am concerned anyway, is a must have tool. I never take mine off either.

 

[flareside]

Per the Inon.jp website (INON Strobe D-2000 [Spec]):

"Package contents: Magnet, Magnet Screw, Magnet Screw Tighter, Spare O-ring (Battery Box), INON Grease, Light Filter Sticker·Red"

 

[bvanant]

Per the Inon.jp website (INON Strobe D-2000 [Spec]):

"Package contents: Magnet, Magnet Screw, Magnet Screw Tighter, Spare O-ring (Battery Box), INON Grease, Light Filter Sticker·Red"

Weird, when I got mine it came with diffusers (the white ones, not the blue ones). The z240s still come with diffusers as do the s2000, I wonder why the D2000 doesn't. Strange

Bill

 

[diverrick]

I had never thought about using the F-stop to adjust the image. I assume your talking about going up a f stop or two, to make a smaller apature, and then a longer shutter speed? Would that not cause more issues with blurring? I need to experiment with that method some when I get time. AS it is, I have slow shutter speeds in ambient use, but with the stobe that is not such an issue, so I guess I can make some adjustments, in that configuration.

 

[beautybelow]

Simply put, the higher the F-stop number the sharper your image will appear. It gives you a greater range of focus. If your concern is getting closer to the subject then raising the F-stop number is really the best way to control the exposure of what the strobe lights up. Like was said before, I would go up as high as your camera will allow you with the F-stop number and if needed increase the intensity of the strobe. If you are lighting the whole frame with the strobe the shutter speed is a non issue as long as it syncs with the strobe and isn't too slow, causing motion blur.

 

[under water]

Rick,
I agree with what most have posted so far. You are getting good advice from some great photographers.
It looks like you need to move away from auto as much as possible and, if you can, use the aperture (F-stop) (higher number = less light) to control your exposure.
You will also need to bring down ISO to 100 or so, if not there already.
If you have RAW capability (not sure of your camera) use that.
Don't point your strobe directly at the subject. Point it out to the side a bit.

Here is a great series of short articles that will help understanding what you need to know about shooting with a strobe.
Video tutorials on underwater photography|Underwater Photography Guide

Here is a link to some info on the Inon strobes that may be helpful.
Reef Photo & Video Support Center - KnowledgeBase - Selecting the proper settings for INON strobes

Are you using the External Auto mode of the D2000 or Manual?
S-TTL Auto does not work with your camera.