First Strobe

[CF L]

I'm a novice photographer and take photos to remember critters I've seen. Up to now I have been taking still photos with my compact camera (Canon PowerShot S120) with a video light. I have been reading about strobes vs video light for photography and am now considering getting a strobe. I plan to mount the strobe on the cold shoe so I'm looking for a compact strobe; I've tried a tray and arm but found the setup cumbersome.

I had narrowed it down to the Sea & Sea YS-01 Solis, which fits the bill of being lightweight and compact. However, after reading more about this strobe I'm concerned that Sea & Sea seems to be prone to flooding?

I'm now looking at the AOI UCS Q1. I would like to hear about experience with this strobe, is it more reliable than the Sea & Sea? Also would I miss not having the S-TTL feature?

Are there other compact strobes I should consider?

Thanks.

 

[Nemrod]

For reliability, power and function the Inon S220 (GN22). You might also look at the Backscatter MiniFlash (GN16). Both have sTTL capability.

The issue you will face having a strobe mounted directly atop the housing and in line with the lens is you will have a greater occurrence of lighting up everything in the water between the lens and the critter. The MiniFlash can be bundled with a snoot to help eliminate back scatter when shooting small or macro subjects.

Backscatter Mini Flash 2 & Optical Snoot Combo Package

The Backscatter Mini Flash 2 & Optical Snoot Combo Package is a powerful tool for any underwater photographer , with its innovative features, user-friendly design, and versatility, this strobe package is great for capturing the intricate details of macro marine life.

www.bluewaterphotostore.com

Arms are not used by most UW photographers because they look cool, no, it is because they are an almost universal necessity.

 

[js1221]

The Inon S-220 would be a good strobe to consider.

 

[bvanant]

I am using the AOI strobes, perfectly reliable (more than 500 dives). The MF2 is also fine.
Bill

 

[CF L]

For reliability, power and function the Inon S220 (GN22). You might also look at the Backscatter MiniFlash (GN16). Both have sTTL capability.

The issue you will face having a strobe mounted directly atop the housing and in line with the lens is you will have a greater occurrence of lighting up everything in the water between the lens and the critter. The MiniFlash can be bundled with a snoot to help eliminate back scatter when shooting small or macro subjects.

Arms are not used by most UW photographers because they look cool, no, it is because they are an almost universal necessity.

I know mounting a strobe directly above the lens is not ideal. I will consider a tray and arm as the next improvement.

 

[CF L]

The Inon S-220 would be a good strobe to consider.

The S-220 has no focus light, the AOI Q1 has no sTTL, which of those features is less important?

 

[CF L]

I am using the AOI strobes, perfectly reliable (more than 500 dives). The MF2 is also fine.
Bill

It's reassuring to know the AOI strobe is reliable.

I like the MF2's form factor, how does it compare with the AOI Q1?

 

[Nemrod]

The S-220 has no focus light, the AOI Q1 has no sTTL, which of those features is less important?

The sTTL is more important to me, a focus light can be added but then you get into at least one arm and a tray.

Inon strobes, made in Japan, not China, have historically been bomb proof reliable and have a nice, even spread of light. And the S220 is powerful and tiny.

I have found the focus lights on the strobes, such as on my Inon D2000 strobes, to not be especially useful. But I run two strobes on arms and have my focus light mounted on a ball on the camera housing. I realize you are trying to stay without all of that. I understand many folks resist the addition of a tray and arms. I know of at least one pro level feller who has gone wonky and ditched his tray/handles . I think I will be keeping mine.

I like this little focus light because it has a flash cancel mode where the focus light detects the strobe light and then momentarily shuts off automatically so as not to interfere with the strobe light color.

Kraken Hydra 1800+WSR Focus Light

The Kraken Hydra 1800+WSR focus light is an exceptional tool for divers seeking to enhance their underwater experiences. With its powerful lumens output, versatile beam modes, and user-friendly design, this focus light is well-suited for a variety of diving activities, from photography to night...

www.bluewaterphotostore.com

 

[d^2b]

I like this little focus light because it has a flash cancel mode where the focus light detects the strobe light and then momentarily shuts off automatically so as not to interfere with the strobe light color.

Kraken Hydra 1800+WSR Focus Light

The Kraken Hydra 1800+WSR focus light is an exceptional tool for divers seeking to enhance their underwater experiences. With its powerful lumens output, versatile beam modes, and user-friendly design, this focus light is well-suited for a variety of diving activities, from photography to night...

www.bluewaterphotostore.com

Looks nice. I have the older Weefine Smart Focus 1000FR, which is a bit cheaper (Blue Water has a used one on for $99 including accessories) but has the same flash cancel mode. Most Kraken lights used to be made by weefine, but now I'm not so sure. It's not the brightest light, but I find it plenty for a focus light.

 

[nhdiving]

The backscatter strobes are an option you may want to check out. I know quite a few people who have been pleased with their performance and price point for entry.