ikelite DS-125

[sillago]

Hi all,
Has anyone tried out the new ikelite DS-125 strobe? It looks pretty good (mainly from the ikelite website) but don't know anyone who has actually used it.
Thanks

 

[Scubaroo]

Hi sillago,

Thought you were going with the Nikon N90!!! DS-125 is a strobe designed for digital use.

Haven't got one, haven't tried it, and they say that they are only doing it in limited quantities (that's what you love to hear when you want to factor in future servicing costs etc), but this light's main advantage appears to be its 1 second recycle time, and it's ability to do a pre-flash burst of light required by *some* digital cameras (not all) when housed. And unlike other Ikelite strobes, the name does not refer to its power - it's only a 110W strobe, not 125W, something they're at pains to point out about other manufacturers' strobes on their website!

For $700 rrp, unless you have a digital camera that warrants the pre-flash (your N90 SLR won't benefit one iota), you could get a pair of 100A's for about $760 online, or a 200 for $665. Once I graduate from macro, I'm going for a pair of 200's.

Hope this helps

Ben

 

[sillago]

I'm still goin for the SLR but have decided to get F100 (might be cheaper if I went digital ) in a ikelite housing with 2 DS125s. I also thought they were meant for digital cameras only but was told by the ikelite people that it can be used for all cameras!
It looks really good cos it's a perfect mix between the SS200 and SS100 with variable manual control, TTL, 120 watts and a 1 SEC recycle time!!!
Think it's only available in the US at the moment but will be available to other countries early next year

 

[Scubaroo]

How do they compare in price to a pair of 200s? They have a 1.6 second recycle, and a lot more powerful.

 

[sillago]

the 200s retail for abuot 900US (this is just the strobe + nicad..no charger and arms) the 125 is about 700US. In terms of illumintation, the 125 does 32GV underwater and the 200 does about 38GV

I'm really tempted to wait out the 200s and get the 125. It looks really nice

Right now I am really having a major headache about whether or not to get the F100 or the F90X!

;-0

 

[Scubaroo]

Try www.adorama.com - they have the 200 for around $685 with a battery. The retail prices on Ikelite's website are much more than you can expect to pay usually. Second hand 200s regularly sell on eBay for $500-$600 with a smart charger as well (that's where I picked up my pair of SS50 strobes).