Is it true? Do strobes really cost that much?

[eab]

My goodness!

I was reviewing some photos from a recent trip, and am convinced that I need a strobe. I'm currently just using the (Olympus C-5050z's) internal flash. I was poking around on Backscatter's and Underwater Photo-Tech's websites, and they're many hundreds of dollars. Really? Seems not only am I in a film time warp, but also a pricing one as well.

And once I add a strobe, I need an arm, and probably several other things. Where does it all end?

So, where would be a great place to get a deal? Can I trust eBay auctions, or should I be leery of the flash arriving pre-flooded?

Thanks in advance! I'm off to scour this forum for stobe and accessory options.

Eileen

 

[Jim Ernst]

my ds-125 ike-lite , and all was $800 now have almost $4000 into the hole cabootle and i am not done yet, strobe no.#2 comming up

 

[alcina]

ROFL - you're in the wrong hobby! It never ends!! There is always one more thing to have

Yes, strobes are expensive initially, however if you choose wisely a strobe should outlast several camera systems and many many dives. I still have and use strobes from the mid 90s

Insure your strobes, too.

You can have a look at www.digitaldiver.net Strobe Finder to compare strobes and find something that suits your needs. I like the Inons and Ikelites, but there are other options available.

SeaYoda uses a fairly inexpensive Sunpak G Flash, I think. He likes it. It might suit your needs, it might not - only you can decide ultimately, but the rest of us are here to answer questions!

 

[alcina]

OH yeah, go to Ryan at ryan@reefphoto.com - he knows everything about strobes and can help you decide which suits your needs.

 

[eab]

Thanks for the quick replies! Does it matter if I have the Olympus housing vs. an Ikelite housing?

Eileen

 

[eab]

Hey Jim! How have you been?

$4000? Yikes! Last year you didn't even have a camera when I was out there. How times have changed!

Eileen

my ds-125 ike-lite , and all was $800 now have almost $4000 into the hole cabootle and i am not done yet, strobe no.#2 comming up

 

[alcina]

It matters for the type of cord you get to connect them. Ask Ryan - he'll make sure you get exactly what you need.

 

[Jim Ernst]

Hey Jim! How have you been?

$4000? Yikes! Last year you didn't even have a camera when I was out there. How times have changed!

Eileen

hi there!! i am doing well, i think when you were out i had the reefmaster still but it had flooded, i am now shooting a canon pro #1 with ike-lite housing and strobe, and strobe number 2 on its way, just came back from the phillipines and love having the camera out there, still shoot into monterey every othere weekend as well. hope you are doing well!!! talk to you soon

 

[Gilligan]

You can get a Sunpak strobe for under $200. You can always get a pair of them for under $400.

Talk to SeaYoda about it as he has one.

 

[eab]

Thanks alcina! I will certainly contact Ryan.

Eileen

It matters for the type of cord you get to connect them. Ask Ryan - he'll make sure you get exactly what you need.