Need help selecting a strobe

[bettingsumo]

Hi everyone. Although I have been diving for over 15 years and have been using taking underwater photos for about 5 years I am a total noob when it comes to strobes.

I have a Sony DSC-N2 in a MPK-NA housing and have decided that it is time to finally get a stobe for this setup. I have no idea what strobes will work with this housing or what functions I need to be looking for. Does anyone have any suggestions?

My limited research has led me to the Ikelite AF35 as a possible solution... Any good? Any better ideas?

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Warmwater Wank]

BS--Welcome to SB. First I'd suggest doing a SB search (top right on this page). The topic has been covered a lot and you will gain a better understanding of what is out there and what might be best for your needs. Next, figure your budget. That will narrow things considerably for choices. Strobes always cost more than you want them to but they are a long term investment and make an incredible difference to your uw photography. You'll own a good strobe for a long time, possibly through a couple camera changes if you keep at it, so nvest in a good one.

So, what's "good" eh? My personal suggestion is for either a Sea & Sea YS-01 or an Inon S2000. They are pretty close in price: the S&S strikes me as more rugged, the Inon is more compact and lightweight. Other features & output specs match pretty well. Here is an UW strobe comparison chart:
Underwater Strobe Comparison Guide - Digital Diver Network

Also, check out UW Photo Guide--a real educational site. Lot's of great info on strobes & lighting, also general UW photography help. Sctott Geitler & crew do a real public service with this:
Underwater Photography Guide

Do some homework and check back with questions. Your housing looks like it would allow for fiber optic triggering, no problem. It would seem the camera would not have a problem either. Most P&S cameras use pre-flash but not in all exposure modes. It would be more versatile to buy a strobe that can switch between pre-flash and no pre-flash. Don't get in a hurry, make a wise informed choice and you'll be really amazed at how much a good strobe can add to your UW shooting! // ww

 

[bettingsumo]

Thanks WW, your info has been most helpful!!

The YS-01 and S2000 both look like great strobes (and it appears there is much debate on SB as to which is better)! I was wondering though, it looks like both the YS-01 and S2000 are optically triggered and do not use fiber optic cables.... is there an advantage or disadvantage to this type of trigger?

 

[cardog]

Thanks WW, your info has been most helpful!!

The YS-01 and S2000 both look like great strobes (and it appears there is much debate on SB as to which is better)! I was wondering though, it looks like both the YS-01 and S2000 are optically triggered and do not use fiber optic cables.... is there an advantage or disadvantage to this type of trigger?

They both use only fiber optic cables to fire.......

 

[Warmwater Wank]

BG--Basically most all UW strobes are "slave" triggered strobes, which means they are optically triggered from the pulse of another flash (in this case your camera flash). The Inon has a mirror gizmo that can kick light into it's slave sensor so you may not need a fiber optic cord but many folks use one anyway for consistency.

The FO cord or cable sends the light pulse more effectively to the where it needs to go. Using a FO connection usually gives you the ability to set a lower power setting on the camera flash, if the camera allows for this, which saves on camera battery & potential overheating in the houusing.

It's an accessory item that won't break the bank or you could actually cobble up your own with a quick trip to someplace like RadioShack or else by searching online. I made 2 of them with help from a SB post in the past (did someone just say "search"? ), cost me about 8 bucks for both. // ww

 

[slowhands]

Both strobes say they will fire without a fiber cord. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Use a fiber cord for most reliable triggering. It also avoids accidental triggering when someone else's strobe nearby fires.

 

[cardog]

Both strobes say they will fire without a fiber cord. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Use a fiber cord for most reliable triggering. It also avoids accidental triggering when someone else's strobe nearby fires.

The YS 01 will only work when connected to a fiber optic synch chord.


*The Fiber-Optic Cable and the Strobe Mask Set are required when using the SEA&SEA strobe with a waterproof case made by another company.