Start with one strobe or two?

[watboy]

I've decided to make the jump from P&S camera to the next more expensive level. I have an Oly PEN EPL2, the stock 14-40 lens and the 9-14 wide lens. I do not yet have the Zen port. Though initial testing I think i will be happy for now shooting 9mm through the stock flat port. Yes there is distortion and chromatic aberations, but its not noticeable in Facebook sized pics, so I will live with that for now until I can get a port sent over to Thailand. I am however, looking to add some strobes, this will be my first time using an external strobe underwater, or above water since my Pentax K1000 days. For underwater, is it that much harder to learn shooting two strobes? Should I start with one strobe first and learn with that then add the second later, or plop the cash down upfront? I'm looking between a S2000 and YS01. I would guess i would shoot a roughly even mix of wide and macro.

 

[Doubler]

If you can afford it get two.

 

[Warmwater Wank]

I doubt you'll get consensus on the question of "one or two strobes" (let alone which ones!) but you did say something critical that suggests getting one first--that you've yet to use any external strobe uw. Certainly get an arm & tray setup that will make going to 2 strobes simple but I'd suggest learning with one strobe first. Getting exposures down and learning how and where to aim a single strobe will be challenge enough for starters.

It's not that difficult to learn but there will be lot's of practice involved. If you concentrate on getting good results with a single strobe adding a second won't be such a big deal. Just adding an external strobe can make such a significant improvement that it's not like you'll feel held back from getting good shots w/ a single strobe. I suppose you could buy two now and just use one first but it might be a good idea to see if you like your first choice before buying another just like it. I'm just sayin'... // ww

 

[fisheyeview]

WW makes a good point. Going to external strobe(s) from internal flash is a big step. I started off with one strobe, and eventually went to dual after I got the lighting thing down. There are still times that I shoot with only one strobe, or ambient. It depends on the lighting effect I am looking for.

 

[jghflash]

Ditto on one strobe first. You can get great pictures with one strobe, and as fisheyeview says, even when you have two you'll sometime shoot with one. The increased task loading shouldn't be overlooked when you take one strobe with you (much bulkier kit) and it gets even higher with two. For me, using one strobe for several years has REALLY made me appreciate what two will do......and I know now how to make both strobes do what I want them to do. Good luck!

 

[Ardy]

Agree on one strobe and set it over the top of the camera for macro.

 

[haring]

I will start with one then!

 

[haring]

Which one would you get? The Ikelite DS160 or the DS125? Is there a significant difference which justifies spending twice as much on the strobe?

 

[WetLens]

First, I agree with others saying to start with one strobe. I have a pair of DS125s and have not found the need for the additional power of the DS160. When shooting manual, I am typically shooting at 1/2 and 1/4 power as it is. The idea is to get close as light does not travel far in water. In my opinion, there are very few situations where the additional power is necessary.