Strobe Advice E-PM1 with PT-EPO6L Housing

[K Hayes]

Having a limited budget it is better to go with 2 YS-02 now, or a single YS-01 for the time being and get a second YS-01 down the road?

This is my first U/W Camera so I am a complete beginner to this all.

Are there any other strobes anyone would recommend besides the Sea & Sea YS series?

As far as setups would you recommend one of these over the other? (Price is the same)

or

 

[jameseg]

Someone more experience than me can advise on one YS-01 versus two YS-02 strobes. I have one, the Inon S2000, which gives me plenty to learn with and keeps my rig fairly compact. The Inon is smaller than the YS strobes, but also more expensive. As far as I know, the difference between the -01 and the -02 is a focus light, which I would regard as not very useful is that configuration (i.e., only works if your strobe is pointed directly at subject, which isn't often the case), and the addition of DS-TTL, which I would regard as very useful, especially for someone new to UW photography.

As far as the arms, I have the second one pictured above, with the handle. The pros of that rig is that it's completely expandable if you decide to go with 2 strobes, and the handle is very comfortable. The cons are that it's a lot of metal, so it's heavy. Between that and my strobe, my rig is more negative than I'd like. I don't always take the time to unscrew and re-tighten the clamps when I aim the strobe, and in doing that have found the ball joints have scratched significantly. That said, that may happen with any similar system, and as of now the only downside is exposed metal (hasn't rusted).

The Sea & Sea tray is probably lighter, but it looks like it would be less comfortable to carry, given the lack of a real handle. For that reason, I'd lean toawards the second option.

James

 

[KCrofoot]

I have a YS-01 and think it is a great value. I have a similar arm package and use my YS-01 and a video light with red lens. The red lens really helps bring out the greens and reds in my opinion.