Strobe for a G9

[Richard H]

Hi guys,

Thinking of buying strobe for my G9. I will be taking macro photos only as I can't fix a W/A lense to the canon housing.

Questions

1. To date I've been diving in Asia. As I'm starting a family I'll be diving closer to home i.e. the Med, Red Sea, even the UK ! Will an Inon D2000 be powerful enough in those waters to enable me to take decent photos or do you think I need the Z240?

2. What macro opportunities are there in the Med?

3. The strobe will be a Xmas present from my wife. She will have 7 days to check that the strobe is OK, afterwards only a partial refund from the supplier if there is a problem. Apart from checking that the contents are there will she be able to easily check that it functions OK ? She isn't a diver.

4. How important is the arm ? I have a choice between a lightweight flexible one and a cheap one.

Thanks for your help.

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

Hi Richard, here are your responses:

1. The D2000, although adequate, will likely be inadequate should you decide to upgrade to a DSLR in the future. I always suggest planning for the future, as most of us get hooked easily and always upgrade.

2. I cannot answer that as its one of the places on my list still to experience.

3. You can test full functionality without getting it wet. You can set up the fiber optic cable and check to see if everything is working.

4. An arm is very important. It allows you to fix your strobe position. Depending on the system chosen, often times it is your hand grip as well. Ball jointed, aluminum arms, like ULCS, are your best option. A cushioned hand grip and a 5" arm, and 2 clamps would be my suggestion.

Best of luck, let me know if you have any questions.

 

[dbh]

1. I don't totally agree w/ Mike here. A DSLR that fires the strobes optically (like my Seatool) will work with the D2000. Not only that, it is MHO that DSLR housing mfgs. are all moving towards optically fired strobes. They are reliable, cheaper, lighter and less places for a flood. It only makes sense.

2. Never been.

3. Hard for me to believe that a u/w photography store can get by with those terms....and keep customers.

4. I think that you will get way more flexibility with two arm segments. Either 1-8" & 1-5" or 2-5". I prefer the 8" & 5" combo. ULCS are my personnel favorites.

FWIW, I am on my 4th DSLR camera / housing and still using the same ULCS arms, handles, clamps and same Inon strobes.

HTH,
Dave

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

I totally agree that the D2000 works with the Seatool housings. However, as of right now, the majority of DSLR housings do not have fiber optic capability. That very well may change, and after all, using fiber optics means a minimum of 2 less O-rings per strobe that can cause a flood. Although the D2000 will work, if shooting with a nice wide angle lens, like the Tokina 10-17, most will enjoy the additional power of the Z-240 strobes or the like.

As for the testing comment, you can test to make sure that the strobe and the camera and housing set are working together, without getting wet. Of course, the best test is always to get your system in the water and see its full capabilities. However, if I read Richard's post correctly, he or his wife are only going to have 7 days to test its functionality in the event the items need to be returned, and since it is going to be an Xmas present, there may not be time for him to get in the water with it before the return policy expires.

One of the things we offer to all of our customers at H2O is the opportunity to hop in the heated salt water pool at our affiliated dive center during regular business hours so they can test out their equipment and ask any questions they may have before going on a dive trip. We also have 6-8 monthly boat charters for our customers to come out and dive their new equipment while having staff members on hand to work with them and help them with their new equipment.

 

[Richard H]

Thanks so much for your help,

Richard

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

Your very welcome Richard. Good luck with your new adventure. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[JackConnick]

There are lots of strobes that will work with a P&S; all the Sea & Sea, Oly, Fantasea and others. I'm stocking a new strobe that has a great build quality with 4 power settings and a GN of around 18 available for under $190.

I have arms and trays, etc. that compete very well with UCLS for a lot less $$. They are available in lighting packages with strobes and focus lights at very competitive prices.

Probably more macro in the Med than anything else as it is pretty fished out. I dove in Turkey and there were things like amphora pots and little critters - even small seahorses around. A few fish here and there. And beautiful clear water.

Jack