strobe for canonA85

[ellyjean]

Could anybody give me any info on a strobe that would work with my CanonA85. I've been searching on the internet but some first hand suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[scubadobadoo]

Try searching the ys 90 auto or dx. Ofcourse you will also have to add a sync cable and arm/tray also. Looking at around 700+ bucks on B&H Video and Photography for the whole kit. You want to buy something that you won't outgrow and that you can take to your next camera, because you will outgrow that a85 eventually. Good luck!

 

[bobf]

if you wish to expand your search a little further, might I recommend a visit to the strobe finder:

http://www.digitaldiver.net/strobes.php

When set to manual mode, the flash of the A85 will fire a "slave signal" to trigger an external strobe. Therefore you do not require a preflash compatible strobe. So to begin your search, you may wish to start by clicking on the Quick Query Tab named: Optically Triggered Strobes.

After viewing the +- 40 strobe options that appear, you may refine your search by clicking the appropriate box found at the bottom of each column.

The search will narrow itself down quickly once you find the features you're looking for. Optically triggered strobes will offer the user choices of output control. Some divers prefer manual strobes which allows the user to control the strobe's output intensity. Auto strobes have a built in sensor that they use to monitor reflected light and automatically shut themselves down (quench) when they reach their goal. And then there are strobes that offer some form of TTL control in which the camera's onboard sensor monitors the reflected light and sends the quench command. Some strobes even offer more than one control system.

The prices listed in the Strobe Finder are MSRP. Street prices will vary. Also make sure you set a few scuba bucks aside for a tray and strobe arms.

I think you have the right idea though in first asking for opinions from those who have actually used the strobe they are recommending.

 

[fang_vv]

I got myself a Sealife SL-960D for my A-80. Once you get the settings on your camera right, I find it very effective. It slaves to the onboard flash via a fibre optic cable and makes provision for between 0 and 4 pre-flashes. The 85 should be similar to the 80 so set it for 1 pre-flash. One thing to take care of though is the variable intensity. Cranked all the way up is can be extermely powerful. So far I'm very happy with it.

 

[Moscuba]

Hi. I have the Canon A-85 in the Canon housing. I love it. Problem and this may be a big consideration: I can not get SunPak service to return e-mail or calls. If you can't repair it or buy an O ring it's a risky investment. Stay tuned. I just sent them a fax. I want a replacement battery compartment cover O ring.

I use a slave strobe and do not have any problems with it firing due to the great housing Canon supplies. I have the Sunpak G-flash. I like it in particular for the price. If you move up you'd then have a very functional slave. The range is actually good but you can see the hot spot after about 15 feet. I used it mainly for 3-9 feet range.

In this forum you can see photos taken with it: search MOSCUBA I noted equipment on most of the photos. See the sponge and Cedro Wall photo. That's about 15 feet or so.

 

[Storm]

Try searching the ys 90 auto or dx. Ofcourse you will also have to add a sync cable and arm/tray also. Looking at around 700+ bucks on B&H Video and Photography for the whole kit. You want to buy something that you won't outgrow and that you can take to your next camera, because you will outgrow that a85 eventually. Good luck!

I was asking the same question on another site, one dedicated to UW digital photography, and some pointed me to this strobe set up....it's entry level so I do not know of it's appropriate but the unit comes with a stay, arm, control cable for slaving and strobe.

I'm also new to this so any of you experienced guys could take a second and check it out and thengive us your opinions it would be appreciated.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/sealife-sl960d-reefmaster.html

Storm

 

[Storm]

I got myself a Sealife SL-960D for my A-80. Once you get the settings on your camera right, I find it very effective. It slaves to the onboard flash via a fibre optic cable and makes provision for between 0 and 4 pre-flashes. The 85 should be similar to the 80 so set it for 1 pre-flash. One thing to take care of though is the variable intensity. Cranked all the way up is can be extermely powerful. So far I'm very happy with it.

Fang,

The cable you;'re using to slave your A80, is just a straigt firbre, or is it a Heinrichs adapter? Also, how did you set up your slave to ignore the pre-flash and slave to the actual flash? Reason for asking is I've got the same camera, have been thinking of ordering a WP-DC900 and seting mine up with a decent wide angle lense and strobe.
Can you tell me how you configured your rig?

Thanks

 

[ChrisA]

Could anybody give me any info on a strobe that would work with my CanonA85. I've been searching on the internet but some first hand suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Yes you can spend $900 and get a good stobe but here is a good one for under $300
and sealife includes the tray and arm in that price. Quality is good.
http://www.sealife-cameras.com/accessories/digital_flash.html

If you have a $600 budget then buy two of these

I have the sea & sea ys90 and it is built a bit tougher but the SL960D is similar end result.
I would have bought the lower priced stobe except I found a good deal on a used sea and sea.

 

[ChrisA]

Fang,

The cable you;'re using to slave your A80, is just a straigt firbre, or is it a Heinrichs adapter? Also, how did you set up your slave to ignore the pre-flash and slave to the actual flash? Reason for asking is I've got the same camera, have been thinking of ordering a WP-DC900 and seting mine up with a decent wide angle lense and strobe.
Can you tell me how you configured your rig?

Thanks

For the canon housing, make a replacement for the while flash defuser by cutting up an aluminum beer can. Flatten the aluminum and slide it in the slot to block the light.
Attach fiber cable to the top of the "flash box", You can set your on-camera flash to 1/3 power. The Canon does NOT pre-flash in manual mode, Leave the camera on manual and control the exposure by adjusting the stobe outut
.

 

[ChrisA]

I was asking the same question on another site, one dedicated to UW digital photography, and some pointed me to this strobe set up....it's entry level so I do not know of it's appropriate but the unit comes with a stay, arm, control cable for slaving and strobe.

What is "entry level" about it? Only the price as far as I can see. It seems to be a good match for a Camon A80/86/95.