Strobe for Olympus Tough 8000

[herbdb]

I recently purchases a Olympus 8000 with a Ikelite housing. I am researching strobe packages and am looking for inputs.

I am considering the Fantasea CoolFlash Nano package with focus light which retails for about $250.

I am also looking at the Ikelite AF-35, which is considerably more at about $400.

Any comments on these items or other entry level lighting options would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Herb DuBois

 

[rriddle]

I just bought an Olympus 8000 with the PT-045 housing. I also got the INON S2000 strobe. I'll be taking it diving on Sunday, so I'll let you know how it goes. It is my first strobe, so I am a total newbie.

 

[Scott]

When I was looking for a strobe for an 8000 I looked at them all. Fantasea Nano and Remora, Ike AF35, Sea&Sea YS-27 to a YS-110a, Inon D and S2000 and eventually found a deal on a Inon D-2000. I would have taken a S-2000 or S&S YS-110a also.

I knew I wanted to be able to take macro to wide angle. Here is what I found that helped me make my choice.

The Fantasea Nano was under powered, few power selections and had too narrow of beam angle for wide angle shots.

Fantasea Remora I felt had adequate power, power settings and possibly enough beam angle but the battery compartment was not sealed. So if it flooded the strobe was toast.

Ike AF35 had an OK beam angle but the lacked the settings and I didn't care for the slave or the arm setup
I have used some Ike in the past and overall like their strobes.

I really liked the Sea&Sea YS27 but felt it was under powered for WA. If I was looking to do mostly macro or just take 'typical' photos, I would have taken the Sea&Sea YS27.

The Inon S2000, D2000 and Sea&Sea YS110a all gave me the flexibility, power settings, beam angles that would work well with the 8000. I liked that the Inon's would mimic the 8000's flash.

 

[decimal86]

I just bought an Olympus 8000 with the PT-045 housing. I also got the INON S2000 strobe. I'll be taking it diving on Sunday, so I'll let you know how it goes. It is my first strobe, so I am a total newbie.

glad i caught this thread, i have the same combo. any pictures? thks

 

[diver 86]

I have the 8000, just ordered the oly housing and trying to decide on strobe. Any updates from earlier posts or others with advice welcomed.

 

[Doubler]

I shot a Ikelite DS51 and a Oly UFL 1 with my Olympus Stylus 710 in a Ikelite housing. When I upgrade my strobe I am going with the Inon 2000S. I have done tons of research and IMHO this strobe more than meets the requirements for a P&S. It is powerful yet small, has sufficient coverage for W/A.
As far as my current strobes the Ikelite is great. I would not purchase the UFL1 again. It only fires about half the time and the batteries get extermely hot during use. I have sent the strobe back to Olympus for repair and it still does the same thing. I have tried different brands and types of batteries and still no joy on the heating issue.
When I upgrade my camera I am going with the Canon G10 or 11. I'd love to get a DLSR but way to expensive for all the accessories.

 

[gee13]

Im another who's debating S2000 vs D2000, at the moment the S2000 may win out as its much lighter for travel - most of my photography will be during travel. Any other thoughts?

 

[gee13]

Im another who's using the 8000 and debating S2000 vs D2000, at the moment the S2000 may win out as its much more compact and lighter for travel - most of my photography will be during travel. Any other thoughts?

 

[JayV78]

I have the OLY 8080 and used the DS-50 stobe. Was an awesome combo using TTL.
Getting ready to put the setup up for sale, but it served me very well for years.