Strobe Recommendation for Canon G11?

[Laurie S.]

I'm an experienced photographer who is a newbie at underwater photography. I have a Canon G11 with an Ikelite housing that I've been using for the last few dives. I now would like to add a strobe setup and would appreciate any recommendations as to what to buy. Would I be better off with a double strobe? Thanks!

 

[HerraduraDivers]

Laurie S.,
i use my "old" INON D-2000 strobe on my G11 in a Patima housing and i would like to have a second one as two strobes gives you a better illumination.
As your housing has a e-ttl conversion cirquit and a bulkhead to connect a Ikelite DS series strobe a DS-125(only used)/160/161/200 strobe will give you a easy to handle full e-ttl exposure but you have to use a electrical cable what can create problems.
Going the optical triggered slave strobe road you have to solutions:
1. simple and cheap 25%-50%-75%-100% power strobes where you have to correct exposure manually (what need some experience)
2. modern "optical ttl" strobes like the INON S-2000/D-2000/Z-240 and some S&S models. This strobes read the preflash from the camera and with their advanced cirquit adapt the external strobe to the internal strobe achieving a perfect exposure as well. This type of strobes can be tricky in the beginning until you have figured out how to set them up to work together with the camera.

I (and many others) find the INON s-ttl strobes very useful and as the have no electrical connection also easy and safe to use but a Ikelite strobe gives you plenty of power and super fast recicle times due their big battery pack but they are heavyer and bigger then the Inon ones.

Chris

 

[Laurie S.]

Thanks, I'll check them out!

 

[Laurie S.]

Okay, now for a second question.

Which would you recommend, the D-2000 or the S-2000? From what I've read, the main difference is the size and weight between the two. I know that's simplifying things, but I'm trying to figure out which one to order. Thanks again for the help!

 

[HerraduraDivers]

Laurie_S,
there are some differences between both strobes, but if they matter to your needs is your decision.
I would go with the D-2000 as:
1. It seems that the D-2000 is slightly more powerfull than the S-2000
2. D-2000 has 2 strobe tubes providing a circular beam
3. D-2000 has EA Mode, while on the S-2000 not Reef Photo & Video Support Center - KnowledgeBase - Selecting the proper settings for INON strobes
4. The D-2000 has a LED focus light
5. D-2000 can work with Nikon D700/D300/D200/D90/D80 (if you upgrade once)
6. The D-2000 is 9 ounces heavier and bigger
7. The D-2000 is easier to use with gloves

The S-2000 is a sweet little strobe but lacks of some (for me) important features like EA Mode, focus light, etc. so i would recommend the D-2000.

Inon D-2000: http://www.inon.jp/products/d2000/top.html
Inon S-2000: http://www.inon.jp/products/s2000/top.html

Chris

 

[Laurie S.]

Thanks, that was the way I was leaning, so that's what I'll get so I can start practicing with it.

 

[Laurie S.]

Oh boy, my new D-2000 arrived today and I'm headed down to San Carlos, Mexico on Thursday for a dive trip! I'll give it a try and hope I can figure it out in the short amount of time I have.

 

[Wantonmien]

Laurie,

I'm awaiting results from your first use with D2000 and hopefully some example photos - as I'm also using a G11 (but with Canon housing) and trying to decide what strobe to buy. I've also been looking at the INON S-2000 and D-2000 and swaying towards the D-2000. As a matter of interest what 'arm' did you buy for your D 2000 ?

I've also just come across Ikelite AF35 AutoFlash Kit ~ and wonder if anyone here is using that one with a G11 ?
FUN-IN Underwater Photo Equipment

 

[Laurie S.]

I bought a kit from DiveVision and it's a tray and arm for an Ikelite housing. I actually have a Canon housing, but it also works for that. I'm still waiting for the plug that hooks to the strobe so I haven't used it yet. I got the optic cable, but there's no way to attach it to the strobe. The end that goes there just looks like a rubber cover so they're working on sending me the missing piece.

 

[PonchoTA]

Hi Laurie! Just now found this post.

I'm also in Tucson and looking to get into the photography thing too, to remember some of the dives I've been on!

Also just got a gently used Canon (G10) on here with it's housing, and everything for an Inon strobe, BUT the strobe! Curious as to how yours looks and works! Any info you could provide would be greatly appreciated!

Are you in the Desert Dolphins Dive Club? Maybe I've met you and don't even know it!


Sorry for bringing this back from the dead, but wanted to say hi! Maybe we'll get to dive together sometime!

Cheers,
Paul