Strobe selection for a c-5050

[sdwho]

I also have a 5050 and am finally getting around to adding a strobe. Having never used one, I don't even know where to start. What accessories/parts do you need in addition to the strobe itself? Are they usually sold as a kit or do you have to know to get all the pieces individually.

Keep in mind that you're talking to a complete novice!!

sdwho

 

[jlyle]

I also have a 5050 and am finally getting around to adding a strobe. Having never used one, I don't even know where to start. What accessories/parts do you need in addition to the strobe itself? Are they usually sold as a kit or do you have to know to get all the pieces individually.

Keep in mind that you're talking to a complete novice!!

sdwho

What you need depends on what strobe you buy. For example, if you buy an Ikelite strobe for your 5050/PT-015 housing, you will also need a manual controller (a device that detects the slave flash from the camera to fire the strobes.) Some systems have bulkhead fittings that allow for connection of the strobe to the hotshoe on the camera via a sync-cord. Other strobes use fibre-optics to pick up the signal from the camera.

You will also need a tray & arms. Lots of choices - ulcs, Ikelite, etc. Some strobes are sold with arms, others aren't.

Here's my rig with a single Ike DS-125 strobe, ulcs tray/arms, the grey thingy is the manual controller. The metal object to the right of "Micronesia" is a lens caddy for carrying the wet lens adapters.

Warning: Underwater photography is a hole in the water into which we throw money...lots of money.

If one strobe is good, then two are even better!

 

[Hooked4Life]

Thanks Jlyle. The docking station was exactly what I was looking for. I was planning to go with the ULCS 3" and 5" arms, and the INON Z-240 strobe. Did you start out with a WAL or Macro lens?

Im going to Cozumel in June and I want to test out some new equipment before I go to Fiji next year.

 

[jlyle]

You are welcome. I bought the macro & WA lens adapters at the same time. IMHO, one macro lens adapter (165) is a waste of money - the macromode on the 5050 works just as well. What you want, is two macro lens adapters that you can stack (Inon 165s).