Strobes for 5050/PT-015

[mccabejc]

What are my options for strobes that are compatible with the 5050/PT-015 setup? I assume that since there is no external connection thru the PT-015 to the hotshoe that I'll need to use an optical fiber connector to the internal flash.

 

[dbh]

Jim,

you need to fire your strobe with a FO cord (Inon, Sea & Sea) or with a sensor (Ikelite). I personally would only get one of these 3 brands.

Here is a useful tool put together by bobf:
Strobe Finder

When you are ready to price / buy or need additional info / recommendations, talk to Ryan at Reef Photo:

Reef Photo & Video

He has earned all of my business.

HTH,
Dave

 

[jlyle]

What dbh said ^!

I have Ikelite DS-125 strobes and the external manual sensors. They are triggered by the camera's flash, in slave mode. I started with the Ikelite TTL sensor, which can be used either in TTL or manual mode, but I like the 10-step manual controllers better.

 

[diveborg]

I have Ikelite DS-125 strobes and the external manual sensors. They are triggered by the camera's flash, in slave mode. I started with the Ikelite TTL sensor, which can be used either in TTL or manual mode, but I like the 10-step manual controllers better.

And he knows how to use them too.

 

[jakubson]

What are my options for strobes that are compatible with the 5050/PT-015 setup? I assume that since there is no external connection thru the PT-015 to the hotshoe that I'll need to use an optical fiber connector to the internal flash.

I am one of the INON fans. I have a D180, which has been now replaced by the D2000. I have been happy with it so far. It is also the smallest.

Here is an article that compares the INON D180, INON Z220, Sea and Sea YS-90DX, Ike DS-50, and Ike DS-125. He tested them with a 5050.
http://www.digitaldiver.net/images/strobearticle/strobearticlescrn2.pdf
Good Luck!

 

[jlyle]

And he knows how to use them too.

Blush, blush

Thanks for the kind words.

 

[slingshot]

Great link Jakubson. I also recently went with the Inon, and have been very impressed with its build quality and ease of use. The D2000 has a bit more power than the D180, and more user adjustability. Battery life has been excellent, and the strobe is surprisingly compact.

 

[ChrisM]

Just be aware that if you go with the 2000 you will not be able to use it should you ever upgrade to a DSLR, since it cannot be wired via sync cord (AFAIK).

 

[jakubson]

Just be aware that if you go with the 2000 you will not be able to use it should you ever upgrade to a DSLR, since it cannot be wired via sync cord (AFAIK).

I believe you are correct. This is one of the factors to take into consideration.

 

[Wolverine]

Just be aware that if you go with the 2000 you will not be able to use it should you ever upgrade to a DSLR, since it cannot be wired via sync cord (AFAIK).

Actually, Inon makes an adapter to convert ttl signals to light so it is possible to use the D2000 with a DSLR, though at a cost. It is called the Optical Converter D.

Think it is not available in the US at the moment due to patent issues.