Trays - are different ones mostly comparable??

[dlwalke]

I'm planning on getting a tray (and later arms) for my UW camera. Having mostly done simple point and shoot w/o accessories, I really don't have much idea about the pros and cons of different models. I would probably get either the Ikelite or the ultralight but I assume there are others out there as well. Do people have strong preferences for one over the other or do they all pretty much do the same thing equally well?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[alcina]

They all do the same thing, but some will like different ones for different reasons.

I have the ULCS Digital tray for my Oly 5050s in their Oly housings. I like it, it fits, it doesn't jut out, it's light and I really like the ULCS handle. Didn't try any others for this system so can't help with a comparison!

 

[Pook-60]

Great question...I need to know too. Thanks for asking it.

 

[Ryan]

ULCS Tray & Arm Components our by far our favorites (www.ulcs.com).

We use them on our SLR, Compact, and Video rental setups. They work flawlessly.

The ball joints allow variable tension on the arm system. In normal diving conditions, the clamps can be kept very loose, allowing the system to function much like flexible arms do. In higher current, or with negatively buoyant strobes, (Inons, Ike 125's) the clamps can be kept tighter so the arm holds its position.

In high current, or when passing the system up to boat staffs, the arms can be locked down for easy handling.

Locline arms are cheap, and easy to adjust, but have little holding power in air or w/ heavy strobe systems in current.

 

[Monkey Knife-fight]

I like ULCS because it keeps my whole system smaller and lighter.

 

[arenny]

I like the UCLS system and I am currently experimenting with locline. There are some good threads here about how to build up your system. I also bought a sunpak g-flash for my boyfriend's PT-015 and he is super happy and it was $180. Good Luck

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=128691&highlight=pictures+setup

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=129541

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=62692

 

[Wolverine]

I guess the best answer is to get a tray which can support the most attachments and accessories. Also, its not a bad idea to get one which can support more housings. UCLS is one which has loads of features but it can't support an Ike housing (Sigh). However, the arms are excellent and go with most trays. I was using a Fisheye tray before which was light and supported UCLS arms. It can be used with small digicam housings with a tripod base. Not a bad alternative to the UCLS.

http://www.uwdigitalcamera.com/En/prod_08tar_grp.php?pathID=2_8_gid&tarGID=667965544152

 

[alcina]

Modifying the ULCS to work with Ike housings isn't difficult I think you have to change the screw type to 12/24 or something...

http://www.digitaldiver.net/yabbse/index.php?board=2;action=display;threadid=13762

 

[Warren_L]

I have a fisheye tray which works quite nicely with my Oly C5050. Can't say that it would necessarily fit with other cameras, but the screw connecting to the camera housing is a standard 1/4 inch.

 

[Wolverine]

Dang! I didn't know you could do that! Too late, already have the Ike dual handle tray. :blush: