Two strobes unnecessary?

[MdkSniper]

hi,

I purchased a Canon S90 recently and I'm in the process of acquiring a tray/handle system for a strobe. I'm going with one Inon S-2000 at first. I plan on purchasing the FIX UWL-04 Fisheye lens and Inon UCL-165M Macro lens. Is it necessary for a second strobe with these lenses? I've been reading that it is often unnecessary to have a second strobe on a P&S and having a two handle tray is too much for a small camera.

Thanks

 

[KhunNeal]

I have a S90+Ikelite+single S2000
I'm considering adding a 2nd S2000 before my next trip in July. I like the photos I took a few weeks ago in Ko Lanta, Thailand; but I think I could do better w/ a 2nd strobe and wider coverage.

Won't know for sure until I spend the money !

Picasa Web Albums - khunhappy - Koh Lanta Feb...

 

[Nemrod]

In the past I have done fine with a single strobe but I do now have two for what it is worth, sometimes I do use both.

I have designed my newest tray for my FIX90 to utilize two strobe or a single strobe with single or dual handles. You do not need two handles for two strobes, just a ball on the right will do.

Two strobes, one handle or remove RH drop bracket and shoot only one strobe:

Two strobes two handles:

Single strobe rig made from an old Nikonos tray, the right strobe handle detaches for hand holding of strobe:

Or detach from tray and go naked:

Bits and pieces:

Why do anything one way when you can do it a dozen different ways, have an Ikelite tray, no problemo?

Universal adapter plate:

If you use an ultra-wide angle lens like you are planning, a single strobe can be used for flash fill of a near subject but if you plan to light the entire scene, you need two.

N

 

[MdkSniper]

Where do you buy raw strips of aluminum for a diy tray? Is it heavier than a ULCS/Optical Ocean tray?

I have an ikelite single arm tray already but I want something lighter with a more comfortable handle.

 

[Nemrod]

Where do you buy raw strips of aluminum for a diy tray? Is it heavier than a ULCS/Optical Ocean tray?

I have an ikelite single arm tray already but I want something lighter with a more comfortable handle.

Uh, I just happen to have some.

Is it heavier, nope, it is lighter or comparable. It is I think 2 inches by .25, I drill the lightening holes in it and sometimes machine it down a bit to reduce weight. Larger cities should have metal supply houses, some harware stores have aluminum bar etc.

N

 

[DSR-3]

Where do you buy raw strips of aluminum for a diy tray? Is it heavier than a ULCS/Optical Ocean tray?

I have an ikelite single arm tray already but I want something lighter with a more comfortable handle.

Everything you need to build anything... Lots of data (material spec's) as well.
McMaster-Carr

 

[under water]

Sniper,
Two strobes are not necessary for most pix. I used one for several years but use two now with a G9 (in Ike housing) and do not find it a lot more cumbersome than just one. The two handles on an Ike housing are quite comfortable.
What it gives you is more flexibility with lighting. I use an unbalanced set (DS51 ans DS125) so that there is usually a dominant side.
You can always turn one off if that is the lighting that you need.
It is a bit harder to get the rig into a barrel sponge though if you need to do something like that.

 

[dpaustex]

I would personally go for the 2 strobes. I started with a smaller Nikon P&S, with a single strobe. Took "okay" pix. I then jumped to a Canon G-9, and used 2 Ikelites DS-51's...great results. I now use a 5D with Ikelite DS160's. All I can say is "wow".

But strobes (of any type) have backscatter problems in highly turbid water (lots of particles in it). If you are shooting large pelagics, you probably will not use much of a strobe. I was in the Galapagos, and found my best shots with my 15mm fisheye, of the whale sharks, etc., was without a strobe. The ones with the strobe were okay, but way too much backscatter and uneven lighting.

On the strobes, get them as far apart as you can. This helps reduce the reflection of particles back to the lens, and reduces backscatter.

Good luck, and have fun with it. Don't feint when you see the price of a double sync cord, either.

 

[Nemrod]

The OP does not need a double sync cord, all he needs to do is plug the end of the optical cables into the optical port plugs.

N

 

[MdkSniper]

What size arms should I get? I was thinking one 6" double ball and one 4" end. Should I go larger?

I've decided to make a DIY like Nimrod. Why spend 70 bucks on a new one when I have access to a drill press?