upgrading my 5050: strobe and WAL questions

[MauiScubaSteve]

Considering the questions asked in the origional post, I am woefully uneducated as to the fact that the consensus strobe for a 5050 would be hard wiring a $100 ebay strobe through a MacGiver hole.

My post was just a flashback to my SS200 Photocase purchase back in '99 ($1200). It's strong, wide, fast and has been my light source through 5 cameras. I guess the days of buying something top of the line that will work well with your next camera(s) are a thing of the past.

The Strobe Finder is a place to start, like the other digital diver links. I chose the Z-240 strictly as an example of a current, strong, fast, wide, pre-flash compatible strobe that might also work with the next camera(s). A careful reading between my lines was supposed to encorage more investigation.

There may not be a consensus strobe for the 5050 because of it's trancending popularity. It is used by starving wanabe artists and pampered millionairs, countless dive guides and even the partially published, many times with better results than newer models.

I think we shoud vote; continue with the research or just get the Ai and head to the machine shop?

 

[scubaguy655]

I use a single Inon D-180 with my 5050 and was amazed at the difference it made for me. I would love to have a second strobe but haven't been able to justify the cost at this time. I would also like a WAL but my budget requires that I build as I go rather than buy it all at once.

Or I could spend all my money on a camera rig and not be able to afford to go diving

 

[sdwho]

I appreciate all of the great advice. I'm leaning towards going with an Inon strobe. The D-180 is out of production and finding even a used one has proved difficult. Am I correct that the 2000 is an equivalent choice? Also, does anyone know anything about the Inon 2000s? Its a bit cheaper, but it lacks a couple of features of the 2000, such as a target light or "auto exposure" . Being a complete strobe novice, how important are these two features?

thanks again!!

 

[jlyle]

I appreciate all of the great advice. I'm leaning towards going with an Inon strobe. The D-180 is out of production and finding even a used one has proved difficult. Am I correct that the 2000 is an equivalent choice? Also, does anyone know anything about the Inon 2000s? Its a bit cheaper, but it lacks a couple of features of the 2000, such as a target light or "auto exposure" . Being a complete strobe novice, how important are these two features?

thanks again!!

A modeling light is important! You can buy a strobe with one built in or attach a small light to the strobe arm. Your camera will have difficulty achieving focus in low light situations, night dives, and macro photography. The modeling light helps the camera to "see" what it's supposed to focus on.

 

[Life-Is-Good-Diver]

I have a Oly C5060 with a Pt-20 housing, and just bought a 5050 off Ebay with a Ikelite housing and a DS-50 strobe.

Can I keep my C5060 and use it in the Ikelite 5050's hosuing?

I went on Ikelite's website, they are different hosuing's, but everything look's the same except I may loose one or two buttons on the left, no biggie, I'd rather keep my C5060 and put it in the Ikelite housing, any suggestions?

 

[jlyle]

I have a Oly C5060 with a Pt-20 housing, and just bought a 5050 off Ebay with a Ikelite housing and a DS-50 strobe.

Can I keep my C5060 and use it in the Ikelite 5050's hosuing?

I went on Ikelite's website, they are different hosuing's, but everything look's the same except I may loose one or two buttons on the left, no biggie, I'd rather keep my C5060 and put it in the Ikelite housing, any suggestions?

"KEEP THE 5050!" he shouted! It's got a better lens. It uses AA batteries...etc.

From a trusted source:

http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/c-wz/c5060-compar.html

IMHO, the 5060 wasn't a step up from the 5050.

 

[Life-Is-Good-Diver]

"KEEP THE 5050!" he shouted! It's got a better lens. It uses AA batteries...etc.

From a trusted source:

http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/c-wz/c5060-compar.html

IMHO, the 5060 wasn't a step up from the 5050.

Thanks for the link, I'm reading it now.

So would you keep the 5050 or the 5060?

maybe I should start a thread on this, lol

 

[Life-Is-Good-Diver]

"KEEP THE 5050!" he shouted! It's got a better lens. It uses AA batteries...etc.

From a trusted source:

http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/c-wz/c5060-compar.html

IMHO, the 5060 wasn't a step up from the 5050.

I just started another thread, would love to hear your thought's, thanks!!