What DS-160 Package to Buy?

[DScott]

I have G10 that I recently used for the first time with the canon housing and a AF-35 strobe. While I got a few good shots (then again, it's hard not to in Fiji), I wasn't fully satisfied with the quality of the AF-35 (a few pieces fell off or didn't quite work). Therefore, I am looking to upgrade my strobe.

The plan is to exchange the canon housing for an Ike housing and then get a Ike strobe in order to use the TTL. I might as well get a strobe I can grow with, hence I am thinking about getting the DS-160.

I am still new to uw photography so I was wondering if this package is a good mounting/arm setup or whether I should try something else: 3944.90 SubStrobe DS-160 Digital Package w/ | 3944.90 (listed at $1,089 on B&H).

Thanks in advance.

 

[DScott]

BTW, here are a few pictures I lucked into on the Fiji trip with the old setup.
-Scott

 

[Cathy Church]

there is a very nice, compact, easy-to-hold housing made by fisheye of Japan that is available through specialists such as Backscatter and myself. It is easier to hold than the Ikelite. It is a brand new housing to me, so I do not yet know the price. Regardless of the housing or strobe that you choose, I highly recommend that you use an Ultralight tray and arm. They are the best of all, although they are not the cheapest system. If you need to know more, let me know. I am at Beneath the Sea right now, preparing for my strobe workshop for Saturday, but I will get back to you later if you need more help.

 

[ScubaBasics]

Hi DScott, If you choose the ikelite housing and strobe package, I can help you and give you the best price available. Also when shopping for housings and strobes please consider the service and company reputation. Have you ever tried to get something serviced half way around the world?

 

[divengolf]

It cracks me up that Cathy Church is labeled a "Junior Member" in the Photography Forum.

I know it's based on # of posts, but come on!!!

 

[scottfiji]

It cracks me up that Cathy Church is labeled a "Junior Member" in the Photography Forum.

I know it's based on # of posts, but come on!!!

yeah, I thought the same thing!

 

[Cathy Church]

Thanks, guys. Glad I can add to the laughs!! At least I am a junior at something. I just got my Senior citizen lifetime pass to the US national parks!

 

[Doubler]

I have an Ikelite strobe for my Olympus camera and it works well however, it is big and the controls, other than the shutter control, are hard to operate because the push rods are so close together. My wife has an Olympus housing for her camera on a Ultralight Tray and it is much more compact and easy to use. I change camera settings a whole lot more with her rig than mine. I am pretty sure you can get electronic packages with other housings that allow TTL usage with your camera. Ikelite makes a fine product I just wish they would "refine" some of the P&S housings.

 

[mmakay]

I have an Ikelite strobe for my Olympus camera and it works well however, it is big and the controls, other than the shutter control, are hard to operate because the push rods are so close together. My wife has an Olympus housing for her camera on a Ultralight Tray and it is much more compact and easy to use.....

Isn't the proximity of housing controls dictated by their placement on the camera? How would the OEM housing be better than the Ikelite?

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

there is a very nice, compact, easy-to-hold housing made by fisheye of Japan that is available through specialists such as Backscatter and myself. It is easier to hold than the Ikelite. It is a brand new housing to me, so I do not yet know the price. Regardless of the housing or strobe that you choose, I highly recommend that you use an Ultralight tray and arm. They are the best of all, although they are not the cheapest system. If you need to know more, let me know. I am at Beneath the Sea right now, preparing for my strobe workshop for Saturday, but I will get back to you later if you need more help.

If you mean the Fisheye FIX, I own one and it's a fantastic housing. Machined aluminum, and very high quality. Cost for the housing and standard (flat) port is around $1K. The 15mm wide-angle port is another $550. To my concern, it's worth every penny. Likewise the Ultralight arms and tray ... not cheap, but I'm really glad I bought them.

It cracks me up that Cathy Church is labeled a "Junior Member" in the Photography Forum.

I know it's based on # of posts, but come on!!!

Whatever they call her, I'm really grateful that she's here ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)