Why WAL? What is S-TTL?

[Peter Guy]

I have been using my S80 for several weeks and I'm very happy with it. However, there appears to ALWAYS be a reason to spend more $! And the new Inon attachment for the S80's Canon Case seems to be one more thing....

So, my questions are -- Why would I want to add the Inon WAL or Macro or S-TTL strobe to my little S80?

What would be the benefit of the WAL in addition to the native 28mm lens of the S80?

What would be the benefit of an add-on Macro when the S80 will focus down to about 3 cm on Macro mode?

What is the benefit of S-TTL and how would that be better than the SeaLife 960d I currently have?

Oh Great ScubaBoard -- Enquiring Minds (and Tax Refund Fattened Pocket Books) Need to Know!

 

[KidK9]

I guess it would all depend on what you are shooting and what you want your photos to look like. If you are currently happy, then no need to do anything. If you want to shoot the Sonesta Airplane in Aruba or any variety of wrecks, why not get a wide angle lens?

 

[Peter Guy]

The question regarding the WAL -- how much greater is the field of the Inon WAL -- what would be its 35 mm. equivalent? That is the real question I guess.

 

[KidK9]

I guess you could probably look it up on www.reefphoto.com

 

[Peter Guy]

Kidk9, while it may be "fun being" you, unfortunately your "advice" does not appear to be up to ScubaBoard standards. There doesn't seem to be any information at Reef Photo which provides information on the Inon WAL -- at least to compare it to a 28 mm lens for example. Also, there doesn't appear to be any relevant information on what is S-TTL -- just the information as to "This is the only thing you'll need" info from Inon.

I'd still like to know if:

a. Anyone knows what the 35mm equiv is for the Inon WAL; and

b. What are the real benefits of the S-TTL system?

 

[HowardE]

Kidk9, while it may be "fun being" you, unfortunately your "advice" does not appear to be up to ScubaBoard standards. There doesn't seem to be any information at Reef Photo which provides information on the Inon WAL -- at least to compare it to a 28 mm lens for example. Also, there doesn't appear to be any relevant information on what is S-TTL -- just the information as to "This is the only thing you'll need" info from Inon.

I'd still like to know if:

a. Anyone knows what the 35mm equiv is for the Inon WAL; and

b. What are the real benefits of the S-TTL system?

You can't put the WAL into 35mm equiv I believe. It is a .63 X adaptor which give you almost 50% more width to the images. My wife tried it (thanks to Ryan @ Reef Photo in FLL) and shot several photos with it. IMO it seemed to be like an 18mm lens from my experiences with photography.

I would suggest that you call Ryan @ Reef Photo (www.reefphoto.com). He is very knowledgeable and just an all around nice guy.

 

[RonFrank]

I'd skip S-TTL. However the WAL is kinda cool. You can get more info HERE

Howarde nailed it on the head, an 18mm EQ UW (100 degree)... cool... At over $300 it's a pricy piece of trim for the PnS, but people say they work great, and they work wet... just don't ummm drop it!

 

[HowardE]

BTW - I have some of the photos she shot with the WAL - I'll try to post them in the next day or two... They're in RAW, and it takes a little time to convert.

I'll also preface them by saying - my wife was a little task loaded when she tried the WAL, because she was shooting in Manual for the 2nd time, and using her external strobe... and the added information that Ryan provided on the boat, just filled her head.

I can say that it's a dramatic difference. But If you did go for the Inon WAL, that you should also get the lens holder for your strobe arm, because there WILL be shots where you'd want to take the lens off (according to the wife) - She didn't try, but had more interest in the Macro lens... so I asked her to try the WAL, since she KNOWS she'll like the macro lens (which is a lot cheaper)

 

[HowardE]

Ok... 2 examples...

They're not the best photos... But I think you'll get an idea of the WAL's capabilities

 

[Peter Guy]

Ron -- THANK YOU -- just the information I was looking for but couldn't find. (When I Googled "Inon" I kept getting the Japanese version website and, honestly, it didn't help me very much -- funny that InonAmerica didn't come up.) I like the fact they refer to the S70 as an example since the S80 should fit right in.

Hmmm, more money, more money.

Again, I knew ScubaBoard would come to the rescue.