Inon Z-240 v Subtronic Alpha

I've bitten the bullet and bought a couple of Inon Z240 to substitute for my Subtronic Alphas where long haul airlines that only give 20kg baggage allowance from Europe.

Inevitably, I have just got in from Darwin (to London) and find I have to go to Thailand early next week.

Since I have no time to do pool tests (although I have checked out that everything functions properly in my workshop) does anyone have any pointers regarding the use of the Inons instead of the Alphas?

I primarily use the 10-17mm zoom.

Alex?

I've bitten the bullet and bought a couple of Inon Z240 to substitute for my Subtronic Alphas where long haul airlines that only give 20kg baggage allowance from Europe.

 

Inevitably, I have just got in from Darwin (to London) and find I have to go to Thailand early next week.

 

Since I have no time to do pool tests (although I have checked out that everything functions properly in my workshop) does anyone have any pointers regarding the use of the Inons instead of the Alphas?

 

I primarily use the 10-17mm zoom.

 

Alex?

Hey John

I've been using Inons (a Z220 and a Z220S) for a couple of years and really like them. As you rightly point out, great for travelling. From other posts here, they are better for macro than WA. But having said that, I've had some excellent WA shots using them.

One curious issue though I have had with both strobes is sometimes getting them to charge using NiMH batteries. This seems to be linked to the size of the rechargable battery sleeve and how the battey touches the contacts in the battery housing. Sometimes it can take many attempts at shuffling batteries around until the strobes charge. But once they have charged for the first time they are usually as good as gold.

I was tempted to think initially that the problem was the charge in the battery: but freshly charged batteries do not necessarily cure the start-up problem. There was a post about this some months ago and someone pointed out it an issue with the shape of a rechargable battery and how it sits (or doesn't) on the contact. This may have been cured in the Z240. But just in case......

Sorry John,

I don't have the answers that you seek, but if you are coming back through Darwin next week

I would be really careful with baggage and weights. Baggage handlers at our major airports have started industrial action and the issue seems to be baggage over the 20kg limit. It has been reported that they won't handle it and travellers are heading off in different directions to their luggage if indeed it does get shipped. Some of the overweight baggage has been put aside and missed shipment...

Good luck with your Inons. A mate of mine has Inons and he loves them...

HTH,

Bruce...

Hi John,

Good timing as I am just back from Thailand.

First of all, some good news on the luggage allowances. None of us had any problem with luggage. Half of us flew Thai, half BA (but with Thai internal flights). I was on BA so actually took two housings and three subtronics and was still way under weight. Of course, you may have to take test gear. But I guess I am saying I would not expect the baggage to be a problem.

Regarding the Inons. They are great guns. Very powerful and mine have been 100% reliable. Quite a shock to the system, that last point. Yes - one of my Subtronics re-developed its old fault in Thailand. Just back from service too. What a shock. Not. It is always the same one and it is always the same fault!

Sorry, keep getting distracted. I always use the Inons with the 0.5 diffusers on them. I use 2300 batteries - which I find last three dives. I generally use power settings a couple of clicks back from full. Wide angle positioning same as Subtronics. Macro positioning there is more flexibility because of their small size. Although I doubt you will shoot much macro.

The Sea & Sea cables are not as confidence inspiring as the Subtronics. But they are fine - plus more reliable fit than on Sea & Sea's own strobes because of the machined instead of moulded connector on the strobes. But with only 1 o-ring rather than 3 they need to be checked more than the subtronic ones.

Hope that this helps,

Alex

Sorry John,

I don't have the answers that you seek, but if you are coming back through Darwin next week...

I just travelled London Perth Darwin Sydney London. Do you think I am a glutton for punishment?

Thanks for the advice Alex.

When one of my Alphas failed during a dive I still got very nice pics with a single flash. Here's an example: http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.p...;action=display

...I've bitten the bullet and bought a couple of Inon Z240 to substitute for my Subtronic Alphas where long haul airlines that only give 20kg baggage allowance ....

Today I was trying to pack for next week's PNG shoot (terrestrial and u/w), and really struggling with weight issues. So at lunch time I ordered a second Z240 to substitute for my Seaflash 250 in these situations. Hopefully it will arrive Monday for my Tuesday departure.