Which quality strobe for a compact? (Old Canon S70)

I have an old Canon S70 camera (1 preflash (?); no preflash in manual) and I want to get a good, but not crazy good strobe. I have hit the limit of what I can do with the built in flash.

Eventually I will get another compact camera that'll do WA and macro--maybe a S&S DX-2G with the wet WA lens. I don't know exactly what I'll end up with or when, but I am definitely not planning on taking a DSLR down--my next camera probably won't even have a hot shoe, limiting me to optical connections.

I would really appreciate some feedback on these strobes. If I understand correctly, that none of these are going to be superb for WA but I am willing to compromise on that.

YS110a - Good power. Built in focus light will be nice for helping my old S70 get a lock. Would go well with the DX-2G which is on my short list for a new camera.

Z240 - Seems to be the closest direct competitor to the YS110a. I've read some saying the 110 is a little easier to operate with gloves.

Ike DS-160 - Not sure what it offers compared to the others--beside working well with Ike housings, which I probably won't be using.

S-2000 - Optical connection only. Small size is very attractive. No built in focus light. Less power. Less wide. With Inon America gone, does that mean talking to Japan for tech support and warranty?

I like the size and price of the S-2000 but if I will want a focus light and a more capable flash in general, that puts me closer to the YS110's price range. My camera has no preflash in manual shooting. I assume that I'll be in manual all the time with a strobe? If so then none of the TTL features of the strobes will work, as they require a preflash. I think.

Thanks for any suggestions to narrow the field. Right now it looks like a choice between the S-2000 (cheaper but less capable) and the YS-110a (does more, costs more). If I am shorting any of the other options, or missing something entirely I would love to know about it.

I don't think that there is much comparison between the Sea & Sea and the Inon strobes: the Inon Z240 is a much more powerful performer, but at a higher price. The S2000 is interesting, but not so powerful or flexible, and it's still pretty expensive.

I am biased, of course, as I now own 2 x Z220s, 2 x Z240s and 2 x S2000s!

I swapped from Sea & Sea to Inon nearly ten years ago, and haven't regretted the move.

Tim

The S2000's primary appeal to me is the size. If I get over that, it's off the short list for sure.

With regard to the YS-110a vs the Inon Z240, what differences won you over? The Inon is a little more powerful (GN 24 vs 22) but otherwise they are pretty similar in terms of coverage, recycle time and (as far as I can tell) exposure features. I wouldn't mind the extra expense of the Inon if it turned out to be the right choice.

Z240 - Seems to be the closest direct competitor to the YS110a. I've read some saying the 110 is a little easier to operate with gloves.

Just a comment about operating the Z240 with gloves.

I have 2 x Z240 type 4 and I use thick 5 mm neoprene gloves with Kevlar palms. I have no problems manipulating the strobes.

With what I have problems is with the buttons of my Ikelite housing, something that I'm starting to hate.

Regards,

Andres.

Good to know, thanks!