Which Strobes for Subal/Nikon D300?

Currently, I own a Subal ND-30 housing and Nikon D300 and have been using Nikon 12-24mm and a Tokina 10-17mm lenses. On my first trip I used a single Nikonos SB-105 in Fiji and did OK, but want to invest in a set of strobes.

Primarily, I am attracted to shooting mega fauna so I'm looking at the Ikelite DS-160's or perhaps the DS-161's if I end up getting a D300s in the future for shooting wide angle.

It has also been suggested that I look at the Inon Z-240's as well.

Has anyone done a comparison?

I have read the recent discussion that mentions optical firing, but I just don't understand the pros and cons of U/W strobe firing systems. I have also been through the archives as well as Stickies, but they are getting pretty dated.

#1 Would one system be better for Wide Angle only?

#2 Would either work for both W.A. or Macro? Am thinking about getting a 105 VR for starters.

#3 What is the best way to fire strobes if I use these systems.

#4 (The Kink) I do have a pair of SB-800's that I could get housings for, but I have been told that this is an expensive way to get poorer results. Thoughts?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Has anyone done a comparison?

 

#1 Would one system be better for Wide Angle only?

#2 Would either work for both W.A. or Macro? Am thinking about getting a 105 VR for starters.

#3 What is the best way to fire strobes if I use these systems.

#4 (The Kink) I do have a pair of SB-800's that I could get housings for, but I have been told that this is an expensive way to get poorer results. Thoughts?

I think it would be great to see some independent comparisons - but the manufacturer's rarely lend kit out - so it makes it very difficult for us to do any independant tests.

Both the DS160 and Z240 are first class strobes, both capable of producing excellent wide angle and excellent macro images. For wide angle I would, personally favour the Ikelites for their quality of light (although I have never tried DS160s, on DS125s), however I choose to own a pair of Z240s, really because they are excellent all rounders with a reputation for first class reliability. In conclusion, neither is a wrong choice. Have a look at the costs involved, have a look at the strobes and decide which you like.

With a Subal ND-30 housing - you are best to use electronic firing, rather than optical.

I would avoid using housed land strobes. They do not have perfect coverage for wide angle and perhaps more so produce very hard, unattractive light. There are some pictures in this thread that show how hard the lighting can be for wide angle:

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=32929

They can be good solutions for macro, but the length of land strobe housings can make them awkward to position correctly for macro photography at close working distances. But there is some interesting tech in the latest generation of strobes that could be used to create some interesting images. Don Silcock has written an article on using them in the latest issue of UWP Magazine.

Alex

I vote with Alex for the Inon Z240.

We see loads of them here at KBR. Reliable, driven by AA batteries, compact for travelling, excellent coverage for WA or macro, will work with a Heinrichs Weikamp if you want to TTL them. I've had either the older 220 or the 240 v4 for about 4 years and have never had a problem with them.

Hi,

Dont know if you have seen this yet or not but its a strobe comparrisson chart. You select the strobes you are interested in and it gives all the technical specs:-

http://www.digitaldiver.net/strobes.php

Im by no means an expert but ive got Inon strobes and reiterate everyones points above - they are great!

Mark

You may also want to have a look at Sea&Sea YS250 pros. They are powerful, reliable and good for macro and WA and you can use them with the sea&sea dedicated iTTL converter.

If I only had one set of strobes I'd vote for the Inons as well as a great compact strobe, easy to travel with, reliable etc.

I do struggle more to use them for wide angle, not as much for their color, as their more limited angle of view than either the Subtronics I have, or the Ike strobes I see other's use. I do much more wide angle than macro though.

You may also want to have a look at Sea&Sea YS250 pros. They are powerful, reliable and good for macro and WA and you can use them with the sea&sea dedicated iTTL converter.

Thanks David. I almost got a Sea & Sea housing, but got a great deal on a used Subal which I think is a better housing. Will I ever be a good enough photographer to tell the difference? The Subal is VERY heavy though and makes for a nervous snorkeler ... at the surface around big whales!

Hi,

 

Dont know if you have seen this yet or not but its a strobe comparrisson chart.

http://www.digitaldiver.net/strobes.php

 

Mark

Thanks Mark, I did see this under The Sticky Threads.

Both the DS160 and Z240 are first class strobes, both capable of producing excellent wide angle and excellent macro images. For wide angle I would, personally favour the Ikelites for their quality of light (although I have never tried DS160s, on DS125s), however I choose to own a pair of Z240s, really because they are excellent all rounders with a reputation for first class reliability. In conclusion, neither is a wrong choice. Have a look at the costs involved, have a look at the strobes and decide which you like.

 

With a Subal ND-30 housing - you are best to use electronic firing, rather than optical.

 

Don Silcock has written an article on using them in the latest issue of UWP Magazine.

 

Alex

As always, thanks Alex.

I have done some "Internet" comparisons and agree that both are wonderful strobes. There are a lot of followers for both, with a major advantage to the Inons are the smaller size. The Ikie seems larger and more powerful, but I have been looking at the Ikie DS-161, which really seems like a great move as I have considered an upgrade to the D300s which does have video capability.

Although no where near a videography system, I sure would have liked to have some videos of thiose humpback interactions in Tonga last year! If the "next prosumer" D700 has video then that allows for another upgrade option as well.

And, I have yet to read that article, but will get to it soon.

I use a pair of DS 160 for all purposes.

Great strobes. I have Ikelite synch sockets on my Subal housing and have never had a failure. Unless of course you don't push the hotshoe all the way on.

In addition to their very nice color temperature is they're recycling speed. The large Ikelite battery packs give these strobes an almost instantaneous recycle time. They also last all day on one charge.

I vote with Alex for the Inon Z240.

 

We see loads of them here at KBR. Reliable, driven by AA batteries, compact for travelling, excellent coverage for WA or macro, will work with a Heinrichs Weikamp if you want to TTL them. I've had either the older 220 or the 240 v4 for about 4 years and have never had a problem with them.

Thanks Tim