Question on Strobe settings

I'm getting ready for my first trip with a SLR rig and need some thoughts on manual strobe settings. In the past I have used a P&S (Nikon P5100) with the strobes on TTL and didn't worry about their settings. Now I'm going to a D70 in an Aquatica housing with dual Ike DS-51 strobes. I shot the P&S in full manual and plan to do the same with the D70. However I don't have TTL available with this rig (long story) and would like some ideas on how to set the power levels on the strobes, esp. for macro (60 mm lens) and such.

In the past I generally start by letting the subject dictate the shutter to the slowest speed that I can stop the subject at, typically 1/60 or 1/125 unless it's moving real fast. Then I set the Ap as small as I can for max. DOF and still keep the exposure meter within bounds (within 2 F-stops of null). Then I'd let the TTL provide whatever flash is needed.

Now I have to set the strobes manually and am in need of advice since I like to setup as much as possible before I move in for the shot(s).

Also if someone is familiar with the DS-51s, do the numbers on the power level knob refer to f-stops or are they just arbitrary?? (Full, -1/2, -1, etc)

Thanks.

Macro...shutter speed as fast as it will let you while syncing the strobe. Strobes at full. Aperture, F16-F22. I like the faster shutter speeds to darken the background.

Macro...shutter speed as fast as it will let you while syncing the strobe. Strobes at full. Aperture, F16-F22. I like the faster shutter speeds to darken the background.

You should be ablle to get a manual from ikelite. Gary gives you a good starting point. Try setting the D70 to manual mode and ISO 200. Your u/w guide number at ISO 100 is about 28 in clear water. At 3 ft from the subject try f/18 and then adjust as need. It looks like the DS51 manual settings are full, -1/2, -1, -1&1/2, -2, -2&1/2

Bob