Ikelite strobe question!

Is two DS51 work better then just one DS160?

Is this set up more versatile since two DS160 in lots on money...plus need an additional charger!

Is two DS51 work better then just one DS160?

Is this set up more versatile since two DS160 in lots on money...plus need an additional charger!

It depends on what you are using the strobe(s) for. As you say, the DS160 is a LOT more expensive. It is also much heavier and bulkier, which can be a problem when you travel. However, it is more powerful (guide number 12 (meters) instead of 9), covers a wider angle and has additional features (e.g. a good modelling light). In my opinion, two DS51's are ideal for macro. For wide angle, one or, preferably, two DS160's is a better choice but dual 160's make your rig very heavy on land . You won't want to carry it more than a few steps. Another consideration is the batteries. The DS160 has a built-in Ni-MH battery while the DS51 uses standard AA batteries. I use rechargeables with mine but it is nice to know that you can also use alkalines, which are available everywhere.

I would say yes, 2 ds 51 work better than 1 ds 161. You can shoot macro and fish portraits with more flexibility in lighting angles with 2 small strobes.

You can shoot moderate wide angle with 2 small strobes. You may need 2 large strobes to shoot fish eye WA...

It depends on your gear and experience. You could probably shoot happily for years with 2 ds 51s.

It depends on what you are using the strobe(s) for. As you say, the DS160 is a LOT more expensive. It is also much heavier and bulkier, which can be a problem when you travel. However, it is more powerful (guide number 12 (meters) instead of 9), covers a wider angle and has additional features (e.g. a good modelling light). In my opinion, two DS51's are ideal for macro. For wide angle, one or, preferably, two DS160's is a better choice but dual 160's make your rig very heavy on land . You won't want to carry it more than a few steps. Another consideration is the batteries. The DS160 has a built-in Ni-MH battery while the DS51 uses standard AA batteries. I use rechargeables with mine but it is nice to know that you can also use alkalines, which are available everywhere.

I would agree with John and add that the DS-125/160 have circular flash tubes which in my experience yeild much better flash coverage for w/a photos. Even 2 DS-51s with their rectangular tubes can hardly give better coverage. Any two strobe rig is hard to manuever and get into small places.

The hard part in w/a photography is to understand and "see" the "fall of light" emitted from the flashead

I would say yes, 2 ds 51 work better than 1 ds 161. You can shoot macro and fish portraits with more flexibility in lighting angles with 2 small strobes.

 

You can shoot moderate wide angle with 2 small strobes. You may need 2 large strobes to shoot fish eye WA...

 

It depends on your gear and experience. You could probably shoot happily for years with 2 ds 51s.

How about 2 DS51 for shoot with Sigma 10-17mm or 14mm W/A?

the focus is within 15 meters, can it be done?

How about 2 DS51 for shoot with Sigma 10-17mm or 14mm W/A?

the focus is within 15 meters, can it be done?

You will not get any strobe light past 3 meters. You can use W/A, but use it close up (one of the benefits of WA is close focus), but past 3 meters you are getting only ambient light.

..plus need an additional charger!

I have two DS160's, and I get along just fine with 1 charger. The batteries are good for way more flashes than my camera battery, so I am easily able to recharge both strobes with one charger.

--Mark

In my opinion 2 flashes are better then one. Closeup macro is stil fine with one strobe.

Joakim