Olympus C5050, PT-015, Strobe Dellemma

I am new to underwater photography.

I already started to upgrade from an Olympus stylus 400, PT-016, Epoque ES-150 DS strobe, Fiber optic sync, Epoque tray, and long flex arm. I used the rig a couple of times and was ready to move on. I just purchased an Olympus C5050 and a PT-015 Housing and I want to do it right this time, and I could really use your insight and experience. I would like to end up with a versatile rig that can work well on macro shots, super macro as well as wide angle reef, wreck and diver shots. Ok, ok, I want it all.

I am looking to add a strobe. I have been leaning toward the Ikelite DS-125. I base this on its long battery life, modeling light, (that may also be bright enough to be used as a primary dive light for night diving, or is that a pipe dream???), as well as it’s ample light output, large pattern and warmth. The questions start when it comes to the controller. Would I be better off with the TTL controller or the Manual controller? Does the TTL controller really work? What are the drawbacks?

I was also considering the INON D-180 due to an article on “Choosing and Using Underwater Strobes with Digital Cameras”, by Jeff Ferris http://www.digitaldiver.net/images/...rticlescrn2.pdf along with reading message boards. My concern is the low light output as compared to other strobes. Does the D-180 put out enough to effectively cover WAL shots? Does the Ikelite DS-125 cover WAL shots better?

I am also considering the INON UWL-100 type 2 lens, INON UCL-330 lens, along with a tray and arms that will work best with the strobe that I decide on. Open for suggestions across the board.

Thanks!!!

:roll:

Scuba307

OLympus C5050, PT-015

Hi Scuba and welcome to Wetpixel.

I only used the Inon Z220 strobe on one dive, so I can't comment there - but I have been using Ikelite DS125's for over a year, and I like them a lot.

Things I like about the Ikelites:

Nice built in bright modeling light. These are great for night dives and to help the camera focus.

One charge will usually power the strobe for a full day's diving

Wide angle of coverage

4 power settings on the strobe.

If you do go with the Ikelite, I think you will be happier with the manual controller as it will give you more lighting options for macro, such as shooting the 5050 in slave mode (no preflash).

Cheers

James

Hi Scuba,

were do you live ? in Germany we have the solution :Using a C5050 with Sea and Sea Strobes and full TTL flash control even in super makro modus and new : a PT15 with build in Niconos socket if you are interested have a look at my page

www.mike-dive.de at " Montagebeispiele " there are pictures .

It is a german site with many details of digital uw photographing sepecial for Oly cams

Michael

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, computer crash...

Thanks for the info.

Mike