Ikelite DS-125 TTL with Canon 5d mk2

Fellow enthuseasts,

I'm in the market for a pair of strobes, and I'm somewhat torn between the DS51's and the DS125's. I like the smaller size of the 51's for traveling, but I am not a fan of carrying around a bunch of AA batteries all the time, and I'm told the modeling lights on the DS125 are bright enough for some casual video shooting.

I have read that the 2500-5000 serial numbers on the DS125's require an upgrade from Ikelite for like $100 in order for the TTL to function on the newer cameras (again, 5d mk2 here). From what I've been reading though, it sounds like people have used them without much issue.

Anyone on here have any experience with this range of serial numbers and shooting? Does the TTL work at all? Mostly? Does it just blast 100% all the time?

Cheers,
Bryan

Can't comment on the S/N's.

I have an old set of DS51's I use on a point-and-shoot. I now use DS 160/161's. If you can find some 161's, I would say go there. The TTL does work, but I would respectfully suggest you also learn to shoot in full manual mode, as you have more control. The TTL is useful for moving subjects. The Ikelite TTL circuitry is very good, too (Aquatica is starting to put it in their housings). Hope this was some help.