Help Putting Togeth an Ikelite System for 300D

Hi All,

I am finally getting ready to buy a housing for my 300D (hopefully in the next couple of weeks) and have decided to go with the Ikelite housing. Here is what I am planning to get:

Ikelite 6870.1 ETTL Housing

Port 5503 for the 18 - 55MM lens

Strobe Package 3944.55 with the DS-50, Sync-cord and ball arm

Here are two things I can't figure out though. First, I would like to get the appropriate part to operate the zoom. Going through the Ikelite site I cannot figure out what part that is. Can someone give me an idea?

Second, I have a Sigma 105MM macro lens that I would like to use for this system but I cannot figure out if any of the ports works with this lens. Any body using this lens with an Ikelite housing?

Thanks,

Craig

The port should come with the "zoom/focus gear" part - mine did. I don't know what port would work with the Sigma 105mm macro, though - I have the Canon 100mm macro.

Craig.....if you are going with one strobe, I would encourage you to get the DS-125....or dual 50's

Karl

Thanks for the reply Chris. Are you saying that the 5503 dome port for the 18-55 comes with the zoom/focus gear standard? That does not seem clear from the details on the Ikelite Web site.

Craig

Karl, you are correct. Ideally I would get two DS-50's but for now I think I will be limited to one for financial reasons. I am still thinking about strobe choice and might go with a the DS-125.

Craig

Check with them when you order, but I'm pretty sure it does include the zoom/focus gear. It was not a separate item on my order.

The DS-125 is a FABULOUS strobe, in my opinion - I went the cadillac route and got one when I got my "starter" system and have never regretted it. One of the most valuable features is the 1 second full-discharge recharge time. This is INCREDIBLE - at half power, the strobe recycles almost as fast as I can re-trigger the shutter. If you can afford to upgrade, I'd highly recommend it, but of course it is $300 more than the DS50. (...but more than twice the power, less than a third of the recycle time, and 20 degrees wider coverage angle, focus light, rechargeable battery, multiple power settings though since you're getting the ETTL version you may not care...)

I'm waiting for my second DS-125 to arrive; I wanted more balanced lighting. I love it.

You dont need to order the gear. When I got my housing, the housing not the port came with the zoom gear, not that it really matters which box it comes out of.

You dont need to order the gear.  When I got my housing, the housing not the port came with the zoom gear, not that it really matters which box it comes out of.

I saw this remark also in Ike's site, however in B&H's site for instance its doesn't mentioned.

I'll have to asked them since I'm planning to be there in few days.