Questions on choosing a second strobe.

I have an Ikelite DS-125 and it's time to get a second strobe. Can I use the Ikelite DS-50 with the DS-125? Or, is it better to get another DS-125? What are the pros and cons?

Thanks,

Best to get a strobe with the same output. That way you can make the decision on if you want the same output from each strobe or if you want ratioed lighting. Meaning that if your strobes have a different power, area of coverage, color temperature, or recycle speed you are already starting with a difference in your lighting from one side to the other weather you want it or not.

I’ve seen great images done with two different strobes, including some wideangle images with a housed landgun and a small amphibic slave strobe. I know one guy who shoots macro photos with a huge Hartenberger and a small Sea & Sea ys-30 TTL slaved for compensating shadows with success.

However, personally I would always prefer two identical strobes for myself. Especially for wideangle shooting a second “wide†strobe is best. Synchronized power output is better IMO too.

As said before, different colour temperatures (almost one Kilo Kelvin between DS-50 and DS-125) can be unpleasant, especially for macro work.

IMO, the best completion for one DS-125 is another DS-125. This way you extend the coverage with an appropriate second light source with same power / guide number, colour temperature and the same warm, wide and even light pattern. From the specs, DS-50 would add a colder and narrower beam. I would go for another DS-125. If you want to do creative graduated lighting patterns, you still can do it like Rembrandt by lowering the light output of the strobe covering the lower right corner in the picture

But you don’t have to because of different light sources.

So far the pros. Cons? Money? Strobes are cheap but good photos are priceless B)

Julian

Julian's reply is spot on, and I would just like to add that although the DS50 is cheaper than the DS125, you will also need to get a manual controller to adjust the strobe output, as it is not possible to control it straight from the strobe.

Mat

Dave, Julian and Mat,

Great stuff. Thanks very much for helping me decide. DS-125 it is.