Buying a strobe

Choosing the right strobe for underwater photography can be a game-changer for both amateur and professional photographers. The ideal strobe should combine light quality, speed, and durability to withstand the harshest underwater conditions. This guide explores the next generation of professional underwater strobes, showcasing their reliability, advanced ergonomics, and superior light quality. Whether you're capturing the vibrant colors of a coral reef or the elusive creatures of the deep sea, the right strobe can make all the difference.

What makes a strobe professional? Photographers with extensive portfolios need a strobe that merges light quality, speed, and durability. The latest DS strobe series exemplifies these traits with a reliable form factor, lightweight construction, and the market's longest-lasting power supply.

"I’ve spent extensive time shooting under Antarctic ice over the past two decades, including for the BBC Life series. Ikelite strobes have been my go-to for reliable performance in the most extreme conditions on Earth." - Norbert Wu

Dependability The DS160 has built a reputation as the most reliable underwater strobe globally, a crucial feature for us. No current strobe matches the DS160 series' rigorous testing hours, from the factory to deep Antarctic waters and everywhere in between. We're excited to continue this legacy with the next-gen DS strobe models: DS160 Mark II, DS162, and DS230.

If you've used an Ikelite TTL converter, you might notice changes in the power knob design on the side of the new strobes. We’ve enhanced the switch for better visibility and tactile feedback, whether you're barehanded or wearing thick neoprene gloves.

Enhanced ergonomics We’ve improved the strobes’ ergonomics by updating the switch design and adding a reflective element for easier visibility. The controls are now larger and taller, making them more comfortable to use with thick gloves. A reflective detail helps you quickly see your settings at a glance.

The large control diameter ensures all settings are within a defined semi-circle. This design allows for intuitive power adjustments without looking at the strobe. Click-stops at each power level and a limited sweep make it easy to switch between TTL, full power, and the lowest manual setting without losing sight of your subject.

"I need multiple strobes for my underwater cave work. I've used Ikelite strobes since around 1988, and they've always offered robust build quality, high power, and reliability, which are essential in the field." - Jill Heinerth

A slide lock prevents accidental activation of the strobe when not in use.

The DS160 has been a reliable tool for professional underwater photographers worldwide. The new version is even faster, perfect for the top mirrorless cameras on the market today. Anyone who thinks a strobe limits burst shooting hasn’t tried the new DS160 yet.

Increased speed We’ve redesigned the internal circuitry for a significantly faster recycle time, achieving less than one second from a full-power discharge. The DS160 II and DS162 support burst shooting at over 10 frames per second, making them some of the few underwater strobes capable of this.

Superior light quality Entry-level strobes emit raw light from a standard, straight flashtube to maximize brightness. These require diffusers and filters to soften and warm the light, which often reduces effective power.

Underwater lighting needs differ significantly from surface photography, so standard components won’t suffice. We’ve spent decades perfecting our circular xenon flashtube for a well-graded beam pattern and warm color temperature. A 5000K color temperature balances with underwater ambient light to enhance colors and provide rich blue backgrounds for wide-angle shots. Skin tones look more natural, and reds and oranges appear more vibrant.

"Ikelite strobes have illuminated all my 38 books on the ocean and over 500 magazine features. They've lit my subjects from the Arctic to the Antarctic and underwater scenes from all seven oceans. As a professional, I’ve tested many brands, but Ikelite stands out as the best in its class." - Michael AW

More power Wide-angle shooters have requested more power, and the DS230 delivers 33% more than its predecessors. Its effective output is even greater underwater, thanks to its curved front lens and chrome reflector. The DS230 provides a smooth beam and doesn’t require a diffuser. Its power covers an ultra-wide 130º field of view with no sharp fall-off.

A custom ABS-PC blend makes the strobe corrosion-proof and over 1/2 lb (237 g) lighter than aluminum-body strobes.

"I’ve been using Ikelite strobes for over 40 years. 95% of my 300,000+ image library was shot with DS160’s, DS161’s, or their predecessors. These strobes are crucial for properly lighting my wide-angle photos, and their clean coverage has been key to my success." - David Fleetham

Improved video capability Today's top mirrorless and compact cameras excel in both still and video imaging, demanding more from lighting systems. Airline restrictions are tight, making equipment transport challenging. The DS230 features a powerful 2500 lumen COB LED light array, allowing seamless switching between stills and video. The video light doubles as an aiming light, automatically turning off and on with each photo. In video mode, light output is adjustable in low, medium, and high settings, plus an SOS mode for emergencies.

The ideal balance The new DS162 combines the strobe light of the DS160 II with the DS230’s 2500-lumen video light, making it a perfect compromise for photographers seeking value.

We pioneered the strobe-video light hybrid with the DS161. Now, we’ve enhanced it with a 2500 lumen LED video light as a standard feature on the DS230 and DS162. This combination reduces travel weight, making it easier to bring your gear to your next destination.

The only strobe you'll ever need From inventing detachable underwater sync cords to developing digital TTL electronics, Ikelite has consistently produced strobes that withstand the test of time.

Our concept of "smart housing, dumb strobe" resulted in modular TTL intelligence. Connect the correct triggering devices, and the DS230 delivers fast, accurate output every time, ensuring versatility across camera systems, improving reliability, and guarding against obsolescence as new TTL protocols emerge.

"Underwater photography is about manipulating light to create the desired scene. The DS160 series provides enough high-quality light to match strong ambient conditions, allowing me to focus on composition. On a trip to Revillagigedo Archipelago, I captured hundreds of predators perfectly, thanks to quick recycle times and accurate TTL. The only time I adjusted my strobes was to reposition them for the desired lighting." - Nirupam Nigam

Flexible triggering options The DS230 supports various triggering methods for diverse applications in, out of, and around the water.

Trigger the DS230 directly from your camera using an electrical sync cord with ICS-5 plug or an optional fiber optic converter. It supports exposure communication with most popular camera models via our high-precision TTL converters.

Remote triggering is possible with optional extension cords and/or an optical slave converter. Position your strobes away from the camera for creative lighting setups, such as cave or wreck lighting and pool studio photography.

For connection advice, contact us with your camera and housing model, shooting location, and subject matter.

Backwards compatibility Your strobe's power is only as good as its batteries. If you've been using AA batteries, you'll notice a significant performance boost with our NiMH battery pack, which supports incredibly fast recycle times.

Our proprietary toggle lock is the most foolproof battery compartment locking mechanism in the industry. You don’t need to lubricate the o-ring; just ensure it's in place, rotate the toggle, and snap it shut for a secure seal every time.

For critical shots, we recommend using a rechargeable NiMH battery pack like those in our professional-grade strobes. NiMH cells are long-lasting, durable, and travel-friendly compared to lithium alternatives, which are sensitive to heat and humidity, degrade over time, and require disposal within five years.

"So many factors can frustrate me underwater, from conditions to equipment. I aim to minimize these frustrations by choosing reliable gear. Lighting is the most crucial aspect for me, even more so than the camera system. I chose Ikelite strobes for their perfect balance of quality, speed, reliability, and ease of use. With over a decade in the dive industry, nothing matches the Ikelite DS160 strobes in my experience. They are my top recommendation to my students and divers." - Caitlin Hale

Legacy users will be pleased to know that battery packs for DS160, DS161, and DS125 strobes are fully compatible with the new models. New users will appreciate the foolproof toggle lock design.

New DS160 II, DS162, DS230, and DS51 II strobes feature a hard-anodized aluminum bulkhead, reducing weight without compromising durability. It’s time to upgrade old sync cords and housing bulkheads. Take extra care when mixing the new black aluminum fittings with older silver-colored nickel-plated brass ones. Clean and lubricate the threads daily to prevent seizing.

Mixing compact strobes with professional lighting is possible. The DS51 is perfect when you need the smallest and lightest strobe available.

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