View Full Version : Cheap DS-50
cycling junkie
May 3rd, 2012, 12:23 PM
Wondering if an Ikelight DS-50 for $50 is worth it? Just starting to build an underwater rig for my Nikon D90, and came across this deal. It's about 6 years old and used 4 times. Everything else seems to be in order.
Aside from that - any suggestions for what used equipment to keep my eyes out for? Trying to start on a budget before blowing my brains out.
Cheers
gert7to3
May 7th, 2012, 12:25 AM
Are you going to get an Ikelite housing? If so, check with Ikelite to see if this housing and camera combination is compatible with that older strobe. If you aren't getting an Ikelite housing, then you will have to get an optical slave trigger for the strobe, if one is available.
Here are your choices for housings, most do not include ports.
Backscatter :: Underwater Photo :: Housings (http://www.backscatter.com/HostedStore.LassoApp?-ResponseLassoApp=search.lasso&s6=Photo&s3=Housings&s4op=cn&s4=Nikon%20D90&sf=Price&so=Descending&ftn=youbetcha)
Which lens, arms, tray etc. do you anticipate using?
You may want to check on package deals for the 4/3rds cameras before going whole hog for housing that d-90.
John Gulliver
May 7th, 2012, 02:49 AM
DS 50 substrobes with serial numbers higher than 70000 are TTL compatible with all current Ikelite housings. If the strobe has a higher serial number than 7000, you have an Ikelite housing and are content to use TTL all the time (you cannot adjust the output of the DS 50 in manual mode), the strobe is a bargain at $50. The DS 50 has the same output as the DS 51 (guide number 9 underwater) and almost the same as the DS 125 (guide number 10).
---------- Post added May 7th, 2012 at 06:49 PM ----------
If you decide to buy the DS 50, get a clear battery door (costs $10). It reduces the risk of flooding the strobe significantly as you can see the o-ring and check that it is properly seated and compressed.
cycling junkie
May 15th, 2012, 11:27 AM
Hi guys,
Just back from a trip to Belize, so pardon the slow response.
Thanks very much for the advice. I am going to have to do a bit more work on the front end before I buy this thing! I have a Nikon D90 that I am planning on using as my primary camera - no housing yet - on the lookout for an Ikelite one.
Cheers,
Collin
