Stylus Tough 8000 - Strobe Suggestions

[orionnt]

I recently picked up a Stylus Tough 8000 and PT-045 Housing to replace my old canon, and I was looking into getting a Strobe for my camera. When it comes to photography im pretty much a total noob. I don't think I really need a big expensive top of the line strobe, but it would be nice to have a good strobe to help eliminate some back scatter and produce more colorful pictures.

The diving around here is generally low-viz (20ft max), minimal current, and lots of sediment in the water.

I have been looking at the Fantasea Remora strobe, but I am not sure what a good setup would be. I have a limit of about $300 max.

Any Suggestions?

 

[JackConnick]

I have a bunch of lighting packages that will work great with your camera.

The new Remora looks to be fairly good, but it's going to be hard to hit your $300 mark as you'll need a sync cord, tray and arms. You could with this package, upgrade the strobe and sync cord. A focus light in your conditions is just about mandatory.

I sell quite a few of the UltraMax packages; this one is good but is about $400.

As far as strobe info, you can check out this blog article on strobes;
Optical Ocean: Above and Below.: Choosing an Underwater Strobe for Point & Shoot Cameras

The Ultramax is a good value for a starter strobe. It does have a fairly narrow 60 degree beam angle, Guide number (power) of 18. 4 steps of power control, LED lights with push buttons that are easy to use at night. There is a diffuser available now for $12 extra. Good build quality, magnetic on-off switch, sealed battery compartment. $159 + 12 for diffuser includes sync cord.

Next up is the new Fantasea Line Remora, actually same flash tube, different electronics and design. GN=18. Much better light control; 10-100% dial and a very good diffuser that spreads the light better. Has a mount for a small NanoFocus light for aiming. However not a sealed battery compartment. $198 + $30 for sync cord.

Much better is the Sea & Sea YS-27DX, 8 steps of power, great build quality, small, balanced size. 98x80 degree beam angle, GN=20. If you are going to get into a better rig, maybe a DSLR someday, this is what I recommend. $349, plus sync cord.

Up from that is the Sea & Sea YS110a, GN 24, 13 steps of power control, target light, 105x105 degree beam angle, D-TTL auto control operation. $634, plus sync cord.

All are available on whatever tray, etc package you like. I’m, in the process of adding the Remora ones. But figure about $60-70 more than the UltraMax for it.

Jack

 

[orionnt]

Thanks for the response Jack!!

With the Focus Light, it looks like it is just a small flashlight? Do you have to turn it off when your about to take a picture, or does it somehow turn itself off before the picture is taken?

 

[JackConnick]

It has a small array of LEDs to give a fairly even light, so it's different than a flashlight that is more of a spot. It has a sensor that turns itself off then back on during exposure.

Jack