AF35 ?

[jbilicska]

Hello all. I'm a snorkeler who usually snorkels in about 15 or so feet of water and free dives down to take my pictures. I'm strongly considering replacing my old Olympus 7070 camera with a Sony RX100 1 and an Ikelite housing. The price of the original one has dropped down into my price range .
Being a snorkeler who swims around quite a bit will the Ikelite AF 35 help my photos. Size and drag would be a big consideration. I don't plan on doing macro . Hopefully we're heading down to Bonaire again and would love to get some more shots under the pier.
Thanks in advance for any help or advice
Joe

 

[Trevormclay]

I haven't used any strobe yet, but from what my research has told me the YS-03 package is a lot more powerful. It is actually what I ordered and I'm awaiting on (i was sent one that was broken so it is being replaced by Sea and Sea, I purchased through HousingCamera "Moziak Cameras" They have been wonderful in my communications and service with them) . I am using the RX100M2 in a ikelite housing. The power is 20 guide number compared to I believe 16. The recycle rate is also much quicker on YS-03 so depending on your breathing ability you could potentially get two shots in one breath down below.

In my short time with the YS-03 i thought it was a pretty compact unit, and if you decide to expand you can attach a fibre optic cable from another strobe to the YS-03 and use the manual setting on the new strobe to optimize your flash power.

The degree of angle is also a major upgrade from 70 degrees for the A35 compared to 105 degrees for YS-03 you really can get an overall better lighting in your photo.


I am no expert and either system is a upgrade compared to no strobe but by the numbers the YS-03 is a better system

 

[KeithG]

a snorkler in bonaire only needs a strobe at night. there is lots of light at 15 feet.

for snorkeling i suggest the smallest camera possible in order to reduce drag. so no strobe or arm, NO housing even..

take a look at the olympus tough cameras. no need for a housing at snorkel depths.