Camera setting and Strobe Question

[divingtigger]

Hi All,

I live in the colder part of the world (Winterpeg Canada) so testing on dives isn't really an option right now. My wife and I are going to Playa Del Carmen this winter. I have a S230 with a WP-DC600 housing and I'm just getting into using it for Scuba pictures. I plan on diving the Cenotes. First question is which strobe would work best for my set up. I am on a limited budget and plan on upgrading my whole setup once my kids get into diving (one is 3 the other is 1 Wife doesn't dive). Also how should I set my camera up to get the best pictures? (I printed out the Canon undewater guide but it doesn't make 100% sense to me)

Thanks

 

[alcina]

I'd spend a little more right now since you know you are going to change systems soon and you won't waste money on a wimpy strobe or one that won't move with you.

Contact the guys at Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros for some options and prices.

I love my Inon strobes and happily recommend them. Ikelite does great strobes and Sea&Sea also has some options that you might consider.

HTH

 

[divingtigger]

SO I should go with a Sea & Sea YS-27DX? Tried to find reviews on it but came up empty and for some reason I can't search this site for Sea & Sea YS-27DX, I keep coming up with error messages.

Thanks

 

[CUunderH2O]

divingtigger,

If you're going to be shooting in the cenotes, you'll want a strobe with a wider coverage angle than the YS-27. If you're going with a Sea & Sea strobe, try the YS-110 for wide angle coverage. Just check to make sure it works with your system. I have used it both for my DSLR setup as well as with a fiber optic cord with my old Oly point & shoot system, but you may want to make sure it'll work with your camera.

 

[under water]

divingtigger,
If you're going to be shooting in the cenotes, you'll want a strobe with a wider coverage angle than the YS-27.

Hi I am a new YS-27DX owner. I noticed on the SeaandSea.com site that the wider angle of the YS-110 is quoted with diffuser (105*105 with diffuser). Wouldn't that be true with the YS-27 (105*84) as well??
Also .. wondering why you would need the wider coverage in the cenotes.

Thanks

 

[divingtigger]

So even if the 110 is outside my budget range I shouldn't waste my $$ on a 27? Will the 110 work with my camera? For the extra $100 on the package I might have to steal from Peter to pay Paul (so to speak) and get the better of the two. I'll contact Reef photo but while I was looking around I noticed that their prices are higher than most other shops (But I guess you pay for the experience)

Thanks

 

[CUunderH2O]

The other advantage to the YS-110 is that it will grow with you if you decide to go DSLR eventually. The YS-27 can only be fired optically. Check out the information on strobefinder: Underwater Strobe Comparison Guide - Digital Diver Network
There are other brands of strobes out there; hopefully other people will chime in here.

 

[CUunderH2O]

Also .. wondering why you would need the wider coverage in the cenotes.

You'd likely be shooting wide angle in the cenotes, hence the necessity of a strobe with wider angle coverage.

 

[divingtigger]

Ok I can get a YS110 with an ultralight tray, handle, arm and sync cord for $699. Is this a good deal or should I use a different tray/arm to keep the price low?

Thanks all

 

[CUunderH2O]

Sounds like a good deal to me.