Ikelite 3944.51 Substrobe DS-51 kit for Digital Still Cameras with TTL Sync Cord and Deluxe Ball Socket Strobe Arm - Rated up to 300'
The Ikelite Digital SubStrobe DS-51 was created specifically for use with digital cameras because of their use of preflash metering, but it is completely compatible with all film cameras and film camera housings.
The DS-51 offers 50 watt-seconds of power in a compact size with coverage adequate for lenses as wide as 28 mm, or add the included diffuser for wider coverage and softer lighting. Combine multiple strobes to cover very wide angle lenses with minimal illumination of particles suspended in the water.
The DS-51 operates TTL when connected by the included sync cord to some Ikelite housings. Alternatively, the DS51 provides a manual exposure mode with six manual power settings in one-half f-stop increments for precise illumination of subjects.
The TTL Sync Cord will connect to any Ikelite type bulkhead on Ikelite housings that offer sync connection. The cord will operate in TTL mode if supported by the housing.
The Ball Arm System allows easy strobe placement for macro close-up to wide angle lighting.
- 50 Watt/seconds power with a guide #28 (underwater at ISO 100)
- Operates TTL when connected to some Ikelite housings or manual exposure mode with six manual power settings in one-half f-stop increments
- 70° angle of coverage, 80° with diffuser
- Recycle time of 3.5 seconds (Full power)
- Up to 200 flashes with full power batteries
- 5700° Kelvin color temperature
| Configuration | Strobe head TTL Sync Cord Deluxe Ball Socket Strobe Arm |
| Guide No. | 56 Surface, 28 Underwater |
| Power Rating | 50 Watt/seconds |
| Coverage Angle |
70° (28mm Lens Coverage) 80° with diffuser |
| Depth Rating | 300' (90 m) |
| Flash Modes | TTL, Manual |
| Exposure Control | Six manual power settings in one-half f-stop increments on strobe |
| Slave | No |
| Targeting Light | No |
| Audible Signal | No |
| Color Temperature | 5700° K |
| Recycle Time | 3.5 Seconds |
| Flashes (Full Power) | Approx. 200 |
| Power Source | 4x AA Batteries |
| Dimensions | 3.2 x 3.2 x 4.7" (81 x 81 x 119 mm) |
| Weight (Land) | 1.3 lb (0.59 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Durable (6)
- Reliable (5)
- Easy to use (4)
- Attach securely (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro photography (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (7)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 9 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Ikelite 3944.51 Substrobe DS-51 w/ TTL Sync Cord and Ball Socket Arm:
I used this strobe in cold water on an Ikelite housing for the Canon G12. Worked great, and the ball arm was infinitely adjustible. It has enough power to light up my macro shots, and if it were not for the backscatter, stuff out to 5' or so. In fact, I'm going to have to tone down the power a bit.
Only negative - the diffuser fell off in a wave. It should be fastened on. I bought 2 replacements WITH lanyards!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Ikelite 3944.51 Substrobe DS-51 w/ TTL Sync Cord and Ball Socket Arm:
Used it in combination with a G12 Cannon Powershot and Ikelight case. Turned out very nice photos, though you need to get close with this product to capture all the colors. Seemed to have some trouble at shallow depths with the automatic flash function but not enough to really worry about.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ikelite 3944.51 Substrobe DS-51 w/ TTL Sync Cord and Ball Socket Arm:
The Ball Arm System is not too practical
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ikelite 3944.51 Substrobe DS-51 w/ TTL Sync Cord and Ball Socket Arm:
While it's the most basic strobe that Ikelite makes for a digital slr it's a good value for the price. I have an Ikelite housing so it uses the sync cord. Good set up.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Ikelite 3944.51 Substrobe DS-51 w/ TTL Sync Cord and Ball Socket Arm:
Used in conjunction with Canon G1o/Ikelite Housing/ Dual Handle Tray system. Great performance out of this strobe system. Nice and compact, uses 4aa batteries. Ball Socket Arm is worth every penny. Don't settle for the cheaper arm, this ball socket system allows great maneuverability and strobe position. Also B&H is a great company! Don't hesitate on ordering anything from them. [...]
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ikelite 3944.51 Substrobe DS-51 w/ TTL Sync Cord and Ball Socket Arm:
I purchased this item for use with an Ikelite housing for my D200. Setup was straightforward, and the unit provided even lighting in the full FOV for the 35mm lens used. Cycle time was about 3 seconds, even after about 200 pictures on the first set of batteries. The arm takes some elbow grease to lock it down to the point it does not move, but it held well once positioned. Overall I'm very pleased with its performance.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Low Light
- Night Time
- underwater
Comments about Ikelite 3944.51 Substrobe DS-51 w/ TTL Sync Cord and Ball Socket Arm:
I paired the DS-51 substrobe with the Ikelite housing(#IK6182.60) for the Nikon P6000. I selected the ball socket arm over the standard arm due to the increased flexibility over the standard arm, especially for close-up/macro photography. The only drawback to this is that some care needs to be taken in the initial set-up so that there is enough tension to hold the strobe in place while still allowing some degree of movement. Releasing too much tension in the joint can allow it to collapse and rotate. Getting it back into position underwater is a two handed affair and you'll have most likely missed your shot.
I also chose this unit since I could use the iTTL mode with the Nikon P6000. This was excellent at illuminating subjects at depth (70+ ft) and low light conditions. However, at shallower depths (40-50 ft) under bright conditions, the iTTL system was fooled into reducing the flash strength to a point where it would no longer illuminate the subjects properly. Switching to manual power settings alleviated this issue, although it took a few shots to get the right power setting for different lighting conditions.
Overall, I was very pleased with the ease of set-up, the flexibility of the ball socket arm and it's performance at depth and low light conditions. As an entry level strobe I believed it performed extremely well.
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy Setup
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Underwater
Comments about Ikelite 3944.51 Substrobe DS-51 w/ TTL Sync Cord and Ball Socket Arm:
As always B&H does not disappoint. [...] The Ikelite substrobe is great. I use it with a Canon Powershot G9 and an Ikelite housing (also bought from B&H), and the pictures are fantastic.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- Low Light
- Special Events
Comments about Ikelite 3944.51 Substrobe DS-51 w/ TTL Sync Cord and Ball Socket Arm:
Very easy to hook-up and use.Matched up perfectly to my set up [...]
Displaying reviews 1-9
Batteries & Power
- Price: $34.95
Maintenance & Spare Parts
- Price: $0.95
Arms & Lens Caddies
- Price: $19.50
This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
Books
- Price: $5.50
What's in the Box
- Strobe Head
- TTL Sync Cord
- Deluxe Ball Socket Strobe Arm
- Diffuser
- 2 Year Warranty
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