Batteries are not included. Please make sure to purchase batteries to operate the device.
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 an appropriate 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.
For even more precise control the DS-51 can be connected to The Manual Controller. This provides ten power settings in half/stop increments. The Manual controller can operate as a wireless sensor triggered by another strobe, or it can be connected by one of the Ikelite sync cords.
| Configuration | Strobe head only |
| 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 |
| 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) |
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Comments about Ikelite 4044.1 Substrobe DS-51 Head Only for Digital Still Cameras - Rated up to 300':
This strobe for the money is a good value. The flash is dependable and works well with other strobes I have. By using AA batteries it is one fewer item that I have to worry about finding a charger for. Electrical plugs on the boats I sail on are always at a premium so not having to recharge the batteries on this strobe is a plus. The clear battery door is a good feature so that you can tell if there is a tight seal or a flood in the battery compartment.
Pros
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Comments about Ikelite 4044.1 Substrobe DS-51 Head Only for Digital Still Cameras - Rated up to 300':
Light and reasonably powerful with very good battery life. Use rechargeables or regular AA's so easy to secure batteries pretty much everywhere.
Only small drawback is the 90 degree flash field can be limiting.
Wonderful company to deal with. Had a battery case flood (I forgot to put the cover on, duh.) Ikelite replaced it for free! They have been wonderful in all my dealings with them.
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Comments about Ikelite 4044.1 Substrobe DS-51 Head Only for Digital Still Cameras - Rated up to 300':
The thumbturn bolt that closes the battery compartment door is held in place by a very thin and flimsy plastic washer. You need to pull on the bolt after undoing the threads to remove the door. The bolt comes out in your hand and the washer gets lost. Battery compartment floods and corrosion starts. Way, way to weak a design for such an important part.
Also units were very inconsistent switching from manual to auto haphazardly, enormous aggravation and loss of important images.
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Comments about Ikelite 4044.1 Substrobe DS-51 Head Only for Digital Still Cameras - Rated up to 300':
First of all, this is great small strobe that can be used with Ikelite underwater housing and the build-in TTL. For underwater macro shots, this the light you need. A couple of things I like about this light are: it uses AA rechargeable batteries, and it is small and light ideally for traveling. One thing I wish it could be better is the recycle time (currently about 3 seconds between flashes). I do not think this is a problem because most of the time I like to take my time to take the shots to get it right the first time. For the price and light weight and the convenience of having batteries (Alkaline or rechargeable) readily available are the plus I choose to use this strobe.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ikelite 4044.1 Substrobe DS-51 Head Only for Digital Still Cameras - Rated up to 300':
After using DS125 for several years I bought the DS51 because I wanted a smaller strobe for my macro work and I must say that I fell i love with this little strobe. DS51 is very easy to use and it is very little weight to carry around with.The strobe takes little space wich is good especially with macro photography. So, are there any disadvantages yes it is, when I use my Canon 5D with 100mm +converter(=200mm) one strobe is not enough you will need two strobes and that is what I have today and I am very satisfied with this solution.
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