Ikelite 4044.1 Substrobe DS-51 Head Only for Digital Still Cameras - Rated up to 300'

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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.

50 Watt/seconds power with a guide #28 (underwater at ISO 100)
Operates TTL when connected by an appropriate sync cord 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 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)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Ikelite 4044.1 Substrobe DS-51 Head Only for Digital Still Cameras - Rated up to 300'
 
3.8

(based on 5 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

75%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 5 customers

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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

an efficient strobe

By b.campbell65

from Dallas, TX

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Consistent
  • Easy To Setup
  • Lightweight
  • Reliable

Cons

  • Short Lifespan

Best Uses

  • Artificial Lighting
  • Photography
  • Strobe Lighting

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.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

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5.0

Great for travel

By Jim & Fran

from Philadelphia, PA

About Me Casual Photographer

Pros

    Cons

      Best Uses

        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.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        1.0

        Poor design of battery door causes flood

        By Moa

        from NY

        About Me Pro Photographer

        Pros

          Cons

          • Unreliable

          Best Uses

            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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            (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

             
            4.0

            A great light for underwater macro shots

            By Great White Shark

            from San Mateo, CA

            About Me Pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent
            • Convenient
            • Easy of use
            • Easy Setup
            • Lightweight
            • Reliable

            Cons

            • Long recycle time

            Best Uses

            • Artificial Lighting
            • Macro shots
            • Photography

            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.

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            (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Substrobe DS-51

            By Leinad

            from Bergen ,Norway

            About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Attach Securely
            • Durable
            • Good Color Value
            • Long-Lasting

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Macro

              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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              Batteries & Power

              Required item:

              Varta -  High-Energy 1.5 V AA E91 Alkaline Battery - 4 Pk
              • Price: $1.50
              • GBP 0.95
               
              Pearstone -  NM-4H23 4 AA NiMH Batteries (2300mAh) with 4 Hour Charger (110-240V)
              • Price: $13.99
              • GBP 8.84
               

              Sync Cords & Flash Remotes

              Ikelite -  TTL Sync Cord
              • Price: $99.95
              • GBP 63.18
               

              Maintenance & Spare Parts

              Ikelite -  Clear Battery Door for DS-51, DS-50 & AF35
              • Price: $9.95
              • GBP 6.29
               

              Arms & Lens Caddies

              Ikelite -  Ball Mount (1") for DS-50 & DS-125
              • Price: $24.95
              • GBP 15.77
               

              Books

              Amherst Media -  Book: Adobe Photoshop for Underwater Photographers
              • Price: $34.95
              • GBP 22.09
               

              This is a special order item and is non-cancelable and non-returnable. Est. arrival at B&H is 2-4 weeks (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at time of shipment.

              What's in the Box

              Ikelite 4044.1 Substrobe DS-51 Head Only for Digital Still Cameras - Rated up to 300'
              • Diffuser
              • 2 Year Warranty
               
               
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