Three factors define professional grade lighting: Quality of Light, Speed, and Dependability.
- Professional quality light for wide angle and macro
- Over 15% lighter than aluminum body strobes
- Made in USA
The Ultimate Output for High-Impact Photography
Some situations underwater require as much light as you can get. The DS230 packs more flash capacitance to cut through the water and deliver sharper, more colorful, professional looking wide angle images. The DS230 has the power you need whether you're shooting in a pool studio or out in the open water.
Light Quality
Entry-level strobes dump raw light from a standard, straight flashtube to maximize guide number (brightness). These strobes require light diffusers and filters to soften and warm light and smooth out the sharp edges and banding effects. Most add-on modifiers dramatically cut light output and reduce the effective power of the strobe.
Lighting needs for underwater photography differ greatly compared to surface photography, so an off-the-shelf flashtube and reflector won't do. We have spent decades revising and perfecting our circular xenon flashtube for a perfectly gradated beam pattern and warm color temperature. A 5000K color temperature balances with available light underwater to provide richer coloring and deeper blue water backgrounds when shooting wide angle. Models' skin tones will look more natural and reds and oranges will pop with more vibrant color.
For times when an even wider angle of coverage is desired, the optional Dome Diffuser # 4069.2 is available to extend the spread of the light with only a half-stop reduction of apparent brightness.
Some of the best mirrorless and compact digital cameras today are equally strong in both still and video imaging, requiring more than ever from a lighting system. At the same time, airline restrictions are tight and it can be a lot of work just to get your gear to the site. The DS232 incorporates a powerful, 2500 lumen wide beam COB LED light array allowing you to effortlessly switch between still and video.
The video light doubles as an aiming light and automatically turns off and back on each time you take a photo. In video mode light output is controlled in low, medium, and high power settings plus an SOS mode to signal others in emergency situations.
A custom formulated ABS-PC blend make the strobe fundamentally corrosion-proof and over 1/2 lb (237 g) lighter than aluminum-body strobes.
High Performance Power
Your strobe is only as powerful as the batteries that drive it. Commercially available batteries do not have the low internal impedance required for truly fast recycle times. Even the best rechargeable AA batteries are sluggish in high-powered strobes and only get slower and weaker as their charge drains.
Ikelite custom rechargeable cells power high frame rate firing from the first shot to the last. These premium quality industrial grade NiMH cells have been proven to out perform alkaline and lithium cells in real world underwater conditions, including the temperature fluctuations and storage conditions of the photographer diver. While 5 years is the average lifespan of a rechargeable pack, we routinely talk to shooters who are happily using 10-15 year old NiMH battery packs.
The battery pack attaches quickly and easily with a unique toggle lock that prevents accidental floods. You don't even need to lubricate the o-ring. The strobe front is compatible with older NiMH Battery Packs # 4066.5 or the DS230 Strobe Battery Pack # 40066BK.
Specifications
Depth rating: 100 meters (330 feet)
Power: 4 to 213 Ws
Coverage angle: 120º without diffuser
Power Control: 10 stops in 1/2-stop increments
Modeling light: 2500 lumen LED
Color temperature: Daylight 5000K
Guide number at 1m (ISO 100): 32 full power
Flashes per charge: 300 to thousands dependent on power setting
Recycle time: 0.1 to 1.2 seconds dependent on power setting
Electrical sync connection: Ikelite ICS 5-pin bulkhead
Battery: 7.2V 3300mAh NiMH rechargeable
Dimensions: 91 mm diameter x 179 mm length (3.6" x 7") Weight with battery: 1243 grams (2.7 pounds)
Buoyancy: Slightly negative in salt water
Item Includes
DS232 Strobe Front # 40232X
Rechargeable NiMH Battery Pack # 40066GY
Battery Pack Cover # 0591.4
Smart Charger for NiMH with USA Plug # 0083.92 (or 0083.93 Euro Plug / 0083.94 UK Plug / 0083.95 Australian Plug)
1" Ball Mount # 4081.4 (installed)
Waterproof bulkhead cap # 9104.7
Silicone lubricant 1cc tube
