How Many Shots per Dive?

[Phoenix1 0]

On average, how many digital shots do people take per dive?

 

I know it depends on power settings, kind of shooting and other variables. Film was easy: 36 max.

 

I'm considering strobe options. Ikelite's proprietary battery pack claims to be good for 220 flashes. The diving I do typically consists of two one-tank dives with no access to recharging. Will 110 flashes per dive likely be enough in all cases? $175 x 2 for two backup packs (for twin strobes) would be a cost factor in my decision, considering other competing options (Z-240 and the 110a) use $15 NiMH AAs.

[Autopsea 7]

On average, how many digital shots do people take per dive?

 

I know it depends on power settings, kind of shooting and other variables. Film was easy: 36 max.

 

I'm considering strobe options. Ikelite's proprietary battery pack claims to be good for 220 flashes. The diving I do typically consists of two one-tank dives with no access to recharging. Will 110 flashes per dive likely be enough in all cases? $175 x 2 for two backup packs (for twin strobes) would be a cost factor in my decision, considering other competing options (Z-240 and the 110a) use $15 NiMH AAs.

 

 

I'm usually between 50 and 200 shots a dive, depend on the duration (20 minutes at 60m to 210 minutes at 15m ^^).

I never had empty strobes, Ikelite or Inon, so far, if charging just before the dive.

for several dive without charging, I don't know, but I guess if you don't use the strobes in full power for at least of the dive, it should be ok.

[Kilili 0]

Averages about 250/dive INON Z240s w/Eneloops. Of courwse, that's just me, and I CANNOT DO 210 minutes @ 15m. Just cannot hold my breath that long.

When it was film, it was just 36. You learn to use what you have.

 

I'm usually between 50 and 200 shots a dive, depend on the duration (20 minutes at 60m to 210 minutes at 15m ^^).

I never had empty strobes, Ikelite or Inon, so far, if charging just before the dive.

for several dive without charging, I don't know, but I guess if you don't use the strobes in full power for at least of the dive, it should be ok.

[pxguru 0]

Average 20 - 50 shots per dive, but again depends on depth and subject...just getting intoposition to take a pic of an interesting critter tucked away on a wall when the current is pushing around can eat up the minutes. I tend to pick shots rather than blaze away. So based on being out on a boat for 3 dives in a day my 2x Ikelite DS-125s have never run out of juice..so thats upto 150 shots - but if you're blasting away at wide angle on full power then I guess u may run up against a battery limitation. I always carry at least 1 spare battery *just in case* with me on the boat so at least I have 1 working strobe if I did exhaust the 2 I have.

 

Steve

..

[jcclink 8]

If you plan to do much dive travel, then consider size, weight, type of battery, number of flashes, recycle time, etc. Some strobes are larger & heavier but give fewer flashes at approximately same guide number. I like to be able to shoot a full day (max 4 dives, up to 100 shots each) without changing batteries. I much prefer the use of NiMH AA's - cheap & can to found in a lot of places (even alkalines work but as long). Most of the time my strobes are set on 1/2 power, except maybe for WA. Since I can now use fiber optics I'm using 2 YS27's - small, light, 400 flashes full power, 4-AA's - works great.

Edited May 17, 2009 by jcclink

[CompuDude 0]

Check the Inon Z240 strobes... they run on 4x AA's and seem to fire forever before you need to change batteries. And if you do, it's an easy swap, since they're just inexpensive AA's. Hard to beat this strobe. And should you not have access to charging, a handful of AA's lasts a very long time, and you can buy them almost anywhere in the world if you need more. Try that with a proprietary battery pack.

Edited May 18, 2009 by CompuDude

[Phoenix1 0]

Check the Inon Z240 strobes... they run on 4x AA's and seem to fire forever before you need to change batteries. And if you do, it's an easy swap, since they're just inexpensive AA's. Hard to beat this strobe. And should you not have access to charging, a handful of AA's lasts a very long time, and you can buy them almost anywhere in the world if you need more. Try that with a proprietary battery pack.

 

Yeah, that was the gist of my concern. A battery swap of AAs during the surface interval is pretty easy. Buying two additional battery packs at $175 apiece is not quite as cost effective.

 

Based on my research, if I want decent TTL, the DS-160 and the Ikelite converter are the way to go. If I'm OK with manual, it sure looks like z-240s are the answer. There is a lean toward Inons if battery life is anything of an issue.

[CompuDude 0]

Yeah, that was the gist of my concern. A battery swap of AAs during the surface interval is pretty easy. Buying two additional battery packs at $175 apiece is not quite as cost effective.

 

Based on my research, if I want decent TTL, the DS-160 and the Ikelite converter are the way to go. If I'm OK with manual, it sure looks like z-240s are the answer. There is a lean toward Inons if battery life is anything of an issue.

TTL depends on your camera and housing, not the strobes. The Inon Z240 is perfectly capable of TTL with the right equipment.

 

But yeah.

[diverdon 1]

On average, how many digital shots do people take per dive?

 

I know it depends on power settings, kind of shooting and other variables. Film was easy: 36 max.

 

I'm considering strobe options. Ikelite's proprietary battery pack claims to be good for 220 flashes. The diving I do typically consists of two one-tank dives with no access to recharging. Will 110 flashes per dive likely be enough in all cases? $175 x 2 for two backup packs (for twin strobes) would be a cost factor in my decision, considering other competing options (Z-240 and the 110a) use $15 NiMH AAs.

 

200-300 shots Dual Ikelite 160

[Phoenix1 0]

TTL depends on your camera and housing, not the strobes. The Inon Z240 is perfectly capable of TTL with the right equipment.

 

But yeah.

 

I'm currently planning an Aquatica housing a D700. I know there are other solutions out there, but they appear to be costly, trouble prone, not as good or all three.

[sgietler 1]

hey phoenix, you should keep in mind that it's 220 "full dump" flashes. If you are shooting macro, you may get many more than 220 flashes, since most shots will most likely not be "full dumps".

 

However, if you are doing wide-angle at smaller apertures, then you might do full-dumps on every shot.

 

I would guess people shooting ikelite strobes rarely hit the limit in 2-dives, I know many people shooting ikelite DS-125's and none of them change batteries after every dive, as far as I know.

 

hope this helps,

Scott

[Phoenix1 0]

hey phoenix, you should keep in mind that it's 220 "full dump" flashes. If you are shooting macro, you may get many more than 220 flashes, since most shots will most likely not be "full dumps".

 

However, if you are doing wide-angle at smaller apertures, then you might do full-dumps on every shot.

 

I would guess people shooting ikelite strobes rarely hit the limit in 2-dives, I know many people shooting ikelite DS-125's and none of them change batteries after every dive, as far as I know.

 

hope this helps,

Scott

 

Scott:

 

Thanks. The things I've read seem to have less to do with whether they have enough juice and more to do with whether there is a malfunction. It's starting to look like capacity is not likely to be an issue. I can see why having a spare handy can help, although I'm guessing the strobe will have problems before the battery.

[sgietler 1]

well, people have been known to flood the battery pack, but luckily save the strobe. I've also known people who have had an ikelite charger stop working on them during a trip.

[pxguru 0]

well, people have been known to flood the battery pack, but luckily save the strobe. I've also known people who have had an ikelite charger stop working on them during a trip.

 

Gee thanks for worrying me... hahaha .... just when I'm about to do 5 days at Sipadan/Mabul with my pair of (so-far) trusty DS-125s and the Ikelite charger!! Steve

[Autopsea 7]

Of courwse, that's just me, and I CANNOT DO 210 minutes @ 15m. Just cannot hold my breath that long.

Well you could, only depend on the number of tanks you bring

[CADiver 2]

When I was shooting w/ the Nikon D80 in Ikelite housing & a pair of DS125, I shoot an average of 40 to 80 shots per dive varies on depth and viz. Even on really bad viz day, I still try to get 25, 30 shots. Never shot more than 100 shot per dive before, it will be way too busy just shooting. I don't do a lot of continuous shot.

[Steve Williams 0]

I'm currently planning an Aquatica housing a D700. I know there are other solutions out there, but they appear to be costly, trouble prone, not as good or all three.

 

When I first saw this statement I must admit I could have got a little bent out of shape since I thought your statement a little too bombastic for my taste. Since that sort of smacks at any one else who didn't come to your same conclusion. But I must apoligize, I now see my problem. What I would propose to to you is that all underwater camera equipment is "too costly, trouble prone, and not as good as we'd like it to be".

 

Good luck with the new rig, looking forward to the images.

 

Cheers,

Steve

Edited May 20, 2009 by Steve Williams

[Damo 4]

Hi Phoenix,

 

About 50-60 shots per dive.

However this is dependant on

 

1. Local Conditions

2. Not being left behind by the main group- and getting into trouble when I do.

 

[Cal 5]

I shoot my strobes like there machine guns. But that being said I usually dive alone (or with Jimswims) in very shallow water and find lots of sessile (nudis etc) creatures to shoot. I average maybe 150 shots a dive. about 15 subjects a dive x 10 shots per subject.

 

I use 2500 NiMh and need to change after the dive. I use rechargables.

 

For pool shoots, I get maybe 200 shots before the strobes die..........

Edited May 21, 2009 by Cal

[Phoenix1 0]

I shoot my strobes like there machine guns. But that being said I usually dive alone (or with Jimswims) in very shallow water and find lots of sessile (nudis etc) creatures to shoot. I average maybe 150 shots a dive. about 15 subjects a dive x 10 shots per subject.

 

I use 2500 NiMh and need to change after the dive. I use rechargables.

 

For pool shoots, I get maybe 200 shots before the strobes die..........

 

Cal:

 

Thanks. What are you flashing? Sea and Sea? Inon?

[bluesea 0]

Well, depends of the dive site, if there's lot to take then I take a lot, otherwise just a few pics.

 

 

On average, how many digital shots do people take per dive?

 

I know it depends on power settings, kind of shooting and other variables. Film was easy: 36 max.

 

I'm considering strobe options. Ikelite's proprietary battery pack claims to be good for 220 flashes. The diving I do typically consists of two one-tank dives with no access to recharging. Will 110 flashes per dive likely be enough in all cases? $175 x 2 for two backup packs (for twin strobes) would be a cost factor in my decision, considering other competing options (Z-240 and the 110a) use $15 NiMH AAs.

[khathlan 0]

I consistently get 3 dives , about 100 TTL shots per dive, from fully charged dual Ikelite 125s. Average subject brightness and day dives . Of course it depends on the used f-stop !

 

In the rare case the strobes are running out of juice at the end of 3rd dive I might switch to 1/4 power manual, but rarely.