Ikelite DS160 II Strobe Features // The Most Reliable Underwater Strobe on Earth! [VIDEO]

When you travel across the world to shoot underwater, you want to bring equipment you can count on. The Mark II release of our renowned DS160 strobe has been updated to provide even faster performance in a form factor that has stood the test of time in the harshest conditions on Earth.

The most published underwater photographers in the world have come to rely on the DS160 strobe for its warm toned and exceptionally smooth beam pattern.

"I've been using Ikelite strobes for over 30 years now and they have been an important part of capturing images on my expeditions around the world. The durability and reliability of Ikelite products are second to none." - Jill Heinerth

Light Quality

There is no spec to quote for light quality. The most published underwater photographers in the world have come to rely on the DS160 strobe for its warm toned and exceptionally smooth beam pattern. The unique dual reflector produces a warmth and spread that’s optimized for wide angle underwater photography.
 

Color Temperature 

Compared to cooler color temperature strobes, the DS160 II produces brighter reds, oranges and pinks, deeper blues, and more natural skin tones.

Professional underwater photographers consistently rank color temperature as more important than a strobe’s power. The DS160 II produces bright reds, deep blues, and natural skin tones compared to other cooler toned strobes.
Image © Ken Kiefer 

DS160 II vs. DS51 II 

The DS160 II is three times the power of our compact DS51 II strobe with 50% wider coverage.

Form Factor

Its size and beam pattern is equally well suited for wide angle or macro photography and it can be used effectively in single, dual, or multiple strobe configurations.

Modeling Light

The DS160 II features a bright LED modeling light for focus assist. The modeling light automatically turns off when you take a photo to avoid hotspots.
 

DS162 

This flash is alternatively available as a hybrid strobe with bright LED video light built-in. Check out our DS162 strobe if you’re shooting both stills and video underwater.

Professionals have come to rely on our rechargeable battery pack because it provides consistently fast performance shot after shot and year after year.
Image © David Fleetham

Recycle Time & Battery Pack

Ikelite pioneered fast recycle times and our strobes consistently perform best-in-class for high speed shooting. That’s partially because we’ve engineered a battery pack specifically for the high intensity strobe discharge. 
 
Our unique toggle lock mechanism is the fastest and most confident way to install a strobe battery, meaning less time managing gear in between dives. The DS160 II is capable of delivering over a thousand flashes per charge depending on power setting, and the average shooter rarely need to change batteries during a day of diving. 
 
A battery test position shows remaining battery life using a series of LEDs on the side of the strobe.
 

Mode & Power Knobs 

The mode and power knobs are conveniently located on the side of the strobe. Hard click detents let you feel when you switch between power settings and the knob’s unique shape lets you know where it’s pointed without looking. The large knobs are easy to grip with a glove and feature a sliding lock to prevent the strobe from accidentally turning on when not in use.
 

LED Indicators

When the strobe is turned on, the center LED acts as a ready light indicating that the strobe is capable of firing a full power flash. The strobe can still be triggered at a lower power before the ready light comes on.

Thanks to the ICS-5 bulkhead, the DS160 II is compatible with TTL converters for every major camera brand.

Electrical Bulkhead 

The DS160 II is more versatile than the average strobe because of its electrical bulkhead. Only the Ikelite ICS-5 bulkhead has channels for both communication and power.
 
A wide variety of creative triggering accessories are interchangeable and powered by the strobe through the ICS-5 bulkhead. This opens up a whole world of creative potential. And most importantly it ensures that this strobe can adapt as your photography evolves through different styles and different camera systems.
 
Thanks to the ICS-5 bulkhead, the DS160 II is compatible with TTL converters for every major camera brand, extension cords for unique strobe positioning, high sensitivity remote triggers, and a full range of fiber optic options.
 

Included Accessories 

Ikelite products are made in the USA by a team of divers and photographers. Our strobes are depth rated to 300 feet, and warrantied for 2 years. The DS160 II ships with a smart charger, removable flat diffuser, protective battery pack cover, and universal one-inch ball mount attachment. An optional dome diffuser is available for purchase separately.

The DS160 II is an investment that will continue to grow throughout your underwater photography career. 

If you have any questions about the DS160 II or just want to share the latest photo you snapped underwater our inbox is always open, send us an email today!

 

Additional Viewing

Why You Need Strobes Underwater

Ikelite DS230 Strobe Features // The Perfect Wide Angle Strobe? [VIDEO]

Ikelite DS51 II Strobe Features // For Macro and Wide Angle Underwater Photography [VIDEO]

Manual Camera Exposure VS Manual Strobe Exposure for Underwater Photography [VIDEO]

5 Situations Where You Need a Strobe Underwater [VIDEO]

 

Jean Rydberg is the President & CEO of Ikelite. She has lived her whole life in landlocked Indianapolis, Indiana, but is no stranger to the water as a daughter of Ikelite’s founder Ike Brigham. She has traveled around the world shooting and testing gear and enjoys new challenges in both photography and diving. Jean loves to learn about the creative ways photographers achieve their visions. More than anything she wants to show aspiring underwater photographers that excellence is attainable with any system. When she's not working she's spending time with her husband and two daughters.