DS51 II 50Ws TTL Underwater Strobe
If size and weight are your primary deciding factors, the DS51 II is for you. The DS51 II is one of the smallest and lightest strobes in its class weighing in at less than one pound (443g) per strobe. The compact size makes it simple to position the strobe for macro, super macro, and close focus wide angle.
Power for situations where compact size and weight are critical
There's a simple rule to underwater lighting: more is better. A fast and powerful strobe is the easiest way to improve your underwater photos.
View comparison chartIkelite Bulkhead
None
5700K
330 feet (100 meters)
3.2" diameter x 4.7" length (81 x 119 mm)
I have been shooting Ikelite strobes for over 40 years. 95% of my library of over 300,000 images have been shot with Ikelite strobes. The remaining 5% are available light. The clean wide angle of coverage of these strobes have been essential to my success with these images.
I often need several strobes for my work in underwater caves. I have been using Ikelite strobes since about 1988, having exhausted several generations (and two color schemes)! Ikelite has always offered a robust build, high power and reliability. That is very important to me in the field.
Ikelite strobes have illuminated pictures in all my 38 books of the ocean and over 500 of my features in magazines. Ikelite strobes have lighted my subjects and scenes from beneath the Arctic to the Antarctic and underwater imageries from all seven oceans. As a working professional, I have tried and tested many other brands, Ikelite is the finest in its class bar none.
I’ve spent months shooting underneath the Antarctic ice in the past 20 years, including filming for the BBC Life series. Ikelite strobes have been the only ones I found to be dependable enough for professional use in the harshest conditions on Earth.
In a trip to the Revillagigedo Archipelago, I was fortunate enough to witness hundreds of the ocean's top predators and nailed each shot time and time again. With quick recycle times and accurate TTL, the only time I touched my strobes was to adjust position and paint the light the way I wanted it in a scene.
Have questions?
We're here for you for every step along the way. Email ikelite@ikelite.com for help on gear selection, assembly, camera settings, and photo advice. We can even help you decide where to dive!
Instruction manualErgonomics
True TTL Exposure
Mix and Match
A Name to Trust
In the Box
Always Be Learning
From our Photo School...
Sea Turtle Portraits with DS230 Strobes
The Myth of TTL Strobe Exposure Underwater
5 Situations Where You Need Strobes [VIDEO]
Stop Doing This to Your Strobe Battery Pack! [VIDEO]
Programming a DS Link Canon TTL Converter [VIDEO]
Getting Correct Strobe Exposure with the TG-5 & TG-6
Large Bore M24 Port Modifications for HDMI Monitor Bulkheads
The Next Generation of Professional Underwater Strobes
Compare
DS Strobes by the Numbers
Our strobes are designed to fit your needs from wide angle to macro. Need help deciding? Email ikelite@ikelite.com and tell us about your photography goals.
Return to description213 watt-sec
160 watt-sec
50 watt-sec
120º
100º
70º
5000K
4800K
5700K
10 steps in 1/2 stop increments
10 steps in 1/2 stop increments
6 steps in 1/2-stop increments
1.2 sec or faster
1.0 sec or faster
3.5 sec or faster
LED
LED
7.2V 3300mAh NiMH rechargeable
7.2V 3300mAH NiMH rechargeable
4 x AA alkaline or NiMH
300+
300+
300+
2.7 lb
2.7 lb
0.97 lb
3.6" dia x 7" long (91 x 179mm)
3.6" dia x 7.25" long (91 x 184 mm)
3.2" dia x 4.7" long (81 x 119 mm)