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Review Summary
300' / 91.44m
TTL mode with compatible Ikelite TTL systems
Manual power modes in 10 1/2-stop increments
205 lumen LED modeling light
4800K
90 deg. without diffuser
100 deg. with diffuser
3.75 x 7" / 95.25 x 177.80mm
2.5lbs / 1.13kg
The DS160 combines power with wide angle coverage to give you the most bang for your buck. The quality of light is exceptional due to a round flash tube and custom powder coated reflector designed specifically to deliver the softest, most even coverage possible. Strobes with a straight flashtube may be capable of high powers, but require the addition of a diffuser to spread out their sharp, rectangular beam pattern and reduce the harsh hot spot.
Guide number 24 m at ISO 100
Over 450 full power flashes per charge
Recycles in 1.4 seconds or less
Ikelite ICS 5-pin bulkhead
Rechargeable 7.4V Li-ion battery pack
Near neutral buoyancy in salt water
The DS160 beam is designed to be perfectly soft and wide spread through its reflector design and is capable of providing you the coverage and power you want and avoiding the one f/stop loss caused by adding a diffuser. Both ikelite DS160 and DS161 strobes are legendary for their ability to keep up in rapid firing situations-a cut above any flash on the market. Electrical sync connection and a high-capacity battery pack provide the speed you need to capture fast moving subjects like sharks and sailfish at just the right millisecond.
When combined with a compatible TTL system, the DS160 automatically adjusts brightness to provide perfect exposure whether you're shooting macro, portrait or wide angle. Focus on your camera settings and composition and enjoy the increased number of flashes and even faster recycle time you'll get when working with a TTL system. A bright, concentrated LED aiming light provides more than enough light for focusing or as a night diving light. The LED turns off and on when the strobe is fired, ensuring that no bright spots will ruin your photo. The DS160 strobe output is identical to its sister model, the DS161. The DS161 features a built-in 500 lumen video light in place of the DS160's aiming light.
Recycle Time + Battery Life
State of the art Li-ion battery technology produces over 450 full power flashes at an unprecedented 1.4 second recycle time. ikelite proprietary quick-release toggle system attaches the battery pack with ease and confidence, making a flooded battery virtually impossible. The size of the DS161 is uniquely balanced to its weight to provide near neutral buoyancy in salt water, providing the most comfortable handling on the market and reducing arm fatigue. Their second generation of the Li-ion battery pack and charging system features the latest in cell conditioning technology to keep you on the go and improve the lifetime of the battery. The DS160 Strobe is also available with an optional NiMH battery pack.
Smart Charging
The included Smart Charger for Li-Ion (2nd Gen) accepts variable voltage in the 100-240V range and includes AC adapters for USA Europe, UK and Australia. This charger is compatible with lithium ion battery packs only. The rechargeable battery pack is interchangeable for quick turnaround in between dives. The newer Smart Charger for Li-Ion (2nd Gen) is safe for use with Lithium Ion (1st Gen) battery packs but will not provide charge termination feedback via the LED indicator light.
The Smart Charger for Li-Ion (1st Gen) may be used with this newer battery pack but may reduce the lifetime of the battery. For easy reference, chargers and compatible battery packs are color coded to each other. Existing NiMH and NiCad batteries are forward-compatible with new strobes. Please note that Smart Chargers designed for NiMH or Ni-Cad batteries cannot be used with Li-Ion technology.
TTL Sync Cord
The Ikelite-style sync cord plug is the most reliable waterproof strobe sync connection available. When combined with an Ikelite TTL housing, the DS161 automatically adjusts brightness to provide perfect exposure whether you're shooting macro, portrait or wide angle. Enjoy the power of superior accuracy, faster recycle time and longer battery life when compared to similar fiber optic systems. Coiled sync cord with Ikelite-style plugs on both ends. Provides TTL operation with any compatible system featuring an Ikelite-style electrical bulkhead and DS strobe. The Ikelite-style plug is widely recognized as the most reliable waterproof strobe sync connection available. Built-in strain reliefs reduce stress on cord ends.
Ball Arm System Mark II
This kit includes a complete strobe arm consisting of the strobe mount, two clamps, one 7-inch (18 cm) extension and mount to Quick Release Handle. Overall extended length of the arm is approximately 15 inches (38 cm). A great start to any system, providing flexibility to shoot both close-up and portrait work. Additional extensions and clamps can be added for wide angle work. Ikelite Ball Arm System Mark II provides opportunities to mount an additional lightweight accessory almost anywhere along the length of an arm.
The 1-inch Ball Arm System Mark II features 1-inch ball components with a groove and o-ring to prevent slippage for improved holding power with less force. While underwater, clamps may be finger-tightened to keep lighting in place yet allow repositioning without loosening the clamp. All parts are hard coat type III anodized for a long lasting, scratch resistant finish. Ikelite 1-inch ball components are compatible with most 1-inch arm system components from Aquatica TLC, Ultralight, Nauticam and others.
Shooting Dual Strobes
To shoot dual strobes, combine two kits with a compatible TTL Dual Sync Cord. Unlike the standard TTL Sync Cord, the TTL Dual Sync Cord is "Y" shaped with one straight cord to the housing and two longer, coiled cords for the attachment of two Ikelite strobes. You do not need to shoot two of the same strobes; strobes of different size and power can be combined. They recommend traveling with both single and dual sync cords for flexibility to shoot either one or two strobes as the situation demands.