Faster, Brighter, FIBER // Introducing RC232 Strobe + Video Light Hybrid [VIDEO]

Featuring Ken Kiefer

When you're photographing big animals underwater like sharks, dolphins, and turtles, you need a lot of light and FAST. Professional underwater photographer Ken Kiefer describes the equipment he uses to capture split-second moments underwater, and how he feels about making the switch from electrical sync cords to fiber optic TTL.

The Ikelite RC232 Strobe with Video Light is the perfect solution for today's hybrid mirrorless cameras. When combined with the TT5 Canon TTL Fiber Optic Transmitter, you're ready to take advantage of faster-than-human reaction times and picture perfect exposure to make the most of every single shot.

If you're more of a reader, scroll down to read the article version of this video.

 

The Competitive Edge of Fiber Optics

Over the years I've been through a lot of strobes - you're always looking for a little edge on what you're doing. I've been shooting the RC232 hybrid strobe with video light for a while and love them, they're great for photo and video.

The RC232s have enough capacity - enough battery capacity, enough flash capacitors - to shoot in high speed. Whenever I'm going for a shark bite shot or there's just a split second where you really want a shot, you shoot burst mode. Sometimes a bubble is in the way in one shot and the next shot it's not in the way. Burst mode lets you get different angles, different mouth positions, different shark positions. And this is the only strobe that can keep up. 

My RC232 strobes are running TTL through the TT5 Fiber Optic Transmitter, and the strobes keep up without breaking a sweat. Before, I have always used an electrical sync cord; it works great and I was completely comfortable with it. But Ikelite came out with this TT5 Fiber Optic Converter and it's pretty much a game changer as far as the fiber optic cords being thinner and lighter. If you had to you could unplug them or switch them - even underwater. If you wanted to switch from right to left you can do anything underwater.

The size and convenience of fiber optic TTL is really the game changer for me. I've got more vision across the top of the camera, less weight, less to pack - it's a win-win.

 

Get the Gear

• RC232 TTL Underwater Strobe with Video Light [Fiber Optic] # 40123US / 40123UK / 40123EU / 40123AU
• TT5 Canon TTL Fiber Optic Transmitter for DL and DLM Underwater Housings # 44701
• Fiber Optic Coiled Cord # 4501

 

Pack the Gear

Ken has never shied away from a challenge, not even when it comes to strict airline carry-on requirements. Learn how Ken packs up his entire underwater system in a carry-on-friendly bag for a week of photographing sharks.

Additional Viewing

5 Situations Where You Need a Strobe Underwater [VIDEO]

BURST shooting // Using Drive Mode to your advantage underwater [VIDEO]

Shark Photography with the Canon R5 and DS230 Strobes

The Definition of Insanity in the Yucatán Peninsula

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

My Must Have Underwater Housing Accessory // Cable Top Handle Grip [VIDEO]

 

  

Ambassador Ken Kiefer has had a love of the water and nature since his younger days surfing in Corpus Christi, Texas. He got his first breath of compressed air while lifeguarding and was immediately hooked. Ken spends his professional life in and around a pool, which provides a handy spot to work on underwater photography and lighting techniques. But his passion is the ocean, and his favorite subjects are sharks (and his wife, Ambassador Kimber Kiefer). Read more...