Ikelite DS232 Underwater Strobe & Video Light NIMH

Ikelite DS232 213Ws Underwater TTL Strobe with Video Light

Some situations underwater require as much light as you can get. The DS232 packs more flash capacitance to cut through the water and deliver sharper, more colourful, professional-looking wide-angle images. The DS232 has the power you need whether you're shooting in a pool studio or out in the open water.

Product Details

Light Quality

Entry-level strobes often dump raw light from a standard, straight flashtube to maximise brightness. These strobes require diffusers and filters to soften and warm the light and eliminate sharp edges and banding. Most add-on modifiers significantly reduce effective power output.

Lighting needs for underwater photography differ from surface photography, so off-the-shelf flashtubes and reflectors won’t suffice. Ikelite has spent decades refining a circular xenon flashtube for a smooth beam pattern and warm 5000K colour temperature. This balance enhances underwater ambient light, enriches colours, and deepens blue water backgrounds. Skin tones appear more natural, while reds and oranges pop with vivid contrast.

When broader coverage is needed, the optional Dome Diffuser (#4069.2) extends beam spread with only a half-stop reduction in brightness.

Many modern mirrorless and compact cameras excel in both photo and video, demanding more from lighting systems. The DS232 includes a powerful, 2500 lumen wide-beam COB LED light array, allowing seamless transition between still and video capture.

The video light also functions as an aiming light, automatically turning off and back on when a photo is taken. In video mode, it features low, medium, and high settings, along with an SOS mode for emergency signalling.

Construction

A custom-formulated ABS-PC blend makes the DS232 corrosion-proof and over 237 grams (½ lb) lighter than aluminium-bodied strobes.

Ergonomics

Adjust strobe settings without taking your eyes off the subject. Underwater action happens fast, and manual shooters will appreciate the large, click-stop dial controls offering intuitive tactile feedback.

These robust controls are now even larger and taller, ensuring comfortable use with thick gloves. A slide lock prevents accidental power-on during transport or storage.

High Performance Power

A strobe is only as reliable as its power source. Consumer-grade batteries lack the low internal impedance needed for fast recycle times. Even high-end AA rechargeables slow down under heavy use.

Ikelite’s custom NiMH rechargeable cells deliver consistent high-speed performance from first to last shot. These premium industrial-grade cells outperform alkaline and lithium options in real underwater conditions, including temperature fluctuations and long-term storage. While average lifespan is around 5 years, many divers report over 10–15 years of use.

The battery pack attaches quickly via a unique toggle lock that prevents flooding and eliminates the need for O-ring lubrication. The DS232 front is compatible with older NiMH Battery Packs (#4066.5) and the DS230 Strobe Battery Pack (#40066BK).

A Strobe for Life

Ikelite has led innovations like modular TTL electronics, enabling the DS232 to support evolving camera TTL protocols by simply changing the triggering device. This ensures long-term system compatibility and versatility.

Ikelite holds the longest-standing reputation in underwater strobe design and is the only brand still manufacturing strobes in the USA, with distribution in over 95 countries.

In the Box

• DS232 Strobe Front with Video Light #40232X
• Rechargeable NiMH Battery Pack #40066BK
• Battery Pack Cover #0591.4
• Smart Charger for NiMH with Australian Plug #0083.95 (other plug types available separately)
• 1" Ball Mount #4081.4 (installed)
• Waterproof bulkhead cap #9104.7
• Silicone lubricant (1cc tube)
• 2-year limited warranty