Ikelite DS51 Underwater Strobe MkII

Ikelite DS51 II 50Ws TTL Underwater Strobe

If size and weight are your top priorities, the DS51 II is the perfect choice. Weighing under 443 g, it’s one of the smallest and lightest strobes in its class. Its compact design makes it ideal for macro, super macro, and close-focus wide-angle photography.

Product Details

Ergonomics

No need for tweezers—settings are easy to adjust with the prominent power/exposure mode switch on the rear of the strobe. A bright white indicator helps you see your current setting at a glance, even underwater.

When paired with a compatible TTL converter, the DS51 II automatically adjusts strobe power via your camera’s metering system.

True TTL Exposure

TTL flash mode uses your camera's pre-flash metering to automatically fine-tune strobe output. Ikelite TTL converters interpret this signal for precise exposure underwater. Simply set the strobe to TTL and focus on composing your shot.

TTL metering not only adjusts output—it improves recycle times, enables burst shooting, and conserves battery life in both the strobe and camera. This is essential for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Mix & Match

Many photographers use one or two DS51 II strobes for macro, or dual DS51 II strobes for wide-angle shots. You can also pair the DS51 II with higher-powered strobes like the DS160 II, DS162, or DS230 to add fill light, depth, and contrast.

The DS51 II supports a wide range of triggering options, making it adaptable for almost any shooting scenario—underwater, above water, or in studio environments.

Trigger the strobe via electrical sync cord (ICS-5 plug) or with an optional fibre optic converter. It’s compatible with most major camera brands when paired with an Ikelite TTL converter.

Remote triggering is supported via extension cords or an optical slave converter. Position your strobe off-camera for creative lighting techniques, including wreck or cave photography and pool-based studio setups.

When using fibre optic or optical slave triggering, each DS51 II strobe requires its own triggering device. When using a DS Link TTL Converter, connect two strobes with a dual Y-shaped sync cord.

Not sure which set-up is right for you? Let us know your camera and housing model, along with your typical shooting environment and subject matter—we’re here to help.

A Name to Trust

Ikelite was the first to introduce many industry standards, including aiming lights, interchangeable cords, removable batteries, smart chargers, power indicators, wireless TTL sensors, built-in video lights, and TTL compatibility with digital cameras.

With the longest history in professional underwater strobe design, Ikelite continues to produce the only underwater strobes designed and built in the USA—now distributed in over 95 countries.

In the Box

• DS51 Strobe
• Battery Door #9440.45 (installed)
• Diffuser #0561.2 (installed)
• 1" Ball Mount #4081.4 (installed)
• Waterproof bulkhead cap #9104.7 (installed)
• 2-year limited warranty