Ikelite Ecko Underwater Strobe (Electrical Bulkhead)

The Ikelite Ecko DS Underwater Strobe is a compact lighting unit engineered for underwater photography at recreational and advanced levels. It is part of the ikelite strobe system and is compatible with ikelite underwater housings and accessories. The strobe supports TTL and manual exposure control, triggered via electrical sync cord connections or TTL converters like the Ikelite DS Link. It features a daylight-balanced color temperature of 5000 K, with a beam spread of 120° unmodified. The flash output is rated at 50 watt-seconds (Ws).

The strobe body has a depth rating of 100 meters (330 feet). The package includes a removable dome diffuser for wider and softer light coverage. Power is supplied using four AA batteries, which may be alkaline, NiMH, or lithium chemistries. The strobe uses an independently sealed battery compartment. This design is intended to separate the battery compartment from the main electronics housing for improved flood protection.

The Ecko DS unit includes manual power adjustment in six increments, ranging from full to –2.5 EV, adjustable in 0.5-stop steps. This allows users to manually regulate flash intensity in situations where TTL control is either unavailable or undesired. TTL support is available for a variety of camera systems, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, and Fujifilm, when using corresponding Ikelite DS Link TTL converters. These converters facilitate communication between the camera and strobe for automatic flash exposure.

The strobe is not fiber optic-compatible by default, as it features an electrical bulkhead connector. It connects to housings via Ikelite sync cords with a standardized ICS-5 connector, which is widely used in ikelite underwater housing systems. The Ikelite Ecko DS is compatible with other DS-series strobes for multi-strobe lighting configurations. 

The recycle time varies from instantaneous at lowest power settings to approximately 2.5 seconds at full power, depending on the battery type used. For example, lithium batteries tend to produce faster recycle times than alkaline types. A test fire button and power level indicator are located on the rear dial interface. The interface includes a mechanical control knob with printed indicators for TTL, full power, and manual power levels (–0.5 to –2.5 EV). A red LED confirms ready status. The interface is analog, requiring no touchscreen or electronic menu navigation.

• Wide, even light when it matters: up to 140° coverage with the included dome diffuser for reef scenes, wrecks, and close-focus wide angle.
• Confident exposure options: TTL capability (with compatible converter systems) plus simple, repeatable manual power steps.
• Fast pace, less waiting: 0–2.5s recycle time supports active subjects and quick composition changes.
• Travel-friendly power anywhere: runs on 4 widely available AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH, or NiCad).
• Dive-deep reliability: depth-rated to 100m / 330ft for demanding dives and tough conditions.
• No-fuss battery sealing: independently sealed battery compartment; no lubrication required on the battery door o-ring.
• Built to be used: compact form factor, included 1" ball mount, and a diffuser you can secure with the included lanyard clip.

Ikelite Ecko DS Underwater Strobe

Compact power and clean color for macro, wide angle, and everything between

The Ecko DS is for underwater shooters who want a strobe that’s easy to pack, quick to set up, and consistent shot-to-shot. Whether you’re lighting nudibranch details at arm’s length, bringing back color on coral, or filling in shadows under a turtle’s shell, the Ecko DS delivers an even beam and a natural-looking daylight tone that’s simple to work with on any dive itinerary.

Why This Product Matters

Underwater light disappears fast, and ambient color shifts constantly with depth and direction. A good strobe isn’t just about “more light”—it’s about restoring contrast, texture, and believable color while keeping your workflow simple. The Ecko DS balances real output (50 Ws) with a compact body and direct controls, so you spend less time fighting settings and more time composing.

• Small kit, big coverage: the included diffuser expands the beam up to 140° for wide-angle scenes without harsh hot spots.
• Exposure that matches your shooting style: use TTL for fast-changing subjects or manual steps for consistent repeatability.
• Travel practicality: AA power is easy to source worldwide and straightforward to manage between dives.

Real-World Performance

The Ecko DS is tuned for the way divers actually shoot: quick subject changes, mixed distances, and limited space. Recycle time is fast enough to keep pace with active marine life, and the strobe’s coverage is wide enough to support modern wide-angle lenses when paired with good strobe positioning.

• Output: 50 watt-seconds for strong fill light and vibrant color return.
• Coverage: 117° without diffuser; up to 140° with the included dome diffuser.
• Color temperature: 5700K daylight-balanced output for natural color and easy post-processing.
• Recycle: 0–2.5 seconds depending on power level and battery condition.
• Depth rating: 100m / 330ft.

Creative Flexibility & Control

When you want speed, TTL can help nail exposure as you move from bright sand to shadowy ledges. When you want consistency, manual power steps make it easy to lock in a look and repeat it across a series. The Ecko DS provides six manual exposure settings in half-stop increments, plus TTL operation when connected to a compatible TTL system.

• TTL mode (with compatible converter): useful for fast-moving subjects and changing backgrounds.
• Manual power steps: Full, -0.5, -1.0, -1.5, -2.0, -2.5 for predictable lighting and repeatable results.
• Dome diffuser included: softens light and expands coverage; reduces intensity by one f-stop for smoother wide-angle illumination.

Who This Product Is For

• Traveling photographers: compact size, AA power, and a simple control layout that’s easy to manage on a boat.
• Macro shooters who still want wide angle: strong output and wide coverage with diffuser for versatility on the same dive.
• TTL-first shooters: a practical choice when paired with compatible TTL converters for consistent exposures shot-to-shot.
• New strobe users who want to grow: straightforward manual steps that teach lighting without being complicated.

Ready to light your next dive

If you want a compact strobe that’s straightforward to operate, wide enough for real wide-angle work, and capable of consistent color and contrast on every dive day, the Ikelite Ecko DS is a smart, practical choice. Pair it with a compatible TTL converter for fast, confident exposure—or run it in manual for clean, repeatable lighting as your skills grow.

Ikelite Ecko Strobe Review

Want a deeper dive into real-world performance? Read our hands-on Ikelite Ecko strobe review for sample images, lighting breakdowns, and practical setup tips.

Content reviewed by Bluewater Photo staff, recognized as the #1 online retailer specializing in underwater photography and scuba diving equipment, with real-world experience supporting, selling, and configuring underwater camera systems.

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