Ikelite Ecko DS Underwater Strobe
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 strobes 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 strobe's physical dimensions are 83 mm in diameter and 105 mm in length, with a weight of 391 grams (13.8 oz). The 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.
Internally, the Ikelite Ecko DS is built with an aluminum front and polycarbonate rear housing, designed to manage internal pressure and light heat dissipation. The flash tube is xenon-based, standard for underwater strobes, and integrated into a reflector assembly that provides even light distribution across the coverage area. The dome diffuser is made from optical-grade acrylic and is removable by the user.
The unit is assembled in the USA and comes with a 2-year limited warranty. The package includes the strobe, diffuser, 1-inch ball mount, and printed quick start documentation. Sync cords, TTL converters, batteries, and chargers are sold separately. The strobe is compatible with both single- and dual-strobe configurations and can be used alongside existing Ikelite DS160, DS162, and DS230 units
Key Specifications of the Ikelite Ecko DS Underwater Strobe
- Flash output: 50 Ws
- Coverage angle: 117° (bare) / 140° (with included dome diffuser)
- Color temperature: 5700 K (daylight-balanced)
- Recycle time: 0–2.5 s depending on power level
- Controls: TTL, full power, manual –0.5 to –2.5 EV in 0.5-stop increments
- Triggering: Electrical bulkhead with sync cord or DS-Link TTL converter
- Depth rating: 100 m / 330 ft
- Power supply: 4 × AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH, lithium)
- Weight: 391 g
- Dimensions: 83 × 105 mm (diameter × length)
- Warranty: 2 years
| Specification | Ecko DS | Ecko Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Output | 50 watt-seconds | 50 watt-seconds |
| Beam Angle (with diffuser) | 120° | 120° |
| Color Temperature | 5000K | 5000K |
| Recycle Time | 0 to 2.5 seconds | 0 to 2.5 seconds |
| Triggering Method | Electrical bulkhead (sync cord or converter) | Fiber-optic cable |
| TTL Capability | Yes (with compatible converter) | Yes (with supported cameras and fiber-optic trigger) |
| Power Source | 4x AA batteries | 4x AA batteries |
| Depth Rating | 100 m / 330 ft | 100 m / 330 ft |
| Weight (approx.) | 391 g | 391 g |
Related Underwater Gear Categories:
- Ikelite Housings, Strobes and Accessories
- Underwater Strobes & Flashes
- Underwater Video Lights
- Snoots for Underwater Strobes
- The Best Underwater Strobes and Flashes
- Our Best Travel BCD's for Underwater Photography
- Our Best Scuba Fins for 2024
- Ecko Strobe with Electrical Bulkhead
- Dome Diffuser
- 1" Ball Mount
- Instruction Manual
- 2-Year Limited Warranty
What depth can the Ikelite Ecko DS handle?
It’s rated to 100 m (330 ft), making it safe for recreational and technical diving.
How does TTL work with ikelite strobes?
Use Ikelite DS‑Link converters or optical sync cords with your camera for automatic flash exposure on each shot.
Can I use rechargeable batteries in this ikelite underwater strobe?
Yes—AA alkaline, NiMH (like Eneloop), or lithium AA batteries all work.
Is the Ecko DS compatible with other ikelite underwater housing systems?
Absolutely—it connects via standard electrical bulkheads and fits with all ikelite housings and sync accessories.
Do I need to maintain the battery compartment O-ring?
No—the battery section is independently sealed and maintenance-free.
