Ikelite Ecko Underwater Strobe (Fiber Optic)
The Ikelite Ecko Underwater Strobe is a compact, fiber-optic triggered lighting solution designed to restore color and contrast to underwater photography. The Ikelite Ecko Fiber Strobe is part of the latest generation of Ikelite strobes engineered for reliable performance down to 100m / 330ft. Whether shooting macro or wide-angle scenes, the Ikelite Ecko delivers consistent, daylight-balanced illumination in a travel-friendly form factor.
The Ikelite Ecko Fiber Underwater Strobe is compatible with pre-flash-capable camera systems and is triggered by optical sync without the need for electrical connections. The strobe is housed in a corrosion-resistant ABS-PC body and powered by AA batteries. It provides a daylight-balanced light output and is intended for use in underwater macro, close-focus wide-angle, and general photographic applications.
The Ecko Fiber Strobe integrates with underwater camera setups that include a fiber-optic connection between the camera’s flash and the strobe’s sensor. It does not provide TTL or manual output control from the housing but is designed to respond to the light signal from the camera's built-in flash.
The device is part of the Ikelite strobe lineup, which includes models such as the Ikelite DS51 II, DS165/RC165, and DS232. It is compatible with most Ikelite underwater housings that support fiber-optic strobe communication, as well as with other brands' housings that include similar fiber-optic functionality.
Key Features of the Ikelite Ecko Fiber Underwater Strobe
- Fiber-optic triggering compatibility for seamless sync with pre-flash systems (no sync cord required, fiber cord only).
- Compact and lightweight design suitable for travel and easy mounting. Comparable in size to the DS51.
- 100% corrosion-proof ABS-PC housing, reflecting professional-level durability despite its light weight
- Daylight-balanced output (~5000K) to preserve natural color rendition underwater
- AA battery operation: uses easily found alkaline or rechargeable cells, offering convenience and flexibility.
- Fast recycle times comparable to AA-driven strobes like the DS51 II, ideal for macro and quick shooting scenarios.
Why Underwater Strobes Matter
Water absorbs red and warm color tones quickly — often within the first few feet. Even shallow dives can produce flat, blue-green images without artificial light. A quality underwater strobe restores natural color, increases contrast, and sharpens subject detail.
The Ikelite Ecko RC Fiber is designed to solve this problem efficiently. Its wide beam coverage and balanced color output make it suitable for a range of underwater photography styles, positioning it among the best underwater strobes in its compact class.
Why Choose the Ikelite Ecko RC Fiber?
- Fiber-optic triggering simplicity: Eliminates electrical sync cords, reducing maintenance and potential failure points. Clean integration with compatible underwater housings and optical TTL systems.
- Reliable 50 Ws flash output: Balanced power for macro subjects and mid-range wide-angle compositions.
- Wide 120° beam coverage: Even illumination helps reduce hotspots and improves edge coverage.
- Daylight-balanced (~5000K) color temperature: Produces natural skin tones and accurate reef colors.
- Travel-friendly design: Lightweight ABS-PC construction reduces carry weight while maintaining durability.
- Globally accessible power: Uses four AA batteries — easy to source anywhere in the world.
TTL & Manual Control Flexibility
The Ikelite Ecko RC Fiber supports TTL exposure when paired with compatible fiber-optic transmitters and housings. TTL allows the camera to automatically calculate flash exposure, simplifying lighting in dynamic underwater conditions.
Manual power adjustment is also available via an intuitive control dial, giving experienced photographers precise lighting control when desired.
Macro & Wide-Angle Versatility
For macro photography, the controlled output and quick recycle time allow precise lighting of small subjects without overpowering highlights.
For wide-angle scenes, dual Ikelite Ecko strobes provide balanced coverage across reef structures and larger subjects. The 120° beam angle supports flexible positioning for creative lighting.
Ikelite Ecko Strobe Review
Ikelite Ecko Strobe Review — a hands-on review of Ikelite’s updated 50 Ws underwater strobe with TTL and wide-angle lighting performance at a great price:
Manufactured by Ikelite, a U.S.-based company known for durable underwater systems and housing solutions for stills and video shooters. The housing is factory pressure tested and built in the USA. A typical return/warranty window is standard for Ikelite — check with your seller for specific terms. At purchase through authorized resellers like you can also expect lifetime setup and advice support for your underwater rig.
Free shipping over $200 · Lifetime support included
Connectivity
- Fiber Optic Cable (Ikelite fiber Cables)
- The Ecko DS comes with an electrical bulkhead for legacy users.
Compatibility
This strobe supports fiber optic TTL triggering with compatible cameras and TTL transmitters. Manual fiber optic triggering is supported with all other systems.
Ikelite Housing Models:
- Compatible housings for Canon cameras with TT5 Canon TTL Transmitter installed
- OM-System TG-7
- Olympus TG-3, TG-4, TG-5, TG-6
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
- Olympus Stylus 1s
- Nikon TTL Transmitter COMING SOON
- Sony TTL Transmitter COMING SOON
Non-Ikelite Housing Models:
- Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II with FL-LM3 flash in Olympus or Nauticam Housing
- Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II with FL-LM3 flash in Olympus, Nauticam, or Isotta Housing
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 in Nauticam Housing
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II in Nauticam Housing
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III in Nauticam Housing
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV in Nauticam Housing
- Olympus Tough TG-3, TG-4 in Olympus, Nauticam, or Recsea Housing
- Olympus Tough TG-5, TG-6 in Olympus PT-059, Nauticam, Isotta, or Recsea Housing
- OM System Tough TG-7 in Olympus PT-059, Nauticam, Isotta, or Recsea Housing
- Panasonic LUMIX GH3, GH4 with DMW-FL70 flash in any housing that supports use of the DMW-FL70 flash
- Panasonic LUMIX GH5, GH5s with DMW-FL70 flash in Nauticam or any housing that supports use of the DMW-FL70 flash
- Panasonic LUMIX GX8 with DMW-FL70 flash in Nauticam Housing
| 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
- Power: 50 watt-sec
- Coverage angle: 117° (without diffuser) / 140° (with diffuser)
- Color temperature: 5700K
- Recycle time: 0 to 2.5 sec
- Trigger method: Fiber Optic Port
- Controls: TTL, Full, -0.5, -1, -1.5, -2, -2.5
- Depth rating: 330 ft (100 m)
- Weight: 391 g
- Dimensions: 83 mm diameter x 105 mm
- Ecko Strobe with Fiber Optic Port
- Dome Diffuser
- 1" Ball Mount
- Instruction Manual
- 2-Year Limited Warranty
What is the Ikelite Ecko Fiber Strobe best used for?
It’s best for photographers using fiber-optic-ready housings, especially when prioritizing portability and simple AA operation.
How do you trigger the Ecko Fiber Strobe?
It fires automatically via fiber-optic triggering from your camera’s pre-flash—no sync cord bulkhead, only fiber optics.
Can I use it with an Ikelite DS51 or DS160 strobe?
Yes. The Ecko Fiber integrates easily into multi-strobe rigs alongside DS series models for balanced lighting setups.
Is the housing tough enough for saltwater dives?
Absolutely. The corrosion-resistant ABS-PC shell matches pro-level Ikelite durability.
Do I need special batteries?
No—standard AA alkaline or NiMH batteries work fine, making power easy to manage on travel dives.
