Ikelite Ecko Fiber Underwater Strobe
The Ikelite Ecko Fiber Underwater Strobe is a compact strobe designed for underwater photography systems that use fiber-optic triggering. It 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.
Ikelite Ecko Strobe Review
Benefits of the Ecko Fiber Underwater Strobe
- Cord-free simplicity — No sync cords to worry about, extra o-rings to grease; fiber-optic triggering ensures clean and reliable firing.
- Travel friendly — Lightweight and compact, it fits into travel kits and carry-ons without hassle.
- Consistent color & exposure — Emits daylight-balanced light for more accurate color reproduction.
- Cost-effective — Less expensive than higher-output pro strobes, yet delivers dependable performance.
- Easily powered anywhere — Runs on AA batteries, eliminating the need for bulky rechargeable packs.
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
- 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.
