Ikelite RC232 TTL Underwater Strobe with Video Light [Fiber Optic]

The Ikelite RC232 TTL Underwater Strobe with Video Light (Fiber Optic) is a dual-purpose underwater lighting system combining high-output flash performance with an integrated continuous video lamp in a compact, travel-ready design. Rated to 100 m / 330 ft, this TTL underwater strobe is engineered for dependable operation across recreational and professional dive environments.

As part of the latest generation of Ikelite strobes, the RC232 delivers automatic TTL flash exposure for accurate lighting control, a broad beam pattern for macro and wide-angle photography, and fiber-optic triggering that eliminates electrical sync cords. The integrated video light provides constant illumination for underwater filming, focus assist, and creative fill lighting — making this one of the most versatile underwater strobes in Ikelite’s lineup.

Powered by four AA batteries and built with corrosion-resistant ABS-PC construction, the Ikelite RC232 balances portability, durability, and consistent color rendition in a system designed specifically for underwater use.

Why Underwater Lighting Matters

Water quickly absorbs red and warm tones, leaving images flat with blue-green bias. A quality TTL underwater strobe like the Ikelite RC232 not only restores natural color and contrast but does so in a way that complements your camera’s exposure system, simplifying lighting decisions in ever-changing dive conditions.

Key Highlights

TTL automation: Integrated TTL for accurate exposure without guesswork
Fiber-optic triggering: Simple sync with compatible housings
Integrated video light: Continuous output for filming low-light scenes
Depth rating: 100 m / 330 ft for diversified dive environments
High-output flash: Reliable power for reef, wide-angle, and subject fill
Travel-ready design: Lightweight ABS-PC blend construction
Battery type: Four AA batteries — globally accessible power

Why Choose the Ikelite RC232 TTL Strobe?

Accurate TTL flash control: Automatically balances strobe power with ambient light and camera settings.
Fiber-optic simplicity: Avoids electrical sync cords, reducing potential failure points while simplifying setup.
Continuous video light: Adds constant illumination for underwater video or creative fill light during still shoots.
Balanced color output: Daylight-balanced flash and video lighting minimizes post-processing time and preserves natural hues.
Compact & portable: Lightweight housing and controls ideal for dive travel without sacrificing performance.

TTL Underwater Strobes Explained

TTL (Through The Lens) underwater strobes communicate with your camera to automatically adjust flash output based on scene lighting, distance, and subject reflectivity. This means more accurate exposures in mixed lighting conditions, faster shooting without guesswork, and fewer unusable frames — especially beneficial in fast-moving dive environments or complex light scenarios.

With fiber-optic triggering, the Ikelite RC232 uses light pulses rather than electrical signals — simplifying sync and reducing potential maintenance issues.

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

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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Sample Underwater Images:

A silvertip shark photographed with dual DS230 strobes without diffusers. There are no hotspots - only clean, soft light

A silvertip shark photographed with dual DS230 strobes (same output as the DS232) without diffusers. There are no hotspots - only clean, soft light

Beautiful colors captured with a single Ikelite DS230 strobe. I absolutely love the 5000K color temperature!

Beautiful colors captured with a single Ikelite DS230 strobe (same output as the DS232). I absolutely love the 5000K color temperature!

A school of jacks photographed with a single Ikelite DS230 strobe. Using one strobe gives it a dramatic, gloomy look. Keep in mind, I was not using a diffuser here - look at that beam angle! f/13, 1/125, ISO 250

A school of jacks photographed with a single Ikelite DS230 strobe (same output as the DS232). Using one strobe gives it a dramatic, gloomy look. Keep in mind, I was not using a diffuser here - look at that beam angle! f/13, 1/125, ISO 250

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Technical Specifications

Depth rating: 100 m / 330 ft
Triggering: Fiber-optic sync
TTL support: Yes — integrated TTL flash control
Video lamp: Continuous output for low-light shooting
Power: 4 × AA batteries (alkaline or rechargeable)
Beam coverage: Broad angle for flexible lighting
Construction: Corrosion-resistant ABS-PC blend
Included items: Strobe body, diffuser, ball mount, manual

Weight: 2.00 LBS

Dimensions: 7.20 (in) × 4.00 (in) × 4.00 (in)

Brand: Ikelite

RC232 Strobe Front # 40123X
Rechargeable NiMH Battery Pack # 40066BK
Battery Pack Cover # 0591.4
Smart Charger for NiMH with USA Plug # 0083.92 (or 0083.93 Euro Plug / 0083.94 UK Plug / 0083.95 Australian Plug)
1" Ball Mount # 4081.4 (installed)
2 year limited warranty

Frequently Asked Questions

What does TTL mean in an underwater strobe?

TTL (Through The Lens) enables automatic flash exposure based on camera metering, adjusting strobe output in real time — improving exposure accuracy in varied lighting conditions.

Is the integrated video light suitable for filming?

Yes and no. The continuous video lamp provides consistent illumination for low-light scenes and creative fill during underwater movie capture. But under general, or strong, lighting scenes, it will not be sufficient to light the subject, unless very close to the light source.

Is fiber-optic triggering compatible with all housings?

Most housings that support optical sync cables or TTL transmitters will work with fiber-optic strobes. Confirm your housing’s optical sync availability before purchase.