Ikelite · PRODUCT GUIDEIkelite DS165 TTL Underwater Strobe [Electrical Bulkhead] Review
Sources checked · Unscored![DS165 TTL Underwater Strobe [Electrical Bulkhead]](/images/products/ikelite-72d57ddea6aa65f2.webp)
Review
Source evidence is available, but no eligible numeric overall rating was verified. This product remains unscored.
How we calculate scores →About this gear
The DS165 is an electrical-sync strobe for photographers who want automatic flash exposure with a compatible Ikelite TTL system or direct manual control. Its 160 Ws flash and removable NiMH battery suit repeated still-photo dives. The small built-in spot light helps with aiming; it is not a substitute for a broad video light.
Consider before buying
Camera, converter and cable compatibility determine TTL support. Fibre-optic use needs an additional receiver; the RC165 is a different connection version. The official page conflicts on beam coverage, listing 120 degrees in its features and 100 degrees in its comparison table. Confirm that figure before planning a wide-angle pair. Battery mass also matters when packing two strobes.
Our take
Bluewater’s Sea of Cortez test reports easy dial operation and quick recycling, but it is an unscored retailer review. The DS165 is a reasonable shortlist choice for an existing electrical Ikelite rig. Compare the separate RC165 if starting with optical triggering, and check its specifications independently. The DS230’s published ratings cannot be used to score this model.
Specifications at a glance
- Equipment type
- Underwater strobe
- Flash energy
- 160 Ws
- Colour temperature
- 5000 K
- Depth rating
- 100 m
- Aiming light
- 205-lumen spot
- Manual adjustment
- 10 positions in half-stop increments
- Battery
- Removable NiMH pack
- Listed recycle time
- 0–1 second, depending on output
- Beam coverage
- Official page conflicts: 120° features / 100° table
A closer look at DS165 TTL Underwater Strobe [Electrical Bulkhead]
Editorial profile written
Questions to settle before buying
Based on the equipment type in the researched profile.
- Does the housing and trigger support this strobe’s exact optical or electrical connection?
- Is flash exposure manual or TTL, and does that suit your camera and subjects?
- What beam coverage, recycle time and battery requirements apply at the intended flash power?
Explore the related equipment section →
What still needs checking
Independent review coverage and model updates still need ongoing research.
Published review evidence is available further down this page; only eligible overall ratings contribute to its score.
Where this research comes from
Read the source ↗ · Open the product listing ↗
Exact product name and URL in manufacturer feed · cached source, collected 2026-10-02 · Catalogue audit 2026-10-02.
Source matching and feature extraction are automated. An editorial profile, independent review and hands-on test are separate things; none is implied by this audit.
Review evidence and source documents
Published findings and supporting documents, with each source identified below. We have not personally tested this product.
Ikelite DS165 Underwater Strobe Review ↗
Sea of Cortez field test reports convenient dials and fast recycling, with travel bulk and modifier choice as tradeoffs. It publishes no numeric overall score.
Source and scoring details
Exact electrical DS165, distinguished from fibre-optic RC165 and DS230.
Retailer that sells the strobe; test belongs to the reviewer, not this site.
Original review: Bluewater Photo
