News

Ikelite has unveiled a new addition to its fiber-optically triggered line of strobes—the RC232. Complementing the midrange RC165, released in June 2025, the higher-end, more-expensive RC232 looks very similar and features the same external controls, but is distinguished by its built-in, centrally positioned COB LED.

While detailed specifications are not currently provided on the product page, the model name gives us a clue as to the power rating of the RC232. Like the RC165 is an upgrade from the the DS160 II and presumably offers the same 160Ws maximum power, the RC232 is the evolution of the DS232 and therefore likely has a flash power rating of 213Ws. We also don’t know the specification of the built-in video light, but we can guess that it’s the same as the DS232—namely, 2,500 lumens.

The RC232 supports fiber-optic TTL triggering with compatible cameras and transmitters. These include Ikelite housings for Canon cameras with the TT5 Canon TTL transmitter installed and for OM System/Olympus TG camera housings. (Ikelite says TTL transmitters for Nikon and Sony cameras are coming soon.) The strobe is designed to be used without a diffuser, but the 120º beam angle can be increased further with the use of Ikelite’s standard dome diffuser.

Priced at $1,495, the new Ikelite RC232 is shipping in March and can be pre-ordered now.
 

PRODUCT INFORMATION

SKU: 40123US

RC232 TTL Underwater Strobe with Video Light [Fiber Optic]

$ 1,495.00

Pre-order for early March release.

Light the world underwater.

When you drop down to the depths your time is limited. Be ready for anything that you find with the RC232 hybrid strobe with built-in video light. Know that it's going to work because it's designed and manufactured by a company that's been revolutionizing underwater strobe lighting for over 50 years.

A great strobe is your best investment.

Whether you're just getting started, upgrading, or down-sizing, the RC232 is a strobe that will support you through a lifetime of underwater imaging.

Trusted by professionals.

Our strobes are proven to perform in the harshest conditions on Earth: from the Arctic circle to Antarctica, and everywhere in-between.

The most powerful tool for underwater still and video

There's a simple rule to underwater lighting: more is better. A fast and powerful strobe is the easiest way to improve your underwater photos.

KEY FEATURES

• TTL that works on every shot with compatible camera systems
• Speed and power for professional grade performance
• Large, hard-click dials free of obstruction
• Perfectly diffused light without a diffuser
• Daylight-balanced color temperature for accurate representation of corals, models, and reef life
• Ultra-wide 120º beam angle
• Travel-safe, airline friendly NiMH rechargeable batteries
• No-lube, no-fuss positive cam lock
• Fully compatible with legacy systems
• USA-made
• 100m (330ft) depth rating
• 2-year warranty

Light Quality

Entry-level strobes dump raw light from a standard, straight flashtube to maximize guide number (brightness). These strobes require light diffusers and filters to soften and warm light and smooth out the sharp edges and banding effects. Most add-on modifiers dramatically cut light output and reduce the effective power of the strobe.

Lighting needs for underwater photography differ greatly compared to surface photography, so an off-the-shelf flashtube and reflector won't do. We have spent decades revising and perfecting our circular xenon flashtube for a perfectly gradated beam pattern and warm color temperature. A 4800K color temperature balances with available light underwater to provide richer coloring and deeper blue water backgrounds when shooting wide angle. Models' skin tones will look more natural and reds and oranges will pop with more vibrant color.

For times when an even wider angle of coverage is desired, the optional Dome Diffuser # 4069.2 is available to extend the spread of the light with only a half-stop reduction of apparent brightness.

A custom formulated ABS-PC blend make the strobe fundamentally corrosion-proof and over 1/2 lb (237 g) lighter than aluminum-body strobes.

Ergonomics

Change settings quickly without taking your eyes off the subject. Life moves quickly underwater and you need to be able to react instantly when your lighting needs change. Shooters who use manual strobe exposure settings prefer our large, click-stop dial controls which provide intuitive, tactical feedback of exposure setting.

The robust dial controls are now even larger and taller for comfortable use with even the thickest gloves. A slide lock prevents the strobe from accidentally being turned on when not in use.
 

High-Performance Power

Your strobe is only as powerful as the batteries that drive it. Commercially available batteries do not have the low internal impedance required for truly fast recycle times. Even the best rechargeable AA batteries are sluggish in high-powered strobes and only get slower and weaker as their charge drains.

Our custom rechargeable cells power high frame rate firing from the first shot to the last. These premium quality industrial grade NiMH cells have been proven to out perform alkaline and lithium cells in real world underwater conditions, including the temperature fluctuations and storage conditions of the photographer diver.

The battery pack attaches quickly and easily with a unique toggle lock that prevents accidental floods. You don't even need to lubricate the o-ring. The strobe front is compatible with older NiMH Battery Packs # 4066.5 or the newer packs # 40066GY and 40066BK (recommend # 40066BK for color match).

A Strobe for Life

From the invention of detachable underwater sync cords to the development of groundbreaking digital TTL electronics, Ikelite has remained committed to producing strobe systems that withstand the test of time.

Ike's theory was "smart housing, dumb strobe," resulting in the revolutionary concept of modular TTL intelligence. Simply connect the correct triggering device(s) and the RC232 will give fast and accurate output every time. This provides the ultimate versatility across camera systems, improves reliability, and insures against obsolescence as cameras with new TTL protocols are released on the market each year.

We have the longest track record in the design and manufacture of professional strobe lighting for underwater use. We offer the only underwater strobes designed and manufactured in the USA and distributed worldwide to over 95 countries.
 

TTL 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

In the Box

• 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