Backscatter strobe and snoot package

[PHIL RUDIN]

I have a pair of prototype Backscatter MF-1 strobes which came home with me from DEMA. One of the things I like most about the strobes is the narrow beam angle which is ideal for macro and super macro. The narrow beam allows you to separate subject from background making subjects pop. I feel like the strobes have more than ample power for my shooting style. The attached photos were taken with a Sony A7R IV with Sony FE 90mm F/2.8 macro in an Aquatica housing.

All shot at ISO100, at F/16 and 1/125th sec. The MF-1 has six power levels and all photos are at the 4 or 5 power level. The Scorpionfish eye was shot with the OS-1 snoot using the smallest hole of four using the oval aperture card.

 

[Chris Ross]

I have a pair of prototype Backscatter MF-1 strobes which came home with me from DEMA. One of the things I like most about the strobes is the narrow beam angle which is ideal for macro and super macro. The narrow beam allows you to separate subject from background making subjects pop. I feel like the strobes have more than ample power for my shooting style. The attached photos were taken with a Sony A7R IV with Sony FE 90mm F/2.8 macro in an Aquatica housing.

All shot at ISO100, at F/16 and 1/125th sec. The MF-1 has six power levels and all photos are at the 4 or 5 power level. The Scorpionfish eye was shot with the OS-1 snoot using the smallest hole of four using the oval aperture card.

View attachment 557547 View attachment 557549 View attachment 557550

Phil, is 1 or 6 the maximum power level for the strobe?

 

[bvanant]

6 is max power, 1 is pretty dim.
Bill

 

[Chris Ross]

6 is max power, 1 is pretty dim.
Bill

Thanks!

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

With the lowest #1 power setting you can get excellent exposures in the ISO50 to 100 range at F/2.8 to F/4 for shallow depth of field with full frame.

The #6 setting was a bit too powerful for most of my needs but could be useful with the snoot. I need more time using the snoots before I have those settings dialed in.

 

[Manneca]

What is the battery life like? Would I be able to use it on two dives without changing the battery? Assuming say 80 shots total? (I think that would be a max, but I'm off to Anilao)

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

I have been shooting 300+ images on a shallow water dive (2 1/2 hours plus) with plenty of power to spare with the focus lights on low power for the entire dive.

 

[Manneca]

Thanks

 

[bvanant]

Backscatter claim like 1400 shots with a fresh battery. I have only shot about 200 in a day and the light showed full.
Bill

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

My full review of the Backscatter MF-1 just posted in issue #112 of UWPMAG.com, this is a free PDF download and contains additional photos.