New strobes and a vid light for RX100VA

[ReadyDiverOne]

Hello All,

I'm looking for a new set of strobes for my RX100VA, as well as a good vid light for my GoPro 10 (may upgrade that). I previously had a pair of YS-D2s and loved them, along with a Kraken 5000 Hydro video light, but wanted to travel and dive lighter so sold those. At one point, I thought about getting the new hybrid Backscatter strobes but, although they look awesome, I just think they're too big and heavy.

So now I'm looking at smaller, less powerful options. Backscatter has a very good article on this: Best Underwater Lighting of 2024: Strobes & Flashes - Underwater Photography - Backscatter

They recommend the AOI Q1, the Solis YS-01 and -03 and the Inon S220. I am principally a wide-angle photographer and have read that the AOI Q1 may not be powerful enough, so I'm leaning towards the Solis YS-03. I'd appreciate any thoughts. I recognize that this is a significant downgrade in power from the YS-D2s, but that's life.

Relatedly, having had the 5000 lumens of the Kraken for video, what do folks think I can live with now? I haven't been able to find a good summary article on this and there are sooooo many choices. Could I get by with 2000 lumens, maybe 3000? What do people think and what particular lights to people recommend.

Many thanks.

 

[BoltSnap]

Did you look at Backscatter's new strobe/video light?

Backscatter Hybrid Flash Underwater Strobe & Video Light HF-1

Backscatter Hybrid Flash Underwater Strobe & Video Light HF-1: With the introduction of the Backscatter Hybrid Flash HF-1, underwater photographers can now capture stunning stills and video with a single versatile tool.

www.backscatter.com

 

[rmorgan]

At one point, I thought about getting the new hybrid Backscatter strobes but, although they look awesome, I just think they're too big and heavy.

Did you look at Backscatter's new strobe/video light?

I think he probably did

 

[Barmaglot]

YS-03 is TTL-only - no controls at all except on/off, so unless that's your cup of tea, I would stay away. Between YS-01 and S220, I would lean towards the latter - tests show it punching well above its weight in terns of output, although the controls are fiddly.

You can also look at iDive Symbiosis SS3, which offers strobe and video light functions in a fairly compact package, but these are out of production, so used market is your only option.

 

[David Haas]

I have a Symbiosis SS3 with manual control flash plus 2800 lumen video light both white and red lights for sale.

PM me and I can send you details including price, etc.

David Haas

 

[ReadyDiverOne]

@David Haas I would need two do you have two?

 

[ReadyDiverOne]

Thanks all for the responses, I'm inclined to go with the Inons, like the weight and seems like excellent performance. I also like to sometimes take photos while video-ing and I don't think one can do this with an all-in-one light, correct?

Any thoughts on decent video light? Is there anything lighter than a Kraken that will give me 5000 lumens or close thereto?

Thanks again.

 

[ReadyDiverOne]

Sorry, additional question for @Barmaglot I'm reading that the Inon S220 is particularly well-suited for macro, do you find it is good for wide angle? Is the YS-01 better for wide angle (yes, you're right, not considering the -03). Thanks.

 

[Barmaglot]

Sorry, additional question for @Barmaglot I'm reading that the Inon S220 is particularly well-suited for macro, do you find it is good for wide angle? Is the YS-01 better for wide angle (yes, you're right, not considering the -03). Thanks.

I haven't used either personally (I shoot with a pair of 2nd gen Retras) but from tests that I've seen, S220 is somewhat more powerful than YS-01. It's not a great strobe for wide-angle, but it's serviceable - certainly much better than MF-1/MF-2/Q1.