Question want to step up from TG6 , but bit confused!

[arew+4]

One more thing to consider before you drop a bunch of money on video lights. Do you enjoy editing video? I thought I might, turns out I don't. I have a smallish video light the backscatter MW4300, I mainly use it as supplemental light to soften shadows opposite the my strobe for photo, and as primary light on night dives. The multiple levels of brightness, narrow and wide beams, plus the red light make it very versatile.

 

[Barmaglot]

The AA battery aspect of the Retras is a concern for sure , which is also one of the reason for increase in size and weight. There would be bit of expenses included in the purchase of numerous batteries and the charger as well.

Retra strobes up to and including 4th gen (Pure, Prime+, Pro Max) are powered by AA cells. 5th gen (Maxi) use 21700 type Li-Ion batteries, which are individually larger, but you only need two of them instead of eight AAs.

Also after Inon's most sought after Z330 being discontinued, i suppose there is nothing much left in compact strobe bracket except for Retras. But they come with a $$$$ tag. And if one wants to keep it low then it has to be compromised with the size, BS, Marelux etc.

Retras, regardless of model, are somewhat larger than Z-330s. It's not a huge difference, but it's noticeable. Sea & Sea YS-D3 series is also somewhat more compact than Retras. Another option, if you want to cheap out, is SeaFrogs SF-01 - the feature set is quite basic (no TTL or HSS), but it's got good power, uses two 18650 Li-Ion cells, size and weight is similar to YS-D2/D3, and you can get a pair for well under $800.

Retra Maxis, if you have the budget for them, are a good choice - I've been using a pair of Retra Pros since they came out, and I'm quite happy with them. That said, I'm curious to see a real-world comparison between the straight bulb in them, and the circular bulb in previous gen models.

 

[thesaltyfins]

One more thing to consider before you drop a bunch of money on video lights

Are you referring this to Retra Maxi or Hybrid Flash in general? . Till now i have not edited any of the videos taken with bare TG 6 , so enjoyment / know how of editing is still unknown. Also difference between Retra flash prime and retra maxi at this point is minimum. Cost wise

Secondly the uw photo and video equipment market in India is at a very nascent stage. So getting anything of yr choice means importing. So every import means added shipping as well as customs. So any purchase has to be well planned.

I am very much open to good preowned stuff but that too involves importing so wait to get lucky if someone's upgrading and you are aware of it.

Feel free to voice yr take on Hybrid flash strobe vs just a strobe.

Thanks

 

[thesaltyfins]

Sea & Sea YS-D3 series is also somewhat more compact than Retras.

I would stay away from Sea&Sea at this point till they don't prove themselves again to better at after sales.

For sure Retras are high end products, but here more than the budget since i am spending for the 1st time , better be at something that will last for some time to come.

My concern was the size as against their Prime+, but have pretty much cleared that doubt for me.

Even i am waiting for some 1st hand uw review on the Maxis. Anyway they are on preorder now with deliveries only post May 2025.

Thanks