The Backscatter Atom Flash Underwater Strobe is a small flash with big power for serious underwater photography. With an underwater guide number of ƒ28 and a smooth 110° beam, it has enough output to light shallow reefs, big wide-angle scenes, and stopped-down sunball shots, while still being compact enough for tight macro work. Flat and dome diffusers expand and soften the beam, and the Optical Snoot OS-2 plus built-in 1,000-lumen white and red focus lights make precise, pinpoint macro lighting straightforward.
Sharing the same advanced controls as the larger Hybrid Flash, the Atom Flash adds flexible shooting options in a travel-friendly body. You get 11 manual power levels, Smart Control TTL for supported Sony, Olympus, and OM System cameras, a Low Power mode with 10 extra fine-adjustment steps, high-speed sync, and wireless remote triggering. A fast recycle time of just under a second at full power keeps up with rapid bursts, while an auto-rotating LCD clearly shows mode, power, remaining flash count, and battery life—so you can focus on composition, not guessing your strobe settings.
- What it is: A compact underwater strobe for still photography.
- Best for: Travel, super-macro, macro, and close-range wide-angle; not ideal for distant subjects or large scenes.
- Key compatibility: Fiber-optic sync with common optical triggers; check your housing’s ports and cables.
- Important notes: TTL, battery type, and depth rating vary by model; confirm requirements before your trip.
Key Specifications of the Backscatter Atom Underwater Strobe
- Bright ƒ28 Underwater Guide Number
- High Quality, Even, & Wide Flash Beam
- White & Red Focus Light Modes
- Travel-Friendly Size
- Easy Bayonet Mounted Optical Snoot OS-2
- Selectable Angle of Coverage with Included Flat Diffuser & Optional Dome Diffuser
- Selectable Color Temperature with Optional Warming Diffusers—6400K, 5500, 4500 & Ambient.
- Smart Control Automatic TTL Flash Power for Sony, Olympus & OM System Cameras
- Low Power Flash Mode—Delicate Lighting for Darker Scenes
- Wireless Off-Camera Remote Control - Mix & Match with the Mini Flash 2, Mini Flash 3, & Hybrid Flash
- Super Bright Display & Menu LCD Screen
- Two User Programmable Custom Modes
- HSS Compatible with Backscatter Smart Control TTL Trigger & Third Party Triggers
- Powered by Two Protected 18650 Batteries
- Shoot All Day with Over 600 Flashes at Full Power
- SOS Emergency Signalling Mode
Small size, big control
Keep your rig nimble without giving up manual control. The Atom Flash is designed to balance travel weight with dependable output for macro and close-focus scenes.
- Fast, simple power adjustment dials you can feel with gloves.
- Consistent color for natural-looking subjects.
- Beam suitable for close-range lighting and snooting.
Flexible sync options
Connect via fiber-optic cables from your housing’s optical ports or LED trigger. Confirm TTL converters and specific cable ends before purchase.
- Manual optical sync with common cables.
- TTL support depends on camera/trigger.
- Works with standard arms/clamps for easy positioning.
Travel-friendly build
Lightweight, compact, and ready for carry-on. Add it to your existing tray/arm system with standard ball mounts or adapters.
- Compact size simplifies airline packing.
- Common mounting options for easy rig integration - ball/ys mount.
- Durable housing materials for frequent diving.
Macro and CFWA lighting control
Dial in shadows and highlights for small subjects or close-focus wide-angle. Use one or two strobes depending on your look and working distance.
- Fine control for backlighting, rim light, and snooted effects.
- Predictable recycle for patient macro shooting.
- Option to expand to dual-strobe later.
Pros
- Compact, travel-friendly strobe footprint.
- Simple manual controls for macro and CFWA.
- Works with common fiber-optic sync setups.
Cons
- Limited reach for large, distant subjects compared to big strobes.
- Exact TTL support and triggers vary by camera system.
- Specs like guide number and recycle time must be confirmed.
Why Buy from Bluewater Photo
Bluewater Photo is a trusted underwater imaging retailer offering expert advice before and after your purchase. You get access to setup guidance and lifetime support for dialing in your strobes and optics. Warranty and return windows follow manufacturer and Bluewater policies—please review current terms at checkout. [VERIFY specific warranty/return details]
Pack light, shoot sharp, and bring back color from every dive.
Free shipping over $200 · Lifetime support included
Light up the smallest subjects with precision and confidence — a compact strobe built for creative underwater macro.
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Learn More — Guides & Articles
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- Best Video Lights for 2025 — our favorite continuous lights.
- Depth Rating: 100m/330ft
- Guide Number: ƒ28
- Maximum LED Output: 1,000 Lumens
- Power: Two 18650 10A Li-Ion Batteries
- Recycle time at FULL: 0.95 seconds
- Number of Flashes at FULL: Over 600
- LED Run Time: Minimum of 98 minutes with managed power decline curve
- Weight in Air: 1.8lbs / 830g (with battery)
- Weight in Water: 5.6oz / 160g (with battery)
- Sync Cord: Fiber Optic
- Seal: Dual O-rings with additional Sand Seal Gasket
- Exposure Control: Flash: 11-step Power Level, LED: 3-step Power Level
- Dimensions With Ball (LxWxD): 6.1 x 5.7 x 3.3in, 154 x 145 x 85mm
- Material: Anodized Machined Aluminum and Glass Fill Fiber
- International Patents Pending
- Two Atom Flash Strobes
- One OS-2 Optical Snoot
- Two White Flat & Dome Diffusers
- Two 5500K Flat & Dome Diffusers
- Two 4500K Flat & Dome Diffusers
- Batteries & Fiber Optic Cable Not Included.
Backscatter Atom Flash Underwater Strobe — FAQ
- What fiber-optic cables work with this strobe?
Most systems use Sea&Sea-style ends, but exact compatibility depends on your housing ports and trigger. Please verify this specification with Bluewater Photo before purchase.
- Does the Atom Flash support TTL?
TTL support may require a camera-specific converter or LED trigger. Availability varies by brand/model; please verify with Bluewater Photo.
- What batteries does it use and are they included?
Battery type and charger inclusion can vary by kit. Please verify battery type, quantity, and what’s included before ordering.
- What is the depth rating?
Depth rating is [VERIFY depth rating]. Confirm before your trip; always inspect and maintain O-rings per the manual.
- Is a diffuser or snoot included?
Diffusers and snoots may be optional accessories. Check the “Included Accessories” line in the specs or confirm with Bluewater Photo.
- Can I run one strobe now and add a second later?
Yes. Many shooters start with one strobe for macro and add a second for more even lighting or wide scenes.
- What’s the warranty and return policy?
Warranty follows the manufacturer’s terms; returns follow Bluewater Photo’s policy within the stated window. Please verify current details at checkout.
