Backscatter Mini Flash 3 Dual Underwater Strobe, OS-1 Snoot & Ultralight Arm Package
The Backscatter Mini Flash 3 (MF3) is a compact, macro-focused backscatter strobe designed for mirrorless and DSLR systems. If you loved the portability of the mini flash line, MF3 adds smarter exposure options and workflow refinements in the same travel-friendly size—ideal for nudibranchs, critters, and precise background control.
Compared to the Backscatter Mini Flash 2, MF3 brings expanded TTL options, high-speed sync, wireless/remote strobe control, a longer-running 21700 battery system, and quality-of-life tweaks to the controls and status indicators —while staying fully compatible with existing Mini Flash snoots and accessories. The biggest upgrade is that Sony TTL is supported with both Smart Control and Smart Control Macro Mode. Smart Control Mode is best used for general photography, while Smart Control Macro mode tailors the flash output specifically for close-up macro shooting, where other TTL systems tend to struggle.
- What it is: A small, high-control macro strobe with built-in focus light and precise beam shaping.
- Best for: Macro shooters who want fast setup, consistent exposures, and creative lighting (snoots/side-light).
- Not for: Big wide-angle scenes that require large, high-output strobes.
- Key compatibility: Fiber-optic triggering on most housings; TTL for Sony and Olympus/OM System RC mode .
- Important limitations: Battery and charger not included; TTL/HSS support depends on camera, housing, and trigger.
What’s different vs. Mini Flash 2
- Broader TTL options: Adds Sony TTL via compatible triggers; retains OM System/Olympus RC TTL.
- High-Speed Sync (HSS): Enables faster shutters for darker backgrounds and motion control.
- Remote control workflow: Camera-mounted unit can trigger and adjust remote MF3 units for creative lighting.
- Power platform: Moves to a 21700 protected cell for longer runtimes and more flashes per charge.
- UI/handling upgrades: Updated indicators/controls for quicker feedback underwater.
- Accessory continuity: Fully compatible with Mini Flash snoots/filters you already own.
Compatibility Summary
| Camera/Model | Required Housing/Port/Gear | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olympus / OM System mirrorless | Housing with RC flash trigger or pop-up flash + fiber-optic cable | TTL via RC mode supported. |
| Sony mirrorless | Backscatter (or Nauticam) Sony TTL trigger + fiber-optic cable | Native Sony TTL requires compatible trigger. |
| Manual trigger systems / any camera | Fiber-optic cable; set strobe to manual | Works as a manual strobe on most rigs. |
Key Features
Advanced Exposure Control — TTL & HSS
Dial in consistent macro exposures with automatic TTL and use high-speed sync to manage bright conditions or darken backgrounds.
- Automatic TTL with supported camera systems
- High-speed sync for creative shutter control
- Fiber-optic triggering compatible
Compact, Macro-Optimized Design
A tight, controlled beam and small footprint help you light tiny subjects precisely and reach into reef crevices without bulk.
- Travel-friendly size and weight
- Beam tailored for small subjects
- Easy positioning on flexible arms
Built-In Focus Light & Fast Recycle
Use the integrated 1000-lumen focus light to lock focus and frame easily; quick recycling keeps up with fast-moving macro action.
- Integrated LED for focusing
- Quick full-power recycle (~1 s)
- Efficient shooting for long dives
Remote Control & Accessories
Expand creative lighting with remote use and an ecosystem of snoots and color filters for precise subject isolation.
- Works off-camera for side/back lighting
- Compatible with Mini Flash snoots and filters
- Simple to integrate into existing rigs
- Macro shooters using mirrorless cameras who want a compact strobe for tight reef cracks.
- Travel dive setups where size and weight matter but TTL and HSS are desired.
- Side-lighting or snoot lighting using remote configurations for creative effects.
- Systems already invested in Mini Flash accessories (snoots, filters) looking to upgrade.
Pros
- Compact, lightweight build ideal for travel and tight macro rigs.
- TTL support for Sony and OM System (RC) reduces manual adjustments.
- The Mini Flash 3 also has an option for finely tuned macro TTL.
- Built-in 1000-lumen focus light; ~1 s full-power recycle.
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately.
- Guide number (f/18) is modest versus large wide-angle strobes.
- TTL may require model-specific triggers and housing support.
Brand & Support: The Mini Flash 3 is produced by Backscatter, a respected name in underwater lighting. Warranty terms follow the seller at purchase. Bluewater Photo provides lifetime setup advice and support.
Free shipping over $200 · Lifetime support included
Light up the smallest subjects with precision and confidence — a compact strobe built for creative underwater macro.
- Bluewater Macro Lens — get tighter photos with this wet lens
- Bluewater O-Ring Grease — prolong o-ring life and help prevent floods
- Bluewater Dry Bags — keep your gear dry on the boat
Learn More — Guides & Articles
- Best Underwater Camera for 2025 — our top picks for underwater photography.
- Best Dive Computer — our top dive computer picks.
- Underwater Photography Guide — lighting & strobe technique fundamentals.
- Best Video Lights for 2025 — our favorite continuous lights.
- Depth Rating: 100 m / 330 ft
- Guide Number: f/18
- Maximum LED Output: 1000 lumens
- Power: Single 21700 circuit-protected battery
- Recycle Time (full): ~1.0 s
- Number of Flashes (full): over 2000
- LED Run Time: minimum ~90 minutes (managed power decline)
- Emergency Ping Run Time: ~12 hours (full battery)
- Weight in Air: 14.8 oz / 420 g (with battery)
- Weight in Water: 5.29 oz / 150 g (with battery)
- Sync Cord: Fiber-optic
- Seal: Dual O-rings
- Exposure Control: Flash 7-step
- Power Level LED: 4-step indicator
- Dimensions with Ball (L×W×D): 7.95 × 2.48 × 2.32 in / 202 × 63 × 59 mm
- Material: Anodized machined aluminum
- Dual Mini Flash MF-3 Strobes
- Optical Snoot OS-1
- Dual Universal Fiber Optic Cables
- Batteries & Charger
- Dual Ultralight 8-inch Arms & Clamps
- AOI Double Handle Tray
- StiX Jumbo Floats
- Cetacea Lanyard
Backscatter Mini Flash 3 — FAQ
- Does this strobe fit my Sony A7 III rig?
Yes — with a compatible Sony TTL flash trigger (e.g., Backscatter/Nauticam). It also works in manual mode via fiber-optic.
- What battery does the Mini Flash 3 use?
A single, protected 21700 cell (battery and charger sold separately).
- Can I use it for wide-angle underwater photography?
You can, but the beam and output are optimized for macro. Larger scenes may need more powerful strobes.
- Is it compatible with my Mini Flash 2 accessories?
Yes — accessories for Mini Flash 1/2 (snoots, filters, diffusers) are compatible.
- What is the depth rating?
100 m (330 ft).
