Backscatter Optical Snoot OS-3 – Precision Snooting for Underwater Hybrid Flash
Turn your powerful, wide Backscatter Hybrid Flash into a razor-sharp underwater snoot with the Backscatter Optical Snoot OS-3. Designed for the Backscatter HF-1 (HF-1), this system makes it easy to go from soft wide coverage to precise, dramatic spotlighting at a 200 mm / 8-inch working distance. From tiny macro critters to bold fish portraits and even wide-angle snooting, the OS-3 is the easiest strobe + snoot combination for creating clean, controlled light underwater.
A removable, rotating aperture dial with circular and oval aperture discs, plus Aperture Cards to fine-tune the beam size, gives you complete control over the shape and intensity of your light. Rotate the snoot to sculpt the beam with the oval discs, while the built-in color filter holder accepts the Backscatter Color Filter System for creative color effects. The Hybrid Flash’s LED aiming light is the brightest of any snoot setup and shows exactly where the flash will hit, so you spend less time guessing and more time nailing the shot.
- What it is: a dedicated optical snoot accessory for the Backscatter hybrid flash system.
- Best for: underwater photographers using the Backscatter Hybrid Flash (HF-1) who want tight beam control and creative light shaping.
- Not for: general-use strobes without verified compatibility, or shooters expecting full wide-angle ambient fill (it narrows the beam).
- Key compatibility: attaches to the Backscatter Hybrid Flash (HF-1) and accepts circular & oval aperture discs and filter slot.
- Important limitation: needs correct stencil aperture and filter holder accessories; verify your underwater housing and flash trigger configuration before purchase.
Precise Beam Control
The OS-3 lets you fine-tune your light beam with included circular and oval aperture discs, allowing you to shape both size and form of illumination underwater. You get the focused spot you need without unwanted light spill.
- Rotate the snoot to switch between circular & oval beams.
- Use aperture cards to reduce beam size further and control fall-off.
- Bright LED aiming light shows exactly where your flash will hit.
Ideal for Macro to Wide-Angle Snooting
Though it narrows your strobe beam, the OS-3 remains versatile: it’s just at home lighting tiny macro subjects as it is giving dramatic portraits of fish or wide-angle subjects by isolating light from ambient water.
- Perfect for macro subjects where you want subject-only illumination and dark background.
- Works for fish portraits or isolated wide shots by controlling spill and emphasizing subject.
- Not designed for full ambient fill lighting — if you need wide beam coverage this is narrower by design.
Creative Filter Slot Included
The OS-3 includes a dedicated filter slot for the Backscatter Color Filter System, enabling you to add subtle or dramatic color casts while maintaining beam control.
- Filter slot accepts Backscatter’s filter kits for customized color effects underwater.
- Combined with the tight beam, this lets you isolate subject color from ambient water.
- Easy access and quick insertion make mid-dive swaps practical.
- Shooting macro critters where you want the background nearly black and your subject lit cleanly.
- Image-making of fish portraits where you want the strobe beam to hit the subject precisely and avoid distracting background light.
- Isolated wide-angle snooting where you want controllable spill and creative color filters instead of full flood illumination.
- Dives in clear water where ambient light is strong and you need to tame the strobe beam for dramatic effect.
Pros
- Gives highly controllable beam shape — ideal for targeting subjects and avoiding spill.
- Includes both circular and oval aperture discs for creative shape options.
- Built-in bright LED aiming light simplifies snoot alignment underwater.
Cons
- Only compatible with the Backscatter Hybrid Flash (HF-1); not a universal snoot.
- Narrow beam means less ambient fill — not optimal for full-scene lighting without supplement.
- Additional filters/accessories often required to fully exploit creative features (sold separately).
Brand Credibility: Backscatter has established itself as a leader in underwater photo/video lighting accessories, with the Hybrid Flash system being a flagship product.
Warranty / Return: Refer to the retailer (Bluewater Photo) for warranty and return window details.
Bluewater Photo Support: When purchased through Bluewater Photo, you receive lifetime advice and setup guidance for underwater lighting.
Free shipping over $200 · Lifetime support included
Unlock more creative light underwater — with precision and control, your subject becomes the star.
- Backscatter HF-1 Strobe — powerful hybid strobes
- Backscatter MF-3 — compact macro focused strobe
- Backscatter AF-1 Flash — perfect for travel, with plenty power
Learn More — Guides & Articles
- Best Underwater Camera for 2025 — our top picks for underwater photography.
- Best Dive Computer — our top dive computer picks.
- Best Underwater Strobes for 2025 — latest lighting & strobe recommendations.
- Best Video Lights for 2025 — our favorite continuous lights.
Specifications
- Compatible with the Backscatter Hybrid Flash
- Rotating aperture discs
- 200mm / 8-inch working distance
- Built in color filter holder for Backscatter color filter system
- Great for both small macro subjects and fish portraits
- Easiest to use strobe + snoot combination
- LED aiming light of the flash shows exactly where the flash will hit
- Brightest aiming light of any snoot
- Aperture Cards adjust the size of the light beam
- Circular & Oval Aperture Discs included
- Rotate the snoot to adjust the shape of the beam with the Oval Discs
- Backscatter Optical Snoot OS-3
We offer lifetime support with all purchases.
Please call or email us with any questions; our knowledgeable staff would love to assist you.
Backscatter Optical Snoot OS-3 — FAQ
- Does this snoot fit my existing strobe setup?
This snoot is designed specifically for the Backscatter Hybrid Flash (HF-1). Compatibility with other strobes or brands is not confirmed—please verify with your housing/port and trigger system.
- Can I use the filter slot underwater to add color gels?
Yes, the OS-3 includes a filter slot compatible with the Backscatter Color Filter System. Filters are sold separately.
- Is the beam size adjustable?
Yes, the snoot includes circular and oval aperture discs and you can further fine-tune beam size with included aperture cards.
- Does this snoot affect autofocus or exposure in my housing?
It does not alter your camera’s autofocus or exposure settings directly, but because it narrows the beam and changes lighting conditions, you may need to adjust your strobe power or camera settings accordingly.
- What’s included in the package?
The OS-3 package includes the snoot body, circular & oval aperture discs, and a bright LED aiming light built into the system. Additional filters and some accessories may be sold separately.
