Best Underwater Strobes: Our Top Picks for 2025

We took the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Duo into the field during a dive workshop in the Sea of Cortez and later on local California dives. Right out of the box you sense this is a professional-grade underwater strobe: with a guide number of 33 (on land) it delivers very strong output, and the beam remains usefully broad (about 105 × 80 ° without diffuser, 100 × 110 ° with the included diffuser).

The recycle time is excellent—about 1.7 s at full power, and about 0.6 s at half power, with “virtually no” delay at quarter power or less.

The strobe features an aspherical “toroidal” lens in front of the dual discharge tubes, which promotes an even light spread and helps avoid hot spots.

In practical use we found that the light quality is clean and neutral (5800 K native, 5500 K with diffuser) and holds up well in green- or blue-water conditions.

Ergonomically the unit stands out: it is nearly neutrally buoyant underwater (≈ -20 g including batteries and ball mount) which means it doesn’t pull your rig off-balance.

The controls are well executed—large, easy to grip dials that work even with thick dive gloves, and a color-coded backlit panel that lets you quickly identify the mode (DS-TTL, RC, Manual) even on a night dive.

One of the standout features is the new “RC” mode, specifically designed for OM System/OLYMPUS cameras: the strobe’s dual RC circuits work with those camera systems for more accurate exposures than older strobes. Our real-world testing with an OM System TG-6 confirmed the improved TTL/RC accuracy, especially in fast action and macro scenarios.

On the topic of underwater housing and connectivity: The YS-D3 Duo offers both a 5-pin “Sync Cord/N” connector and support for fiber optic triggering, which means you can pair it with most underwater camera housings that either provide a fiber-optic port or a sync-cord port.

While the strobe itself is separate from the camera housing, you’ll want a housing for your camera from brands like Nauticam, Ikelite, Sea & Sea (for compatible camera + lens) or others, and ensure that your housing supports external strobe triggering. For example, in one test setup the YS-D3 Duo was used with a Canon R100 inside an Ikelite housing.

Pros:

• Very strong light output (GN 33) and broad beam suitable for both wide-angle and macro.

• Excellent recycle times, enabling rapid firing in low-light or action situations.

• Nearly neutral buoyancy underwater, reducing drag or imbalance on your rig.

• Ergonomic, glove-friendly controls and intuitive mode-display system.

• Versatile triggering (fiber optic and sync-cord) and RC mode support for OM/OLYMPUS cameras.

Cons:

• The high output comes with a premium price – may be over-spec for strictly macro photographers or beginners.
• For those not using OM System/OLYMPUS cameras, the RC mode benefit is not as relevant; TTL/manual performance is very good but not radically better than some earlier models.
• To fully exploit the broad beam (e.g., with fisheye lenses) you may need additional accessories (dome diffuser, etc.) which adds cost and setup complexity.
• As with any high-output strobe, managing backscatter becomes more critical at wider beam angles, especially in less clear water. 

The Sea & Sea YS-D130R strobe moves to a circular flash tube rated at 130 Ws, aiming for smoother, more even edge-to-edge illumination than twin-tube designs. Sea & Sea lists four shooting modes and compatibility with OM SYSTEM’s Wireless RC Flash System alongside DS-TTL and full manual—good coverage whether you’re running fiber-optic TTL, RC control on OM bodies, or classic manual power steps. Headline specs include a native beam of ~80×82° (about 102×102° with the diffuser), daylight-balanced ~5600 K color, ~0.8 s full-power recycle with the Li-ion pack, a 100 m depth rating, and dimensions of 98 × 110 × 157 mm at 715 g on land. In the box you can expect a diffuser, red filter, AA battery holder, and a strobe ball base; the “Pro” package adds Sea & Sea’s SB-L02 Li-ion battery and dual USB charger. Weight in water is listed around 30–50 g (slightly negative), depending on battery type.

From our real-world experiences shooting with the YS-D3 II & YS-D3 Duo’s, we’d expect the D130R’s circular tube to produce gentler falloff and cleaner backgrounds—handy for wide-angle scenes with blue water and backscatter control—while the Li-ion option should deliver snappier recycle and more consistent high-power bursts than AAs. The ergonomics look familiar: big, glove-friendly dials, optical input with pre-flash cancel, and standard Sea & Sea mounting. If you rely on RC wireless, it’s a strong match for OM bodies; other systems will lean on DS-TTL or manual. We’ll update once we’ve shot it side-by-side with the D3 II, but on paper the D130R reads like a purpose-built, even-coverage upgrade with a modern power system.

Pros

• Even, circular-tube lighting that should reduce hot spots and edge falloff—promising for wide-angle reef and big-animal work.
• Fast quoted recycle (~0.8 s) on Li-ion supports burst shooting and action.
• Flexible triggering (RC on OM, DS-TTL, manual) for mixed camera fleets or travel teams.
• Sensible accessory bundle, with both AA holder (redundancy on remote trips) and diffuser included.
• 100 m depth rating and familiar Sea & Sea controls/build.

Cons

• Proprietary Li-ion pack (SB-L02) and charger are an extra ecosystem to carry and replace; AA performance will likely be slower.
• Availability is still rolling out; final firmware/behavior may evolve after launch.
• RC wireless benefits mainly OM bodies; other systems won’t see that specific feature.
• At ~715 g, it’s not the lightest option on the market for travel-weight obsessives.

Bottom line: If Sea & Sea delivers the D130R as spec’d, it looks like a thoughtfully modernized strobe with smoother coverage and faster Li-ion performance that should appeal to wide-angle shooters and anyone invested in OM’s RC system. Based on our experience with the YS-D3 II’s reliability and beam quality, we’re optimistic—but we’ll reserve final judgment until we can put the D130R through open-water tests and share image comparisons. 

One of our most recommended strobes for 2025, the Marelux Apollo III 2.0 Underwater Strobe, offers a guide number of 44 (ISO 100, on land) and supports TTL, Olympus RC, HSS, and MTL modes. The Apollo III 2.0 features a beam angle of 110°, which can be expanded to 140° with the included dome diffuser. Its color temperature is 6200K, adjustable to 5500K when using the diffuser.

This strobe supports both fiber optic and wireless triggering. The wireless system, known as Marelux Lumilink 2.0, utilizes two fisheye sensors with a 160° coverage angle. In optimal conditions, wireless triggering is reliable up to 10 meters underwater. But make sure you don't have anything blocking the sensor - as we learned during our tests! The strobe operates on three 18650 lithium batteries, providing an incredible 800 full-power flashes per charge. The full-power recycle time is 0.6 seconds. This recycle time is the fastest on the market at full power which is why we consider the Apollo III to be the world's highest performing strobe.

Physically, the strobe measures 90mm in diameter and 150mm in length (177mm including knobs). It weighs 960 grams on land without batteries and 1095 grams with batteries. Underwater, the weight is approximately 125 grams.

The Apollo III 2.0 is compatible with the Marelux Snoot and Marelux Underwater Housing systems, allowing for integrated underwater photography setups.

• Guide Number of 44 (tested on land
• Beam angle of 110°
• TTL, HSS & RC compatible UW strobe
• Full power recycle time 0.6 second
• 2 aiming light colors，250 lumen on white, 300 lumen on red
• Special designed MTL mode, support continuous flashes

The Marelux Apollo S is an underwater strobe designed by Marelux and depth‑rated to 100 m. The Apollo  S supports TTL, HSS, RC TTL, and a proprietary MTL mode for continuous multi‑flash exposure; triggering can occur via fiber optic port or Marelux’s encrypted wireless system (Lumilink 2.0) using two fisheye sensor ports with 160° coverage. It is our pick for the best all-around strobe for the every day photo shooter.

The Apollo S achieves a full‑power recycle time of approximately 0.9 seconds, and provides about 800 full‑power flashes per charge using two 18650 lithium‑ion batteries housed in a waterproof compartment. The strobe weighs approximately 720 g on land (813 g with batteries and ball mount) and about 150 g underwater, with physical dimensions of roughly 160 mm (length) × 70 mm (diameter). Its color temperature is approximately 6200 K, dropping to 5500 K when using a dome diffuser

As one option within Marelux’s product line (which includes the higher‑powered Marelux Apollo III), the Apollo S is positioned in reviews as one of the best underwater strobes for shooters seeking a compact, versatile, and high-performance underwater strobe light system.

After testing this Marelux strobe for several weeks along the California Coast and the coast off Washington State, it soon became one of our favorite strobes for 2025. With their top spec's, innovative technology and ease of handling, we can highly recommend either the Apollo III 2.0 or Apollo S strobes.

• Beam Angle of 110°; 140° with Dome Diffuser
• TTL, HSS & RC compatible UW strobe
• Comes with wireless trigger
• full power recycle time 0.9s
• GN 36 on Land (ISO 100)

The Ikelite DS230 is 33% (213W) more powerful than its legacy siblings. The controls are larger and taller for easier power adjustment, even while wearing thick gloves. Click-stops at each power setting and a limited sweep allow you to quickly jump between TTL, full power and the lowest manual power setting without taking your eyes off your subject. The DS230 also uses new circuitry which makes the recycle time ultra fast! A new circular xenon flashtube produces a perfectly gradated beam pattern and warm color temperature. Warmer color temperatures help produce bluer backgrounds after post production white balance corrections. You can also use older batteries (for the DS 160 and 161) with the new DS 230 strobe as it's the same battery pack - making at an easy upgrade!

Both the Ikelite DS230 and the Ikelite DS232 have the same strobe capabilities, with the only difference being with the video light vs modelling lights options. The Ikelite DS230 has a 205 Lumen LED Spot light, while the Ikelite DS232 has a 2500 lumen video light in the center of the ring flash.

We recommend the Ikelite DS 230 and DS 232 to photographers who need the highest quality beam for wide ange photography, compatable with some the best TTL converts (automatic strobe power) from Ikelite on the market. Ikelite converters product particularly accurate exposures because they transmit a cleaner signal via electronic sync cord. 

• Circular flash tube - output is 213 Watts
• Wide beam angle of 120°
• DS230 - 213Ws Strobe with 205 Lumen LED Spot light
• Fast Recycle Time - 1.2 sec or faster
• Smaller than the Ikelite DS 160 Mark II!

The Seacam Seaflash 160 Underwater Strobe is considered to be the "Rolls Royce" of underwater strobes with high end finishes and impressive specifications.

The strobe offers a power output of 160 Ws and a color temperature of 4500K. The Seaflash 160 supports multiple exposure modes, including Canon e-TTL, Nikon i-TTL, Dual TTL, Film TTL, and manual power adjustment in 14 steps from 1/1 to 1/64. One of the strobes standout features is the digital control system, whereby the power output of the strobe is controlled digitally and more accurately than TTL. The Seacam Seaflash 160 has a beam angle of 130°, providing wide coverage for underwater photography. It delivers approximately 250 flashes at maximum output on a single battery, with a recycle time ranging from 0.1 to 2.7 seconds, depending on power settings. The strobe can be triggered using fiber optics or electronic cable.

The unit includes a two-stage pilot light with 250 lumens and a 10° beam angle, adjustable automatically or manually. It also offers high-speed synchronization up to 1/8000 and a stroboscopic mode with 2–15 selectable flashes. Physically, the strobe measures 190mm in length and 100mm in diameter, weighing 1.3 kg on land and approximately 50 grams underwater. It operates at depths up to 80 meters.

• Nikon i/TTL, Canon e/TTL, dual TTL, film TTL and manual power control
• Beam Angle: 130°
• Manual setting in 14 steps from 1/1 to 1/64
• High speed synchronization of up to 1/8000
• 250 flashes at maximum output
• Recycle time 0.1 -2.7 sec.
• Power 160 Ws / 4500 K°, Underwater guide number 15 at 100 ISO / 1m full power (Topside GN=45)

The Scubalamp D-Pro is SUPE's flagship underwater strobe, an affordable strobe that provides underwater photographers with a powerful output option (GN #30), ultra-fast recycle times (0.1-1.1s), and a more than sufficient wide beam angle of 150 degrees. The SUPE Scubalamp D33 battery pack includes 3 x 18650 Lithium batteries that offer 500 flashes at full power, and 3000 flashes on the lowest power setting, allowing for about 6 dives without having to change or charge the batteries. It also offers a focus light of 500 lumens to assist with your macro photography.

If you want value for money, there is no better strobe out there.

• Maximum Guide Number 30 (on land, IOS100)
• Circular flash tube - output is 160 Watts
• Wide beam angle of 150°
• Power output Capacity : 500 flashes at full power, 3000 flashes at 1st mode
• Recycle time: 0.1s -1.1s. seconds at full power

The newly released Ikelite RC165 and Ikelite DS165 strobes are professional-grade underwater strobes engineered to deliver consistent, daylight-balanced illumination for underwater photography. Both models offer 160 Ws of flash output, a 120° beam angle, and a color temperature of 5000 K to accurately render reef life, models, and wide-angle scenes.

RC165 Underwater Strobe

The RC165 features an integrated fiber-optic triggering port (for use with non-Ikelite housings), supporting TTL firing via optical transmitters and manual triggering via pre‑flash or slave signals. This eliminates the need for an electrical sync cord and reduces mechanical seals.

Included with the RC165 are the smart charger, NiMH battery pack, battery cover, a universal 1″ ball mount, and O-ring sealed electronics—identical to the DS165 except for trigger method.

DS165 Underwater Strobe

The DS165, in contrast, uses Ikelite’s electrical bulkhead (ICS‑5) for triggering. This enables direct connection to Ikelite TTL converters, sync cables, and a variety of electrical accessories compatible with legacy Ikelite systems (and other housing manufacturers with the right adapters). 

It shares all other specifications with the RC165: 160 Ws output, 120° beam, 5000 K color, NiMH power, 205‑lumen aiming light, similar form factor, controls, and environmental ratings

Power output: 160 watt‑seconds (160 Ws), with similar max‑burst performance

Beam coverage: Ultra‑wide ~120° without needing a diffuser

Color temperature: 5000 K (daylight-balanced)

Recycle time: Approximately 0.1–1.2 seconds depending on power setting

Battery: Rechargeable NiMH pack (~7.2 V, ~3300 mAh), airline-safe and long-lived

Depth rating: 100 meters (330 feet)

Weight & dimensions: ~1.2 kg (2.7 lb) with battery; ~91 mm diameter × 183 mm length (~3.6″ × 7.2″)

Modeling/aiming light: 205‑lumen spot LED to assist composition and focusing

Controls: Manual adjustment across 10 stops in ½‑stop increments; large tactile dials operable with gloves and slide lock to prevent accidental changes

Warranty & build: Made in USA from ABS‑PC blend, corrosion-resistant and backed by a two‑year warranty

The Kraken KS160 is an underwater strobe light designed for professional and advanced-diver underwater photography. It delivers 160 Ws of power via a circular flash tube and produces a 120° beam angle without diffuser, with a 5500 K color temperature suitable for accurate color reproduction in most environments.

Powered by a rechargeable lithium‑ion battery pack with USB‑C charging, the KS160 supports approximately 400 full‑power flashes per charge, and substantially more in lower-power settings, with a full-power recycle time of ~1.6 seconds. The strobe is depth-rated to 100 m (330 ft) and weighs about 1210 g on land and 300 g underwater, making it reasonably compact for its output class.

The KS160 accommodates both fiber-optic triggering and electronic sync (Sea & Sea 5-pin), and offers manual and slave modes (no TTL) for triggering flexibility.

Ergonomic design elements include a rotating OLED screen that displays remaining flashes and mode, a 500-lumen LED focus light, diffusers for beam controland an optional float collars for neutral buoyancy.

Among underwater strobes, the Kraken KS160 is considered one of the best underwater strobes for users seeking a high-powered strobe with robust battery life and adaptability across wide-angle and macro situations. While it lacks TTL functionality, its high output, broad compatibility, and rugged design make it competitive with strobes such as sea & sea strobes, marelux strobe systems, and other units in the kraken underwater lighting lineup.

• 160 Ws of output at highest power
• 400 shots per charge at full power
• 120 degree beam angle without diffusersA 5500K color temperature
• Circular flash tube
• 1.6 second recycle time at full power
• 500 lumen LED modeling light
• No TTL
• 5 pin sync and fiber optic strobe triggering
• Slave mode with a slave sensor
• Dedicated battery pack (2x 21700 with USB-C charger
• Anodized aluminum construction
• Depth rating: 300 ft (100 meters)
• Dimensions: 3.3" x 3.9" x 7.6"
• Weight: 1210g in air and 300 grams underwater

The Isotta RED64 Underwater Strobe is a high-quality lighting tool designed specifically for underwater photographers. With an incredible guide number of 64 and a powerful output of 230Ws, it ensures excellent illumination even in challenging underwater environments. The strobe features a 5300K color temperature that closely matches natural sunlight, providing accurate color reproduction for vivid and true-to-life photos.

This underwater strobe is built to integrate seamlessly with Isotta housings, offering a robust and reliable solution for divers and photographers. It supports multiple power settings, have a 10 step adjustment, which allows users to fine-tune their lighting to suit different shooting conditions, whether for wide-angle or macro photography. The user-friendly controls make it easy to adjust settings, even in complex underwater environments.

Based on in-field reports, the  RED64 shines in both wide-angle and macro photography, making it a versatile tool. The ergonomic design and neutral buoyancy make it easy to handle, even during extended dives. Its integration with Isotta housings is seamless, and it provides reliable, high-quality lighting, no matter the underwater environment. Overall, it’s a strobe that combines performance, reliability, and ease of use, making it one of the best underwater strobes avilable for underwater photography.

• Utilizes Xenon Toroidal Lamp which provides powerful output and even light dispersion
• Wide Beam Angle of 130°
• Color Temperature: 5300K
• Power 230 Watt
• Guide Number 22 underwater / ISO 100
• Manual Power Adjustment Non i-TTL / 10 Steps
• Red and White Pilot Light
• Shielded electronics and upgradeable software
• Double o-ring seal system
• Multi-color LED indicator for battery status and activity
• Uses 8 AA batteries for long utilization and minimizes battery replacement
• Neutral weight underwater

Inon has taken their renowned strobe series to a whole new level with the revolutionary Inon S-220, a worthy successor to the beloved S2000. This cutting-edge strobe boasts an innovative "fly-eye" diffusion surface within its dome port, ensuring unparalleled control over light distribution. The S220 features a wide light dispersion, complemented by an integrated focus light.

The S220 has a boosted Guide Number of 22, akin to the Inon S2000, but in a more compact and high-performance package. The strobe has a large wheel dial and a phosphorescent panel for easy adjustments at night. For protection, the S220 is designed with dual orings, which minimize flooding risks.

If you are looking for an extremely affordable strobe with quick recycle times and TTL capability, the S220 is currently the best option on the market. We loved shooting with it with the OM System TG-7 in the cold water of the Pacific Northwest. It's everything you need in a compact, travel-friendly system.

• Guide Number of 22 (tested on land
• Beam angle of 140° horizontal and 100° vertical
• S-TTL Auto and Manual Flash modes
• 12 Step Manual Flash modes
• Up to 250 flashes on a single charge

 As one of the preferred higher-end strobes for the not-so-budget-conscious underwater photographer, the Seacam Seaflash 60 Digital Underwater Strobe, with it's silver high-end finishes, is a compact and lightweight underwater strobe designed to integrate seamlessly with Seacam housing and Seacam underwater housing systems (as well as other underwater housing systems). Being smaller than it's bigger brother, the Seacam Seaflash 160, this unit delivers 60 Ws of power with a color temperature of 4400K, providing a 130° beam angle. It supports Canon e-TTL, Nikon i-TTL, S-TTL, Dual-TTL, Film TTL, and manual power adjustment in 5 steps with ± flash correction.

The strobe delivers approximately 200 flashes at maximum output, with a recycle time ranging from 0.1 to 2 seconds, depending on power settings. The unit includes a 180-lumen LED pilot light with a 10° beam angle, adjustable automatically or manually. It also offers an underexposure warning and flash-ready light, visible externally and in the camera viewfinder.

Physically, the strobe measures 150mm in length and 75mm in diameter, weighing 550 grams on land and is neutrally buoyant underwater. It operates at depths up to 80 meters.

The Seaflash 60 is compatible with Seacam housing systems, allowing for integrated underwater photography setups.

• CANON e-TTL / NIKON i-TTL / S-TTL, Dual-TTL, Film-TTL
• Power 60 Ws / 4400 K°
• Underwater guide number 8 at 100 ISO / 1 m at full power (Topside GN=24)
• Beam Angle: 130°
• 200 flashes at max power
• Recycle time 0.1 – 2 seconds

The Kraken KR‑S40 Underwater Strobe is a compact underwater strobe light manufactured by Kraken Sports and the best option for photographers looking for a macro "mini strobe". As part of the Kraken's strobe lineup, this underwater camera strobe delivers 40 Ws of output (guide number 16 at ISO 100) using a straight flash tube design. It is the smallest of the Kraken strobes, with the KR-S80 providing 80 Ws of power, and the KS160 being the most powerful in their line of strobes, offering a large 160 Ws of power.

It operates in manual, S1, and S2 modes (no TTL) with power adjustable across five levels. The unit offers a 60° beam angle and a color temperature of approximately 6000 K. Power is supplied by a single high-capacity 21700 rechargeable lithium‑ion battery (USB‑C charging) capable of delivering roughly 500–600 full‑power flashes, with a recycle time of about 1.5 seconds.

A 500‑lumen modeling light is included for framing and preview (as well as a red focus light for shy animals), although it should not be considered a video light alternative. The KR‑S40 is depth‑rated to 100 m (330 ft) and weighs approximately 530 g on land and about 200 g underwater.Its dimensions measure roughly 62 × 63 × 130 mm. Triggering is via fiber‑optic connection only (no direct electronic sync), compatible with standard Sea & Sea style cords.

Within the broader category of underwater strobes, the Kraken KR‑S40 represents one of the more compact, battery‑efficient options among the best underwater strobes for macro available. It is specifically designed for macro imaging or situations where portability and reliable spec performance in underwater conditions are required.

• Power: 40 Ws
• Color temperature: 6000K
• Guide Number: 16
• Modes: S1, S2, no TTL
• Beam Angle: 60°
• Recycle Time: 1.5 Seconds to Full Power
• Power Levels: Five (40ws, 20ws, 10ws, 5ws, 2ws)
• Target Light: 500 lumens
• Depth rating: 100m
• Battery: 1x 21700 Battery
• Batterlife: 600 full power flashes
• Fiber optic triggering only with Sea & Sea style fiber optic port

• 80Ws at the highest power
• 600 shots per charge
• No TTL
• Round flash tube
• 3 Modes: Manula, S1 & S2
• Fiber Optic trigger only
• RC-02 Remote Compatible
• Built to take on the toughest environments
• Depth Rating: 330ft/100m

The Sea & Sea YS‑01 Solis Strobe is part of the Sea & Sea strobes family, engineered for beginners just starting underwater photography. It delivers a Guide Number of 20 (ISO 100, on land) with a beam angle of 100° × 100°, extendable to 110° × 110° with diffuser.

Power is supplied by four AA batteries (alkaline or Ni‑MH), providing approximately 230 flashes (alkaline) or 300 flashes (Ni‑MH), with recycle times of ~2.5 s (alkaline) or ~1.9 s (Ni‑MH) at full power. Exposure control options include DS‑TTL II automatic mode and a 10-step manual light‑level dial (GN 1 through 20), with pre‑flash cancel and auto power‑off features. Color temperature is rated at 5600 K, dropping to 5250 K with diffuser attached.

Designed for use to 75 m (250 ft) depth, the YS‑01 weighs approximately 441 g (14.7 oz) on land and is slightly positively buoyant (+60 g) underwater when loaded with batteries. 

Triggering requires a fiber‑optic cord, and the strobe includes a bright LED target light on the front face for framing and alignment, plus an over‑pressure relief valve. Within the range of underwater strobe light options, the Sea & Sea YS‑01 Solis is positioned among models considered to be among one of the best underwater strobes in its compact, user-friendly class. It serves as a flexible underwater strobe solution for both point‑and‑shoot and mirrorless/DSLR systems – particularly for use as a main or secondary underwater strobe light.

The YS-01 is fairly similar to the YS-03. The main difference is that the YS-01 does have manual control and is a great tool for beginners that want to control their lighting. The YS-03 only has TTL (automatic) control. 

• Guide Number 20
• 100° x 100° Beam Angle
• Cutting-edge DS-TTL II circuitry
• Has a pre flash cancel mode

The Sea & Sea YS‑03 Solis is the best strobe available for beginner photographers who want automatic control without worrying about power settings. Designed for underwater use at depths up to 75 m (250 ft), it features slave TTL exposure control, compatible with any camera housing that supports TTL via a pre-flash signal.

Key specifications of the Soli YS-03 include:

Guide Number: 20 (ISO 100, on land)

Beam angle: 100 × 100° standard; expands to 110 × 110° with diffuser

Power source: Four AA batteries (alkaline = 6 V or Ni‑MH = 4.8 V); approximately 230 flashes with alkaline or 300 with Ni‑MH, and full-power recycle times of ~2.5 s (alkaline) or ~1.9 s (Ni‑MH)

Color temperature: 5600 K (5250 K with diffuser)

Dimensions: ~68 × 108 × 129 mm; weight: ~430 g without batteries; underwater buoyancy ~+10 g (slightly positive)

Other features: Rotary dial control (Off/TTL), auto power-off, over‑pressure relief valve, and fiber‑optic sync cable required (not included)

As a compact and straightforward underwater strobe light, the YS‑03 Solis is consistently listed among entry‑level yet reliable underwater strobes, suitable for both compact and mirrorless/DSLR camera systems. 

The Ikelite DS232 strobe boasts a potent power rating of 213 watt-seconds, making it one of the most powerful underwater strobes available on the market. This impressive power allows the strobe to cut through water effectively, delivering sharp, vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions. Its quick recycle time ensures you can capture fast-paced underwater action without missing a beat. The Ikelite DS232 features intuitive controls, offering 10 steps in 1/2-stop increments, allowing for precise adjustments to get the desired lighting effect. The strobe connector is an Ikelite Bulkhead, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of underwater camera housings.

The Ikelite DS232 is not just a strobe, it also incorporates a 2500 Lumen video light. This powerful light can significantly enhance your underwater videos, delivering brighter, more vibrant footage.

• Guide Number 20
• 140 degree beam angle
• Battery life: 600 flashes
• Recycle time: 0.9 seconds at full power
• 3000 lumens focus light or video light
• Powerful ring flash - Color temp 5500K

The Weefine WFS09 is an underwater strobe and video light designed for use in underwater photography and videography. This weefine strobe provides a flash output of 60 Ws with a guide number of 22 (ISO 200, 1 m), covering a wide 140°–150° angle. It also functions as a continuous LED light with 3000 lumens brightness, a color temperature of 5000 K, and a high color rendering index (CRI 90). 

Powered by two 18650 lithium-ion batteries (in a state-of-the-art battery pack) the unit can deliver approximately 600 flashes per charge at full power, or about 50 minutes of continuous LED output. The recycle time is around 0.9 seconds at maximum strobe power. Built with an aluminum housing, the WFS09 is rated for depths up to 100 m.

This model fits into the category of compact underwater strobes, combining dual-mode operation (flash and video light) for versatility in a single unit.

• Dual-function underwater strobe with both flash and continuous light.
• Powerful 60 Ws, 140° ring strobe giving natural, wide-angle illumination.
• 3000-lumen COB LED video light with high CRI (Ra 90) ensures accurate color.
• 11 manual strobe power levels allowing fine adjustments.
• Long battery life—600+ flashes, 50 min video light runtime.
• Durable yet compact aluminum housing—dives down to 100 m.
• Strobe firing by fiber optics
• Lightweight with low underwater bulk for ease of handling.

The Backscatter Hybrid Flash HF‑1 is an underwater strobe light that combines an underwater strobe with a high-power video light in a single unit. The HF‑1 delivers a guide number of ƒ40 (ISO 100 equivalent), enabling wide-angle illumination, and has selectable modes (spot, wide, and red light) and adjustable beam angles (120°, 140°, or 160° with diffusers). The Backscatter strobe also includes a built-in 5,000-lumen video light.

The Backscatter HF-1 supports Smart Control TTL flash for Sony, Olympus, and OM-System cameras, high-speed sync (HSS), and wireless off-camera remote control, including remote power adjustment of slave units. Exposure is adjustable across 12 manual flash power levels, offering a 5.5‑stop range down to very low output—sufficient for close-up macro shooting.

The Backscatter HF1 is built for underwater use up to 100 m (330 ft), with a rugged design featuring dual O-ring seals and a sand gasket in the battery compartment. It operates on two 21700 lithium‑ion batteries, providing over 375 full-power flashes per charge and an approximate full-power recycle time of 2 seconds.

Weighing about 1.14 kg in air (with batteries, diffuser, and ball mount) and only 227 g underwater, the unit is compact enough for travel but powerful enough for larger scenes. The housing includes easily operated control dials and LED battery indicators for intuitive handling underwater.

Within the category of underwater camera strobe systems, the Backscatter Hybrid Flash stands out as a model of hybrid functionality, combining a powerful still-photo strobe and continuous video lighting in one device. In comparison to other underwater strobes, the HF‑1 is frequently identified as among the best underwater strobes for hybrid shooters who require combined photo and video capability without carrying separate lights.

• Guide Number: ƒ40
• Maximum LED Output: 5,000 Lumens
• Recycle time (full): 1.6 seconds
• Sync Cord: Fiber Optic
• Depth Rating: 330ft/100m