Marelux Apollo C Underwater Strobe
A powerful GN32 underwater strobe and 6,000-lumen video light in one compact hybrid lighting system for photographers who shoot both stills and video.
The Marelux Apollo C is a hybrid underwater lighting system that combines a professional GN32 flash with a powerful 6,000-lumen continuous video light. It is particularly useful for underwater photographers who switch between still photography and video during the same dive and would rather carry one lighting system instead of separate strobes and video lights.
Its fast 0.8-second full-power recycle time, 120° beam and broad range of flash modes make it especially interesting for wide-angle reef photography, fast-moving subjects, hybrid photo/video shooters and photographers working with more advanced triggering systems.
- Best for: Hybrid underwater photo/video shooters, wide-angle photography and fast-action subjects.
- Main advantage: Combines a GN32 strobe and 6,000-lumen video light in one unit.
- Flash modes: Manual, TTL, RC, PRE-M, HSS and Marelux MTL.
- Fast shooting: MTL mode supports burst shooting up to 20 fps at GN12.
- Wide coverage: 120° beam helps illuminate large underwater scenes.
- Important compatibility note: Available flash functions depend on the camera, housing and triggering method. Contact Bluewater Photo if you would like us to confirm your exact setup.
Marelux Apollo C Quick Specs
Marelux Apollo C Compatibility
The Apollo C supports multiple flash-control modes, but the functions available to you depend on your camera, underwater housing, flash trigger and connection method. Compatibility varies by system — contact Bluewater Photo to confirm your setup.
Works With
- Compatible underwater camera systems using supported triggering methods
- Manual flash operation
- TTL-compatible systems when correctly configured
- RC-compatible systems when correctly configured
- Cameras requiring PRE-M pre-flash handling
- Supported HSS camera configurations
Requires
- Compatible underwater camera housing
- Compatible flash trigger or camera flash
- Correct strobe connection method: TBC
- Compatible mounting arm or ball-mount system: 1" ball mount
- Battery and charger configuration: TBC
Optional Gear
- Second Apollo C for dual-strobe wide-angle setups
- Strobe arms and clamps
- Fiber-optic cable where required
- Buoyancy arms for heavier camera systems
- Diffuser compatible with the Apollo C
- Spare batteries for multi-dive days
A Real Strobe and a 6,000-Lumen Video Light in One
Hybrid shooters often end up with a complicated camera rig because strobes and video lights solve different problems. The Apollo C combines both, giving still photographers GN32 flash power while providing a 6,000-lumen continuous beam when it is time to record video.
- Switch between stills and video without changing lighting equipment
- CRI 95 video light helps maintain natural-looking color
- 5500K continuous light provides daylight-balanced illumination
- Can reduce the number of separate lights needed on a travel rig
Fast Recycling for Subjects That Will Not Wait
A fast strobe is especially useful when photographing sea lions, sharks, schooling fish and other subjects where the strongest composition may exist for only a moment. The Apollo C has a stated 0.8-second recycle time at full output.
Marelux's MTL mode takes the concept further, allowing burst shooting up to 20 fps at GN12. That makes the Apollo C particularly interesting for photographers using high-speed mirrorless bodies underwater.
- 0.8-second full-output recycle time
- MTL burst shooting up to 20 fps at GN12
- Useful for fast-moving marine life
- Reduces waiting between frames during action sequences
Smarter Flash Control for Different Camera Systems
The Apollo C supports Manual, TTL, RC, PRE-M, HSS and Marelux MTL operation. PRE-M is particularly relevant to compact-camera shooters because it is designed for cameras that fire an unavoidable pre-flash before the main exposure.
When the strobe fires, the 6,000-lumen video light automatically switches off for approximately 0.2 seconds. This prevents the continuous light from interfering with the flash exposure before quickly returning.
- Multiple flash modes for different camera workflows
- PRE-M support for compatible pre-flash cameras
- HSS support for compatible systems
- Automatic temporary video-light shutoff during flash firing
Marelux Apollo C vs. Other Premium Underwater Strobes
There is no single best underwater strobe for every photographer. The better choice depends on whether you prioritize hybrid video capability, maximum flash power, TTL integration, beam width or battery system.
| Product | Flash Output | Continuous Light | Beam | Best For | Control / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marelux Apollo C | GN32 | 6,000 lumens | 120° | Hybrid photo/video and fast burst shooting | Manual, TTL, RC, PRE-M, HSS, MTL; system-dependent |
| 130 Ws | 300-lumen target light | 80° × 82°; 102° × 102° with diffuser | High-output still photography with flexible battery options | Manual, DS-TTL II, RC, HSS Manual | |
| Ikelite RC232 TTL | 213 Ws | 2,500 lumens | 120° | Powerful wide-angle stills and compatible TTL systems | Fiber-optic triggering; TTL capabilities depend on compatible system |
| Backscatter HF-1 | GN40 | 5,000 lumens | 120° standard; wider options with diffusers | High-powered hybrid shooting | Fiber optic; Smart Control TTL for supported systems; HSS |
Guide numbers and watt-second ratings are different measurement systems and should not be treated as direct one-to-one brightness comparisons. Actual underwater coverage and exposure also depend on beam shape, diffuser use, subject distance and water conditions.
Why Buy the Marelux Apollo C from Bluewater Photo?
Buying an underwater strobe is different from buying a standard camera flash. The strobe must work with your housing, trigger, connection method, camera flash settings and mounting system. Bluewater Photo specializes in complete underwater camera systems, so we can help verify the pieces before you travel.
- Expert help selecting compatible underwater photography equipment
- Support configuring strobes, housings, arms and triggering systems
- Real-world underwater photography experience
- Support before and after your purchase
Content reviewed by Bluewater Photo staff, recognized as the #1 online retailer specializing in underwater photography and scuba diving equipment, with real-world experience supporting, selling, and configuring underwater camera systems.
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- Browse underwater video lights
These categories make the most sense if you are building the Apollo S into a complete underwater camera rig rather than buying the strobe by itself.
Guides and Articles
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These are the best starting points if you are comparing the Apollo S against other underwater strobes.
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These articles help with beam placement, strobe technique, and deciding whether the Apollo S fits your shooting style.
Marelux Apollo C Specifications
Flash Performance
- Maximum flash output: GN32
- Full-power recycle time: 0.8 seconds
- Beam angle: 120°
- Flash modes: Manual, TTL, RC, PRE-M, HSS and MTL
- MTL burst performance: up to 20 fps at GN12
Video Lighting
- Maximum video-light output: 6,000 lumens
- CRI: 95
- Color temperature: 5500K
- Automatic video-light interruption during flash: approximately 0.2 seconds
Triggering & Compatibility
- Manual flash: Yes
- TTL: Yes, on compatible configurations
- RC: Yes, on compatible configurations
- PRE-M: Yes
- HSS: Yes, on compatible configurations
- Marelux MTL: Yes
- Trigger connection: Fiber Optic
- Wireless sensor: Low-profile wide-angle receiving sensor
Power & Construction
- Battery type: TBC
- Battery capacity: TBC
- Number of flashes per charge: TBC
- Depth rating: TBC
- Weight in air: TBC
- Weight underwater: TBC
- Dimensions: TBC
- Mount type: TBC
- Marelux Apollo C Underwater Strobe
Marelux Apollo C FAQ
Does the Marelux Apollo C work with any underwater camera?
Not automatically. The Apollo C supports several flash modes, but available functions depend on your camera, housing, trigger and connection method. Contact Bluewater Photo if you want us to verify your specific system.
Does the Marelux Apollo C support TTL?
The Apollo C supports TTL operation, but TTL compatibility depends on the camera and triggering configuration. Do not assume TTL compatibility without checking your complete system.
Can I use the Apollo C as a video light?
Yes. The Apollo C includes a 6,000-lumen, CRI 95, 5500K continuous video light, making it a true hybrid photo/video lighting option rather than a strobe with only a low-output focus light.
What is Marelux MTL mode?
MTL is Marelux's high-speed shooting mode. For the Apollo C, Marelux specifies burst shooting up to 20 frames per second at GN12.
What is PRE-M mode used for?
PRE-M mode is intended for compact cameras and other systems that produce an unavoidable pre-flash before the main exposure. It helps the strobe respond correctly to that flash sequence.
Is one Apollo C enough for wide-angle underwater photography?
One strobe can work, but two strobes usually provide more balanced coverage for large reef scenes and fisheye photography. A dual-strobe setup also gives you greater control over shadows and backscatter.
Is the Apollo C better than the Marelux Apollo S or Apollo III?
They serve different priorities. The Apollo C is especially compelling if you want strong continuous video lighting in the same unit as your underwater flash; compare output, recycle performance, size and your required flash modes before choosing.
What should I check before ordering the Marelux Apollo C?
Confirm your housing's triggering system, flash connection, desired TTL or RC mode, mounting hardware and battery requirements. Bluewater Photo can help verify the complete configuration before you buy.
