Experience the Ultimate All-in-One Lighting Solution: The Marelux Apollo Y
The Marelux Apollo Y is a high-performance, hybrid underwater lighting system designed for photographers who require both strobe and video capabilities in a single, compact unit. Engineered for speed and versatility, it serves as a streamlined alternative to larger models like the Marelux Apollo S Strobe, making it ideal for macro, fish portraits, and travel-focused rigs.
Tested and recommended by the professional staff at Bluewater Photo, this compact powerhouse is more than just a strobe; it’s a comprehensive lighting system.Why the Apollo Y is a Game-Changer:
- Lightning-Fast Performance: Never miss a shot with a GN22 flash power and a staggering 0.6-second full-power recycle time.
- True Hybrid Versatility: Seamlessly switch between photography and videography with a built-in 3000-lumen white video light and a dedicated 1000-lumen red focusing light to keep skittish subjects at ease.
- Advanced Compatibility: Fully supports modern triggering modes including TTL, HSS, and Olympus RC, ensuring perfect exposure even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Travel-Ready Durability: Featuring a patented detachable waterproof battery chamber, the Apollo Y offers unparalleled peace of mind and flexibility, powered by high-capacity 21700 or 18650 batteries. We recommend the following batteries: XTAR 21700 6000mAh 10A.
- Expansive Coverage: A native 120° beam angle (expandable to 140° with a diffuser) provides the soft, wide illumination required for stunning close-focus wide-angle shots.
Marelux Apollo Y quick specs
A compact strobe that also solves your focus and video-light problem
The Marelux Apollo Y stands out because it is not just a small strobe. It combines fast GN22 flash performance, wide 120° coverage, MTL continuous flash capability, and a strong red/white light system in a body that is manageable on compact and mirrorless underwater rigs.
Photographers choose it when they want a strobe that can handle serious macro work, fast subject movement, occasional video clips, and travel setups without immediately stepping into a larger, heavier high-output strobe. Compared with smaller macro-first strobes, the Apollo Y offers more hybrid lighting flexibility; compared with bigger Marelux Apollo S or Apollo III strobes, it is easier to pack and position in tight macro scenes.
Underwater workflow advantages
Fast recycle for behavior and follow-up shots
A 0.6-second full-power recycle time matters when a jawfish opens its mouth, a shrimp turns toward the lens, or a diver finally hits the right position in a close-focus wide-angle frame. The Apollo Y also includes an MTL mode supporting continuous flashes at 10 FPS up to GN9, which helps when timing is everything.
- Quicker follow-up frames than many compact strobes.
- MTL mode supports action sequences at reduced output.
- Useful for skittish macro subjects and moving reef life.
Red focus light plus white video light
The middle red LED serves as the focusing light, while the four white LEDs function as the video light. We recommend using the red LED for focusing because it is less distracting for many subjects and keeps your setup cleaner when switching between stills and quick video clips.
- 3000 lumens white light for video and setup illumination.
- 1000 lumens red light for focusing and macro work.
- Reduces the need for a separate focus light on many rigs.
Detachable waterproof battery chamber
The patented detachable waterproof battery chamber is one of the practical design choices that separates the Apollo Y from many compact strobes. For traveling divers and daily boat diving, a cleaner battery workflow can make charging, inspection, and turnaround between dives easier.
- Supports 2x 21700 lithium batteries.
- Compatible with 18650 batteries using adapters.
- Designed for repeated battery changes with proper O-ring care.
Marelux Apollo Y vs Backscatter Mini Flash 3 vs Marelux Apollo S
| Product | Power / Output | Beam | Best Use | System Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marelux Apollo Y | GN22 on land; 3000-lumen white video light; 1000-lumen red light | 120° / 140° with diffuser | Hybrid macro, close-focus wide-angle, fish portraits, travel still/video setups | Fiber optic M, pre-flash, TTL, Olympus RC, M-HSS, MTL; compatible trigger required for TTL/HSS/RC |
| Backscatter Mini Flash 3 | GN18; 1000-lumen maximum LED output | Compact strobe beam designed around macro and small scenes | Macro, snoot work, fish portraits, compact rigs | Fiber optic triggering; TTL behavior depends on camera, housing, and trigger support |
| Marelux Apollo S Strobe | GN36 on land; higher-output Marelux option | 110° underwater / 140° with dome diffuser | More demanding wide-angle, reef scenes, larger subjects, high-output work | Manual, TTL/Auto Sync, HSS, RC, MTL support depending on trigger and configuration |
What to know before you buy
Pros
- Fast 0.6-second full-power recycle time.
- Hybrid still/video capability in one compact lighting head.
- Wide 120° beam, expanding to 140° with diffuser.
- Strong red focus light for macro and low-light subject acquisition.
- 21700 battery power with 18650 adapter flexibility.
Cons
- TTL, HSS, and RC are not universal; they require compatible triggers and camera/housing support.
- Not the best choice as a primary high-output strobe for large, bright wide-angle scenes.
- Batteries and charger may need to be selected carefully for correct fit and output.
- Dual strobes are still recommended for even wide-angle lighting.
Setup Notes
- Confirm your exact camera, housing, trigger, and fiber cable combination before ordering.
- Use the red LED for focusing when shooting macro or skittish subjects.
- Inspect and lightly maintain O-rings whenever opening the battery chamber.
- Start in manual mode if TTL behavior is inconsistent, then tune trigger settings from there
Why buy from Bluewater Photo?
Marelux has become a serious name in modern underwater housings, strobes, snoots, and system lighting. The Apollo Y fits that system-minded approach: it is designed around real underwater camera workflows, not just topside flash numbers.
Bluewater Photo can help confirm the exact camera, housing, trigger, fiber optic cable, arm, clamp, battery, and port combination before you commit. That matters because underwater lighting compatibility is system-specific, and a good strobe is only as useful as the setup around it.
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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Marelux Apollo Y product views and setup details
Related Underwater Gear Categories:
- Marelux Housings and Accessories
- Underwater Strobes & Flashes
- Underwater Video Lights
- Snoots for Underwater Strobes
- Marelux Apollo iii 2.0 Strobe
- Marelux Apollo S uw strobe
- 1. Support TTL, Olympus RC, HSS (The TTL, HSS, and RC modes require compatible flash triggers to be used)
- 2. With a special designed MTL mode, support continuous flashes at 10 FPS within a maximum brightness of GN9
- 3. Fiber Trigger: with one fiber port that supports M, Pre Flash (compatible with compact cameras), TTL, Olympus RC (supports RC-MANUAL, RC-TTL, RC-FP), M-HSS and MTL modes
- 4. Guide Number: 22 (on land)
- 5. Beam Angle: 120°ï¼ˆ140° with Diffuser ）
- 6. Color Temperature: 6000k (5500k with white diffuser, 4700k with yellow diffuser)
- 7. Full Power Recycle Time: 0.6 second
- 8. Dimensions: max diameter 90mm, main body length 116mm, full length (including battery chamber ) 167mm
- 9. Battery: 2x 21700 lithium batteries (compatible with 18650 lithium batteries with an adapter), MAX discharging current 15A
- 10. Detachable Waterproof Battery Chamber (Patented Design)
- 11. Full Power Flash Count: around 1500 times
- 12. Two Video Light Colors: 3000 lumens on white（Runtime up to 120 minutes and 1000 lumens on red
- 13. Depth Rating: 100m
- Marelux Apollo Y Underwater Strobe
- Mounting Ball
- Spare O-rings (2)
- Lanyard Sheet
- Fiber Port Plug
- 18650-21700 battery adapter (2)
We offer lifetime support with all purchases.
Please call or email us with any questions; our knowledgeable staff would love to assist you.
Can the Marelux Apollo Y strobe be used with any Marelux housing?
Yes, the Apollo Y is designed to be compatible with various Marelux housings, including the Marelux Apollo III, Apollo S, and Soft Pro.
What type of batteries does the Apollo Y support?
The Apollo Y’s detachable battery chamber is uses 2x 21700 (may also use 18650 batteries with adapters). We recommend the following batteries: XTAR 21700 6000mAh 10A Rechargeable Battery.
How deep can I take the Marelux Apollo Y underwater?
The Apollo Y is rated for use at depths of up to 100 meters, making it ideal for both shallow and deep-sea dives.
Is the Marelux Apollo Y suitable for macro photography?
Yes, the beaded dome design of the Apollo Y is optimized for macro shots, providing soft, even lighting for close-up photography.
Does the Marelux Apollo Y come with a target light?
Yes, the Apollo Y includes a dual-target light with both red and white LEDs, providing 3000 lumens on white (Runtime up to 120 minutes) and 1000 lumens on red
