The Marelux SOFT Mini For Apollo Y is a dedicated underwater snoot designed specifically for photographers using the Marelux Apollo Y strobe. It narrows your flash beam to create controlled, high-contrast lighting for macro subjects, black backgrounds, and selective illumination that is hard to achieve with a bare strobe alone.
In real diving use, this is the kind of accessory you add when you want to isolate a nudibranch, shrimp, goby, or frogfish without lighting the whole frame. Because it is purpose-built for the Apollo Y, setup is more straightforward than adapting a universal snoot to a strobe it was not designed around.
- Best for: macro and super-macro photographers who want tighter, more dramatic strobe control.
- Main advantage: adjustable light spot range from 3mm to 50mm for much finer beam shaping than a standard diffuser.
- Compatibility: only compatible with the Marelux Apollo Y strobe. It is not a universal underwater snoot.
- Why it stands out: dedicated Apollo Y fitment makes it a cleaner solution for Marelux users than mix-and-match snoot systems built around adapters.
- Tradeoff: it is a specialized creative tool, not an everyday wide-beam lighting accessory.
- Buying note: if you change strobe systems later, this snoot does not move with you unless you stay with Apollo Y.
Quick Specs
Compatibility
Works With
- Marelux Apollo Y underwater strobe
- Macro and super-macro underwater lighting setups built around the Apollo Y
- Single-strobe or dual-strobe systems where one strobe is dedicated to snooted light control
Requires
- Marelux Apollo Y strobe
- A camera, housing, tray, and arm system capable of stable macro positioning
- Careful aiming technique underwater for repeatable snoot results
Optional Gear
- Strobe arms and clamps for more precise beam placement
- Focus light for easier subject acquisition in low visibility or night dives
- Macro lens or wet diopter for tighter compositions
System example: Nikon Z8 → housing → tray/handle set → arm and clamp → Marelux Apollo Y → Marelux SOFT Mini For Apollo Y.
Important: this snoot is listed by Marelux as only compatible with the Apollo Y.
Why This Product Stands Out
Most underwater snoot buying mistakes happen when photographers try to adapt a general light-shaping tool to a strobe that does not align cleanly, does not aim predictably, or becomes awkward underwater. The Marelux SOFT Mini For Apollo Y solves that problem for Apollo Y users by being purpose-built for that strobe from the start.
Photographers choose a snoot like this when they want more than “less light.” They want controlled light—the ability to hit only the rhinophore of a nudibranch, the eye of a blenny, or the face of a shrimp while keeping distracting background detail dark and clean. Compared with broad-beam strobe accessories, the SOFT Mini gives Apollo Y shooters a much more creative macro lighting tool.
Comparison Table
| Product | Output / Beam Control | Depth | Best Use | System Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marelux SOFT Mini For Apollo Y | Adjustable 3–50mm light spot | 100m | Apollo Y macro snooting with a dedicated fit | Apollo Y only |
| Backscatter Optical Snoot OS-1 | Aperture-card optical snoot; projected beam can be as small as 6mm | 100m | Backscatter MF-series style macro setups | Backscatter Mini Flash / Macro Wide 4300 ecosystem |
Comparison note: the OS-1 is listed for Backscatter Mini Flash/Macro Wide 4300 compatibility with a 100m depth rating. The Marelux SOFT Mini is the more direct choice if you already own the Apollo Y and want a dedicated Apollo-specific snoot path.
Please feel free to call us at 310-633-5052 or email us at sales@bluewaterphotostore.com with any questions. We are happy to help!
Specifications
Build
- Material: Plastic
- Length: 210mm
- Weight in air: 465g
- Weight underwater: 50g
Lighting / Imaging
- Focal length in water: 130mm
- Light spot adjustable range: 3–50mm
- Purpose: narrows beam coverage by attaching in front of the strobe
Depth
- Waterproof depth: 100m
Compatibility
- Only compatible with the Marelux Apollo Y strobe
- Universal fit: No
- Marelux SOFT Mini for Apollo Y Strobe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Marelux SOFT Mini compatible with strobes other than the Apollo Y?
No. Marelux lists this model as only compatible with the Apollo Y strobe, so it is not a universal underwater snoot.
What kind of underwater photography is this best for?
It is best for macro and super-macro work where you want to isolate a subject with a narrow beam of light. Think nudibranchs, shrimp, gobies, blennies, and other small critters.
How tight can the beam get?
The listed adjustable light spot range is 3mm to 50mm. That gives you flexibility from very tight accent lighting to a somewhat broader selective beam.
Does using a snoot make underwater shooting harder?
Usually yes, at least at first. Snooting is more precise than standard strobe work, so expect a learning curve and plan some practice time before an important dive trip.
Do I need any special accessories to use it well?
A stable arm and clamp setup helps a lot, and many shooters also like having a focus light for easier subject aiming. Macro wet lenses or diopters can pair well with the kind of tight compositions snooting encourages.
Can I use this for wide-angle reef scenes?
No. A snoot is designed to narrow and control the beam, which is the opposite of what most wide-angle lighting needs.
What should I check before ordering?
First, confirm that your strobe is the Marelux Apollo Y. Second, think about whether you want a dedicated Apollo-specific snoot or a more modular system that can move across multiple strobes later.
