Retra Flash Pro Max II Underwater Strobe
High-output underwater strobe built for serious wide-angle, macro, and professional underwater imaging.
Is the Retra Flash Pro Max II Right for Your Underwater Camera System?
The Retra Flash Pro Max II represents the new gold standard for professional underwater lighting. As the most powerful option in the lineup of Retra strobes, this unit delivers a massive 190Ws output designed for photographers who demand instant recycling and surgical precision. Whether you are shooting high-speed action or complex wide-angle scenes, the Retra Flash system provides unmatched color consistency and heat management.
- Best for: Advanced underwater photographers, travel shooters, and working pros.
- Main advantage: 190 Ws output with recycle times up to 0–1.9 seconds.
- Compatibility note: Compatibility varies by system — contact Bluewater Photo to confirm your setup.
- Major differentiator: Bluetooth connectivity, TTL, HSS, leak detection, and back-panel display.
- Tradeoff: Uses AA batteries, so battery choice and preparation matter.
Pro Tip: Pair the Retra Pro Max with the Battery Booster to extend your flash cycles.
Main Specifications
190 Ws
0–1.9 sec
AA Batteries
~4900 K
Yes / Yes
Monolithic aluminum alloy
Why Photographers Choose the Retra Flash Pro Max II
The Retra Flash Pro Max II stands out because it combines strong output, fast recycling, TTL, HSS, Bluetooth connectivity, and leak detection in a refined aluminum body. It is a strong choice for photographers who want premium lighting control without moving to a larger, bulkier lighting system.
Powerful Lighting for Wide-Angle Underwater Scenes
Delivering 190Ws of flash power, the Retra Flash Pro Max II achieves a 65% increase in actual light output over the previous generation—all without adding size or weight.
This performance boost comes from a fully redesigned reflector, enhanced electronics, and an improved triggering system that channels more energy into light and less into heat.
The pilot light has been upgraded to deliver 120% more brightness, providing enhanced visibility and pinpoint precision when using the LSD snoot.
Fast Recycle Time for Active Marine Life
25% faster recycle times bring Li-ion performance while using widely available and travel-safe NiMh batteries. No compromises. Just faster shooting and consistent power delivery in even the most demanding situations.
Enjoy up to 2000 shots at 25% power with the 8xAA configuration, giving you unmatched autonomy during extended sessions.
Impressive Safety Features
The Retra Flash has built-in leakage detection that warns you if water ever enters the battery compartment.
But you can rest easy, knowing the battery compartment is sealed from the rest of the electronics.
- Built-in leakage detection
- Double O-ring protection
- Battery compartment waterproof sealed from electronics
- Circuit protection
Pros
- High 190 Ws output
- Fast recycle time
- TTL and HSS support
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Leak detection included
Cons
- AA battery performance depends on battery quality
- TTL compatibility varies by system
- Premium strobe may be more than casual shooters need
- Booster changes height, weight, and buoyancy
Setup Notes
- Confirm optical cable type before purchasing
- Check arm buoyancy if diving with two strobes
- Test TTL behavior before travel
- Use fresh, high-quality batteries for best recycle performance
Recommended Accessories
- Fiber optic sync cables
- Strobe arms
- Clamps
- Tray systems
- AA batteries and chargers
- Diffusers
- Float arms
- Spare O-rings and maintenance tools
Buy with Expert Underwater Photo Support
Retra is known for producing premium underwater lighting tools for demanding photographers. Bluewater Photo can help confirm compatibility, recommend cables and arms, and configure the strobe for your camera and housing system.
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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Expert support from underwater photographers.
Add the Retra Pro Max II to your CartNeed help confirming triggers, cables, or batteries before checkout? Contact Bluewater Photo with your camera and housing details.
Recommended Cords and Cables:
- Sea & Sea Fiber Optic Cable
- Sea & Sea Fiber Optic Cable (Long)
- Sea & Sea Single Sync Cord
- Sea & Sea Dual Sync Cord
- Nauticam Universal Fiber Optic Cable
- Ikelite Sync Cord for Sea & Sea Strobe
- Ikelite Sync Cord for Dual Sea & Sea Strobe
- iTorch Fiber Optic Cable
Related Underwater Gear Categories:
- Retra Strobes & Accessories
- Underwater Strobes & Flashes
- Underwater Video Lights
- Snoots for Underwater Strobes
Technical Specifications
Build
- Model: Retra Flash Pro Max II
- Housing: Monolithic Aluminium Alloy
- Weight: 888g / 1.005g — 1.96 lbs / 2.21 lbs
- Dimensions: Ø 102.5 mm x 148 / 173 mm — Ø 4.0 in x 5.8 / 6.8 in
Lighting / Imaging
- Energy: 190 Ws
- Color Temperature: ~4900 K
- Recycle Time: 0–1.9 s
- TTL: Yes
- HSS: Yes
Power
- Power Source: AA Batteries
- Flashes at Half Power with Booster: 1000+
- Flashes at Full Power with Booster: 300+
Compatibility
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
- Leakage Detection: Yes
- Back Panel Display: Yes
- Bayonet Mount: Classic A1
- Optical Connector: INON threaded connector / Sea&Sea plug connector
- Buoyancy with Booster: -160 g
- Buoyancy without Booster: -70 g
- (1) 4x AA rechargeable batteries or 8x AA rechargeable batteries when using Booster
- (2) Weight on land including 1" (inch) mounting ball and 4x AA Eneloop PRO Batteries / 8x AA Eneloop PRO Batteries respectively
- (3) With 8xAA Enloop PRO. Recycle time varies depending on the chosen power setting.
- 1x Retra Flash Pro Max II
- 1x Booster with real gold-plated contacts
- 1x Regular battery cap with real gold-plated contacts
- 2x USB Charger
- 1x 1"(inch) Mounting ball
- 1x Allen key
- 2x Spare O-rings for the battery compartment
- 1x Silicone grease
- 3-year Retra Warranty
