DreiFish

I am in the market for a new flash trigger. He needs to be able to support HSS and TTL functionality. The strobes will be used with includes the Retra Pro, Backscatter MF-2, ONE UW 160 and new Marelux Apollo 3 strobes. So basically, I’d like a model that can: (1) support TTL, HSS functionality over optical sync with all 4 of those strobes (last 3 being most important) (2) work with Canon R mirrorless cameras (3) Fit inside the Nauticam housing for the R5C and R6 Mark II (4) As a bonus, potentially work with the Nauticam S6 bulkhead for electrical sync for TTL/HSS with the ONE UW 160 strobes. My understanding from ONE UW is that the UW Technics flash trigger doesn’t work in HSS mode with their strobes over optical sync. Which I guess would leave the Turtle trigger as the only option that does all the above? Can anyone confirm if the Turtle trigger works with the Backscatter MF-2 or the new Marelux Apollo 3 strobes? Also, I’m confused by all the different models of the Turtle trigger. What’s the difference between the e-Turtle Smart, e-Turtle Smart Mobie and Smart 2?

Purchased in 2021. Both working great, with some cosmetic wear on the outside. https://www.backscatter.com/Retra-Flash-Pro-Underwater-Strobe $800 each or $1500 for the set. Also for sale: 2x Warm Wide Diffuser 2x Reduction Rings 2x Reflectors I'll throw in all the accessories if purchasing the 2 strobes together for $1500.

Phil, does the UWT work with the Marelux Apollo strobes in TTL/HSS/MTL? How about the Turtle trigger? I need to pick one for Canon R5/R6 Mark II.

Where to get one of those?

Hi Phil, Nothing so professional 🙂 I don't have a color meter on hand. I simply took a raw image of a 18% grey card and 90% white card with a macro lens at same settings/same distance from the flash. Brought the images into lightroom and used the white balance tool to white balance off the white card. So take the results with a grain of salt. They are probably not an absolute measurement of the color temperature. They're mostly useful in comparing the four strobes and contrasting with the manufacturer specifications.

Retra Pro (Full Power, with 100mm Macro) OneUW (Full Power, with 100mm Macro) Supe D-Pro (Full Power, with 100mm Macro) Ikelite DS230 (Full Power, with 100mm Macro)

So I've been looking for an upgrade from my current Retra Pro strobes (the original, not the Retra Pro X or Retra Pro Max). Main annoyance is that they're quite negative and I don't like dealing with 8x (or more) Eneloop AA batteries each time. I'd prefer a strobe with a built-in battery solution, ideally lithium ion, not NIMH. I got my hands on three strobes to compare against the Retra Pros and tested them in my garage to gauge color temperature, beam angle and recycling times, along with some of the intangibles like ergonomics, size of charger, ease of use. I'll post my results and comparative pictures below. But for now, here is the initial chart I've been compiling to start a discussion. Some interesting findings... I'd really like to get one of the new Marilux Apollo III strobes in to also compare next Initial reflections in no particular order: 1. Advertised color temperature (no diffusers) is way off. Especially for the Supe D-Pro, but surprisingly also for the OneUW 160. A bit dissapointing on that end. 2. Of the 4, I prefer the controls, ergonomics and build quality of the OneUW and Retra Pro the most. Supe D-Pro controls are a bit clunky and power ratings are weird -- why go from 100%-90%-80%-70%-50% power? Who is that useful to? 3. Ikelite DS230 is a bit disappointing in terms of power. Seems roughly equivalent to the Retra Pro (with maybe a slightly broader beam angle -- hard to measure). One-UW is 2/3 of a stop brighter than the Retra Pro and Ikelite DS230s, and a full stop brighter than the the Supe D-Pro. 4. While the Supe D-Pro initially seems like a bargain, there's enough compromises that to me it would be worth upgrading to the OneUW -- or the Retra, if you can stand dealing with the supercharges and 8 AA batteries per strobe.. 5. So far, OneUW or Retra seems the best for traditional wide angle (because they also allow for TTL & HSS), with the Ikelite DS230 being a decent choice also. 6. On paper, Marilux Apollo III looks like the best option for fast action pelagics where you need a combination of power, fast recycling time, and TTL, and color temperature is not so important. I look forward to getting my hands on one. 7. Neither the OneUW nor the Supe D-Pro triggered properly for me with fiber optic cables and the Nauticam LED flash trigger. Their optical sensors must be weaker than those on the Retra. Rather frustrating. I'm starting to think electrical sync cables are the way to go, especially if the strobe supports TTL/HSS over the cables.. Guess I'll probably end up with 2x OneUWs for wide angle and people photos and 2x Marilux Apollo III's for wide angle pelagics. Maybe I'll keep the Retra Pros for when travel weight is absolutely essential. (I have 2 backscatter MF-2s for macro. I'll probably add them to the test at some point).

Wetpixel refugee, currently based near Boca Raton, Florida.