Underwater photography enthusiasts delve into an in-depth analysis of the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Strobe, reporting on its features and performance.
The Sea & Sea YS-D3, the latest addition to Bluewater Photo's inventory, is a game-changer in the world of underwater photography. This advanced underwater strobe offers numerous improvements and innovations over its predecessor, the YS-D2J.
Speed and Power
One of the standout features of the YS-D3 is its exceptionally quick recycling times. At half power, the YS-D3 recycles in about 0.6 seconds, and at below quarter power, it essentially has no recycle delay. This makes it a perfect choice for fast-action underwater photography, such as capturing sharks and sea lions in motion.
The YS-D3 also delivers a professional-grade beam with a maximum guide number of 33, indicating a strong and effective light output.
Improved Light Dispersion
The flash tube in the YS-D3 uses an aspherical troidal lens, which produces an even light spread and reduces hotspotting compared to the YS-D2J. This results in more natural and well-balanced images.
Expanded Accessory Compatibility
The YS-D3 supports a wide range of native accessories, including snoots and slave prisms, providing more versatility for different photographic needs.
Suitable for Fast Subjects
Due to its fast recycle time and light quality, the YS-D3 is recommended as a future-proof strobe especially effective for capturing quick-moving underwater subjects.
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 3.6 X 4.4. X5.8 inches
- Weight: 610g/21.5 oz (above water), -20g/0.7 oz (underwater)
- Depth rating: 100m/330 ft
- Guide number: 33
- Colour temperature: 5800K (5500K with diffuser)
- DS-TTL II shooting mode
- Manual mode with adjustments by about 1/3rd of a stop
- Compatible with 5-pin sync cord/N and fiber optic cables
- Over Pressure Relief Valve
- Auto Power Off
Accessories Included
The YS-D3 comes with a series of accessories designed by Sea & Sea in response to trends in underwater photography. These include a snoot, dome diffuser, slave prism, and redesigned ball mount. An optional 150-degree dome diffuser is also available.
With its faster recycling times, improved light dispersion, and expanded accessory compatibility, the YS-D3 is poised to overtake the YS-D2J as the world's most popular strobe.
- The Sea & Sea YS-D3, with its superior recycling times, is ideal for capturing sharks and sea lions in motion, making it perfect for fast-action underwater photography.
- The YS-D3's professional-grade beam has a maximum guide number of 33, ensuring a strong and effective light output.
- The flash tube in the YS-D3 uses an aspherical troidal lens for an even light spread, minimizing hotspotting and enhancing image quality.
- The YS-D3's compatibility with a wide range of native accessories, such as snoots and slave prisms, provides greater versatility for diverse photographic needs.
- The YS-D3's fast recycle time and light quality make it a promising choice for capturing quick-moving underwater subjects, ensuring future-proof performance.
- Key specifications of the YS-D3 include dimensions of 3.6 X 4.4. X5.8 inches, a weight of 610g/21.5 oz (above water) and -20g/0.7 oz (underwater), a depth rating of 100m/330 ft, and a guide number of 33.
- Other features include a color temperature of 5800K (5500K with diffuser), DS-TTL II shooting mode, manual mode with adjustments by about 1/3rd of a stop, compatibility with 5-pin sync cord/N and fiber optic cables, Over Pressure Relief Valve, and Auto Power Off.
- The YS-D3 comes with a series of accessories, including a snoot, dome diffuser, slave prism, and redesigned ball mount, designed by Sea & Sea in response to trends in underwater photography.
- An optional 150-degree dome diffuser is also available for the YS-D3.
- With its improved light dispersion and expanded accessory compatibility, the YS-D3 is expected to surpass the YS-D2J as the world's most popular strobe.
- For underwater photographers, the YS-D3 offers a powerful combination of speed, lighting, and advanced technology—making it a must-have gadget for capturing stunning underwater images.
