GEAR TESTS: Backscatter Mini Flash MF-2 Underwater Review

Jim Decker CEO: Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo

The Backscatter Mini Flash 2 made its debut at the Digital Shootout this year and was a pretty popular item in the demo fleet. With the ability to have accurate TTL exposures with Olympus cameras, even through a snoot, people were raving about how easy it is to shoot and were thrilled with their results.

With an upgraded target light now putting a 1000 lumens, it was plenty bright enough to see through the Optical Snoot in the high ambient light conditions we get here in Little Cayman this time of year, even when snooting in the sand.

Another cool feature I took advantage of was using High Speed Sync. That is a special mode where the flash can synchronize with faster shutter speeds. The example shot I have below was shot at 1/8000 of a second!

I also did some remote lighting with the new Backscatter remote lighting Muck Stick. I did a color bokeh bubble shot and a backlit scene by utilizing the Backscatter Color Filters. With the remote capability of the Backscatter Mini Flash 2, I was able to wirelessly trigger and control the power level of my remotely placed strobe making it a breeze to pull these shots off.

SEVAG MEHTERIAN Service Specialist

There is not a single macro photograph that I shot in Little Cayman that did not involve the use of a Mini Flash 2. Tiny gobies and delicate Christmas tree worms are an ideal subject to hone your macro skills and I definitely took advantage of the opportunity. The bright target light of the MF-2 through the OS-1 snoot allows you to easily see exactly where and how your subject will be lit and from there, capturing stunning macros with dark backgrounds becomes routine.