Diving with the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Flash under the Sea of Cortez's waters
The Sea of Cortez, known for its crystal-clear waters, abundant sunlight, and diverse underwater topography, offers a unique challenge for underwater photographers. However, the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Lightning strobes have proven to be a reliable companion for capturing the region's vibrant marine life.
During a recent photoworkshop aboard the luxurious Rocio Del Mar, two new YS-D3 strobes were put to the test. The author, impressed with the strobes' performance, expressed a desire to upgrade their Sea & Sea YS-D2Js.
The YS-D3 strobes, with their ultra-wide beam coverage of approximately 120°, illuminated large underwater areas without the need for additional diffusers[1]. This wide coverage was particularly useful in the expansive underwater environment of the Sea of Cortez.
The strobes delivered daylight-balanced color temperature (~5000 K), helping maintain natural color tones underwater, reducing the bluish cast common in underwater images[1]. This feature was evident in the King Angelfish photo, where the speed and even light of the YS-D3 strobes highlighted the fish's vibrant colours.
The YS-D3 strobes' recycle time ranged from roughly 0.1 to 1.2 seconds depending on power setting, allowing photographers to take multiple shots quickly, capturing fast-moving marine life effectively[1]. In fact, the strobes managed to light every shot in a series at 3 frames per second.
The Rocio Del Mar, a spacious and luxurious dive liveaboard with an outstanding crew and good food, provided an ideal base for the photoworkshop led by the Underwater Photography Guide. The author wrote a trip report on their experience in the Sea of Cortez's Midriff Islands.
The YS-D3 strobes' robust build and corrosion-resistance, coupled with a depth rating of about 100 meters (330 feet), make them suitable for the harsh underwater conditions encountered during the photoworkshop[1]. The strobes' battery, powered by rechargeable NiMH batteries that are airline-safe and long-lasting, further adds to their versatility.
The YS-D3 snoot, made by Sea & Sea specifically for the YS-D3, is an affordable and useful accessory that helped reduce backscatter when photographing sea lions[1]. The snoot's subtle beam quality added color to a photo without appearing artificial, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the underwater images.
In conclusion, the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Lightning strobes offer a combination of wide coverage, natural daylight color, fast recycle time, strong build, and precise manual control, making them well-suited for the dynamic and vivid underwater photography conditions of the Sea of Cortez[1]. These strobes are now available at Bluewater Photo for those seeking to elevate their underwater photography game.
[1] Information sourced from Sea & Sea's official website and product specifications.
- The underwater photography workshop in the Sea of Cortez was an ideal opportunity to test the performance of the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Lightning strobes.
- The Sea & Sea YS-D3 strobes, renowned for their ultra-wide beam coverage, offered a clear advantage in the expansive underwater landscape of the Sea of Cortez.
- The YS-D3 strobes' ability to maintain natural color tones underwater was evident in the vibrant colors of a King Angelfish photograph.
- With a recycle time ranging from 0.1 to 1.2 seconds, the YS-D3 strobes allowed photographers to capture fast-moving marine life effectively.
- The luxurious Rocio Del Mar, complete with an outstanding crew, good food, and a spacious deck, provided an ideal base for the underwater photography adventure.
- The author, captivated by the strobes' performance, decided to consider upgrading their Sea & Sea YS-D2Js.
- The YS-D3 strobes' rugged build and corrosion-resistance, combined with a depth rating of 100 meters, make them suitable for harsh underwater conditions.
- The affordable and useful YS-D3 snoot accessory by Sea & Sea, specifically designed for the YS-D3, helped reduce backscatter when photographing sea lions.
- In light of their wide coverage, natural daylight color, fast recycle time, strong build, and precise manual control, the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Lightning strobes are ideal for the dynamic and vibrant underwater photography conditions of the Sea of Cortez.
- For those looking to enhance their underwater photography lifestyle, the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Lightning strobes are now available at Bluewater Photo.
