Marelux Apollo S Underwater Strobe

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Specifications
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Marelux Apollo S Underwater Strobe

Please Note: Batteries NOT included

For more details on the Apollo S underwater strobe, download the Apollo S Manual

The Marelux Apollo S Strobe represents a significant step forward in underwater strobe technology. Its combination of power, speed, and advanced features provides underwater photographers with a versatile tool capable of tackling a wide range of underwater imaging scenarios. The Apollo S's ability to adapt to various shooting situations, from macro to wide-angle, makes it a valuable addition to any underwater photographer's kit.

Key Features

Powerful Performance: With a guide number of 33 and a wide beam angle of 110° (expandable to 140° with the diffuser), the Apollo S provides ample illumination for a variety of underwater scenes, from macro to wide-angle.
Advanced Features: The inclusion of TTL, HSS, and the unique MTL mode sets the Apollo S apart from many competitors, offering photographers a wide range of creative possibilities.
Fast Recycle Time: At 0.9 seconds for full power recycle, the Apollo S keeps up with fast-paced underwater action, ensuring you never miss a shot.
Versatility: Whether you're shooting tiny nudibranchs or expansive reef scenes, the Apollo S adapts to your needs with its adjustable power output and various shooting modes.
Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of underwater use, with a depth rating of 100 meters, the Apollo S is a reliable companion for your underwater adventures.
Value Proposition: When compared to other high-end strobes, the Apollo S offers a compelling mix of features and performance at a competitive price point.

When it comes to underwater strobes, power and versatility are key factors that can make or break your photographic endeavors. The Marelux Apollo S Strobe shines brightly in both these areas, offering impressive output and a range of features that cater to various underwater shooting scenarios.

Impressive Light Output

At the heart of the Apollo S is its powerful flash tube, capable of delivering a guide number of 36 (ISO 100, measured on land). This translates to ample illumination for a wide range of underwater subjects, from macro critters to wide-angle reef scenes.

In our testing, we found the Apollo S to be particularly effective in bringing out the vibrant colors of coral reefs and marine life. The strobe's color temperature of 6200K closely mimics natural daylight, ensuring accurate color reproduction in your underwater images.

Versatile Beam Angle

One of the standout features of the Apollo S is its adaptable beam angle. Out of the box, the strobe offers a generous 110° beam angle underwater, providing excellent coverage for wide-angle shots. This wide beam helps to eliminate hotspots and creates even illumination across your frame.

For those times when you need an even wider spread of light, the included dome diffuser expands the beam angle to an impressive 140°.

Rapid Recycle Time

In the fast-paced world of underwater photography, where fleeting moments can make or break a shot, the Apollo S's quick recycle time is a game-changer. With a full-power recycle time of just 0.9 seconds, you'll be ready to capture rapid sequences of images without missing a beat.

Multiple Shooting Modes

The Apollo S isn't just about raw power; it's also about flexibility. The strobe offers a range of shooting modes to suit different photographic needs:

Manual Mode: Full control over the strobe's output for precise lighting adjustments.
TTL Mode: Automatic flash output adjustment based on your camera's metering for quick and accurate exposures.
HSS (High-Speed Sync): Allows for the use of faster shutter speeds, perfect for freezing fast action or shooting in bright conditions.
RC (Remote Control): Wireless control of the strobe's settings from your camera.
MTL Mode: A unique feature that supports continuous flashes, ideal for capturing rapid sequences of images.

These diverse modes provide photographers with the tools to tackle a wide range of underwater subjects and lighting conditions. Whether you're shooting macro images of tiny nudibranchs or wide-angle shots of schooling fish, the Apollo S has a mode to suit your needs.

Wireless Capabilities

The Apollo S takes connectivity to the next level with its wireless capabilities. The strobe features two fisheye wireless signal sensor units, providing an impressive 160° coverage for wireless triggering. This wide coverage ensures reliable communication with your camera system, even in challenging underwater conditions.

Additionally, the Apollo S is compatible with Marelux's Lumilink 2.0 wireless transmitter. This system allows for synchronization with your camera's shutter speed up to 1/200s, maintaining a reliable connection up to 2 meters in shallow, well-lit conditions, and extending beyond 10 meters in deeper, darker environments.

Long-lasting Power

With the ability to deliver around 800 full-power flashes on a single set of batteries, the Apollo S ensures you won't be left in the dark during extended dive sessions. This impressive battery life means you can focus on capturing images without constantly worrying about running out of power.

Maximizing Battery Life

While the Apollo S boasts impressive battery life, here are some tips to extend it even further:

Use lower power settings when possible to reduce battery drain.
Take advantage of the quick battery swap feature between dives.
Invest in high-quality, high-capacity 18650 batteries for maximum performance.
Remember to fully charge batteries before a dive trip and bring spares.

By mastering these advanced features and techniques, you can truly unlock the full potential of the Marelux Apollo S Strobe. Whether you're capturing fast action with HSS, experimenting with creative lighting techniques, or pushing the boundaries of underwater photography, the Apollo S provides the tools you need to bring your underwater visions to life.

Advanced Features and Techniques

The Marelux Apollo S Strobe is packed with advanced features that set it apart from many other underwater strobes on the market. Understanding and utilizing these features can significantly enhance your underwater photography. Let's explore some of these advanced capabilities and techniques to help you maximize the potential of your Apollo S.

TTL and Manual Modes: Finding the Perfect Balance

The Apollo S offers both TTL (Through The Lens) and Manual modes, each with its own strengths:

TTL Mode:
- Ideal for fast-moving subjects or rapidly changing lighting conditions.
- The strobe communicates with your camera to automatically adjust flash output for correct exposure.
- Particularly useful for beginners or when you need to react quickly to capture fleeting moments.
Manual Mode:
- Offers precise control over flash output.
- Allows for consistent lighting across a series of shots.
- Preferred by many experienced photographers for its predictability and control.

Pro Tip: We recommend starting with TTL mode to get a feel for the correct exposure, then switching to manual mode and fine-tuning based on the TTL reading. This approach combines the speed of TTL with the precision of manual control.

High-Speed Sync (HSS): Freezing the Action

The HSS capability of the Apollo S is a game-changer for underwater photography:

Allows use of faster shutter speeds (beyond your camera's normal sync speed).
Ideal for freezing fast action or shooting in bright ambient light conditions.
Particularly useful for sunball shots or when balancing strobe light with bright ambient light.

To make the most of HSS:

Use it to freeze fast-moving subjects like swimming fish or divers.
Experiment with different shutter speeds to find the perfect balance between ambient and strobe light.
Remember that HSS reduces the effective power of the strobe, so you may need to increase the power or move closer to your subject.

MTL Mode: Capturing Rapid Sequences

The unique MTL (Multiple Trigger Logic) mode of the Apollo S supports continuous flashes, making it ideal for capturing rapid sequences of images:

Perfect for photographing fast-moving subjects or behavior sequences.
Allows for up to 10 frames per second (depending on your camera's capabilities).
Useful for creating animated GIFs or choosing the perfect moment from a series of shots.

When using MTL mode:

Set your camera to continuous shooting mode.
Start with a lower power setting to ensure faster recycle times.
Be mindful of your strobe's temperature – continuous firing can cause heat buildup.

Wireless Triggering: Expanding Creative Possibilities

The Apollo S's wireless capabilities open up new creative avenues:

Two fisheye wireless sensor units provide 160° coverage for reliable triggering.
Compatible with Marelux's Lumilink 2.0 wireless transmitter for extended range and reliability.
Allows for off-camera strobe placement for creative lighting effects.

To leverage wireless triggering:

Experiment with off-camera strobe placement for unique lighting angles.
Use multiple strobes wirelessly for more complex lighting setups.
Take advantage of the wide sensor coverage to maintain reliable triggering even in challenging positions.

Who Should Consider the Marelux Apollo S?

The Marelux Apollo S Strobe is an excellent choice for:

Intermediate to advanced underwater photographers looking for a versatile, feature-rich strobe.
Photographers who frequently switch between macro and wide-angle underwater photography.
Those who value fast recycle times and the ability to capture rapid sequences of images.
Underwater videographers who can benefit from the continuous lighting capabilities.
Photographers looking to upgrade from entry-level strobes to a more advanced lighting solution.