Marelux Apollo Underwater Strobe - Apollo III 2.0

Please Note: Batteries NOT included

For more details on the Apollo III 2.0 underwater strobe, download the user manual here
Read our underwater review where we tested the Apollo III Strobe in Bohol, Philippines

Marelux has just announced their plans for a high innovative and revolutionary underwater strobe - being the first underwater strobe with TTl and High Speed Sync (HSS) and RC compatible. Also plans are to have this strobe work with a wireless trigger.

It's clear that this underwater strobe represents a significant leap forward in underwater lighting technology. From its impressive power output and rapid recycle times to its innovative features and versatile performance, the Apollo III 2.0 stands out as a tool that can truly elevate the art of underwater photography.

The combination of high guide number, advanced strobe modes, and thoughtful design makes the Apollo III 2.0 suitable for a wide range of underwater photography scenarios. Whether you're capturing the vibrant colors of a coral reef, the swift movements of pelagic creatures, or the intricate details of macro subjects, this strobe provides the illumination and control needed to achieve stunning results.

On top of these innovative features, the underwater strobe will also feature a full power recycle time of 0,8s, and a Guide Number of 44. The amount of light transmitted by the strobe can be adjusted in 12 incremental steps, indicated on the rear button by the numbers 1-12.

The strobe comes with a target light, which features 2 colors, namely red and white, and each has two brightness levels.

The Apollo iii strobe also features a Wireless trigger Mode, which requires the Lumilink optical transmitter to work as the signal transmitter

Features:

• Support TTL, olympus RC, HSS
• With a special designed MTL mode, support continuous flashes
• With 2 fisheye wireless signal sensor units. plus one fiber port, sensor coverage 160°. Wireless trigger supports M, MTL, HSS，TTL modes. RC needs fiber.
• Guide Number 44 (tested on land)
• Flash coverage angle 110°（under water）
• Temp 6200k
• With dome diffuser, beam angle 140°, Temp 5500k
• Full power recycle time 0.6 second
• Max diameter 90mm, length of main body 150mm,full length including knobs 177mm.
• Weight on land 950 grams (without battery, with ball mount), 1085 grams with 3x18650 batteries，with ball mount.
• Weight in water 115 grams (including 3x18650 batteries, including ball mount)
• Battery : 3x18650 lithium batteries. 135 grams total
• Water proof battery chamber
• Full power flash : around 1000 times
• With 2 aiming light colors，250 lumen on white, 300 lumen on red
• Connectivity: Fiber Optic Cable, Wireless Trigger

Lightning-Fast Recycle Times

In the dynamic world of underwater photography, timing is everything. The Marelux Apollo III 2.0 ensures you never miss a crucial moment with its remarkably swift recycle times. This feature sets it apart from many other strobes on the market, allowing for rapid-fire shooting that can capture even the most fleeting underwater scenes.

At full power, the Apollo III 2.0 boasts an incredible recycle time of just 0.6 seconds. This lightning-fast recovery means you can fire off multiple shots in quick succession, even at maximum output. To truly appreciate the significance of this feature, consider these points:

• Many competing strobes have recycle times of 1-2 seconds at full power
• Faster recycle times allow for burst shooting, crucial for capturing fast-moving marine life
• Consistent exposures between frames are achievable, even in rapid shooting scenarios
• Less waiting time between shots means more opportunities to capture the perfect image

The implications of this rapid recycle time are profound for underwater photographers. It opens up new possibilities for action photography, allowing you to capture sequences of fast-moving subjects like dolphins, sharks, or schooling fish with unprecedented clarity and consistency.

Moreover, the quick recycle time isn't limited to full-power shots. At lower power settings, the Apollo III 2.0 can achieve even faster recycle times, enabling burst rates of 10-30 frames per second. This capability is particularly valuable for macro photography, where slight movements can make or break a shot.

Battery Life and Power Management

One of the most crucial aspects of any underwater photography equipment is its ability to last through extended dive sessions. The Marelux Apollo III 2.0 excels in this area, offering exceptional battery life that keeps you shooting long after other strobes might have dimmed.

Powered by three 18650H lithium-ion batteries, the Apollo III 2.0 boasts an impressive endurance:

• Up to 800 full-power flashes on a single charge
• Even longer life at lower power settings
• Efficient power management for extended dive times

This longevity is a game-changer for underwater photographers. It means:

• Less frequent battery changes, reducing the risk of flooding
• Ability to capture more images per dive
• Reduced need to carry spare batteries, lightening your gear load

Connectivity Options

Flexibility in strobe triggering is essential for underwater photographers, and the Marelux Apollo III 2.0 delivers with both wireless and fiber optic triggering options. This dual-capability system ensures compatibility with a wide range of camera setups and allows photographers to choose the method that best suits their needs.

1. Wireless Triggering with Lumilink 2.0

The Apollo III 2.0 introduces an innovative wireless triggering system called Lumilink 2.0. This technology offers several advantages:

• Cable-free setup for greater freedom of movement underwater
• Reliable triggering up to 1 meter in water (potentially further in optimal conditions)
• Compatible with burst shooting modes
• Reduces the risk of sync cord or fiber optic cable failures

The Lumilink 2.0 system uses a blue light signal to communicate between the camera and strobe, offering a unique solution to the challenges of underwater wireless communication. While it may have some limitations in certain shooting scenarios, many photographers will appreciate the simplicity and reliability of this cable-free option.

2. Fiber Optic Compatibility

For those who prefer traditional triggering methods or need the utmost in reliability, the Apollo III 2.0 also supports fiber optic triggering:

• Compatible with standard fiber optic cables
• Allows for TTL (Through The Lens) metering with compatible cameras
• Provides a tried-and-true connection method familiar to many underwater photographers

Beam Angle and Coverage

The Apollo III 2.0 features a beam angle of 110 degrees, which can be expanded to 140 degrees with the included dome diffuser. This wide coverage allows for:

• Even illumination of large underwater scenes
• Reduced need for multiple strobes in many shooting situations
• Flexibility to shoot both wide-angle and macro subjects with a single strobe

The ability to adjust the beam angle with the dome diffuser gives photographers the versatility to adapt to different shooting scenarios without changing equipment.

Color Temperature and Consistency

Color accuracy is crucial in underwater photography, and the Apollo III 2.0 delivers with its carefully calibrated color temperature:

• 6200K color temperature without the diffuser
• 5500K color temperature with the dome diffuser
• Consistent color output across the power range

This color temperature range allows for accurate reproduction of underwater colors, from the vibrant hues of tropical reefs to the subtle tones of temperate waters. The ability to slightly warm the light with the diffuser can be particularly useful in certain shooting conditions.

Unique Triple Flash Tube Design

One of the standout features of the Apollo III 2.0 is its innovative triangular "triple flash tube" design. This unique configuration offers several benefits:

• Even light distribution across the entire beam
• Elimination of hot spots common in traditional circular flash tubes
• Improved color rendering and detail capture

Advanced Strobe Modes

The Marelux Apollo III 2.0 stands out from the competition with its array of advanced strobe modes, offering photographers unprecedented control over their underwater lighting. These modes cater to a wide range of shooting scenarios and creative techniques, making the Apollo III 2.0 a versatile tool for both novice and experienced underwater photographers.

1. TTL (Through The Lens) Mode

TTL mode allows for automatic strobe power adjustment based on the camera's metering:

• Ideal for fast-moving subjects or rapidly changing lighting conditions
• Simplifies exposure control for less experienced photographers
• Compatible with a wide range of camera systems (requires appropriate triggering setup)

2. RC TTL Mode

Specifically designed for Olympus camera systems, RC TTL mode offers:

• Enhanced accuracy in TTL metering for Olympus cameras
• Improved communication between camera and strobe
• Finer control over exposure in automatic mode

3. HSS (High-Speed Sync) Mode

HSS mode enables synchronization with faster shutter speeds:

• Allows for use of wider apertures in bright conditions
• Useful for creative techniques like freezing fast motion
• Expands the creative possibilities for underwater photographers

4. MTL (Multiple Flash) Mode

A unique feature of the Apollo III 2.0, MTL mode allows for continuous flashing:

• Ideal for capturing multiple exposures in a single frame
• Useful for creative light painting techniques underwater
• Enables new artistic possibilities in underwater photography

5. Manual Mode

For those who prefer complete control, manual mode offers:

• Full adjustment of strobe power output
• Consistent lighting for series of shots
• Ideal for experienced photographers who know exactly what lighting they need

Marelux Apollo III Video Review

Some sample images taken using the Nikon Z8 in a Marelux housing with an Apollo III Strobe:

Related Underwater Gear Categories:

• Marelux Housings and Accessories
• Underwater Strobes & Flashes
• Underwater Video Lights
• Snoots for Underwater Strobes