Sea & Sea YS-D3 "Lightning" Strobe
(Mark II)
Check out our Sea & Sea YS-D3 Review at Bluewater Photo and the YS-D3 Review on the Underwater Photography Guide
The Sea & Sea YS-D3 is our most popular rental underwater strobe. Features including quicker recycling times, a more even beam, a redesigned back display, and a more powerful targeting light. The YS-D3's circuitry has been improved and the strobe is capable of a powerful, professional guide number of 33 (land). At guide number 22, the YS-D3's recycling time is a mere 0.6 seconds and at guide number 16, there is virtually no recycle time! Whether you're doing a fashion stills shoot or you're going on your next dive trip, this strobe has everything you need. Each strobe comes with a backup set of batteries and a charger.
What's New With The Mark II:
The original Sea & Sea YS-D3 strobe has been upgraded to the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Mk II. Both strobes are essentially the same with a few minor diferences.
- The Mark II features enhanced TTL shooting with better third-party optical TTL converter compatibility
- New compatiblity with existing and older Sea & Sea optical TTL converters
- Improved TTL with compact cameras
- Redesign of the light intensity adjustment dial and mode switch for better ergonomics
Features:
- Maximum Guide Number 33 (on land)
- Newly developed aspherical troidal lens on the flash tubes provides even light dispersion, no hotspots are produced
- Native beam angle of 105 X 80 degrees with no diffuser, and 100x110 with included diffuser
- Wide beam angle of 110° (with included diffuser) or can even wider (150°) with the optional diffuser
- Battery life: 220 flashes with Ni-MH batteries (4X AA)
- Recycle time: 1.7 seconds at full power, 0.6 seconds at GN 22, no recycle time below GN 16!
- Color temperature: 5800K. 5500K with a diffuser
- Large capacity condensers
- Firing the strobes at Guide Number 16 the strobe can continuously fire without any interval time
- Two-stage signal - Visual and Audible notification that the strobe is ready to fire
- Has a pre flash cancel mode
- Improved power of target light which can be used as a dive light also. It is also adjustable in 2 steps
- Auto power off when the strobe is left turned on for a long time
- Over pressure relieve valve
- Dimensions: 3.6 X 4.4 X 5.8 inches
- Weight: 610g/21.5 oz (above water), -20g/0.7 oz (underwater)
Functions:
- DS-TTL II
- Slave TTL
- Manual Mode
Connectivity:
- 5-Pin Sync Cord/N
- Fiber Optic Cable
Recommended Cords and Cables for the Sea & Sea YS-D3:
- Sea & Sea Fiber Optic Cable
- Sea & Sea Fiber Optic Cable (Long)
- Sea & Sea Single Sync Cord
- Sea & Sea Dual Sync Cord
- Nauticam Universal Fiber Optic Cable
- Ikelite Sync Cord for Sea & Sea Strobe
- Ikelite Sync Cord for Dual Sea & Sea Strobe
- iTorch Fiber Optic Cable
Optional Accessories for the Sea & Sea YS-D3:
It's pretty clear to us that when Sea & Sea was designing the YS-D3, they were addressing every concern they've ever heard about their strobes. Many of these concerns were answered in the form of strobe accessories that make our mouths water! We might just be seeing a golden age of innovation for Sea & Sea. Check out some of our favorite accessories for the YS-D3:
1. Sea & Sea YS-D3 Snoot - the YS-D3 snoot will allow you to produce dramatic lighting and capture beautiful black backgrounds easily with your YS-D3. It has a prism built in so that the target light of the strobe will easily illuminate the subject.
2. Sea & Sea YS-D3 Dome Diffuser - the dome diffuser for the YS-D3 produces a nice, even, 150 degree beam. This is great for wide angle photography, especially with a fisheye lens.
3. Sea & Sea YS-D3 Slave Prism - The slave prism allows the strobe to be triggered remotely without any cords or cables. This is great for backlighting wrecks, caves, and reefscapes.
4. Sea & Sea YS-D3 Strobe Diagonal Ball Mount - The diagonal ball mount has a 35 degree inclination which minimizes interference between the sync cord and ball mount.
Sample Underwater Images:
Quick recycle times produced this beautiful photo of a King Angelfish in a split second
Scorpionfish Eye photographed with the Nikon Z6 camera, Ikelite Z6 housing, saga magic tube, and single Sea & Sea YS-D3 strobe with the YS-D3 snoot. f/20, 1/160, ISO 100
A macro photgoraph showing the YS-D3's accurate TTL capability - even in very low visibility of less than 2 feet
Black coral photographed with dual YS-D3 strobes, dome diffusers, Nikon Z6, Ikelite Z6 housing, Nikon 8-15mm fisheye. 1/160, f/11, ISO 200
Related Underwater Gear Categories:
- Connection: 5-pin Sync Cord/N and Fiber Optic Cable
- Color Temperature: 5600K
- Depth Rating: 100m / 330ft.
- Dimension: 91 x 111 x 147mm / 3.6 x 4.4 x 5.7in
- Weight on Land: 600g
- Weight Underwater: 40g including ball mount
Take Advantage of Bluewater Photo's Exclusive Rental Rebate Program:
For a limited time only, we're thrilled to offer you a remarkable opportunity. Purchase a brand-new, similar system within 7 days of returning your rental, and we'll credit the ENTIRE rental cost towards your purchase! It's like getting your rental for free when you upgrade to owning your own equipment.
But that's not all! Even if you decide to take a little more time before making a decision, we've got you covered. Purchase within 6 months of returning your rental, and you'll receive a generous 50% rebate of the value of your rental towards your new purchase. It's our way of rewarding your loyalty and making sure you can't resist upgrading to your very own system.
Finally, enjoy FREE 3-Day shipping on your rental purchase. Expedited shipping can be quoted upon request.
Don't forget to cover your purchase with Bluewater’s Damage Protection!
For only 10% of the rental cost, Bluewater’s Damage Protection will cover any accidental damage to the rented equipment as long as the customer can return it to us. This does not cover loss or theft. Furthermore, if an item needs to be repaired or replaced as a result of damage incurred during the rental, the customer's liability is limited to 10% of the replacement cost of the covered equipment. This assurance ensures that you are safeguarded against unexpected financial burdens stemming from unforeseen mishaps. To qualify for the limited liability, please note all damaged items must be returned to us. If Bluewater’s Damage Protection is not added, the customer will be held responsible for the entire cost of any repair, damage or loss sustained during the rental period.
Terms of Service:
Bluewater Photo has examined, tested and confirms the equipment rented is in good working order and condition. All port and lens surfaces have also been thoroughly inspected and their condition is noted. Upon pickup, the Customer acknowledges the equipment is in good working order and accepts the rental condition as is. In the event equipment is shipped to the Customer, Customer failure to notify Bluewater Photo of any defects or problems with the equipment within 24 hours of receipt shall be conclusively deemed as acknowledgment that all equipment has passed customer approval and is in good working order. The Customer agrees to keep and maintain all of the rental equipment in good condition and assumes full responsibility for all the equipment and supplies until the all rented items are returned. The Customer agrees not to remove, cover, alter or deface any tags, serial numbers or nameplates on the equipment. To prevent damage, Customer agrees to test the housing underwater prior to use with camera and lens equipment. If o-ring sealed compartments are opened, Customer agrees to take appropriate care to avoid water droplets from entering and further agrees to carefully inspect, clean, and service any o-ring involved, as well as the corresponding sealing surfaces. Upon completion of each dive, Customer agrees to rinse all equipment in fresh water, protect the equipment from any impact, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and/or high temperature, and take precaution of any other circumstance that could damage the rented equipment. In the event of any loss or damage to the rented equipment regardless of the reason, the Customer agrees to fully cover the cost of the repairs and/or the replacement value as determined by the manufacturer’s list price at the time of said loss. Bluewater Photo is not liable for the Customer's personal gear used inside any the rented equipment. Customer agrees to return all equipment to Bluewater Photo in the same condition as when it was received. Bluewater Photo will inspect the equipment immediately upon return. If the equipment's condition is damaged beyond the normal wear and tear – i.e. excessive scratches, nicks, cracks, etc. – Bluewater Photo reserves the right to assess additional fees to the Customer. These fees will be communicated and payment should be rendered within 48 hours to avoid additional penalties. Customer authorizes Bluewater Photo to place a security hold on their credit card for the full value of the rented items. This hold will be released upon return.
- Sea & Sea YS-D3
- Ball Mount Adaptor
- 110° Diffuser
- Silicon Grease