With the Optical Snoot OS-3, the super-bright, wide-angle beam of the Hybrid Flash is transformed into a precision lighting tool. From tiny macro critters to dramatic fish portraits, the Optical Snoot OS-3 brings unmatched flexibility—making the Hybrid Flash the ultimate strobe for every underwater subject, big or small. Backscatter,Hybrid,Flash,optical,os-3,os3,Underwater,Snoot,Review,photo,photography,video

Backscatter Hybrid Flash Underwater Optical Snoot Review

The Ultimate Do-It-All Snoot At Backscatter, we know snoots. After the success of the Mini Flash series with its compact, easy-to-aim Optical Snoot OS-1, and the Atom Flash with its custom Optical Snoot OS-2, we set out to push the envelope further with our flashship strobe and video light combo Hybrid Flash. The new Optical Snoot OS-3 takes full advantage of the Hybrid Flash’s bright flash output, super fast recycle time, and long battery life, now expanding snoot photography from just macro, to fish portraits and even wide-angle snooted scenes. The Optical Snoot OS-3 transforms the Hybrid Flash’s powerful wide-angle beam into a precise, highly flexible lighting tool. Whether you’re shooting tiny critters or dramatic larger subjects, the Optical Snoot OS-3 unlocks unmatched versatility, making the Hybrid Flash a true do-it-all strobe for any underwater scenario. The Optical Snoot OS-3 narrows the Hybrid Flash’s powerful wide beam into a tight, precision spot for macro work, while being versatile enough to light larger subjects like fish and wide-angle snooted scenes.Sony a9 III | Sony 90mm Lens | 1/1,000 | ISO 250 | ƒ14 The Optical Snoot OS-3 is also incredibly convenient, featuring quick-swap, single-touch rotating aperture discs and a built-in color filter slot compatible with the Backscatter Color Filter System, unlocking endless creative lighting possibilities. While Optical Snoot OS-3 is feature rich, it's also extremely easy to use. Aiming is effortless, thanks to the Hybrid Flash’s powerful 1500-lumen white or red target light, delivering true “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” performance in any conditions. The Optical Snoot OS-3 uses the same bayonet mounting system as the Hybrid Flash diffusers. Snap it on to instantly convert your wide-angle lighting powerhouse into a precision macro-lighting machine.Backscatter Optical Snoot OS-3 Regular Price: $299.00 Sale Price: $249.00SAVE: $50.00ORDER NOWHYBRID FLASH REVIEWSee the Full Hybrid Flash Review New to the Hybrid Flash? For a complete rundown on why the Hybrid Flash is the ultimate underwater strobe and video light combo, check out our article and video to get the complete lowdown. See all the features of the Hybrid Flash and what makes it our most powerful strobe to date.POWERFUL PRECISION LIGHTINGWhy You Need A Snoot The Hybrid Flash was engineered to be the ultimate strobe for lighting big scenes, thanks to its powerful ƒ40 output and super-wide, even, round beam. While you can shoot macro with the Hybrid Flash alone, its native wide coverage will often light both the subject and its surroundings. That’s where the Optical Snoot OS-3 comes in. By concentrating the Hybrid Flash’s wide beam into a tight, controlled spotlight, the Optical Snoot OS-3 allows you to light only the subject—making distracting backgrounds effectively disappear. The result is a clean, dramatic, precision-lit macro image with every shot. Its advanced optics also deliver exceptionally efficient light transfer, making this our brightest and most flexible strobe-and-snoot combination to date. WITHOUT SNOOTCanon EOS R3 | Canon RF 100mm Lens | 1/200 | ISO 400 | ƒ18WITH SNOOTCanon EOS R3 | Canon RF 100mm Lens | 1/200 | ISO 400 | ƒ22   Using a snoot lifts macro subjects off the background, making otherwise common or camouflaged subjects behind bland backgrounds look bold and stunning.Redefining Snooting for Subjects Big & Small With three snoots now in the Backscatter lineup, each is designed for a specific type of shot. The Mini Flash 3 with the Optical Snoot OS-1 and the Atom Flash with the Optical Snoot OS-2 remain the easiest for macro and super-macro work. The close minimum working distance of 3.7 inches (95mm) is ideal for positioning the snoot up close on the smallest subjects. For subjects the size of a fist or bigger the Mini Flash and Atom Flash snoots start to reach the end of their ideal usable range. That’s where the Hybrid Flash Optical Snoot OS-3 comes in. With a longer minimum working distance of 7.8 inches (200 mm) and the Hybrid Flash’s powerful ƒ40 output behind it, the Optical Snoot OS-3 can light bigger subjects from farther away, making it perfect for bigger macro subjects, fish portraits, and even wide-angle snooted scenes. While the Hybrid Flash Optical Snoot OS-3 can handle macro and super-macro, the Mini Flash 3 and Atom Flash Snoots remain the easiest tools for that close-up work. The Optical Snoot OS-3 instead opens the door to snooting larger subjects and exploring wide-angle creative lighting. Sony a9 III | Sony 90mm Lens | 1/500 | ISO 125 | ƒ16Nikon Z6 III | Nikon Z 105mm Lens | 1/200 | ISO 125 | ƒ3   The Optical Snoot OS-3 is perfect for shooting everything from small macro critters to larger subjects like fish. The Hybrid Flash’s ƒ40 output and the snoot’s longer working distance make it easy to light bigger subjects from farther away.Our Brightest Snoot Aiming Light The Optical Snoot OS-3 was designed to utilize the Hybrid Flash’s 1500-lumen aiming light. The aiming light is super bright and easy to see, even in bright, shallow reefs. With three power levels it's Hybrid Flash can dial in the perfect level of brightness for any conditions. Critically, the aiming light is aligned with the flash itself. Wherever the aiming light lands, the snooted flash follows—making the Optical Snoot OS-3 combo one of the most user-friendly snoot aiming systems available underwater. The Hybrid Flash an take advantage of both its 1500 lumen white and red aiming lights through the snoot. Wherever the aiming light points, the flash will fire in the exact same spot. The Hybrid Flash also features a red focus light that works seamlessly through the snoot. The red beam is ideal for night dives and sensitive subjects—like seahorses—that often shy away from bright white lights. With the red light, even the most skittish subjects can be captured, opening up even more opportunities and making snooting even easier. Sony a1 II | Sony 90mm Lens | 1/400 | ISO 100 | ƒ16Sony a1 II | Sony 90mm Lens | 1/400 | ISO 100 | ƒ16   The Hybrid Flash’s 1500-lumen focus light makes it easy to track subjects even in bright conditions, while the red mode is perfect for light-sensitive critters or night diving—making snooting easier than ever before.Rotating Aperture Discs for Easy Lighting Control The Optical Snoot OS-3 includes two interchangeable rotating aperture discs—one with circular apertures and one with ovals, allowing the snoot light to be precisely customized based on the shape and size of the subject. Each disc provides six beam sizes for precise control. The Optical Snoot OS-3 can be shot without a disc for the most light coverage, perfect for bigger subjects or wide-angle snooting. Depending on distance, the beam can be razor-sharp for strong, dramatic light falloff or feathered for a softer edge and more natural look. Each Aperture Disc locks firmly into place and can be swapped in seconds underwater. Adjusting beam size is as simple as rolling the disc with your thumb for quick, easy changes. And just like the Mini Flash 3 and Atom Flash Snoots, the front of the Optical Snoot OS-3 independently rotates to change the angle of the beam—ideal for aligning light on longer subjects such as nudibranchs and shrimp without needing to reposition the flash itself. The rotating aperture discs make it easier than ever to fine-tune beam size for effortless, precise lighting control.Get Creative with Easily Integrated Color Filters The Optical Snoot OS-3 isn’t just about precision—it’s built for creative lighting. With a dedicated slot for the Backscatter Color Filter System, it’s ready for bold backlighting, dramatic sidelighting, and any artistic effect you can dream up. Just drop in a filter and start shooting eye-catching images in seconds. The Hybrid Flash’s Remote Mode makes creative lighting easier than before. You can trigger a remote, off-camera Hybrid Flash and adjust power levels completely wirelessly—without reaching over your subject, stirring up sand or silt, or scaring anything away. Remote Mode is the easiest and cleanest way to add creative colored light to your shots. Remote shooting is also cross-compatible with the Atom Flash, Mini Flash 2, and Mini Flash 3, which easily mount to the Remote Lighting Muck Stick. This makes it possible to mix and match Backscatter strobes for the most ambitious creative lighting scenes. Sony a7S III | Sony 90mm Lens | 1/250 | ISO 200 | ƒ22   The Backscatter Color Filter System is perfect for bold backlighting and sidelighting, and the Optical Snoot OS-3’s built-in filter slot makes using them quick and effortless.SAMPLE IMAGE GALLERY Check out the images shot by Team Backscatter using the Hybrid Flash and Optical Snoot OS-3 from locations around the world. See the wide range of subjects and our favorite shots captured with this powerful creative lighting tool. .photo-modal-dialog { width: 100% !important; height: auto !important; padding-right: 3% !important; padding-left: 3% !important; display: block; float: left; } ×××××××××××××××Which Backscatter Strobe is Best for You? Backscatter offers three distinct underwater strobes, each built for different roles and photographers. Whether you’re a complete macro junkie, always seeking to capture the biggest scenes and subjects, or a hybrid photo-video shooter who wants to capture it all, there’s a Backscatter flash perfectly suited to your style. Mini Flash 3Perfect for macro & close-up workSmall, affordable, & easy to aimDesigned with the Optical Snoot OS-1 for effortless precision lightingOptimized for macro; not ideal for most wide-angle shots$499.00LEARN MOREAtom FlashCompact & travel-ready designPowerful enough for wide, small enough for macroDesigned with the Optical Snoot OS-2 for effortless precision lightingSpot white & red target lightsAll the same photo shooting modes as the Hybrid FlashSmaller & more affordable than the Hybrid FlashEquivalent to F power on the Hybrid Flash$749.00LEARN MOREHybrid FlashBrightest, most powerful strobeBest strobe for extremely large scenes & bright conditionsDesigned with Optical Snoot OS-3, perfect for macro to wide angle snootingIntegrated 5000-lumen video light for hybrid shootingSpot, white, & wide red target lightsFastest recycling performanceHighest-performing for all conditions$999.00LEARN MORETHE STROBE & SNOOT Backscatter Hybrid Flash Underwater Strobe & Video Light Regular Price: $1,099.00 Sale Price: $999.00You Save: $100.00ORDER NOW Backscatter Hybrid Flash & Optical Snoot OS-3 Combo Package Regular Price: $1,398.00 Sale Price: $1,249.00You Save: $149.00ORDER NOW Backscatter Optical Snoot OS-3 Regular Price: $299.00 Sale Price: $249.00You Save: $50.00ORDER NOWColor & Excitation FiltersBackscatter Bold Filter Set Regular Price: $49.00 Sale Price: $39.00You Save: $10.00ORDER NOWBackscatter Pastel Filter Set Regular Price: $49.00 Sale Price: $39.00You Save: $10.00ORDER NOWBackscatter Hybrid Flash Excitation Filter Regular Price: $298.00 Sale Price: $249.00You Save: $49.00ORDER NOWWhite Diffusers, & IR Excitation FiltersHybrid Flash White 140 Degree Flat DiffuserIncluded With Strobe $39.00ORDER NOWHybrid Flash White 160 Degree Dome Diffuser $39.00ORDER NOWHybrid Flash IR Filter Regular Price: $39.00 Sale Price: $29.00You Save: $10.00ORDER NOWWarming DiffusersHybrid Flash 5500K 140 Degree Flat Diffuser $39.00ORDER NOWHybrid Flash 5500K 160 Degree Dome Diffuser $39.00ORDER NOWHybrid Flash 4500K 140 Degree Flat Diffuser $39.00ORDER NOWHybrid Flash 4500K 160 Degree Dome Diffuser $39.00ORDER NOWAmbient Blue DiffusersHybrid Flash Ambient Blue 140 Degree Flat Diffuser $39.00ORDER NOWHybrid Flash Ambient Blue 160 Degree Dome Diffuser $39.00ORDER NOWDiffusers PackagesHybrid Flash Ambient Blue Diffuser Package Regular Price: $78.00 Sale Price: $49.00You Save: $29.00ORDER NOWHybrid Flash Flat Diffuser Package Regular Price: $78.00 Sale Price: $49.00You Save: $29.00ORDER NOWHybrid Flash Dome Diffuser Package Regular Price: $117.00 Sale Price: $69.00You Save: $48.00ORDER NOWFiber Optic Cable, Batteries & Chargers Backscatter Universal Fiber Optic Cable $99.00ORDER NOWDual 21700 Battery Kit $65.90ORDER NOW21700 Dual Battery and Charger Package $85.89ORDER NOWFlash TriggersBackscatter Universal Flash Trigger for Olympus and OM System Regular Price: $499.00 Sale Price: $449.00You Save: $50.00ORDER NOWBackscatter Nauticam Flash Trigger for Sony Regular Price: $499.00 Sale Price: $449.00You Save: $50.00ORDER NOWBackscatter Universal Flash Trigger for Sony Regular Price: $499.00 Sale Price: $449.00You Save: $50.00ORDER NOWAOI LED Flash Trigger - Manual Only $450.00ORDER NOW TRT Flash Triggers - Manual & HSS $250.00ORDER NOW UWTechnics Flash Triggers - Manual & HSS $495.00ORDER NOWRelated PostsBackscatter Hybrid Flash Underwater Strobe & Video Light Review With the introduction of the Backscatter Hybrid Flash HF-1, underwater photographers can now capture stunning stills and video with a single versatile tool. The Hybrid is the most powerful strobe and ... Read More Backscatter Hybrid Flash Underwater Optical Snoot Review With the Optical Snoot OS-3, the super-bright, wide-angle beam of the Hybrid Flash is transformed into a precision lighting tool. From tiny macro critters to dramatic fish portraits, the Optical Snoot... Read More Backscatter Atom Flash Sample Photo Gallery The new Atom Flash and Optical Snoot OS-2 combo is an incredibly versatile underwater flash system, built from the ground up for the purist underwater photographer. Whether lighting massive underwater... Read More The Best Underwater Action Camera Video Light: Backscatter Octo 3500 The Backscatter Octo 3500 Wide Video Light is the ultimate compact video light complement for any underwater system. With a powerful 3500-lumen, 100° beam, it delivers bright, even coverage that bring... Read More Best Underwater Compact Strobe - Backscatter Mini Flash 3 The Mini Flash 3 is the latest evolution in Backscatter’s ground-breaking Mini Flash series of macro-focused underwater strobes. The Mini Flash 3 boasts the same incredible macro shooting capabilities... Read More Backscatter Atom Flash Underwater Strobe Review Introducing the Backscatter Atom Flash — a small flash with BIG power. Underwater photographers can now capture pro-level lighting in a compact, travel-friendly package. With an underwater guide numbe... Read More ARTICLE KEYWORDS: Backscatter,Hybrid,Flash,optical,os-3,os3,Underwater,Snoot,Review,photo,photography,video