Remote Lighting with Backscatter Hybrid Flash & Mini Flash 2 Underwater Guide
Not Just a Slave Strobe—Wirelessly Change Power Levels One of the standout features of the Hybrid Flash and Mini Flash 2 is Remote Mode. Unlike a simple slave mode, Remote Mode allows for remote triggering and adjustment of power levels on an off-camera Hybrid Flash or Mini Flash 2. Remote Mode can be used interchangeably between the Hybrid Flash and Mini Flash 2 and can be used for both wide angle and macro applications. This is particularly effective when combined with accessories like Optical Snoot OS-1 for the Mini Flash 2, the Remote Lighting Muck Stick, and Backscatter Color Filter System. Watch this video to learn how to use Remote Mode with our How-To Guide for the Hybrid Flash and Mini Flash 2.This video covers how to get the most out of creative macro shooting using Remote Mode and Mini Flash 2 with Backscatter CEO Jim Decker. Watch Backscatter’s owner and founder Berkely White as he shares his shooting process and pro-tips for using Remote Mode with the Hybrid Flash for wide angle photography.Backlighting and color filters have never been easier by controlling the power of the remote strobe with a simple push of a button on the main strobe.Sony a7S III | Sony 90mm Lens | 1/250 | ISO 200 | ƒ18Setting Up the Remote Flash To set up a Mini Flash 2 or Hybrid Flash in Remote Mode, start by installing the Light Pipe. Both the Hybrid Flash and Mini Flash 2 come with a Light Pipe, but the Hybrid Flash Light Pipe and Mini Flash 2Light Pipe are specific to each model and are not interchangeable. Both the Hybrid Flash and Mini Flash 2 come with a Light Pipe, but the Hybrid Flash Light Pipe and Mini Flash 2Light Pipe are specific to each model and are not interchangeable. To install the Light Pipes, first, stretch the rubber lanyard over the 1-inch ball mount. The lanyard is designed for use with the ball mount only and is not compatible with the YS mount. For the Hybrid Flash, press the Light Pipes into the optical receiver. For the Mini Flash 2, press and then thread the Light Pipes into place. Next, set the dial on the Remote Flash to the Remote or REM setting. This prepares the flash to wirelessly receive power level adjustments from the Main Flash. Next, place the Remote Flash off-camera using a Remote Lighting Muck Stick, tripod, or hand it to a buddy or model. Importantly, position the tip of the Light Pipes perpendicular to the Main Flash. Then, ensure that the Light Pipes is not pointed away or poorly angled, as this could hinder the Remote Flash's ability to pick up signals. Remote mode allows for wireless power adjustments without reaching over and spooking skittish subjects.Setting Up the Main Flash For the Main Flash setup, attach it to the camera system as usual for standard shooting. A fiber optic cable is required to trigger the Main Flash. Set the dial to Manual or "M" mode to enable power level transmission to the Remote Flash. Remotely Triggering and Changing Powers Before changing power levels or triggering the Remote Flash, ensure that the Main Flash is aimed at the Light Pipes of the Remote Flash and that they are within line of sight. Use the Main Flash to select the desired power level on its red dial. Then, press and hold the Test Button on the Hybrid Flash or the Focus Light Button on the Mini Flash 2. This will transmit a series of light signals to the Remote Flash. The Remote Flash will fire immediately in response, and about a second later, a confirmation flash will indicate that the power level has been set. The Remote Flash will maintain the selected power level until a new signal is received from the Main Flash. Remote Mode gives full control of adjusting power levels to the photographer so the model can prioritize posing and aiming rather than adjusting flash controls.Canon EOS R3 | Canon 8-15mm Lens | 1/125 | ISO 250 | ƒ10 When using both the Hybrid and Mini Flash 2 together, be aware that they have different numbers of power settings: the Hybrid Flash has twelve, while the Mini Flash 2 has seven. When using them interchangeably, only the top seven power levels between the Hybrid Flash and Mini Flash 2 are available. With the Remote Mode set and the Light Pipes aimed properly, the photographer can now focus on nailing the shot and spend less time aiming or changing the power levels of the flash by hand. In this shot, the model was able to stay in the same position while the photographer remotely adjusted the flash power for the background. Watch in real time as different power levels are wirelessly transmitted from an on-camera Hybrid Flash to a remote Hybrid Flash. With a push of a button, the Main Flash sends a signal to the Remote Flash to change its power level.SAMPLE IMAGESThis image was shot with three Mini Flash 2s. One remotely placed off camera with a purple filter for backlighting, one with a snoot to light the front of the subject, and the third triggering flash using the Backscatter IR Filter to fire and remotely update power levels to the remote backlighting flash. Sony a7S III | Sony 90mm Lens | 1/250 | ISO 200 | ƒ22Remote lighting using a model and the Hybrid Flash can add a unique element to an image. The model is free to focus on aiming the flash, while the photographer can wireless transmit different power levels and trigger the flash.Canon EOS R3 | Canon 8-15mm Lens | 1/200 | ISO 200 | ƒ11Remote lighting facilitates easy snoot placement and backlighting. Wireless transmission of power levels to the Remote Flash prevents disturbing the subject or stirring up sand and silt.Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 60mm Lens | 1/250 | ISO 200 | ƒ22The high power of the Hybrid Flash allows for up angled shots including sunballs. This would be impossible to accomplish with off camera video lights.Canon EOS R3 | Canon 8-15mm Lens | 1/160 | ISO 200 | ƒ16AVAILABLE FROM BACKSCATTER DEALERS WORLDWIDEWe support our strong dealer network, and the Backscatter Team is here to backup all our dealers and you our favorite photographers. Free lifetime tech support with every purchase. 30+ years of in-house warranty service and repair.Learn more!HYBRID FLASH Backscatter Hybrid Flash Underwater Strobe & Video Light $899.00ORDER NOWCreative Lighting Accessories Choose the 4500K filters in greener waters to make background water blue. Use 5500K filters for a classic crowd pleaser look good for models to reefs. Ambient Blue filters create a whole new look for still photography by matching the strobe light color to the surrounding light for a natural even color to the entire image. Flat diffusers increase the angle to 140° for smooth even lighting in lower to medium visibility. Dome diffusers are the ultimate in evenness and coverage in great visibility with a 160° angle. White Diffusers & IR FilterHybrid Flash White 140 Degree Flat DiffuserIncluded With Strobe $39.00ORDER NOWHybrid Flash White 160 Degree Dome Diffuser $39.00ORDER NOWHybrid Flash IR Filter $39.00ORDER 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 $69.00ORDER NOWHybrid Flash Flat Diffuser Package $69.00ORDER NOWHybrid Flash Dome Diffuser Package $99.00ORDER NOWMINI FLASH 2 BackscatterMini Flash 2 $399.00ORDER NOW BackscatterMini Flash 2 Snoot Combo Regular Price: $548.00 Sale Price: $499.00You Save: $49.00ORDER NOW BackscatterMini Flash 2, Snoot, Filter Combo Regular Price: $684.00 Sale Price: $598.00You Save: $86.00ORDER NOWRemote Lighting Packages Get crative and take the Mini Flash 2 off of your housing and do some remote snooting, back lighting, side lighting with the Mini Flash 2 Dual Remote Light Package. Or use the Mini Flash 2 Triple Remote Light Package to get snooted lighting fron the front and back light with some colors. Mini Flash 2 Dual Remote Light Package Regular Price: $1,169.99 Sale Price: $1,074.00You Save: $144.99ORDER NOWMini Flash 2 Triple Remote Light Package Regular Price: $1,717.99 Sale Price: $1,619.99You Save: $184.00ORDER NOWMacro Wide 4300 Remote Light Package Regular Price: $841.99 Sale Price: $749.99You Save: $92.00ORDER NOWAccessories:Backscatter Optical Snoot OS-1 $149.00ORDER NOWRemote Lighting Muck Stick $49.00ORDER NOWBackscatter Color Filter System for MW-4300, MF-1 & OS-1 Regular Price: $136.00 Sale Price: $99.00You Save: $37.00ORDER NOW21700 Dual Battery and Charger Package $85.89BUY NOWBackscatter MF-1 MW-4300 Filter Holder $19.00ORDER NOWBackscatter OS-1 Filter Holder $19.00ORDER NOWBackscatter IR Filter $29.00ORDER NOWBackscatter Bold Filter Set $49.00ORDER NOWBackscatter Pastel Filter Set $49.00ORDER NOWKEY ACCESSORIES Backscatter Remote Lighting Muck Stick $49.00ORDER NOW Backscatter Double-Sided Bolt Snap $8.99ORDER NOWRelated PostsRemote Lighting with Backscatter Hybrid Flash & Mini Flash 2 Underwater Guide One of the standout features of the Hybrid Flash and Mini Flash 2 is Remote Mode. 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