Backscatter Hybrid Flash HF-1 Underwater Flash & Video Light

With the Backscatter Hybrid Flash HF-1, underwater photographers can now capture breathtaking photos and videos with a single, versatile tool. With an underwater guide number of ƒ40 and a 5,000-lumen video light, the Hybrid Flash is the most powerful combination of flash and video light ever created. The Backscatter Hybrid Flash also features a 1,500-lumen spot light and a red light mode.

The Hybrid Flash is packed with numerous features and is the first flash to offer Smart Control Automatic TTL Flash Power for Sony, Olympus, and OM System cameras. The Hybrid Flash is also HSS-compatible and can be used in conjunction with the Backscatter Mini Flash 2 for long-distance photography.

All of this in an easy-to-carry, medium-sized flash unit that's suitable for both wide-angle and macro photography. The price is unbelievable for the performance and features this flash unit offers.

Main Features​

• ƒ40 Guide Number
• 5,000-lumen video light
• Spot, Wide-Angle, and Red Light
• Selectable beam angle with integrated flat diffuser and optional dome diffuser—120°, 140°, 160°
• Selectable color temperature with optional filters—6500K, 5500K, 4500K
• Smart Control: Automatic TTL Flash Power for Sony, Olympus, and OM System Cameras
• HSS-compatible
• Wireless remote control outside the camera—can be used with the Mini Flash 2
• SOS and Emergency Signal Modes
• Requires two 21700 lithium-ion batteries

https://player.vimeo.com/video/920676753?h=686909b861

5,000-lumen video light with a 90° beam angle

https://player.vimeo.com/video/928099893?h=dae2a27304

The Backscatter Hybrid Flash HF-1 features a 5,000-lumen video light with a wide beam angle. This makes the Backscatter Hybrid Flash ideal for shooting videos. The combination of a flash and a video light makes it an extremely versatile underwater lighting tool.

A wide range of possibilities thanks to well-designed accessories

The Backscatter Hybrid Flash HF-1 is compatible with a wide variety of diffusers. For the brightest light with a beam angle of 120°, use the flash without a diffuser. For softer light with a beam angle of 140°, suitable for larger subjects and scenes, attach the included Hybrid Flash White 140 Flat Diffuser to the flash. For the widest, softest, and most even illumination possible, the optional Hybrid Flash White 160 Dome Diffuser expands the beam angle to the maximum of 160°.

Selectable color temperature

Without a diffuser, the Backscatter Hybrid Flash HF-1 has a color temperature of 6500K. With the included Hybrid Flash White 140 Flat Diffuser, you’ll get a slightly warmer color temperature.
Optionally, you can achieve a color temperature of 4500K or 5500K with other flat diffusers and dome diffusers. The diffusers with a 4500K color temperature are perfect for richer, blue backgrounds with less depth, while the diffusers with a 5500K color temperature produce a more natural daylight effect. The diffusers with the warm color temperature are also perfect for model shoots, as they produce warmer, more saturated skin tones.

No diffuser

4500K Flat Diffuser

Use the 4500K diffuser when the water is green to turn it blue. Set your camera's white balance manually to 4500K to change the color of the water from green to blue. The 4500K diffuser helps you illuminate the foreground in mixed-light situations so that it matches the background.
Canon EOS R3 | Canon 8-15mm Lens | 1/200 | ISO 200 | ƒ18

Ambiente Blue Filter for a more natural look

Conventional flashes emit light that is significantly warmer than the much cooler blue light of the ocean. The Ambiente Blue Filter adjusts the flash’s color temperature so that it matches that of the ambient light. When shooting with the Bacscatter Hybrid Flash HF-1 with the Ambiente Blue Filter attached, it brightens the shadows in the image but does not add any other color to the subject. The Ambiente Blue Filter is optimized for shooting at depths of 3 to 10 meters.

The Ambiente Blue Filter is even suitable for macro shots like this one of a pinefish. In this shot, the bright ambient light is reflected off the sand. With the Ambiente Blue Filter attached, the flash has the same color temperature as the ambient light. This allows the flash to blend with the ambient light, resulting in a more natural look.

Left: Sony a1 | Sony 90mm lens | 1/250 | ISO 400 | ƒ11
Right: Sony a1 | Sony 90mm lens | 1/400 | ISO 100 | ƒ11

No flash
only ambient light

Hybrid Flash HF-1
without filter

Hybrid Flash HF-1
with Ambiente Blue

Warmer flash light results in two different color temperatures in the scene. When shooting with the Ambient Blue Filter, the flash light and the ambient light have a uniform color.
Sony a1 | Canon 8-15mm lens | 1/160 | ISO 200 | ƒ11

Functions

Lightning

• Manual flash with 12 power levels
• Smart Controll TTL for Olympus, OM System, and Sony Cameras for Large Subjects and Macro Photography
• HSS High-Speed Synchronization up to 1/8000
• Remote Lighting Control (REM)
• SOS Mode
• Video Mode
• Photo Light Mode (Wide, Red, Spot)

What's Included

• Backscatter Hybrid Flash HF 1
• 1-inch ball adapter
• YS Adapter
• Hybrid Flash Light Pipe
• Hybrid Flash White 140 Flat Diffuser
• Replacement O-Rings
• O-ring grease

PLEASE NOTE: The rechargeable batteries, charger, and fiber-optic cable are not included!

Technical data

Light

• 5,000-lumen video light
• 1,500 lumens of spot and red light
• LED with 3 brightness levels
• 90° Beam Angle Video Light
• 45 minutes of runtime at 5,000 lumens, after which the brightness is reduced to the next lower level.

Lightening

• Flash guide number f40
• Blitz 12 Power Levels
• 120° flash beam angle (without diffuser)
• 6500K Color Temperature Flash
• Number of flash firings:
  +2: over 375
  +1: over 800
  F: over 1,000
• Flash sequences:
  +2: 1.6–2.17 s
  +1: 0.7–1.17 s
  F: 0.5–0.86 s

Energy

• 2 Nitecore NL2153HP 21700 5300 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable batteries

Dimensions & Weight

• 161 mm x 94 mm x 162 mm
• 1.14 kg on land, including the battery
• 250 g in water, including the battery

Depth of operation

• - 100 m

Material

• Seawater-resistant aluminum and fiberglass-reinforced plastic
• Colored Anodized Surface