Diving enthusiasts eagerly await the debut of Sea & Sea's YS-D3 Duo Strobes, as they get a sneak peek at this cutting-edge underwater lighting system.
Diving into the pre-Hurricane Hillary lull, I grabbed the chance to frolic in the warm, sparkling waters off Southern California's coastline. Armed with some snazzy underwater gizmos, including the hot-off-the-press Sea & Sea YS-D3 Duo Strobes and the fresh-faced Ikelite Canon R100 System, I felt like the luckiest fish in the sea! To make things even more exciting, I was the very first reviewer to get my paws on the YS-D3 Duos, even before their official launch at the end of August. Let me tell you, these babies sure live up to the legendary Sea & Sea brand's reputation for unparalleled quality, power, and lightning-fast recycle rates.
Feeling positively fishy about it, I wholeheartedly endorse the YS-D3 Duos.
Now, you might be wondering, what's the fuss about the "Duo" in "YS-D3 Duo"? Well, my finned friends, it's all about those dual circuitry qualities! Unlike the YS-D3 Mark II, the YS-D3 Duo isn't just a one-trick pony. It boasts not only TTL circuitry like the Mark II, but it also rocks an Olympus RC TTL circuit. So if you're a shooting star in the Olympus photography galaxy, the YS-D3 Duo could be the stroke of genius you've been waiting for!
The YS-D3 Duo and the YS-D3 Mark II have many parallels in their specifications, but the YS-D3 Duo's standout feature is the addition of the Olympus RC mode - a cherry on top that sets it apart and earns it a higher price tag of $849.95 compared to the Mark II's $799.95.
The YS-D3 Duo isn't just aesthetically appealing; it's got some serious upgrades under the hood! Watch out for the snazzy new metal heat sink band, clad in golden armor. And speaking of armor, the dials on the rear end are looking a whole lot sharper too, ready to dazzle you with improved visibility. If that's not enough to tickle your fancy, how about the strobe's enhanced sound, making it a more reef-tacular party companion?
But is the upgrade worth it? It all depends on whether Olympus is your saltwater soulmate, and if you're already under the spell of the Sea & Sea YS-D3 or YS-D3 Mark II strobes. However, if you're an underwater photographer deep in the Mariana Trench of the Sea & Sea YS-03 or YS-01 solis sesh, the YS-D3 Duo deserves a closer look. Its increased power output perfectly caters to the demands of wide-angle captures, and it plays nice with a kelp forest of accessories!
Of course, we can't discuss strobes without diving deep into the quality of their beams! The YS-D3 Duo's 105-degree beam, unfettered by a diffuser, offers a stunningly bright and even radiance, effortlessly illuminating your entire photo frame from edge to edge. It's like turning on the underwater spotlight!
Don't forget the strobe's impressive recycling time that's earned the YS-D3 models a spot in the underwater photography hall of fame. The YS-D3 duo equips a recycling speed consistent with the original YS-D3 lighting system, ensuring that your strobe is always ready to light up the underwater world, even in the darkest depths.
So, that's just a sneak peek at the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Duo! Stay tuned for the full review, coming soon from our Underwater Photo Workshop To The Sea Of Cortez.
Oh, and if you're looking to get your flippers on Sea & Sea YS-D3 strobes, be sure to check out Bluewater Photo! Happy diving!
- In the tranquil waters before Hurricane Hillary, I embarked on an exciting trip, equipped with the latest underwater gadgets such as the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Duo Strobes and the Ikelite Canon R100 System.
- The YS-D3 Duo, a innovative underwater photography tool, shines with its dual circuitry qualities, making it a preferable choice over the YS-D3 Mark II for Olympus photographers.
- Despite its higher price tag of $849.95 compared to the Mark II's $799.95, the YS-D3 Duo's unique features are worth the investment, especially for those already using Sea & Sea YS-D3 or YS-D3 Mark II strobes.
- The YS-D3 Duo boasts impressive upgrades under its hood, including a snazzy metal heat sink band, sharper dials with improved visibility, and a more reef-tacular enhanced sound.
- The strobe's 105-degree beam, free of a diffuser, delivers a stunning, even, and bright radiance, effortlessly illuminating the entire photo frame, edge to edge.
- The YS-D3 Duo's impressive recycling time, consistent with the original YS-D3 lighting system, ensures the strobe is always ready to illuminate the underwater world, even in the darkest depths.
- For those interested in acquiring Sea & Sea YS-D3 strobes, Bluewater Photo is a reliable source for all underwater photography and diving gadgets.
