The Backscatter Atom Flash AF-1 is a compact ƒ28 underwater strobe for traveling photographers who shoot both wide-angle and macro.
Product Overview
Compact but powerful — meet the Atom Flash, Backscatter’s travel-ready underwater strobe that punches way above its weight. With a guide number of ƒ28, it’s small, rugged, and flexible enough for both wide-angle and macro diving.
Included in the Box
- Atom Flash
- White Flat Diffuser
- 1-inch Ball Mount
- YS Mount
- Light Pipe
- O-ring Grease
- Spare O-rings
Key Features
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Bright & Even Light Output: With a GN of ƒ28 the Atom offers plenty of power, and the 110° beam delivers even coverage with no hotspots.
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Diffuser Options: The included flat diffuser offers 130° coverage; an optional dome diffuser is available that extends coverage to 150°.
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Selectable Color Temperatures: The Atom offers a native 6400K color temperature, and this can be altered with 5500K or 4500K diffusers making this ideal for matching the strobe color to ambient light or for creative effects.
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Smart Control TTL: Supports automatic TTL for Sony, Olympus, and OM System cameras via Backscatter’s Smart Control system.
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Manual Power Levels: 11 power settings (½ stop increments) give you precise control.
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Low Power Mode: Unlock 10 additional fine-tuned lower power steps — perfect for delicate lighting with macro imaging.
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Fast Recycle Time: Around 0.95 seconds at full power — keeps up even with fast action.
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Focus Lights: Built-in 1,000-lumen white and red LED lights help with aiming, especially when using the Optical Snoot for creative macro lighting.
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Remote Control / Triggering: Supports wireless power control and triggering. Use one Atom Flash to control others (or mix with Mini Flash or Hybrid Flash).
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High-Speed Sync (HSS): Compatible with Backscatter’s Smart Control TTL trigger and some third-party triggers for advanced lighting techniques.
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Super-Bright Rotating LCD: Large auto-rotating screen clearly shows mode, power level, remaining flashes, and battery life.
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Emergency SOS Mode: Hold a button to activate an LED ping that runs for hours — handy for signaling or locating the strobe.
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Long Battery Life: Uses two protected 18650 Li-ion batteries; delivers over 600 full-power flashes per charge.
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Durable & Waterproof: Depth-rated to 100 m / 330 ft, with dual O-rings + sand-seal gasket to protect against leaks.
Technical Specifications
| Spec |
Value |
| Depth Rating |
100 m / 330 ft |
| Guide Number |
ƒ28 (underwater) |
| Beam Angle |
110° native; 130° with flat diffuser; 150° with dome |
| Color Temperature |
6400K (native), with optional 5500K & 4500K |
| Power Levels |
11 manual + 10 extra (low power) |
| Recycle Time (Full) |
~0.95 seconds |
| LED Focus Light Output |
1,000 lumens (white & red) |
| Battery |
2 × 18650 Li-ion (protected) |
| Flashes per Charge |
>600 at full power |
| Weight (In Air) |
~1.8 lb / 830 g (with batteries) |
| Weight (In Water) |
~5.6 oz / 160 g (with batteries) |
| Sealing |
Dual O-rings + sand gasket |
| Sync |
Fiber optic |
