Retra accessory value/usefulness?

[Draq 135]

Okay, having caved-in and spent the $ for a couple of Retras, I would be interested in hearing opinions on the value of various Retra accessories, to include:

Reduction ring

Reflector

Bumpers

Neoprene for Bumpers

Wide angle diffuser

Supercharger X

If it matters, I mostly do CFWA, but also shoot macro, fish portraits and reefscapse.  AKA, the usual stuff.  If you have an opinion on the relative value of these bits but don't want to incur any wetpixel wrath, for stating it,  you can PM me and I will keep it to myself or repost your thoughts without identifying you.

 

[TimG 62]

Hi Draq

I shoot the usual stuff too although living in Sint Maarten at the moment, macro is king. I've done just over 70 dives with my two Primes.

I've got the bumpers, the neoprene, the wide-angle diffusers. the protection ring, one reduction ring + reflector, one supercharger .... and one LSD. I must be Oskar's delight!

The Retras are almost pieces of art and to let them get all scuffed up and scratched is more than I could handle: hence the bumpers and neoprene.

The protection ring is useful as the glass dome of the Retra stands out in a convex curve beyond the depth of the housing. The protection ring protects this when the strobe is, for example, not in use and standing glass end down drying or whatever.

The reduction ring you need if you use the reflector - which is especially good for quick TTL grab shots. 

Wide-angle diffusers do as they say and I use them nearly all the time for WA shots.

The supercharger is terrific if you are using the LSD.  I powered through the batteries (Eneloop Pros), pre-supercharger, easily into the battery red zone on a two-tank dive with the LSD. Not an issue with the Supercharger.

No hesitation in recommending all of them.
 

[nudibranco 28]

I spent about 20 dives with the Retra Pro so far.

 

They diffuse so well even with an 8mm FE lens on M43 and with such quality that i have passed on the diffusers so far.

 

I am planning on the reflectors especially for skittish fish and focused reefs. However you need macro rings for the reflector (!).

 

For protection I would rather use some self made neoprene (plenty of that at my place) with a cover that can be flipped out and back on the flash body with some velcro. Easier to use and cheaper.

 

Probably the Supercharger is a good investment since after dives strobos are already in the red zone without it. (the flash can use only eneloops).

 

LSD is also worthwhile if you like some special snooting effects.

 

Andrea

 

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[Nicool 30]

Hi there
I think the range of accessories make a lot of the Retra flash’s advantage.
During a dive i happily switch from a snoot to a diffuser to reduction rings, depending on subjects, and do so for macro and WA/CFWA.

ypu mignt want to look at the detailed review I have published in Underwater Photography Mag #117 (http://www.uwpmag.com/), of the Retra flash pro + accessories.


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[Draq 135]

Thanks all and Nicool I did read your review.  I think I will hold off on the snoot and superchargers for now, but the other stuff looks useful and I think the old phrase is "in for a penny; in for a pound.

[TimG 62]

54 minutes ago, Draq said:

Thanks all and Nicool I did read your review.  I think I will hold off on the snoot and superchargers for now, but the other stuff looks useful and I think the old phrase is "in for a penny; in for a pound.

“May as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb”? 

[Draq 135]

Never heard that one before.  Had to look it up.

It fits...

[Alex_Mustard 0]

The issue is that it is also a moving target - as Retra keep coming up with new ideas. Each time someone approaches them with a new idea it might lead to a new lighting accessory. 

[nudibranco 28]

We love those "issues" ))

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