YS-D3 MKII LIGHTNING

High Performance Strobe

Newly designed circuitry and light-emitting unit produces powerful guide number of 33. In addition, a high precision aspherical optical troidal lens has been fitted over the two flash tubes to disperse an even light from the center to the edge. The strobe`s beam angle will increase to 110°by attaching the standard accessories Diffuser. When the optional Dome diffuser is attached, beam angle will increase to as wide as 150(TBD)


In order to avoid misunderstanding, the YS-D3 guide number (GN) and the beam angle are based on measurements taken on land (not underwater)
Some competitors will often state a GN measured on land and the beam angle in water, for example a GN 33 and beam angle of 110 degrees. However, this GN 33 value is based on a beam angle of 60~70 degrees. The beam angle may be expanded in water by a dome effect, however the GN in water is significantly lower than the value measured on land.

Note: A land-based strobe that uses the same four AA batteries as the YS-D3 may provide a notation that the GN is 60, but these measurements are taken under the condition that the focal length is equivalent to 200 mm (= beam angle 12 °). When the beam angle becomes narrower, the brightness of the illuminated area increases due to the light-collecting effect.

Superior consecutive firing capability to capture those critical moments.

The YS-D3 utilizes larger capacity condensers compared with those used on competing strobes. In addition, the D3 is also equipped with a newly designed charging circuit. As a result, the YS-D3 will fire at GN16 continuously without any interval time. Even when the strobe is fired at GN22, the strobe will fire again within a mere 0.8 seconds.
When the YS-D3 is fired at Guide Number over 22, a two-stage ready-to-fire signals will be issued. For instance, after the strobe fires at full power of GN33, the strobe will inform you both visually and audibly when the condenser is charged to fire at GN22. Then, when the condenser is charged enough to fire at GN33, another different signal will be issued. This design allows you to release more shutters in scenes where you want to shoot as many pictures as possible, maximizing shooting intervals between scenes

Target light with increased power

incorporating a uniquely designed aluminum heat diffuser, the target light is now powerful enough to be used as a dive light. About 4 times brighter than YS-D2 (Two-step dimming 300lumen/150lumen)

Various accessories available for all underwater imaging experiences

Click on the product name for more information.

Snoot (optional accessory)
A strobe adaptor which narrows the beam angle to be directed at a target point. Diameter of the opening 25mm. Designed with internal prism which aligns target light`s light axis and strobe`s light axis to the center.

Dome diffuser (optional accessory)
Increases beam angle to 150°×170° Essential accessory when fisheye lens is used, or soft light is required. + Guide number will drop to -1.5EV when it is fitted.

Flash prism (optional accessory)
Optical guiding device to fire the strobe when a fiber-optic cable is not used. This device is for manual use only. The device is effective if multiple strobes are used in a fixed position. However, the flash may not fire depending on the position of where multiple flashes are occurring in relation to that of the master flash.

Excellent visibility

Backlight panel that is effective when shooting in dark environments. The indicator color on the back of the YS-D3 changes each time the position of the mode switch is changed. Blue (in DS-TTLII mode), light blue (in slave TTL mode), orange (in manual mode with pre-flash), and green (in manual mode without pre-flash) The positioning of the operation system is obvious during night diving.
* The color in DS-TTLII mode has been changed from the YS-D2 to match the color with the optical converter.

Connection method with arm that can be selected according to preference

YS-D3 comes with a straight type ball base.
Optional YS base and new Diagonal ball base can be installed depending on the application.

YS base (common to YS-D1 / D2 / D3)
Traditional YS base. Easy vertical swing.

Diagonal ball base (only for YS-D3)
A ball base inclined at 35 ° compared to the straight type. This makes it easier to lower the strobe backwards, making it suitable for shooting when using a dome port. Also, when a Synchro Cord N is installed, interference between the cord and the ball clamp is minimized.

SEA&SEA YS-D3 TTL firmware update Notice / Not applicable to YS-D3MKII

YS-D3 Strobe #03123 Sea&Sea has made changes to the TTL software in all models from serial numbers #180701320.
The update is to address an overexposure when opening the aperture to lower f stops in compact cameras and address compatibility with 3 party TTL converters.
Please note that this software update is only to address the TTL function.
Customers with a YS-D3 model with a serial number prior to #180701320 may require an update.
Please contact your local Sea&Sea Dealer or Sea&Sea Distributor for information on updating your strobe.

Sea&Sea Optical Converter Firmware Update for YS-D3 / Not applicable to YS-D3MKII

Sea&Sea has now released firmware for updating existing S&S Optical Converts already in the field to enable YS-D3 compatibility.
In order to update existing S&S Optical Converters, please contact your local Sea&Sea Dealer or Sea&Sea Distributor.
Please note that the YS-110α position is utilized on existing Optical Converters for YS-D3 functioning.

The following Optical Converters, shipping from October 2020, are updated for D3 compatibility. Updated Optical Converters are distinguished by a “D3” position.

# 50126 YS Converter N1 for MDX Housing Nikon
# 50142 YS Converter C2 for MDX Housing Canon SLR
# 50143 YS Converter CR for MDX Housing Canon Mirrorless
# 50139 YS Converter S1 for MDX Housing Sony

Note: After completing the update on existing units in the field and all Optical converters shipping after October 2020 will not be compatible with the YS-110αstrobes.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Sea&Sea Distributor