TESTIMONIALS & REVIEWS
Read what our customers have to say about their experience with our products and services
STATEMENT OF AUTENTHICITY: All reviews and testimonials featured by Retra UWT are genuine opinions provided by underwater photographers who use or have used our products. They have not been compensated in any form for their reviews or testimonials.
These testimonials and reviews are voluntarily given by individuals who genuinely appreciate our products and wish to share their honest experiences.
In-Depth Review by Roman Kasan
Instagram profile >
"I have been using Retra Pro X strobes paired with Sony A1 in a Nauticam housing for about a year now. During that time, I took it on more than 200 dives and there wasn't a single dive I wouldn't be thrilled with the results I got.
The way the light from Retra's circular strobe element penetrates the water is just something else - especially compared to Sea and Sea YS-D2/3 strobes I was using previously. The images gained - all of a sudden - sparkle and microcontrast, similar to when I compared pictures taken with basic and Pro level lenses.
Plus - I think because of that circular flash element - I no longer have to deal with diffusers eliminating and muddying the light output like I had to with conventional strobes. The light got spread out evenly and again - in a very sparkling way - throughout the water column.
The design and build quality of Retra strobes are on the next level, especially compared to a cheaper plasticky YS-D2/3 - an all aluminium construction feels very robust and Retra engineers figured that double o-ring insulating the battery compartment is better than one. The way the battery compartment on Retra closes - nut bolt tightening paired with double o-rings - is much more secure than YS-D2/3 click and single o-ring. I got my YS-D3s flooded several times - yes, you could say I was clumsy - however, just feel the stress of a liveaboard with 4 dives per day…
I always have macro rings attached to my Retra Pro X at ingress and egress, in and out of the water. After submerging, I quickly take them off and before surfacing at a safety stop, I put them back on. This has two benefits. One, I have the macro rings available on a dive when I need. And two - even more important - they serve as a protection of the front dome - as anyone with the liveaboard logistics experience would relate to.
I also opted to get superchargers, so one flash is powered with not 4 but 8 AA cells. Not only am I getting more available energy, faster recharge and shoot times, but the handling of strobes also rose to another level - Imagine the stress you have when quickly positioning strobes for capture. With supercharger bodies attached to these strobes, the muscle memory just got simpler and positioning of strobes got that much faster.
So to sum this up, I am really happy I have made the switch to Retra Flash Pro X strobes. It brought my photography to another level and significantly decreased maintenance during and after the dives. I just love my Retra Pro X strobes and would recommend them to anyone with passion for underwater photography."
In-Depth Review by Roman Kasan
Instagram profile >
"I have been using Retra Pro X strobes paired with Sony A1 in a Nauticam housing for about a year now. During that time, I took it on more than 200 dives and there wasn't a single dive I wouldn't be thrilled with the results I got.
The way the light from Retra's circular strobe element penetrates the water is just something else - especially compared to Sea and Sea YS-D2/3 strobes I was using previously. The images gained - all of a sudden - sparkle and microcontrast, similar to when I compared pictures taken with basic and Pro level lenses.
Plus - I think because of that circular flash element - I no longer have to deal with diffusers eliminating and muddying the light output like I had to with conventional strobes. The light got spread out evenly and again - in a very sparkling way - throughout the water column.
The design and build quality of Retra strobes are on the next level, especially compared to a cheaper plasticky YS-D2/3 - an all aluminium construction feels very robust and Retra engineers figured that double o-ring insulating the battery compartment is better than one. The way the battery compartment on Retra closes - nut bolt tightening paired with double o-rings - is much more secure than YS-D2/3 click and single o-ring. I got my YS-D3s flooded several times - yes, you could say I was clumsy - however, just feel the stress of a liveaboard with 4 dives per day…
I always have macro rings attached to my Retra Pro X at ingress and egress, in and out of the water. After submerging, I quickly take them off and before surfacing at a safety stop, I put them back on. This has two benefits. One, I have the macro rings available on a dive when I need. And two - even more important - they serve as a protection of the front dome - as anyone with the liveaboard logistics experience would relate to.
I also opted to get superchargers, so one flash is powered with not 4 but 8 AA cells. Not only am I getting more available energy, faster recharge and shoot times, but the handling of strobes also rose to another level - Imagine the stress you have when quickly positioning strobes for capture. With supercharger bodies attached to these strobes, the muscle memory just got simpler and positioning of strobes got that much faster.
So to sum this up, I am really happy I have made the switch to Retra Flash Pro X strobes. It brought my photography to another level and significantly decreased maintenance during and after the dives. I just love my Retra Pro X strobes and would recommend them to anyone with passion for underwater photography."
Review by Magali Márquez
Instagram profile >
"My name is Magali Márquez, PADI and SNSI Instructor in Puerto Rico with a specialty in underwater photography. I feel very grateful for this opportunity to share my experience using the Retra Pro strobes and the Retra LSD snoot.
Most of my photography is macro, and the snoot for me is an important tool when taking a picture. I enjoy focusing the light on the subject and bringing out the colors and details of the subject.
I have had the opportunity to work the Retro LSD snoot with different strobes, such as the SEA & SEA YS-D2, ION Z330 and Retra Pro strobes. When using the Retra LSD snoot with the Retra Pro strobe, I got better results by turning on the focus light on the strobe. I was able to position the Retra LSD snoot correctly for the subject to be adequately lighted, achieving the desired results.
Thanks to the fact that Retra has an application to connect the strobe to my mobile via Bluetooth, I have had the advantage of making updates, checking the status of my strobes, transferring the shooting data, customizing settings and checking the battery status. In addition, the application has a manual where you can solve problems if you have any with the strobes.
I feel confident using the Retra Pro strobe because it gives me peace of mind knowing that it detects moisture and tells me when I have a low battery.
After having worked with different strobes, I can say that the Retra Pro strobe along with the Retra LSD snoot has been a winning combination for my photography."
Review by Magali Márquez
Instagram profile >
"My name is Magali Márquez, PADI and SNSI Instructor in Puerto Rico with a specialty in underwater photography. I feel very grateful for this opportunity to share my experience using the Retra Pro strobes and the Retra LSD snoot.
Most of my photography is macro, and the snoot for me is an important tool when taking a picture. I enjoy focusing the light on the subject and bringing out the colors and details of the subject.
I have had the opportunity to work the Retro LSD snoot with different strobes, such as the SEA & SEA YS-D2, ION Z330 and Retra Pro strobes. When using the Retra LSD snoot with the Retra Pro strobe, I got better results by turning on the focus light on the strobe. I was able to position the Retra LSD snoot correctly for the subject to be adequately lighted, achieving the desired results.
Thanks to the fact that Retra has an application to connect the strobe to my mobile via Bluetooth, I have had the advantage of making updates, checking the status of my strobes, transferring the shooting data, customizing settings and checking the battery status. In addition, the application has a manual where you can solve problems if you have any with the strobes.
I feel confident using the Retra Pro strobe because it gives me peace of mind knowing that it detects moisture and tells me when I have a low battery.
After having worked with different strobes, I can say that the Retra Pro strobe along with the Retra LSD snoot has been a winning combination for my photography."
Review by Jake Brandwine
Instagram profile >
"Retra strobes have truly transformed my underwater photography journey. These invaluable tools seamlessly merge ease of use with exceptional power.
From capturing intricate macro shots to expansive wide-angle scenes, Retra strobes effortlessly conquer any photographic challenge. Their remarkable versatility enhances the depth and detail of my underwater images, consistently delivering unparalleled results.
With over 10,000 flashes and hundreds dives, their enduring performance is impressive. There's no sign of slowing down or deterioration. The isolated battery compartment has been a lifesaver, preventing potential issues during crucial moments.
Beyond the remarkable strobes themselves, the customer support is equally exceptional. Whenever I encounter an issue, they are a quick email away and are always happy to provide assistance.
I really love my Retra strobes and equipment. I can't imagine buying any other strobe on the market and hope to continue to showcase them in future content that I create for scuba photography."
Review by Jake Brandwine
Instagram profile >
"Retra strobes have truly transformed my underwater photography journey. These invaluable tools seamlessly merge ease of use with exceptional power.
From capturing intricate macro shots to expansive wide-angle scenes, Retra strobes effortlessly conquer any photographic challenge. Their remarkable versatility enhances the depth and detail of my underwater images, consistently delivering unparalleled results.
With over 10,000 flashes and hundreds dives, their enduring performance is impressive. There's no sign of slowing down or deterioration. The isolated battery compartment has been a lifesaver, preventing potential issues during crucial moments.
Beyond the remarkable strobes themselves, the customer support is equally exceptional. Whenever I encounter an issue, they are a quick email away and are always happy to provide assistance.
I really love my Retra strobes and equipment. I can't imagine buying any other strobe on the market and hope to continue to showcase them in future content that I create for scuba photography."
In-Depth Review Article
Dive into an in-depth review of the new Retra Flash Pro Max, where underwater photographer Matthew Sullivan explores the positives and negatives of the Retra Flash Pro Max and our previous models.
Click the link below to read the full review on Dive Photo Guide.
In-Depth Review Article
Dive into an in-depth review of the new Retra Flash Pro Max, where underwater photographer Matthew Sullivan explores the positives and negatives of the Retra Flash Pro Max and our previous models.
Click the link below to read the full review on Dive Photo Guide.
Using Retra Flash? We want to hear from you!
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The positives & the negatives - we want to hear it all!
Positive feedback tells us we are on the right track, while constructive criticism helps us improve and offer even better products and services in the future.
If you want to share your experience with our products and/or services, please feel free to leave a review here - we'd love to hear from you!
Video Review by Alex Mustard
Review Discussion by Alex Mustard & Matthew Sullivan
TESTIMONIALS
– Jette & Glenn Egtved Hansen
"I've bought 2 pcs. of the Retra Pro Max, boosters, 1 snoot and several accessories. Before I bought the flashes, I had some questions, about the HSS and which flash trigger I needed for my camera and housing.
All my questions were answered professionally, and the following support has been outstanding. They really care about their customers.
Excellent products and fast shipping.
This is truly a professional company, that I can highly recommend."
– Ziad A. Al-Turki
"As someone who was always intimidated to use strobes, I cannot recommend Retra Strobes enough; whether you are a beginner underwater photographer, or an expert, Retra Strobes products are the perfect addition to your camera set up.
Made with function and ease-of-use in mind, Retra Strobes take the guessing out of getting comfortable with strobes; with fantastic quality, clearly marked buttons, and a customer service team available to answer any questions you may have in a timely and expert manner, there isn’t another strobe on the market I would rather use. There’s no wonder why I’m on my third set of Retra Strobes now!"
– Helen Chu
“Retra Flash Pro X with Light Shaping Device (LSD) provides a strong and precise light source. The most amazing feature of this combination is its compact size, which makes macro photography possible in any challenging environment. Easiest and fastest way to create an incredible photo that is sketched in mind.”
– Bryan H. Blauvelt
"I am thoroughly impressed with the Retra workshop, this is outstanding service!"
– David Benz, Art & Water Photography
"For me, the RETRA Flash PRO X is a real gamechanger. So much power and such simple and really well thought-out handling. Now underwater photography is even more fun. I didn't want to miss my two RETRA Flash PRO X anymore…"
– Christine Forbes
"I think that you are great. I like your very rapid response to my questions and that you go out of your way to answer my questions thoroughly. I appreciate that if you recognize issues with the strobes you report them to your consumers and rectify the problem as quickly as possible.
You process the orders in good time and shipping time is as fast or if not better as compared to if I ordered a product in US or Canada.
I have just done the update on my Retra Flash Max strobes on my Apple phone and it went very smoothly with no issues."
– Vincent Gillet
My order:
Bumpers for Reta Max Pro flash.
Retra Web site navigation experience:
A lot of technical data (for example, comparison between Retra and peer companies, or maintenance advice), possibility to buy all available Retra products in a very fast and easy way, all products well described and finally easy to pay.
Order reception:
Super fast, received in 1 day in the south of France, very impressive.
Package:
Well packed and protected.
Bumpers:
Nice object, super quality (like Retra flashes :-)), easy to install (with some silicon to help).
Global experience:
Very positive, to recommend without hesitation.
– William Gladstone, Emeritus Professor
"I’m a marine biologist and I love photographing the diversity of marine life and using my photos to tell the stories of the fascinating lives of marine animals.
My Retra strobes give me an unparalleled quality of light underwater. This comes from their beautifully uniform beam, reliable firing and colour temperature, the intuitive power setting steps, and the battery life. My Retra accessories (Reduction Rings, Macro Rings, Light Shaping Device, Reflectors) allow me to modify the strobe’s light to suit my subject and the environment where I’m diving and give me the freedom to capture, imagine and create so much more.
They’re easy to handle underwater, splendidly built, and I think they look very sexy."
– Daniel Norwood, Dive Photo Guide
"After several months of constant use, I have nothing but good things to say about the Retra Flash PRO, and they have now become my go-to flashgun for the majority of my underwater photography work."
– Mike Bartick, Reflector review
"It is fun to use and perfectly suited for all-around use, including macro, wide angle, close focus wide angle, and oh yeah, blackwater!"
– Walt Stearns, Scuba Diver Destinations
"With the Retra Flash Prime, the quality and consistency of the light on subjects I was seeing was far more pleasing. The lighting from the Prime’s fully circular flash tube was impressively even..."
– Nicolas Remy, UWP Magazine
"I would buy them again if presented with the same choice."
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