Retra Maxi Underwater Strobe

With a Guide Number 46 and an optional built-in 6000 lumen ultra-wide video light, the Retra Maxi is the most powerful underwater strobe and video light combination ever made!

Shipping expected in early 2025. Exact dates will be published by the end of December 2024.

Availability

The new Retra Maxi Underwater Strobe is now available for pre-order, with shipping expected in Early 2025. Exact dates will be published by the end of December 2024.

This item contains

  • 1x Retra Maxi Underwater Strobe
  • 1x 1"(inch) Mounting ball
  • 1x Allen key
  • 2x spare o-rings for battery compartment
  • 1x Silicone grease
  • 2.5 Years Worldwide Retra Warranty
  • 6000 Lumen Ultra-Wide Video light (optional)
  • Nitecore NL2160HP batteries (optional)
  • Nitecore Ci2 fast charger (optional)
  • RetraCare+ Warranty Extension (optional)

Retra Warranty

The Retra Maxi Underwater Strobe ​comes with 2.5 years of Worldwide Retra Warranty.

This means that no matter where you are located the Worldwide Retra Warranty is valid and your Retra product will be taken care of​.​​​​

Read more about our​ Worldwide​ Retra Warranty here.

>Get RetraCare+ and extend your warranty for up to 5 years. Learn more here.<


6000 Lumen Ultra-Wide Video Light: Without Video Light
Batteries (NL2160HP) & Fast Charger (Ci2): Without Batteries & Charger
RetraCare+ Warranty Extension: Without Additional Warranty
Sale price$899.00 USD¹

Retra Maxi Hands-On Review

Dive into this first impression video review to learn about our revolutionary new Retra Maxi Underwater Strobe and its incredible features.



The Most Powerful Strobe and Video Light Combination Ever Made

The Retra Maxi delivers GN46 and a color temperature of ~5800K. With the optional Wide Angle diffuser, it provides 160º coverage at ~4500K. Optimized for GN performance, this powerful strobe captures distant subjects with exceptional light output.

In addition to the strobe, the Retra Maxi also features a 6000 lumen video light with a native color temperature of 5000K and a CRI80, providing ultra-wide 110º coverage. Whether you're shooting stills or video, this strobe and video light combination ensures you have everything you need to capture stunning images in any underwater environment.

Power and Speed Unleashed: The Retra Maxi’s Ultimate Performance

The Retra Maxi is powered by two off-the-shelf 21700 6000mAh batteries (NL2160HP), providing more than 550 full-power shots and up to 1 hour of full-power video light output.

With a recycle time of less than 2 seconds for a full-power dump and a burst shooting speed of up to 50 frames per second, the Retra Maxi offers exceptional performance at both full and low power settings.

Night Dive Ready: LED-Illuminated Back Panel for Easy Adjustments

The Retra Maxi features LED illumination on the back panel, providing excellent visibility during night dives. This ensures you can easily read settings, even in low light conditions. The ergonomic dials, with varying lengths and satisfying clicks at each setting, make it intuitive to adjust modes and power levels.

Efficiently Crafted: The Retra Maxi’s Refined Housing

The Retra Maxi features a refined, three-part design with an aluminum bayonet and body, and a durable plastic back panel for enhanced durability and performance. Weighing 1150g on land (with batteries and mounting ball), the strobe is neutral or slightly buoyant (+/- 20g) underwater, offering better control.

Combining Retra’s signature design with high performance, the Retra Maxi is user-friendly, making it perfect for both beginners and pros.

Seamless Compatibility: The Retra Maxi’s Bayonet Mount

This mount remains consistent across all Retra Flash models, including the new Retra Maxi, allowing you to switch photography styles quickly.

The locking mechanism ensures accessories are securely attached, and it is fully compatible with all existing Retra Flash front-mounted accessories, including diffusers, reduction rings, and more.

Leakage Detection & Prevention

The Retra Maxi is equipped with a pressure relief valve and built-in leakage detection, which alerts you if water enters the battery compartment. You can rest easy knowing the battery compartment is sealed from the rest of the electronics for added protection.

Key features include:

  • Built-in leakage detection
  • Double O-ring protection
  • Waterproof battery compartment
  • Circuit protection

Smartphone Connectivity

The Retra Maxi can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth using the Retra UWT App. The app allows you to:

  • Install firmware updates
  • Select custom user modes
  • View basic information (number of flashes, current version, serial number, etc.)
  • Access instruction manuals

You can download the Retra UWT app for free on Google Play and the App store.

Description of modes

TST

The TST mode lets you check the battery status of your strobe (green, yellow, red or blinking red). By pressing the pilot/test button, your strobe will fire a test flash at the selected power level, perfect for creative lighting techniques with long exposure.

M

The M mode delivers a single pulse of light at the selected power level. With 17 power levels, you can fine-tune the illumination strength, giving you precise control over the light output.

TTL

The Retra Maxi uses your camera’s calculations to determine the ideal exposure for the scene through a pre-flash in TTL mode. You can adjust the relative power of the automatic exposure by +/- 4 for finer control.

HSS

The Retra Maxi is capable of emitting a long flash pulse, essential for HSS photography. You can fine-tune the HSS exposure strength with 17 power levels.

U

The U mode allows you to personalize your Retra Maxi Strobe experience. By connecting your strobe to the Retra UWT App, you can select your custom user mode. Choose from options like Video (optional), Smart SL, Manual Low Power, and more.

TURN/SOS

If you find yourself in trouble, the Retra Maxi can emit a Morse code SOS signal for help. This mode takes priority and overrides any errors.

PILOT LIGHT

The Retra Maxi features a central pilot or guide light with two intensity levels, making it easy to find the ideal position for your strobes, especially when using a snoot. The pilot light is available in M, TTL, HSS, and select U modes.

Technical Specification

Guide Number

GN 46

Light coverage

160º (with WA diffuser)

Recycle time

0.02 - 1.95s

Flash at full power

550+

Color temperature

~4500K (with WA diffuser)

Video light output

6000 Lumen, 110º, Ultra-Wide

Video light color

CRI80, 5000K

Operational modes

M, HSS, TTL, SmartSL, LowSL, SOS and U (user defined)

Power source (1)

2x 21700, 6000mAh

Leakage detection

Yes

Bluetooth connectivity

Yes

Optical connector

Inon threaded connector / Sea&Sea plug connector

Bayonet Mount

Classic A1

Dimensions

Ø108mm x 170mm (Ø4.25in x 6.7in)

Buoyancy

+/- 20g

Weight (2)

1150g / 2.5lbs

(1) Use only compatible Nitecore NL2160HP batteries or other 21700 type batteries with built-in Overcahrge/Discharge circuit protection.

(2) Weight on land with 1" (inch) mounting ball and 2x 21700 6000mAh batteries

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Contact Us

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