We get many customers asking about the difference between the Sea & Sea YS-01 and YS-03 strobes, here they are:
- The YS-01 has a built in modeling light (focus light), the YS-03 does not.
- The YS-01 has a manual mode in which you can control the strobe level by using a knob on the strobe, the YS-03 only works in TTL (Auto Exposure) mode.
- The TTL circuitry on the YS-03 has been improved and thus it is compatible with more cameras and more accurate.
- The YS-03 is sold as a bundle for $319 along with a tray, arm and fiber optic cable which are practically included free of charge. The Ys-01 is sold by itself (head only) for $429.95.
Click to buy the YS-01 package
Click to buy the YS-03 package
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10 comments
Which model is best for close-up / macro UV photography?
Hi Ian,
Sorry for the late reply.
Both YS-01 and YS-03 put out regular white light. For UV, it might be better to get a UV video light, such as the Kraken Hydra 3500 which has a UV mode: http://www.housingcamera.com/id4908-kraken-hydra-3500-wsru-video-light.html
They’re on sale for Cyber Monday so great timing to get one!
If you simply meant UW (underwater) macro photography, both lights will work great. The YS-01 has more options as it includes manual mode as well, but TTL works great for macro.
Will the manual mode works on slave strobe if YS-01 as master and YS-03 as the slave? as my understamding, slave will follow whatever master. Also will there be problem if GN difference in such rig?
Yes, the YS-03 will follow the YS-01 as master in manual mode. The GN is the same on both strobes but even if it wasn’t that would not be an issue.
Update: I just completed this new rig of YS-03 as “master” and YS-02 as the “slave”, so YS-03 connected to YS-01, YS-01 connected to the camera. It’s nice that, the YS-03 can mimic the power level of YS-01 perfectly, also the TTL mode works fine (e.g. green light of both strobes light confirmed it). Could be a good path for anyone who started with YS-03 package and want to upgrade into two strobes. You need a longer cable though for connecting YS-01 into YS-03.
Sorry I already have a YS-03 strobe and want to upgrade it by using it as slave of a YS-01 (I don´t have it yet, but I´m expecting to purchase one).
I think YS-03 needs a pre-flash, so I don´t know if this configuration will work in manual mode…
Could you answer my doubt?
Thanks
Hey Gabriel!
Yes, that would work perfectly!
I’ve used the same combination myself with great results.
It’s actually a cool “hack” to use the YS-03 on manual mode, by controlling it with a YS-01 so that you effectively get 2 strobes firing on manual mode at the same power 🙂
Will the YS 03 trigger of the camera’s internal flash without a cord or cable ( ie Nikon W300 )
Yes, but you would have to find a way to channel the light into the sensor hole on the strobe.
Perhaps set up a small mirror contraption that protrudes from the hole to capture the light from the flash?
It would require some “Macgyvering” but generally possible.
Hello! if i have an rx100 VII if i understand correctly it can be used only in TTL therefor it makes more sense to buy YS-03 than YS-01 if they have same power but the YS-03 cost less? or is any other reason why to buy YS-01 over YS-03?