Snoot Review and Comparison

Want to explore different equipment/tools for underwater photography? Snoots might be the solution that you are looking for.  These are small devices that we use to mask the strobe in order to shape and precisely control the beam of light on your subject.  A snoot will highlight or illuminate the subject while creating a black background, which often makes the image more dramatic and the colors pop.

There are lots of snoots out in the market, but we've narrowed it down to our favorites.  Check out the top three snoots at Bluewater Photo, along with their pros, cons and comparison.

View all recommended Strobe Accessories on Bluewater Photo

Reefnet Fiber Optic Snoot

This is a very simple snoot design, using locline arms, fiber optic cables and a 3D printed strobe mount.  What's unique about this snoot is that there are a lot of brushed fiber opic cables running through the locline arms, which allows more light transmission while the arms make the tube very flexible for precise positioning.  Another advantage of this snoot is that it is designed with two arms.  You can illuminate two subjects in one frame, or use a key and fill light.  The down side of this snoot is that it might be challenging to aim the arms at your subject. 

Pros:

• Fiber optics cables inside the flexible arms allow good light transmission
• Can use one arm or two for more creative lighting options
• Includes narrowing tip for two light (diameter) size options
• Compact and Lightweight - great for travel
• Durable: no electronics or fragile parts make it nearly indestructable
• Available for a variety of strobes including Sea & Sea YS-D1/D2, YS-01/02/03, YS-250, Inon S-2000, Z-240, and Ikelite DS-160/151

Cons:

• No aiming or guide light makes positioning difficult
• Longer arm, even with fiber optic means less overall light
• Cost is $300 for strobe mount and one arm, $160 for second arm, so this isn't the cheapest option

Reefnet Fiber Optic Snoot Review:

Sample Photos with Reefnet Fiber Optic Snoot

These images were taken with the Sony A7R II and Sea & Sea YS-D1 strobe. Camera settings: ISO 100, F16, 1/125th with the strobe set to full power. Snoot was set with tip about 5" away from the subject, pointing almost directly down. For dual tips they were angled about 45° towards the subject.

Reefnet Snoot with Stanard Opening

Reefnet Snoot with Narrow Opening (less light transmission)

Reefnet Snoot with Two Arms, Narrow Opening

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10Bar Snoot with Laser

This 10Bar snoot combines excellent build quality with a good price.  It is made from machined aluminum and includes a guiding laser to allow you to aim the snoot with ease.  To aim the laster, simply estimate the distance you'll be from the subject before diving and look through the snoot.  The snoot offers small adjustment to the size of the opening by unscrewing the small tube pieces from the body of the snoot (shortening the snoot for a wider beam).

Read all of our Underwater Snoot Tutorials, including: