About Backscatter
Backscatter FLIP red filters and macro lenses for GoPro, M52 wide angle air and wet lenses for Olympus TG cameras, a double handle GoPro tray, and the neoprene pouch and wallet that keep a FLIP set together. Backscatter is an underwater photo and video specialist headquartered on Cannery Row in Monterey, California, and these are its own designs. Order online from Scuba Evolution in Johannesburg, delivered anywhere in South Africa.
Backscatter in South Africa
Backscatter is an underwater video and photo company with its west coast headquarters, showroom and service centre on Cannery Row in Monterey, California. It sells camera gear from many makers, runs photo trips and classes, and hosts the Monterey Shootout. The range we carry is Backscatter's own: FLIP filters, wide angle lenses and a GoPro tray. See every brand in underwater photography.
FLIP filters for GoPro
Water takes red out first, so a GoPro video goes blue and flat below a few metres. A FLIP frame clamps onto the GoPro housing and flips a red filter across the lens with one finger. The FLIP13 Two Filter Kit carries DIVE+ for roughly 6 to 14 m and DEEP+ for roughly 14 to 24 m, for HERO5 to HERO13 in the Super Suit or Protector housing. If you also want small subjects, the FLIP13 Pro Package adds a +15 MacroMate Mini close-up lens on a 55 mm adaptor, which is the one for muck dives.
Already own a frame? The FLIP Replacement Filter adds or replaces a single formula: SHALLOW, DIVE+ or the yellow Fluorescence filter for night dives with a blue light. For a rig with a 55 mm threaded mount, the FLIP 55 mm Threaded DIVE Filter is the screw-in option, tuned for about 8 to 24 m and listed for HERO3 to HERO10 set-ups.
Wide angle lenses for Olympus TG
Both lenses thread onto the M52 port of Olympus TG housings. The M52 Wide Angle Air Lens restores the camera's topside view of 81 degrees and can stay on for microscope mode on a TG-5, TG-6 or TG-7, so it's one lens for wide and macro. The M52 Wide Angle Wet Lens goes wider, to 120 degrees, for wrecks and big reef scenes, and is rated to 100 m. See lenses and filters.
Holding and carrying the rig
The Wide Double Handle Tray for GoPro gives a GoPro two grips and a wide base for steadier footage, with ball mounts on the handles for lights later. For the boat and the bag, the FLIP Neoprene Protective Pouch covers the housing with the frame still fitted, and the FLIP Neoprene Filter Wallet holds spare filters and lenses. See camera bags and cases and camera accessories.
Questions we get asked
Which FLIP filter do I need for diving in South Africa?
Choose by depth. DIVE+ covers roughly 6 to 14 m and DEEP+ roughly 14 to 24 m, and the FLIP13 Two Filter Kit carries both on one frame so you can switch during the dive.
Do FLIP13 filters fit my GoPro?
The FLIP13 kits clamp onto the GoPro Super Suit or Protector housing for HERO5 to HERO13 cameras. The 55 mm threaded DIVE filter is listed for HERO3 to HERO10 set-ups with a 55 mm mount.
What's the difference between the M52 air lens and wet lens?
The air lens restores the camera's topside view of 81 degrees and can stay on for microscope mode macro. The wet lens goes wider, to 120 degrees, for wrecks and big scenes.
Will the M52 lenses fit my Olympus TG housing?
They screw onto the M52 thread of Olympus TG housings. The air lens is listed for the PT-056, PT-058 and PT-059 housings, and the wet lens for TG series 1 to 6 housings with no adaptor.
Can a GoPro shoot macro with a FLIP frame?
Yes, with a close-up lens. The FLIP13 Pro Package adds a +15 MacroMate Mini that flips over the port for small subjects and flips away again for wide shots.
How do I order Backscatter in Johannesburg?
Order online from Scuba Evolution in Johannesburg, delivered anywhere in South Africa. Ask us on WhatsApp 082 557 3822 if you're unsure which filter or lens fits your camera.