Kraken Sports · PRODUCT GUIDEKraken Sports KR-S40 Review
Sources checked · Unscored
Review
Source evidence is available, but no eligible numeric overall rating was verified. This product remains unscored.
How we calculate scores →About this gear
The KR-S40 is a compact, manual-only 40 Ws strobe for close subjects. A straight flash tube, roughly 60° coverage and five power settings make it a macro-focused option. Its single 21700 battery keeps the package smaller than Kraken’s two-cell S80 models.
Consider before buying
Kraken’s page disagrees with itself on recycle time (1.2 versus 1.5 seconds) and focus-light output (300 versus 500 lumens). Confirm those details for current stock. There is no TTL, and the large jumps between power settings can require compensating with aperture or distance.
Our take
Matthew Sullivan’s DivePhotoGuide field review found the compact format useful for macro and snooted work, but noted cool colour, a harsher undiffused beam and coarse power steps. Kraken supplied his review pair. Those observations support a shortlist for close-up photographers, not a blanket recommendation for bright-water wide-angle work. Compare the broader S80 if large subjects are your priority, or the S80+ for a more powerful directed flash. The field review has no overall numeric grade, so this page remains unscored.
Specifications at a glance
- Equipment type
- Underwater strobe
- Flash energy
- 40 Ws
- Flash control
- Manual optical triggering; no TTL
- Power levels
- 2 / 5 / 10 / 20 / 40 Ws
- Weight
- 530 g land / 200 g underwater
- Colour temperature
- 6000K
- Depth rating
- 100 m
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A closer look at KR-S40
Editorial profile written
Facts listed by the source
- SKU
- KR-S40
- Listed weight
- N/A
- Listed dimensions
- N/A
Options in a listing may refer to different variants. Confirm the exact version and package before ordering.
Questions to settle before buying
Based on the equipment type in the researched profile.
- Does the housing and trigger support this strobe’s exact optical or electrical connection?
- Is flash exposure manual or TTL, and does that suit your camera and subjects?
- What beam coverage, recycle time and battery requirements apply at the intended flash power?
Explore the related equipment section →
What still needs checking
Independent review coverage and model updates still need ongoing research.
Published review evidence is available further down this page; only eligible overall ratings contribute to its score.
Where this research comes from
Read the source ↗ · Open the product listing ↗
Exact product name and URL in manufacturer feed · cached source, collected 2026-10-02 · Catalogue audit 2026-10-02.
Source matching and feature extraction are automated. An editorial profile, independent review and hands-on test are separate things; none is implied by this audit.
Review evidence and source documents
Published findings and supporting documents, with each source identified below. We have not personally tested this product.
Review of the Kraken Sports KR-S40 Strobe ↗
The field review favours its compact macro handling, but identifies coarse power steps, cool colour and a harsher beam without a diffuser. It reports no overall numeric rating.
Source and scoring details
Exact KR-S40 test; no S80 or S80+ rating transferred.
Kraken supplied the review pair. Article links to retail partner Backscatter. Hands-on observations belong to the reviewer.
Original review: DivePhotoGuide
