Lights - Dive, Video, Photo
Purpose
A primary dive light is typically bigger and brighter, durable, has long runtime, and can be used for both daytime and night diving or snorkeling. A backup light is there if anything happens to your primary light, so they are typically smaller, more compact, and not necessarily as bright. A tank marker light is usually very small but bright, as it will tell other divers where you are in the water. A video light is a wide beam light that is used for underwater photography or videography.
The main thing to look for when choosing a light for scuba diving is to ensure that it is not only waterproof, but also pressure rated to avoid flooding underwater. All of our lights are pressure rated for scuba diving.
Features
Beam
A dive light, whether it is used during the daytime or night, should have a nice spot type beam. It needs to penetrate the water and murkiness so you can see further and into the cracks and crevices. A video light needs to have a nice bright, wide beam so that the light is evenly distributed in the video. A spot beam will show up as a bright spot dancing around in your video. A focus (or red) beam light is great for focusing a camera underwater without spooking the fish and marine life.
Bulb
Traditional Xenon (incandescent) lights are typically more yellowish in color, warmer and more natural. LED lights give off more of a white, bluish beam, similar to a fluorescent light. An LED light is brighter, more intense, and has a much longer lifespan.
CLAIMED SPECS vs. ACTUAL RESULTS
Battery
The type of battery and whether it is rechargeable or not is something to consider. A rechargeable light is usually more convenient and cheaper in the long-run not having to buy batteries all the time. However if you forget to pack your recharging cable or there are not power facilities on the boat or dive site, it could be a problem. Lights with throw-away batteries are usually cheaper, but always bring a spare set of batteries with you in case you need them. Some lights are a hybrid with recharging capacity as well as a battery insert for throw-away batteries.
Depth Rating
Check the depth rating on the light to ensure it meets your requirements. A light that is "waterproof" but not depth rated is not suitable for scuba diving or snorkeling. This usually means it's ok to use in the rain, but not to be submerged for any length of time.
Handle
Most lights will come with a lanyard that you can wrap and tighten around your wrist while you dive or a pistol-grip style handle. Others may have a goodman handle that allows you to hold the light on the top of your hand for a hands-free operation. If it's a video light, there are a variety of options for attaching the light to your camera gear.
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Sola Lights
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