Best Dive Lights 2024
Posted by Elma Tarr on November 1st, 2024
The human eye sees by collecting light, reflecting from an object, converting this energy into electrical impulses and transmitting them to the brain via the optic nerve. Since the behavior of light alters as it passes through water, what a diver sees underwater differs compared to above water. Water effects light through turbidity, diffusion, absorption and refraction, each of which effect visibility differently.
Although only an average of 20% of sunlight reaches an approximate depth of 10m/30ft in clear water there is enough penetration to sustain photosynthesis to depths approaching 100m/300ft in open sea. On the other hand, high concentrations of suspended particles in the water can keep light from even reaching 3m/10ft.
The relative concentration of suspended particles is referred to as turbidity. Suspended particles may be organic as with plankton, or inorganic, as with stirred up sediment. Turbidity may result from healthy and natural phenomena, such as rainwater runoff, or result from unhealthy phenomena, such as pollution.
Even extremely clear water deflects light, and this is called diffusion. Diffusion reduces the amount of light reaching a certain depth, and it tends to disperse the available light, making it more even. This reduces and even eliminates shadows underwater.
As light penetrates water the absorption process begins by filtering out wave lengths with the least energy- the red end of the visible spectrum. In fact, divers realize that red disappears very quickly on a descent. After red, water absorbs oranges and then yellows. This explains why objects that are red, orange and yellow will appear black or grey.
Dive lights have multiple purposes, from indicating that you have a problem or taking the most magnificent underwater footage and pictures.
The SOLA Dive 2500 is rated as the most popular dive light, and it’s easy to understand why.
It comes in 2 different models - the SF and F range. For those who don’t know the S stands for Spot function and SF stands for Spot and Flood function. The light is compact and offers 2500 lumens. The battery is factory sealed and the charger gets plugged into the light directly. What is really a great feature is the button and the functions it offers. It has a lock function which I think is brilliant for traveling, especially in a bumpy boat. Then there are 3 brightness settings. 25%,50% and then 100%. The light charges quick and the battery lasts long. It typically takes the SF 105 min to charge and can last up to 50min on full power. For the F model, charging time is a bit longer and can take up to 150min to charge and last for around 45 min on full power.
This is a highly recommended dive light, and the F range is great for video whereas the SF can be used for both video and stills. I have the Sola F Action kit which includes 2 lights and a tray. Great value for money.
Powered by a USB-C rechargeable battery, there is no need for an extra charging cradle. Charge status is easy to check with a colour-coded button:
- blue (80%-100%)
- green (30%-80%)
- solid red (10%-30%)
- flashing red (below 10%)
The light defaults to a wide flood, but can be easily adjusted to spot mode with a simple twist. It also offers a red light mode for stealthy approaches to marine life. Compact, durable and designed for both professional and recreational divers, the Kraken NR-1800 offers outstanding value and flexibility, making it the light of choice for those looking for the most adjustable beam.
Have you ever seen the Neon night life underwater, yes, the underwater lumo parties? Divers are always looking for ways to explore the underwater world. To view the biofluorescence of the reef you need to equip yourself with blue-light torches and barrier filters for your mask and cameras if you are an underwater photographer. The function of the blue light is to block the blue light that is reflected back to the diver from the surroundings or object the light is shinning on.
The Fluoro basic level narrow beam dive light is a fantastic fluoro dive light and go as deep as 50m and the battery lasts up to 2 hours. It’s compact and only weighs 200g.
Tailored to take your technical diving to a new level, the Big Blue VTL9000P Tech Light will do just that. It offers great reliability with up to 6 hours of burn time on full power. The canister light offers dual beams. A wide 120 degree - 9000 lumens and a narrow 10 degrees 1200 lumens that allows you capture and explore the mesmerizing underwater world. It also features a 500-lumen red light mode which will help you set up and snapping that perfect shot. The Big Blue VTL9000P Tech Light is also the brightest scuba diving torch on the market.
For me this light has earned this position. WRGBU stands for White, Red, Green, Blue and Ultraviolet. It has 3 buttons, and this may seem a bit overwhelming at first but once you understand the functions, it makes perfect sense. Switching it on, simply press the button on the left and right, so the middle on is untouched. You can flick through all the colors by pressing the middle button. Adjust the brightness with the left and right buttons, adjusted in 20% segments. The Kraken Sports Hydra 6000 WRGBU video light offers a 100-degree beam and has a CRI rating of 90.
Once you unscrew the light to access the battery you will find that the battery pack is sealed and protected by 2 O-rings. I love the fact the lights are completely sealed from the outside world and if flooding ever had to happen you would only need to replace the battery and not the light. The Hydra 6000 also offers a burst mode. There is a port that you could connect an optic cable to, and you will have 8000 lumens at your disposal. You could also connect the light to a remote control with an optic fiber which will allow you to control the light remotely. The Kraken Hydra 6000 comes with a ball mount, an YS mount and Allen keys that gives you complete control on your setup.
I would highly recommend 2 x 6000 lights for wide angle photography especially if you are using a fisheye. 1 Light will suffice for Macro. The light also has a snoot attachment which makes this one light so versatile. The Kraken 6000 also has an SOS mode if you may find yourself in an emergency. By far, the best Video light.
The Nanight Sport 2 is made to last. Its robust and versatile with an impressive light. The Nanight sport 2 is solid, and durable made from high grade all iminium. This ensures that you will have a light that will last you a lifetime. I really like the design of the light. It is easy to operate and lightweight. The grip and the button are easily adjustable even with gloves. The light is impressive and offers 4000 lumens and offers multiple modes including high, medium low and strobe. The Nanight has a rechargeable battery and can last from 1.5 hours on high to over 10 hours on the low setting.
The Nanight Sport 2 dive light is not just good for recreational diving but also for technical diving and has a depth rating up to 200m (656 ft) It has various mounting options from handheld to a helmet a harness, a goodman handle or even camera rigs. Whether you are exploring the shallow reefs or caves; this light offers a premium quality light for beginners and professionals.
The Nanight Tech 2 Pro is an advanced diving light designed for professional and technical dives who require reliability, performance and durability.
This canister is made to withstand harsh environments. It is sleek and compact with a comfortable grip. The controls are easy to operate with or without gloves. The Nanight Tech 2 Pro offers excellent brightness at 5000 lumens. The large output ensures excellent visibility even in the darkest and most challenging conditions. The light offers 4 modes ensuring that the diver has complete control over the battery usage and light output.
The battery offers longevity and can last from 1.5 to 2 hours on the high setting and can be extended to 12 hours in the lowest setting. The charging system is user-friendly and offers a LED indicator which clearly displays the charging status. This allows divers to plan their dives accurately ensuring that they will have enough battery to last them their entire dive. The Nanight Tech 2 Pro has a depth rating of 250m (820ft)
The Nanight Tech 2 Pro is a high-performance dive light that exceeds expectations. Its advanced features and reliability are worth the investment making this my best canister dive light.
Still not sure what will work for you? Feel free to contact our dive gear specialists (i.e., IDC staff instructors) that would happily assist you and answer your questions.
All the above dive lights are available at our online store, or if you need personal assistance, just email scuba@bluewaterphotostore.com!
