Top Ranking Focus Spotlights
Top Underwater Focus Lights for Photography: A Comprehensive Guide
In the realm of underwater photography, having the right focus light is crucial for capturing stunning images. Here are some of the top-rated models that offer powerful, color-accurate, and adjustable brightness with good beam control:
1. OrcaTorch D710V MK2 - 2300 lumens output - Tri-color modes - 120° beam angle - IPX8 waterproof to 150m - 2-hour runtime - Compact and lightweight design - Corrosion-resistant materials
2. Backscatter HF-1 - Hybrid strobe and continuous light - Suitable for both macro and wide-angle photography - Versatile for different photo styles - Designed for versatility, including night diving
3. Ikelite RC165/DS165 - High-quality strobe lights - Ideal for wide-angle and macro photography - Strobe light with fiber optic connection
4. Marelux Apollo S - Versatile hybrid light - Good for various underwater photography scenarios - All-in-one solution
5. Sea & Sea YS-D3 Duo - Popular strobe - Widely used by underwater photographers - Good for vibrant lighting and wide-angle shots
Key features and specifications to consider for underwater focus lights:
- Lumen output: Aim for lights with 2000+ lumens for serious underwater photography.
- Beam angle: Wide beam (e.g., 120°) offers broad and even lighting for video and wide-angle photos; narrower beams work better for macro to focus on small subjects.
- Color modes: Some lights offer adjustable color temperatures or tri-color modes (cool, warm, neutral), improving color rendition and balance underwater.
- Durability: Waterproof to at least 100 meters (IPX8 rating or better) and corrosion-resistant construction for saltwater use.
- Runtime and battery: Minimum 1-2 hours runtime, rechargeable batteries (USB-C charging preferred for convenience).
- Versatility: Hybrid lights/strobes that can combine continuous light (for focusing/video) and strobe (for still photography) to cover multiple uses in one device.
Additional Options:
- Fix Neo Mini 1000 SWR Focus Light: Three beam settings (spot, wide, red); can control up to four lights with the FIX Neo Neo FR1 Remote Controller.
- Inon LF800-N 5 Degree Dive Light: Suitable as a pointer for a dive guide or a searchlight in poor visibility.
- Light & Motion Sola 1200 photo light: Half the size of other lights in its class.
- FIX Neo 1500 DX II SWR Video Light: Battery can be charged in the light body; offers burn times up to 999 minutes.
- Inon LF800-N 5 Degree Dive Light: Super narrow beam with a sharp edge.
- FIX Neo 1500 DX II SWR Video Light: Incremental power settings and can switch from wide to spot with one click.
- Sola 1200 photo light: Three indicator lights for power and battery charge level.
- FIX Neo 1200 DX UV Light, BLUE: Six ultra-high intensity blue LEDs for excitation of fluorescence.
- Fix Neo Mini 1000 SWR Focus Light: Auto-power reduction mode for use on land.
When choosing the best light, consider your photography style (macro vs. wide), budget, and dive conditions, but focus on lights with high lumens, adjustable beam, reliable waterproofing, and good color accuracy.
- For underwater photography enthusiasts, the OrcaTorch D710V MK2 delivers a powerful 2300 lumens, offers tri-color modes, and has a 120° beam angle, making it ideal for capturing various scenes.
- The Backscatter HF-1 is a versatile hybrid light, suitable for both macro and wide-angle photography, boasting versatility for different photo styles, including night diving.
- The Ikelite RC165/DS165 provides high-quality strobe lights, excelling in wide-angle and macro photography.
- The Marelux Apollo S offers a hybrid light solution, providing good lighting for various underwater photography scenarios.
- Another popular choice among underwater photographers is the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Duo, known for its vibrant lighting and wide-angle shots.
- When shopping for underwater focus lights, prioritize models with a lumen output of 2000+ for serious photography, wide beam angles that offer even lighting, adjustable color temperatures for improved color rendition, and waterproofing ratings of at least 100 meters.
- Additionally, consider hybrid lights with both continuous light and strobe features, rechargeable batteries with USB-C charging, and long-lasting runtime.
- Accessories like the FIX Neo Neo FR1 Remote Controller, Light & Motion Sola 1200 photo light, and Fix Neo 1200 DX UV Light can further enhance your underwater photography experience.
