An underwater focus light is an essential piece of equipment for underwater photography. To focus on a subject digital cameras use contrast detect autofocus points, phase detect autofocus points, or a hybrid mix, and thus need the correct focus lighting. Each autofocus system requires an image to have contrast, color, and detail. However, due to a process called light attenuation, we lose light underwater. This makes it difficult for cameras to find focus underwater without assistance. A focus light brings back some light into the scene in order to help your camera focus quicker, without blemishing the scene with a hotspot. Therefore, focus lights must be bright, but not too bright. A quality underwater focus light is always recommended with your underwater photography kit.
Look for a light that is small, easy to attach to your camera system, and includes both a white and red mode. Many fish and marine creatures do not see the red spectrum, so a red light can be used to focus on subjects without scaring shy critters that can't see red. Some lights will offer other advanced features such as auto shut off, or have a higher lumen rating allowing you to use them as a back up video or dive light. Choose the best light to fit your shooting needs and budget.
BEST UNDERWATER FOCUS LIGHTS FOR 2024
Bluewater Photo 1500 Lumen Focus Light
*Compact, White & Red Beam, with SOS/Strobe Mode*
The Bluewater 1500 Underwater Focus light is a great focus light that allows your camera to focus quickly in low light situations underwater - whether it's a compact camera, DSLR, or mirrorless. The Bluewater Photo 1500 focus light is compact focus light that delivers a 1500 lumen beam for focusing underwater. This light is found exclusively at Bluewater Photo. It is built with a hard, anodized aluminum casing that can withstand the elements and features a white beam, red beam, and SOS/Strobe mode. The ultra-long burn time of 90 minutes at full power is a standout feature as you will be able to do multiple dives on a single charge.
- 1500 lumen, 100 degree white beam
- Red beam for sneaking up on critters that can't see red light
- SOS and strobe mode for safety
- 90 minute burn time at full power
- LED life - 50,000 hours
- Depth rating: 100 meters (330 ft)
- Power level options - 100%, 50%, and 25%
- Batterylife indicator shows how much battery is left on the light
- 21700 Lithium Ion battery with USB-C charger port and charging cable
Light & Motion Sola 1200 Photo Light
*Compact, Wide Flood with Red Light*
The Sola 1200 photo light from Light & Motion is the latest upgrade to the revolutionary line of SOLA lights. Simply better! Still half the size of the competition, it produces more light than any focus light in its price range. Its wide flood doubles as a general video light for the new classes of camera with video capability and the red light lets you sneak up on the sealife.
- Beam Angle (flood): 60°
- Charge Time: 150 Min
- Water Depth Rating: 100 Meters
- Impact Resistance: 1 Meter
- Max Output: 1200 Lumens
- Runtime on High: 70 Min
- Weight: 254 grams
Light & Motion Sola Dive 2500 S/F
"Versatile, Ultra-compact with high performance & reliability"
Introducing the Light & Motion Sola Dive 2500 S/F, the ultimate underwater lighting solution. With unrivaled performance and reliability, this versatile dive light surpasses any ultra-compact alternative. Its hands-free mount easily detaches, allowing you to effortlessly switch to imaging mounts on your camera setup for unparalleled convenience. Boasting an impressive 2500 lumens flood output and a wide 60-degree beam angle, this dive light ensures optimal visibility in any underwater environment.
Need a focused beam? The 1200 lumens spot output with a narrow 12-degree beam angle has got you covered. Thanks to regulated output, you won't experience any dimming during use. Managing battery life is a breeze with the colored battery and mode indicator lights. Plus, the external charge interface guarantees hassle-free charging. For added comfort, the included hand strap allows for hands-free use.
- 2500 lumens flood output with 60 degrees beam angle
- 1200 lumens spot output with 12 degrees beam angle
- Regulated output eliminates dimming during use
- Colored battery and mode indicator lights make it easy to manage battery life
- External charge interface for simple, hassle-free charging
- Included hand strap allows comfortable hands-free use
- Lumen Output & Runtime (min) Flood: 2500 (50); 1200 (100); 600 (200)
- Lumen Output & Runtime (min) Spot: 1200 (60); 600 (120); 300 (240)
- Charge time: 105 Min
- Fast Charge: True
- Beam Angle: 60° (flood), 12° (spot)
- IP Rating (FL-1): 68
- Depth Rating (FL-1): 100 meters
Kraken Sports Hydra 2500 V2 Underwater Video Light
*High Power, compact with RGB led's and auto shut-off*
The highly well-liked Kraken Sports Hydra 2500 Underwater Video Light has been improved by Kraken. For a more simple charging method, the Kraken Sports Hydra 2500 V2 Video Light now uses a 26800 single cell battery with an integrated USB C charger. You may charge your battery without carrying a charger cradle; just connect your USB C wire to the battery. Apart from that, the video light has a tiny, compact footprint. It can be utilized as a diving light as well. Additionally, the RGB LED in the video light lets you take artistic pictures. The single button control technique of the video light makes controlling it extremely simple as well. In addition, the video light has a burst mode that allows it to function as a strobe when connected to your camera using a fiber optic line. Additionally, it works with the Kraken Remote. You'll adore this fantastic all-around video light!
- Small and Compact - 400g/ 156.5mm x 175.6mm
- Flood Mode - CRI 80 @ 5600K (2500 Lumens) - 100° Beam Angle
- Spot Mode - CRI 80 @ 6500K (1500 Lumens) - 15° Beam Angle
- Burst Mode - 2500 Lumens
- RGB LED - Great for creative shots
- Single Button Operation
- Burn Time: 70mins @ 100% Flood Mode
- Depth Rating 100m / 330ft
- Battery Charge Time: 6.5hrs from zero
Kraken Sports Hydra 1500+ WSR
*Compact with flood, spor and red modes, & Auto-off*
The KrakenSports Hydra 1500+ WSR replaces the old Hydra 1200. By switching to a 21700 battery, we were able to raise the power to 1500 lumens. In order to charge the battery directly without a cradle, the new battery also features an integrated USB-C connector. With flood, spot, and red modes, the Hydra 1500 is an incredibly adaptable instrument that may be used as a regular dive torch or as a focus light. It has an automatic flash-off feature that the user can choose to turn on or off. When a strobe fires, the light automatically turns off (auto flash-off). Because it has built-in flood and spot beams and can be used for both side and back lighting, this light is also a favorite among macro shooters.
- Luminous Flux max.: 1500 flood, 800 spot
- Color Temp: 5500K (flood) 6500K (spot)
- Beam Angle: 100 Degrees Underwater Flood; 10 Degrees Underwater Spot
- Burn Time: 85 minutes @ 100% flood
- Switch: Dual push button on/off intensity adjustment with battery level indicator
- Modes: Flood: 100%/50%/25%; Spot: 100%/50%/25%; Red: 100%/50%/25%; Strobe, and SOS. Auto Flash off mode available on all flood, spot, and red modes.
- Depth Rating: 330ft/100m
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