Scuba Gear > 

Scuba Diving Lights

When an artificial light is brought with a diver, the light travels a very short distance to the object and back to the diver's eye. This means that you can enjoy vivid natural colors wherever the light is pointed. Low visibility, low light and night diving all require artificial light sources in order to see the surrounding environment. Dive lights come in three main types of light output: Conventional (Xenon or Halogen), HID (High-Intensity Discharge) or LED (Light Emitting Diode). The difference is the color or color temperature of the output. Conventional lights are a whiter light, burn hotter and use the most energy, HID are a bluer color light, use a ballast system and take a moment to come up to full brightness when turned on. LED are also a bluish light, but use diodes instead of filaments. They burn cooler use less energy and are the most durable.

	Small Dive Lights (AA & AAA Batteries) Dive Lights in this category are used as backup lights and markers. Many of the lights in this category are specialty lights such as marker strobes or laser pointers. Their small size and brightness make them great for backup lights or for use during the day. Many of these lights are also great for the glove box or general outdoor use as they are waterproof, rugged and brighter than regular flashlights.
	Medium & Large Dive Lights (C & D Batteries) Dive Lights in this category are used as primary and backup lights. The large scuba diving lights (more than six C-cells or all D-cells) are used for night or very low light conditions. They are usually between 10 and 20 watts of power and are usually held with a pistol or lantern style grip handle. They can be hooked to D-rings and other methods of outboard storage when not in use. A lanyard that attaches the light to the BC or to the diver is a great way to keep the light close even if it is dropped. The medium lights (4 C-cells or less) are excellent for primary use in clear water or as a backup in any conditions. Most are small enough to fit into a BC pocket for secure inboard storage so that they are out of the way, but can be deployed quickly and easily. These come in handy during the day for looking into crevices and under coral heads where some of the more shy or nocturnal creatures spend the daylight hours. Many of these lights are also great for the glove box or general outdoor use as they are waterproof, rugged and brighter than regular flashlights.
	Rechargeable Dive Lights Dive Lights in this category are usually models from the Medium and Large category that can be converted to a rechargeable battery pack. Most often, when the light is converted to a rechargeable pack, the power is increased by several watts for increased brightness. Many of the lights in this category are "Canister" lights. They have a large rechargeable battery pack housed in a waterproof container or “Canister”. There is a cable that runs to a light head with one or more bulbs in it. The light heads can be mounted on the wrist or on the head via a strap or on a helmet. Canister lights are usually the brightest, most powerful dive lights.
	Dive Light Accessories Accessories for lights range from lanyards to clips to extra batteries and spare bulbs. Many larger lights have different types of after market handles that can be purchased. Mounting brackets and after-market handles can also be found here for certain models. See less ▴