Bigblue VL1800 Underwater Video Light (1800 Lumens)

The Bigblue VL1800 Underwater Video Light (1800 Lumens) is a great companion on dives. While well-suited to all diving applications, it is, like its "little brother," the VL1300, best used for video. Three ultra high-intensity LED's provide up to 1800 lumens of light output. The magnetic rotary switch boasts adjustable power settings, letting you also choose 450 (25%) or 900 (50%) lumens. The light boasts a double O-ring seal on the front and rear and a depth rating of 328' (100 m), giving you plenty of space for beneath-the-surface exploration. It's housed in an anodized aluminum alloy casing known for its anti-corrosive properties, and features tempered optical convex glass on the front.

The VL1800 features a wide 80° beam angle underwater, which changes to 73° on land. The beam is clean and white at all distances and is absent of hot spots. It runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is fully self-contained (no cords or canisters). At full power, the light boasts a burn time of 1.8 hr. On the lowest setting, you get up to 8.0 hr, allowing for a full work day's worth of underwater video capture. On the in-between setting (II mode), you get 3.6 hr. The battery is accompanied by a universal smart charger capable of quick or slow charging, depending upon how fast you need to return to the action. The battery pack is removable, enabling you to switch out depleted batteries with fully-charged spares you have on reserve, thus eliminating the need for charging while on the go. A removable pack also offers another advantage: It allows you to pass overseas security inspections while traveling without a problem.

A standard 1.0" (2.54 cm) ball joint is included, enabling attachment to the arm system of an underwater camera housing. The optional aluminum lantern handle is another possibility, though it is sold separately. You get not one but two filters that snap onto the front of the light: The yellow one changes color temperature to 3500K, while the red one works great for photographing certain fish and restoring red color tones that frequently get absorbed by the water. Also included is Bigblue's sturdy glove, known as the VLGGLOVE, and a hard plate for mounting the light onto your hand as a flood or search-and-rescue light.