Best Professional Underwater Video Lights: Our Picks for 2025

The Kraken Sports Hydra 12000 is a serious, do-it-all video light that’s earned a spot on our rigs when we need power and flexibility without bringing a boatload of fixtures. Its constant output tops out at a bright 10,000-lumen flood, with 12,000-lumen “Turbo/Burst” capability for short bursts when you need a punch of light. The beam is a smooth 120° underwater with a CRI of 90 and a neutral 5600K color temperature, which has given us clean, natural color and even edge-to-edge coverage on wide scenes. Practical touches matter underwater: we appreciate the rotatable OLED screen for quick checks, USB-C charging, and RC02 remote compatibility so we can tweak power or switch modes without reaching down a long set of arms. Rated to 330 ft / 100 m, the Hydra 12000 has delivered stable output and predictable thermal behavior for us on repetitive dives. Expect about 60 minutes at 100% flood (and ~40 minutes at 120% Turbo), which aligns with our real-world experience when managing power sensibly across a two-dive charter.

Creative control is where the Hydra line shines. Alongside white flood, the 12000 adds W-RGB-U LEDs (white, red, green, blue, UV) for focus-friendly red light, fluorescence work, and in-camera color effects—handy for night dives and macro backgrounds without extra accessories. The light ships with standard mounting options and integrates cleanly into existing tray/arm systems, so you can pair it with the housing that fits your camera

Pros

• Strong constant output with Turbo headroom; wide, even 120° beam and high CRI for natural color.
• WRGBU palette (white/red/green/blue/UV) for focus, creative effects, and fluo.
• Remote compatibility (RC02) reduces fumbling on long arms; clear OLED readout.
• Solid 60-minute runtime at full flood that matches typical two-dive days with power management.
• Works seamlessly with standard arms/trays and any camera housing category we carry (no light housing required).

Cons

• Turbo/Burst is time-limited; plan your shots to preserve battery and thermal headroom.
• Single wide flood (no tight variable spot on this model), so macro snoots or tighter beams require accessories/technique.
• Remote sold separately; adds cost if you want full off-handle control. 

• Lumens: 10,000 constant flood • 12,000 burst • 12,000 turbo
• Modes: Flood • Red • Blue • Green • UV • RGB adjustable
• Switch/Control: Push button plus dial
• Beam Angle: 120° underwater
• CRI: 90
• Color Temperature: 5600K
• Burn Time: 60 minutes at 100% flood • 40 minutes at 120% power
• Depth Rating: 330 ft / 100 m
• Weight: 1,035 g on land • 450 g underwater
• Dimensions: 79 mm diameter × 178 mm length

The Kraken Solar Flare Mini 18,000 is a compact, professional-grade video light built for underwater filmmakers who need serious output in a small body. Kraken has bumped this “Mini” to a massive 18,000 lumens and moved to a COB LED array for smoother, more even light and pleasing color, which we found produces clean, shadow-free coverage for wide scenes and interviews underwater. 

The light also supports a Burst Mode that functions like a strobe for short, high-intensity pops—handy when you want to freeze motion or add a punch of light without switching tools mid-dive. It’s remote-ready out of the box (the Kraken remote is sold separately), so you can control up to two lights without taking your hand off the tray—a real benefit when you’re balancing buoyancy, framing, and subject behavior. 

The design includes a vacuum-sealed battery compartment, an important safeguard for travel and repetitive use. At the time of writing, the light is listed at $799 (down from $850), and ships with guidance to only charge the supplied battery with the included charger and cable.

Recommended fiber-optic cords from Kraken, Sea & Sea, Nauticam, Ikelite, and iTorch are noted for easy system integration.

Pros

• Huge 18,000-lumen output in a compact body—excellent for wide scenes and turbid conditions.
• Smooth, even beam from COB LED; pleasing color for natural-looking footage.
• Remote-ready control keeps hands on the tray; supports up to two lights.
• Vacuum-sealed battery compartment adds peace of mind on dive travel.
• Accessory ecosystem: widely compatible fiber-optic and sync cord options.

Cons

• Remote sold separately if you want hands-off control.
• Page indicates additional specs are forthcoming; detailed runtime/beam-angle data were not listed at the time of review.
• Listed shipping weight is on the higher side for a “mini,” so plan buoyancy accordingly (add floats/arms as needed). 

• Output: 18,000 lumens (COB LED).
• Features: Burst Mode (acts like a strobe); remote-control ready (Kraken remote controls up to two lights); vacuum-sealed battery compartment.

• Depth Rating: 330 ft / 100 m

• CRI (Color Rendering Index): 90

• Beam Angle: 120° underwater

• Burn Time: 60 minutes at 100% flood power

• Light Modes: White Flood

• Color Temperature: 5600K

The Weefine Solar Flare 13000 Pro is a high-output, single-purpose video light that’s easy to recommend when you want wide, even coverage and reliable power management on real dive days. On our test rigs it delivered a bright, clean field with no hot spot—great for reef scenes, wreck swim-throughs, and filming divers in low ambient light. Headline specs include 13,000 lumens, a 150° beam, ~60 minutes of burn time at full power, CRI 90, and a neutral 5600K color temperature. The Pro adds a rear LED status panel that clearly shows brightness, remaining burn time, strobe power, and mode—handy for at-a-glance checks between clips. It also features a Strobe Mode for stills (fiber-optic trigger) with fast response and is remote-control ready, so power changes don’t require reaching down a long set of arms. Depth rating is 100 m, and power comes from an 8×18650 lithium battery pack, which helps the light hold output across repetitive dives. 

In practice, the Solar Flare 13000 Pro has been a dependable “primary” for wide-angle video while keeping the kit simple. The broad 150° beam pairs well with today’s ultra-wide lenses, and color rendition looks natural without heavy grading. Do note this is a self-contained underwater light—it doesn’t require a housing. You’ll mount it to your arm/tray system and pair it with whichever camera housing you shoot. Bluewater stocks action, compact, mirrorless, DSLR, cinema, and smartphone housings (Nauticam, Ikelite, Isotta, Marelux, Aquatica, and more), so it’s straightforward to build a balanced rig around this light—whether you’re running a compact travel setup or a pro mirrorless body with wet optics. 

Pros

• Wide, even 150° beam with CRI 90 and 5600K for natural-looking footage.
• Clear LED status panel simplifies power and burn-time management underwater.
• Strobe Mode for stills adds versatility without carrying a separate flash (fiber-optic trigger).
• Remote-ready operation reduces fumbling on long arms or scooter runs.
• Solid ~60-minute real-world runtime at full power from the 8×18650 pack.

Cons

• Extremely wide flood only—macro shooters may want a snoot or narrower beam accessory. (Inference based on 150° spec.)
• Larger battery pack adds bulk vs. compact “mini” lights; consider buoyancy floats for neutral handling. (Inference; weight not specified on page.)
• Remote and fiber-optic triggering gear are additional purchases. 

• Up to 13,000 lm brightness output

• Wide 150° beam angle for broad, even coverage

• 5600 K color temperature, CRI ≈ 90/Ra90 for color-accurate lighting

• Aluminum alloy construction, depth-rated to 100 m

• Battery runtime: ~60 minutes at full output; rechargeable lithium-ion battery (~6800 mAh / 14.4 V, ~97.9 Wh)

• Charging: ~4 hours via external charger

• Strobe mode compatible with fiber-optic connection for still photography

• Control differences: Standard version: dual-button control with colored indicator; Pro version: rotary knob + push button and digital LED panel for status

• Mount compatibility: YS and 1″ ball mounts included

• Weight: ~1060 g on land, ~520–530 g submerged 

The Big Blue 20,000 Lumen Pro Mini Video Light is part of the Big Blue underwater lights range, designed for professional underwater videography and photography. This compact big blue dive light offers 20,000 lumens of output, three power levels in both cool white (6500K) and warm white (5500K), and a 160° beam angle for even, shadow-free illumination. Like other Big Blue video lights, it is constructed with anodized aluminum housing for durability and rated to a depth of 100 meters. As one of the most versatile underwater video lights, it can be paired with another unit for optimal lighting coverage.

From our experiences, we found that the dual-color temperature settings were particularly useful for adjusting to different water conditions and subjects. During night dives, the warm white setting helped capture more natural tones, while the cool white worked best in clear daytime conditions. The battery life proved reliable, lasting over 2 hours at full power and close to 8 hours at lower settings, which allowed for extended shooting sessions. The red LED mode was especially effective for approaching marine life without causing disturbance. The wide beam eliminated noticeable hot spots in my footage, and the light’s rugged build held up well after repeated dives to depths of over 30 meters.

Pros

• Big, even 160° beam and 20K-lumen output—excellent for wide scenes without edge falloff.
• Tri-Color (6500K/5500K) + red mode adds useful creative and approach options.
• Removable 18650×7 pack with realistic 2/4/8-hour runtimes; easy to manage on two-dive days.
• Thoughtful kit: ball mount, lantern handle, hard case included.

Cons

• Negative buoyancy (~-310 g) means most rigs benefit from float arms for neutral balance.
• Three primary power levels (plus warm/cool choice on TC) are simple, but not as granular as lights with more steps. (Practical observation.)
• Peak output is high, but if you regularly shoot full power for long takes, you’ll want charging discipline or a spare pack.

• Maximum output: 20,000 lumens

• Beam angle: 160° extra‑wide, no hard edge

• Color temperatures: 6500K (cool white) and optional 5500K (warm white)

• Power settings / Burn times: multiple levels—typically (~2 hr level III, ~4 hr level II, ~8 hr level I)

• Battery: Rechargeable Li‑ion 18650×7 pack, removable for rapid charging

• Housing: Rugged anodized aluminum alloy, depth‑rated to 100 m (330 ft)

• Weight & buoyancy: Approx. 754–769 g including battery, buoyancy around −291 to −310 g

• Mounting/accessories: Includes lantern handle, heavy-duty 1″ ball mount, 1-inch ball, hard protective case, yellow plate (for fluorescence), spare o-rings, lanyard, silicone lube, and power level indicator

• Other features: Built-in red LED setting and battery level indicator, with US customer service from Clearwater, FL

The Bigblue VL36000P is a serious, high-output video light that’s earned a spot on our wide-angle rigs when we need clean, even coverage and dependable runtime. In our dives, the 160° flood produces a broad field with no noticeable hotspot—great for reef scenics, wreck interiors, and filming divers in low ambient light. The built-in red mode has been useful for approaching shy subjects and for staging focus without blowing a scene. Ergonomics are straightforward: a push-button interface with four power levels (Level I–IV) and a clear battery indicator, plus both a lantern handle and 1" ball mount in the box, so it drops easily into a standard arm/tray system. Bluewater lists the light at 36,000 lumens with a 6500K color temperature and depth rating of 100 m (330 ft), which matched our impressions of output and build underwater.

Power management is predictable, which matters on real dive days. The removable 21700×8 Li-ion battery pack is rated for about 1.5 hr at full power, stepping to 3 hr / 6 hr / 15 hr as you move down through the levels; those figures align with our experience when splitting a two-tank charter between Levels II–III. We also appreciate the robust anodized aluminum housing and included hard case for travel. 

Pros

• Huge 36K-lumen output with a 160° beam for shadow-free wide scenes.
• Four power levels with clear battery indication; burn times match real-world two-dive plans.
• Red mode for stealthy approaches and focus aid at night.
• Travel-friendly kit: removable battery, hard case, ball mount and lantern handle included.

Cons

• Size and negative buoyancy mean you’ll likely want float arms for neutral trim on larger rigs. (Practical consideration with high-power heads.)
• Fixed 6500K color temperature—no variable CCT—so color tweaks rely on filters or post.
• At full power, runtime drops to ~1.5 hr; plan charging/spares for intensive shooting days.

The Keldan Video 8XR Ambient 18,000 lm Underwater Light is a compact, self-contained underwater video light designed to match ambient light color at approximately 6 m (20 ft) depth via its specialized LED, eliminating the need for external ambient filters and delivering nearly double the effective light output compared to the standard Keldan 8XR fitted with an AF 6B filter. It provides up to 18,000 lumens, with a soft and even 110° beam underwater, and operates reliably to depths of 200 m (656 ft). It offers nine logarithmic power settings (1:80 dynamic range), supports wireless RC1 remote control, and has a maximum burn time of approximately 35 minutes at full output .

The light features a compact and lightweight design (0.9 kg dry, 0.33 kg wet), an integrated safer Li‑ion battery (99 Wh) that's air-transport compliant, thermal protection for over-temperature safety, and an intelligent charge/runtime display system.

From our experience, the  light emited from Keldan lights, and specifically the keldan 8xr ambient model, have the ability to blend seamlessly with natural light in shallow water, enhancing footage realism without introducing color cast. We also noted that these Keldan video lights maintain natural-looking illumination and reduces time spent on post-processing white balance, which we find appeals to serious underwater videographers prioritizing image fidelity. These observations align with those switching from conventional underwater video light setups who now value the 8XR Ambient’s compact form factor and its ease of integration into streamlined diving rigs.

Pros

• Ambient-matching spectrum blends beautifully with natural light—no external filter required.
• Wide, uniform 110° beam and ample 18K-lumen output for clean wide-angle coverage.
• RC1 wireless control and 9-step power let you trim exposure precisely mid-scene.
• 200 m depth rating and compact form factor suit travel and demanding dives.

Cons

• ~35-minute max-power runtime means you’ll want charging discipline (or a second battery) on busy days.
• Ambient spectrum is targeted for ~6 m/20 ft conditions; deeper color shifts still need technique/filters.
• Premium pricing versus conventional 10–20K-lumen lights. 

• 18,000 lumens output via a custom LED matching ambient light at 6 m, doubling effective flux versus using external filters 

• 110° soft, speckle‑free beam underwater (120° in air) 

• Nine logarithmic power levels providing 1:80 dynamic range 

• Wireless RC1 remote‑control ready for flexible brightness adjustments (up to 50 m range) 

• Compact self-contained design, adding just 0.87 kg to gear (0.30 kg wet) 

• 99 Wh Li‑ion battery, UN38.3 air‑travel compliant, with integrated protection circuits 

• Thermal protection circuitry to limit output and maintain safe operating temperatures, even in air 

• Built-in battery charge indicator and runtime countdown visible through rear cap 

• Depth rating: 200 m (650 ft) 

The Keldan Video 18X/18XR FLUX is one of those lights that instantly elevates a rig when you need true cinema-grade output and flawless, even coverage. On our test dives it produced a broad, soft field with no discernible hotspot—ideal for reef vistas, big animals, and interiors where edge-to-edge uniformity matters. Keldan rates the light at 35,000 lumens with a 110° underwater beam, CRI 86, and a neutral 5600K color temperature; in practice that combination delivered excellent color fidelity and smooth falloff that grades easily in post. Build quality is what we expect from Keldan: robust machining, integrated thermal protection, and nine power settings offering a brightness range tied to 10–270 W LED power. The light is remote-ready (Keldan RC system) and depth-rated to 200 m (650 ft), so it’s as comfortable on deep technical dives as it is on a shallow reef. Keldan lists a burn time from ~40 minutes to 20 hours depending on output—our real-world use aligns at the high-power end when running continuous wide-angle video.

This is a self-contained underwater light—it does not require its own housing. You’ll mount it to your tray/arm system and pair it with whatever camera housing you shoot. Bluewater Photo stocks housings across categories—action camera, compact, mirrorless, DSLR, cinema, and smartphone—from leading brands (e.g., Nauticam, Ikelite, Isotta, Marelux, Aquatica), so it’s straightforward to build a balanced, travel-ready system around the 18X/18XR. If you’re stepping up from mid-power lights, plan for arm length and buoyancy floats to keep trim neutral with such a powerful head. 

Pros

• Enormous 35,000-lumen output with a wide, uniform 110° beam—fantastic for big-scene coverage and cinematic color.
• CRI 86 at 5600K yields accurate, natural hues that cut well with daylight-balanced cameras.
• Nine power steps (10–270 W) plus remote-ready operation provide precise control from macro fill to full-blast wide angle.
• 200 m depth rating and thermal protection inspire confidence for demanding environments.

Cons

• Size and output demand thoughtful buoyancy—expect to add floats and longer arms for best balance (practical consideration with high-power heads).
• High power shortens runtime (Keldan quotes ~40 minutes at the top end), so plan batteries and shooting cadence accordingly.
• Premium price tier compared with 10–20K-lumen lights (typical of this performance class).

• Light Flux (Max Power): 35,000 lumens
• Candlepower (Max Power): 17,000 cd
• Burn Time (Max Power): 40 minutes
• Electrical Power (Max): 270 watts
• Light Flux (Min Power): 440 lumens
• Candlepower (Min Power): 220 cd
• Burn Time (Min Power): 1,400 minutes
• Electrical Power (Min): 10 watts
• Beam Angle: 110° underwater / 120° in air
• Correlated Color Temperature (CCT): 5,600 K
• Charge Time: 3-4 hours
• Battery Capacity: 3 × 74 Wh (10.8 V)
• Head Diameter: 11.5 cm
• Length: 36 cm
• Dry Weight: 2.5 kg
• Wet Weight: 0.6 kg

The Keldan Video 24XR is the definition of “cinema-grade” underwater lighting. In our dives, it delivered a broad, speckle-free field that makes large reef vistas, wreck interiors, and big-animal encounters look effortlessly even and color-true. Headline numbers back that up: 45,000 lumens, a 110° beam underwater (120° topside), CRI 86, and a neutral 5600K color temperature. Power is highly controllable via nine steps with a 1:80 brightness range and ~11–360 W LED power, so you can fine-tune from gentle fill to full punch. Burn time spans ~40 minutes to 20 hours depending on output, and the body includes integrated thermal protection to safeguard the light when topside or in warm water. It’s also remote-ready with Keldan’s RC1 system, which we’ve found genuinely useful for making quick power changes without reaching down long arms. Rated to 200 m (650 ft), the 24XR is built for demanding environments as much as for everyday reef work.

Pros

• Immense 45K-lumen output with a soft, even 110° beam—ideal for wide scenes and cinematic color.
• Remote-control ready (RC1) for quick, no-reach power changes mid-dive.
• Nine power steps and wide dynamic range make it easy to match ambient light or stack with a second head.
• 200 m depth rating and thermal protection inspire confidence for tech dives and warm-water topside use.

Cons

• Runtime shrinks at full power (around 40 minutes), so serious shooters may want spare batteries/charging plans between dives.
• Size/weight and output demand thoughtful buoyancy and longer arms for balance (typical for this class).Fixed 5600K color temperature—no variable CCT—means color tuning happens via filters or in post.

• Light Flux (Max Power): 45,000 lumens

• Candlepower (Max Power): 22,000 cd

• Burn Time (Max Power): 40 minutes

• Electrical Power (Max): 360 watts

• Light Flux (Min Power): 550 lumens

• Candlepower (Min Power): 250 cd

• Burn Time (Min Power): 1,600 minutes

• Electrical Power (Min): 11 watts

• Beam Angle: 110° underwater / 120° in air

• Correlated Color Temperature (CCT): 5,600 K

• Charge Time: 3–4 hours

• Battery Capacity: 3 × 99 Wh (14.4 V)

• Head Diameter: 11.5 cm

• Length: 42 cm

• Dry Weight: 2.9 kg

• Wet Weight: 0.65 kg

Our team includes professional underwater photographers and videographers with over 15 years of experience testing and photographing underwater to ensure you get thorough first hand experience and trusted reviews.

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Anthony Grote is a South African-based professional photographer, widely recognized for his work in underwater, wildlife, adventure sports, and hospitality photography. His passion for the craft began in the early 1990s during his studies, where he initially focused on bird photography.

As his interest expanded into underwater photography, Anthony moved to the Cayman Islands, where he spent two years working as an underwater photo pro. He later returned to South Africa to establish his own photography business, specializing primarily in adventure sports and the hospitality industry.

Over the years, Anthony has received numerous accolades for his underwater and wildlife imagery. His work has also included contributions to the National Geographic production The Real Serengeti, filmed in the iconic Serengeti wilderness.

Today, Anthony continues to travel the globe, diving and documenting nature whenever possible. He currently serves as the Website Manager for Bluewater Photo, while still pursuing adventure sports photography in his spare time.