Big Blue 12000 Lumen Video Light (CB12000P)
Powerful, even underwater illumination with 12,000 lumens, a 120° COB beam and natural 5000K color.
Bigblue CB12000P | Professional underwater video lighting | 100m tested depth rating
When evaluating elite underwater video lighting solutions for your next dive expedition, the Bigblue CB11000P stands out as a high-performance choice engineered for serious shooters. As part of the trusted lineup of big blue lights and big blue dive lights, this model incorporates advanced Chip on Board (COB) technology that delivers a clean, even 11,000-lumen wide beam at a 5000K color temperature. Field-tested down to a 100-meter depth rating, this versatile Big Blue video light features an 85 CRI rating to accurately capture the true natural colors of marine life without harsh hotspots. It integrates multi-functional red and blue LED modes for stealth macro tracking and fluorescence imaging, making every Big Blue dive light an essential tool for technical imaging setups.
Built with a rugged anodized aluminum alloy housing, this standalone underwater video light is designed to withstand harsh marine environments while offering intuitive power management through four adjustable output levels. The included rechargeable Li-ion 27100x4 battery pack provides reliable burn times, monitored easily via a built-in color-coded battery indicator. Whether you are framing wide-angle reefscapes or setting up macro shots with the included remote control configuration, adding this premium underwater video light to your camera rig ensures professional-grade illumination. Secure your setup today to experience unmatched clarity and performance on every dive.
- Best for: Wide-angle underwater video, reef scenes, marine-life footage and professional camera systems.
- Main advantage: 12,000 lumens with a broad 120° beam and a manufacturer-rated 90-minute runtime at maximum output.
- Compatibility: Works with many GoPro, compact, mirrorless and DSLR underwater camera rigs using compatible 1-inch ball arms and clamps.
- What makes it different: Compact COB lighting, warm 5000K output, 500-lumen red mode and four white-light power settings.
- Tradeoff: The Ra 85 CRI is lower than some Ra 90 competitors, and this model does not offer the additional creative color modes found on certain alternatives.
- Our advice: Choose one light for smaller subjects or a more compact rig; choose two for better wide-angle coverage.
Need help confirming compatibility? Send us your camera, housing, tray and arm details. Ask a Bluewater Photo expert.
Big Blue 12000 Quick Specs
Key Features for Underwater Photographers
12,000 Lumens with a 120° Wide Beam
Wide-angle subjects are one of the biggest challenges in underwater video. A powerful light is useful, but it also needs to distribute that output evenly. The CB12000P provides broad illumination that works well for close-range reef scenes, large marine life and diver portraits.
- Broad coverage for wide-angle video
- COB design intended to minimize hotspots
- Suitable for single or dual-light rigs
- Adjustable output for changing distances
Natural Color and Dedicated Red Mode
Underwater, available sunlight quickly loses its warmer colors. The 5000K white beam helps bring natural-looking color back to nearby subjects, especially when paired with careful white balance. Six dedicated red LEDs provide 500 lumens of alternative illumination for low-light observation.
- 5000K warm-white light
- CRI Ra 85 for color reproduction
- Six red XPE LEDs
- Useful flexibility for night diving
Red light may be less disruptive for some marine life, but it is not invisible to all animals.
Flexible Power for Long Shooting Days
Not every shot requires 12,000 lumens. In fact, when filming close subjects, reducing power often improves exposure and helps avoid harsh highlights. Four brightness settings let you balance illumination and battery life throughout the dive.
- Four adjustable white-light levels
- Up to 15 hours at the lowest setting
- Rechargeable BATCELL21700X4 battery
- Included 1-inch ball mounting joint
Bigblue CB12000P vs Kraken Hydra 12000 vs Weefine Solar Flare 13000 Pro
These three underwater video lights serve similar shooting needs, but differ in beam width, color rendering, runtime and creative controls.
| Product | Power / Output | Beam / Color | Best Use | System Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigblue CB12000P
|
12,000 lumens 90 min at maximum 500-lumen red mode |
120° 5000K CRI Ra 85 |
Wide-angle video, travel rigs, extended shooting flexibility | Included 1-inch ball joint; compatible arms and clamps required |
| Kraken Hydra 12000 | 10,000-lumen constant flood 12,000-lumen turbo 60 min at standard full output; 40 min turbo |
120° 5600K CRI Ra 90 |
Hybrid video and creative colored-light applications | Camera-independent light; verify mounting adapters and arm hardware |
| Weefine Solar Flare 13000 Pro | 13,000 lumens Approx. 60 min at maximum Rechargeable battery pack |
150° published beam 5600K CRI Ra 90 |
Extra-wide coverage, high color rendering and display-based control | Camera-independent light; compatible mounting hardware required |
Why Buy from Bluewater Photo?
Underwater Photography Expertise
Our team helps customers choose lighting for real camera systems, from compact GoPro rigs to professional mirrorless housings.
Established Lighting Brand
Bigblue manufactures purpose-built dive lighting with anodized aluminum construction and rechargeable battery systems.
Setup and After-Sale Support
Get advice on mounts, arms, lighting placement, batteries and manufacturer warranty support.
Ready to Upgrade Your Underwater Lighting?
Add the Big Blue CB12000P to your setup, or let our team help you configure a complete dual-light system.
Expert support from underwater photographers.
Questions? Email our experts or call 310-633-5052 .
Related Underwater Photography Gear
Underwater Lighting Guides and Articles
- Best Professional Underwater Video Lights — Bluewater Photo's comparison and buying guide.
- How to Set Up Underwater Camera Arms and Clamps — Mounting and configuration advice.
- Underwater Videography Class — Lighting, white balance and video technique.
- Bluewater Photo Blog — Gear information and underwater photography.
- Underwater Photography Guide — Underwater video tutorials, lighting advice and equipment reviews.
Bigblue CB12000P Technical Specifications
Lighting and Imaging
- Maximum output: 12,000 lumens
- Beam angle: 120°
- Color temperature: 5000K
- Color rendering index: Ra 85
- Light source: COB LED
- Red LEDs: 6 XPE LEDs
- Red output: 500 lumens
Power and Burn Time
- Level IV: 12,000 lm / 1.5 hours
- Level III: 6,000 lm / 3 hours
- Level II: 3,000 lm / 6 hours
- Level I: 1,200 lm / 15 hours
- Battery: BATCELL21700X4
- Battery type: Rechargeable Li-ion
- Suggested charge time: 2–3 hours
Build and Dimensions
- Housing: Anodized aluminum alloy
- Depth rating: 100m tested
- Diameter: 63mm
- Length: 134.6mm
- Weight with battery: 654g
- In-water buoyancy: -273g
- Package weight: 3.76 lb
- Package: 8.7 × 3.5 × 14.6 in
Mounting and Compatibility
- Included mount: 1-inch ball joint
- Camera synchronization: Not required
- TTL control: Not applicable
- Fiber-optic trigger: Not required
- Camera mounting hardware: System-dependent
- Compatible battery replacement: BATCELL21700X4
What's Included in the Box?
- Bigblue CB12000P video light
- Rechargeable battery pack
- Battery charger
- 1-inch ball joint
- Lantern grip handle
- Lanyard
- 7-liter outdoor dry bag
- Two spare O-rings
- Silicone lubricant
- Owner's manual
- Manufacturer's 1-year warranty
- Light
- Battery Pack
- Charger
- 1″ Ball Joint
- Lantern Grip Handle
- Lanyard
- 7L Outdoor Dry Bag
- Two Spare O-rings
- Silicone Lube
- Owner’s Manual
- Manufacturer’s 1 Year Warranty
Bigblue CB12000P Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Bigblue CB12000P compatible with my underwater camera housing?
The CB12000P can be used with many GoPro, compact, mirrorless and DSLR camera rigs when mounted using compatible arms and clamps. It operates independently of the camera, so no electronic connection is needed. Contact Bluewater Photo to confirm your specific mounting setup.
2. Do I need one CB12000P or two for underwater video?
One light can work well for macro video and smaller subjects. We generally recommend two lights for wide-angle video because they provide more balanced coverage and help reduce strong shadows.
3. How long does the Bigblue CB12000P battery last?
Bigblue rates the CB12000P at 1.5 hours at 12,000 lumens, 3 hours at 6,000 lumens, 6 hours at 3,000 lumens and 15 hours at 1,200 lumens. Actual runtime may vary with battery condition and operating conditions.
4. Can I use this light for underwater photography as well as video?
Yes, the CB12000P provides continuous illumination for both video and stills. However, a dedicated underwater strobe is generally better for freezing movement and achieving stronger flash exposure in still photography.
5. Does the CB12000P include a battery and mounting hardware?
Yes, the package includes the rechargeable battery, charger and 1-inch ball joint. Additional arms, clamps or camera trays may be required depending on your housing.
6. What is the red light mode used for?
The six red LEDs provide 500 lumens of alternative illumination for low-light observation and night diving. Red light may be less disturbing to some marine species, although responses vary by animal.
7. How should I maintain the CB12000P after saltwater dives?
Rinse the exterior thoroughly with fresh water and dry it before opening the battery compartment. Inspect the sealing O-rings regularly and follow Bigblue's instructions for cleaning and lubrication. Charge and store the battery according to the manufacturer's guidance.
