Bluewater Photo's Top-Rated Focus Lights for Underwater Photography in 2025
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.
Need some more help deciding what gear is right for you? No problem! Contact our sales team - we are experts at finding the right gear for any situation!
What is the Difference between an Underwater Dive Light vs Focus Light
We often hear the phrases "Dive Light" and "Focus Light" being thrown around on the dive boat, Well, what is the idfference between the two? The main difference between an underwater dive light and an underwater focus light lies in their primary purpose and design:
Underwater Dive Light
Purpose: Designed for general illumination to help divers see in dark or murky environments.
Beam Angle: Typically has a wider beam (40°-120°) to provide broad coverage for visibility.
Brightness: Focuses on high lumens (1000-10,000+) to light up large areas.
Use Case: Ideal for navigation, exploration, and safety during dives.
Underwater Focus Light
Purpose: Specifically designed to assist cameras in achieving focus in low-light conditions.
Beam Angle: Features a narrow beam (10°-30°) to concentrate light on a small area, helping the camera's autofocus system.
Brightness: Moderate to high lumens (1000-5000+) with a focus on precision rather than broad illumination.
Use Case: Essential for underwater photography and videography, especially for macro shots or in dark environments.
While both lights illuminate underwater, a dive light is for general visibility, and a focus light is for assisting camera autofocus, making it a specialized tool for photographers and videographers.
Key Considerations when choosing the Best Focus Light
Based on our experience as a team photographing underwater, bewlo are what we consider the most important features to consider when choosing your focus light or dive light. Different underwater situations may call for different requirements, but on the whole, these are the most important features to look in to when purchasing your light.
Brightness: It's all about Lumens
Brightness is often the first thing divers consider. Measured in lumens, it indicates the total amount of light emitted by the light. The ideal number of lumens depends on various factors, including water clarity and the type of photography you're doing. Generally, a light with at least 1000 lumens is recommended for underwater photography. However, lumens aren't everything. The intensity of the light, how focused or spread out it is, also plays a crucial role.
Beam Angle: From Spot to Flood
The beam angle determines the width of the light beam. A narrow beam angle (spot) is ideal for penetrating murky water and highlighting specific subjects, while a wide beam angle (flood) provides broader illumination for general viewing or video lighting. A wide beam angle in the region of about 100° plus is considered the best, while a spot beam angles from 15° up to 60° are considered optimal.
Color Temperature: Painting with Light
Color temperature, measured in Kelvin, affects the color of the light. Warmer light (lower Kelvin) appears yellowish, while cooler light (higher Kelvin) appears bluish. A neutral white light, around 5000K, is generally considered the best color temperature for underwater video, as it provides accurate color representation. For underwater photography, a neutral white light (around 5000K) is also generally preferred for accurate color representation.
Burn Time: Getting the Best battery life for the Size
Burn time refers to how long the light can operate at a specific power level. This is crucial for longer dives or when multiple dives are planned.
Durability: Built to Withstand the Depths
Underwater focus lights must be durable enough to withstand the harsh underwater environment, including pressure, saltwater, and impacts. Look for lights made from corrosion-resistant materials like anodized aluminum.
Advanced Features and Technologies in 2025
- Red Light Mode: A red light mode can be useful for night dives, as it preserves your night vision and is less disruptive to marine life.
- SOS and Signaling Modes: Some lights include SOS and signaling modes for emergency situations.
- Auto Flash-Off Feature: This innovative feature automatically turns off the light when a strobe fires, preventing overexposure in your photos and videos.
BEST UNDERWATER FOCUS LIGHTS FOR 2025
Weefine WF095 Smart Snoot Video Light Kit
*Compact, with multiple modes, & extended burn time*
The Weefine WF095 isn't merely a video light; it's a meticulously engineered tool designed to offer unparalleled control over light direction and intensity. Its standout feature is the smart snoot, a revolutionary accessory that allows for precise beam shaping, enabling you to highlight specific subjects while maintaining a dramatic, dark background. This eliminates the harsh, even lighting often associated with traditional video lights, opening up a world of creative possibilities.
The light itself boasts a powerful output of 1200 lumens of 5500K white light, ensuring your subjects are well-lit even in the challenging conditions of the deep.
The true magic of the Weefine WF095 lies in its smart snoot. This ingenious attachment allows you to create a narrow, focused beam of light, effectively isolating your subject and creating a stunning contrast against the surrounding water. We found the intuitive controls of the snoot to be remarkably user-friendly, allowing for quick adjustments to beam width and shape while underwater.
The Weefine WF095 is powered by a high-capacity battery, providing ample burn time for extended underwater sessions. The included charger makes replenishing the battery a breeze, ensuring you're always ready for your next dive. We recommend having a spare battery on hand for longer trips or demanding shoots.
- 1200 lumens of 5500K white light
- 60° beam
- Steady, SOS, rapid-flashing modes
- Red light setting: 620nm
- Use as strobe for photos with separately sold fiber optic cable
- Powered by one 5000mAh 21700 rechargeable battery
- Three-stage battery status indicator
- Weefine WF079 Smart Focus 1200 Video Light
- Weefine WFA61 Snoot Lens
- Weefine WFA62 Multicolor Filter & Snoot Kit
Alternative Focus Light Options from Weefine
- 1200 lumens of 5500K white light
- 60° beam
- Steady, SOS, rapid-flashing modes
- Red light setting: 620nm
- 3500lm light, 18W UV light
- 100° beam angle
- Burn time: about 70min on full
- Lighting Modes: Flood / Red/ Blue / Red & Blue
- Light Output: 2600 lumens (flood), 1500 lumens (spot)
- Beam Angle: 110° Flood; 9° Spot
- Color Quality: CRI 94; 5000K in FLood, and 6500K in Spot
- Depth Rating: 100 meters / 328 feet
- Rechargeable 26650 Li-ion 18Whr 5000mAh Li-Ion Battery
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
- Size: 37mm (D) x 147mm (L)
- Weight: 265 grams on land and 145 grams underwater
- 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
Kraken Sports Hydra 2500 V2 Underwater Video Light
*Compact, with multiple modes, & extended burn time*
The Kraken Sports Hydra 2500 V2 Underwater Video Light has been very popular video light and Kraken as even made it better. The Kraken Sports Hydra 2500 V2 Video Light now utilzes 26800 single cell battery with built in USB C charger for a more convenient way of charging. No need to bring any battery charger cradle, simple attach your USB C cable to the battery and your ready to charge. Aside from that, the footprint of the video light is small and compact. You can also use it as a dive light. The video light also features RGB LED which allows you to shoot creative shots. Controlling the video light is also very easy with its single button control system. The video light also features its burst mode, it can act as a strobe when attached to your camera via fiber optic cable. It is also compatible with the Kraken Remote as well. This is an awesome all around video light that you'll surely love!
- 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
- 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
Alternative Recommended Focus Light Options from Kraken
- Brighness: 1500 Lumen Spot, 1800 Lumen Flood
- Color temperature: 5000K Flood, 6500K Spot
- Beam Angle: 10° Flood, 20° Spot
- Burn time: 80 Minutes @100% Flood
OrcaTorch D710V Triple-Color Video Light
*Compact, with a triple color light source & a wide beam angle*
At first glance, the OrcaTorch D710V might look like your standard video light, but don’t let its sleek design fool you. This little powerhouseis packed with features that set it apart from the competition. The most striking feature? Its triple-color capability. Unlike traditional video lights that offer a single color temperature, the D710V allows you to switch between white, red, and UV light. This versatility is a game-changer, especially when you consider the different lighting conditions you encounter underwater.
On the technnical side, the OrcaTorch D710V boasts an impressive 2000-lumen output in white light mode, which is more than enough to illuminate even the murkiest of waters. The red light offers 600 lumens, providing ample brightness for specialized lighting needs, whille the UV pushes out 2.5 lumens. The light is powered by a rechargeable 21700 Lio battery, which offers up to 400 minutes of runtime on the highest setting. With a super wise beam angle, measuring 120°, this little poerhouse will light up any underwater scene for your photographic requirements.
- Three lighting sources in one: white, red, and UV
- Neutral white max 2000 lumens, 120° super wide beam angle
- Use 1 x 21700 Li-ion rechargeable battery
- Easy operation with side titanium alloy button switch
- Battery indicator
- Safe lock function, prevents mis-operation
- Intelligent over-heat protection
- Over-discharge protection
- Water pressure resistant construction, depth rated to 150 meters
- Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
- Constructed from high-strength A6061-T6 aluminum
- Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish for durability and corrosion resistance
- Two sides coated toughened glass with high water pressure resistance under deep water
- Tri-color Light Sources
- Max 2000 lumens
- 120° super wide beam angle
- Use 1 x 21700 Li-ion rechargeable battery
- Depth rated to 150 meters
Alternative Recommended Focus Light Options from Orcatorch
- 8° to 76° Adjustable Beam
- Max 2700 lumens - Turbo Mode
- 5000mAh 21700 USB Type-C rechargeable battery
- Depth rated to 150 meters
- 3000 Lumens Output
- Compact and Lightweight
- 4 different light modes
- Up to 7h40min runtime
- Waterproof up to 150 meters (492 feet)
Our Tips for Maintaining Your Focus Lights
Below are some basic rules to follow once you have finished diving with your Light. This will ehlp you to get the most out of your light, and also get the most out of the logevity of the battery:
Rinse the light with fresh water after every dive.
Check O-rings regularly for wear and tear, and ensure they are smeared wit o-ring grease to keep them slightly moist.
Store the light in a cool, dry place.
Recharge the battery as recommended by the manufacturer.
Why Trust Bluewater Photo?
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.
Expertise in Underwater Photography: Run by passionate divers and photographers who truly understand the gear and how it performs in real-world conditions.
Competitive Pricing: Offers competitive prices with added value like expert advice and top-tier customer support. We will match and beat any price!
Established Reputation: Trusted by thousands of divers, photographers, and professionals worldwide.
Exceptional Customer Support: Personalized service from knowledgeable staff who care about getting you the right gear.
Transparent and Honest Advice: Recommendations are based on what’s best for your needs—not just what’s in stock.
Meet the Expert:
Anthony Grote
Anthony Grote is a South African professional photographer renowned for his expertise in underwater, wildlife, adventure sports, and hospitality photography. His passion for photography began in the early 1990s during his studies, where he initially focused on bird photography. This interest deepened while managing game farms in the Lowveld, until a pivotal moment in his career when he was introducted to underwater photography, which has since become a significant part of his life since.
Having trained as a Conservationist, his career took a turn into professional photography, with his portfolio including adventure sports photography, covering events such as river canoeing, surfski racing, beach soccer, mountain biking, trail running, and lifesaving. His deep appreciation for the natural world also led him to specialize in hotel and lodge photography, allowing him to capture the essence of travel destination venues situated throughout Africa and ther Caribbean .
I use Nikon, recently shooting a Z6ii with an Aquatica housing, but recently upgraded to a Z8 with an Aquatica housing.