Kraken Underwater Video Lighting
Kraken Spectrum 18000 Underwater Video Light
18,000 lumens of wide-angle lighting with three selectable color temperatures, smooth dimming, and less bulk than a larger 25K-class light.
When shooters look to scale up their wide-angle video rigs without strapping on the physical bulk and heft of heavier 20K to 25K lumen powerhouses, field testers frequently evaluate options like the Kraken Spectrum 18000. Unlike many standard high-output video lights that rely on external physical filters or limited preset increments, this model features three built-in selectable color-temperature modes (5600K daylight, 8000K cool white, and 16,000K marine ambient) alongside precise stepless dimming directly at the light body, giving underwater videographers granular control over scene balance and exposure.
Built to perform in demanding marine environments down to a depth of 100 meters, the Spectrum 18000 delivers a smooth, clean 18,000-lumen output paired with an even 120-degree underwater beam angle that avoids harsh hotspots across wide reef vistas. It incorporates an intelligent thermal management design, dual-button mechanical interface, and compatibility with the optional RC02 remote control so adjustments can be managed straight from the tray handles. Weighing in at 470 grams underwater with its rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, it bridges the gap between high-output illumination and streamlined travel ergonomics.
- Best for: Wide-angle underwater video, reefs, divers, and travel-conscious camera rigs.
- Main advantage: Up to 18,000 lumens with a 120° beam that retains its rated angle underwater.
- Creative control: Select 5600K white, 8000K white, or 16,000K marine ambient light; fine-tune output using stepless dimming.
- Rig integration: Includes ball and YS mounts; compatible with the optional Kraken RC02 remote control.
- Consider before buying: Rated runtime at maximum output is 35 minutes, so extended shoots may require lower brightness or additional battery planning.
Kraken Spectrum 18000 Quick Specs
Three Color Temperatures for Different Underwater Scenes
Instead of relying on a single fixed white output, the Spectrum 18000 lets you change the color of your illumination at the light. That flexibility is valuable when the foreground subject and surrounding blue water do not call for the same lighting approach.
5600K — Daylight White
A natural starting point when lighting nearby reef detail, marine life, or another diver. Set your camera's white balance for the scene.
8000K — Cooler White
A cooler option when you want to adjust the look of the lit foreground relative to the surrounding water.
16,000K — Marine Ambient
A blue-shifted output useful when working toward an ambient-water look rather than a strongly white-lit foreground.
Actual appearance depends on depth, water color, visibility, subject distance, and camera white balance. These modes do not replace careful lighting technique.
What Makes It Useful Underwater?
Broad 120° Coverage
A wide beam makes it easier to illuminate reef scenes and close-focus wide-angle subjects without working with an overly concentrated spot of light.
Stepless Brightness Control
Reduce intensity smoothly as you move closer to a subject or balance light against ambient exposure, rather than jumping between a few fixed output settings.
Less Light to Manage on the Rig
At 72.5 mm in diameter and 217 mm long, the 18K is a smaller alternative to higher-output Spectrum models for shooters conscious of packing space and arm loading.
Optional Tray-Side Control
Add the compatible RC02 remote to adjust the light without reaching to the end of your camera arms while you compose a shot.
Compatibility, Mounting, and Setup
The Spectrum 18000 is a continuous video light rather than a camera-specific housing accessory. To use it on an underwater camera system, choose a mounting position supported by your tray and arm configuration.
- Included mounting options: Ball mount and YS mount.
- Remote compatibility: Kraken RC02 remote control, sold separately. Confirm the remote cable and mounting arrangement for your rig.
- Additional gear you may need: Appropriate arms, clamps, tray connections, and buoyancy accessories; these depend on your existing camera setup.
- Not a universal accessory fit: Do not assume that a float collar, snoot, or other model-specific Kraken accessory fits the Spectrum 18000 without checking compatibility.
Runtime and Charging: Plan for the Shots You Need
The rechargeable 97.92 Wh battery pack is rated for 35 minutes at 18,000 lumens or 50 minutes at 80% brightness (14,400 lumens). Charging from empty takes approximately four hours.
For long dives, the key number is how much time you expect to keep the light illuminated. Lower brightness may be a better choice for close subjects or extended shooting. Actual runtime varies with conditions.
What's Included and What May Be Needed
Manufacturer-Listed Box Contents
- Spectrum 18000 video light
- Rechargeable battery pack
- Charger / AC adapter
- USB-C cable
- YS mount and ball mount
- Spare O-rings
Depending on Your Rig, Add
- Compatible tray, arms, and clamps if not already owned
- RC02 remote and appropriate control connection for tray-side adjustments
- Buoyancy support if your camera rig needs it
- A second light for more balanced two-light wide-angle coverage
Box contents are based on Kraken's published listing. Bluewater should confirm the specific retail bundle before publication.
Spectrum 18000 vs. Bigger Underwater Video Lights
The 18K is designed for divers who value substantial output without the bulk of a larger high-output light. If maximum brightness or an especially broad beam is your first priority, a larger model may be worth considering.
| Model | Max Output / Beam | Color Options | Choose It When... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraken Spectrum 18000 | Up to 18,000 lm / 120° | 5600 / 8000 / 16,000K | You want a smaller light, selectable color, and stepless dimming. |
| Kraken Spectrum 25000 | Up to 25,000 lm at 8000K / 120° | 5600 / 8000 / 16,000K | Higher maximum output matters more than reducing size and weight. |
| Weefine Manta 30000 | Up to 30,000 lm / 150° | 4500–22,000K adjustable | An extra-wide beam and more extensive color controls are priorities. |
Maximum output and runtime are mode-dependent. Higher lumen figures do not necessarily mean better footage in every situation.
Bluewater Expert Verdict
Choose the Spectrum 18000 if you want high-output, broad-beam underwater video lighting but would rather carry a smaller light than a 25K-class unit. The three color-temperature settings are a real reason to consider it, particularly if you alternate between foreground-lit shots and scenes where the surrounding water should remain part of the look.
Its biggest tradeoff is full-power runtime: 35 minutes is ample for targeted shooting, but you should budget your illuminated time. For maximum output or unusually broad coverage, compare the Spectrum 25000 and Weefine Manta 30000 instead.
Why Buy Your Video Lighting from Bluewater Photo?
The best light is the one that fits your camera rig, your shooting style, and your time underwater. Bluewater can help you choose mounting hardware, think through one-light versus two-light setups, and check compatibility before you order.
Full Technical Specifications
| Maximum output | 18,000 lumens constant / 18,000 lumens burst (manufacturer rating) |
|---|---|
| Beam angle | 120° on land and underwater |
| Color-temperature modes | 5600K white; 8000K white; 16,000K marine ambient |
| Brightness control | Stepless dimming |
| Full-output runtime | 35 minutes at 18,000 lumens |
| 80% output runtime | 50 minutes at 14,400 lumens |
| Battery | 97.92 Wh rechargeable lithium-ion pack (8 × 18650 cells) |
| Charging time | Approximately 4 hours from empty |
| Depth rating | 100 m / 330 ft |
| Dimensions | 72.5 mm diameter × 217 mm length |
| Weight (battery installed) | 990 g on land / 470 g underwater |
| Remote control | Optional Kraken RC02 (sold separately) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Spectrum 18000 work with my camera housing?
As a continuous video light, it does not require a particular camera model. You do need a mounting arrangement that fits your tray and arms; ask Bluewater to check the details of your system.
Can I control it without reaching for the light?
Yes. It supports the optional Kraken RC02 remote control. The remote and any required connection accessories are sold separately.
How long does the battery last?
Kraken rates it for 35 minutes at 18,000 lumens and 50 minutes at 80% output. Actual runtime depends on conditions, so plan around your illuminated shooting time rather than total dive time.
Does the light include a charger and mounts?
Kraken's published package list includes the battery pack, charger / AC adapter, USB-C cable, YS mount, ball mount, and spare O-rings. Confirm the exact Bluewater package listing at checkout.
Why choose 16,000K marine ambient mode?
It produces a blue-shifted output that can help your added light blend more closely with the color of surrounding water. It is a creative option, not an automatic correction for white balance or water conditions.
Can I travel with the battery?
Its rated capacity is 97.92 Wh. Check your airline's current lithium-battery requirements before travel, especially regarding carry-on packing, spare packs, and protection against accidental activation.
We offer lifetime support with all purchases.
Please call or email us with any questions, our knowledgeable staff would love to assist you.
- Spectrum 18000 light
- Battery pack Charger / AC adapter
- USB-C cable
- YS mount Ball mount
- Spare O-rings
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Spectrum 18000 work with my camera housing?
As a continuous video light, it does not require a particular camera model. You do need a mounting arrangement that fits your tray and arms; ask Bluewater to check the details of your system.
Can I control it without reaching for the light?
Yes. It supports the optional Kraken RC02 remote control. The remote and any required connection accessories are sold separately.
How long does the battery last?
Kraken rates it for 35 minutes at 18,000 lumens and 50 minutes at 80% output. Actual runtime depends on conditions, so plan around your illuminated shooting time rather than total dive time.
Does the light include a charger and mounts?
Kraken's published package list includes the battery pack, charger / AC adapter, USB-C cable, YS mount, ball mount, and spare O-rings. Confirm the exact Bluewater package listing at checkout.
Why choose 16,000K marine ambient mode?
It produces a blue-shifted output that can help your added light blend more closely with the color of surrounding water. It is a creative option, not an automatic correction for white balance or water conditions.
Can I travel with the battery?
Its rated capacity is 97.92 Wh. Check your airline's current lithium-battery requirements before travel, especially regarding carry-on packing, spare packs, and protection against accidental activation.
