Kraken Sports Hydra 2500 WRU Video Light
Why is it called Macro Edition?
First, you can sync it to your camera via fiber optic cable. When you do this you have have the light fire in a burst mode. So instead of the constant 2500 lumens, it will burst to 4000 lumens. When shooting macro mode this is enough light to get the shot of your critter with the light instead of using a strobe. In addition, there is an optional condensing lens you can screw on to the light to condense the beam way down to around 20 degrees to shoot with a snoot like style.
From the Hydra 2500 Macro review by Nirupam Nigam on the Underwater Photography Guide:
The first feature is perhaps one of the most innovative in modern video lighting; the Kraken Hydra 2500 Macro has a “burst” mode that enables the light to function as a strobe. The light is placed in burst mode by holding the right button when the light is on. A port on the underside of the light can be connected to a Sea & Sea style fiber optic cable. If connected to a camera via the fiber optic cable, when the flash is triggered, the Hydra 2500 will output 4000 lumens – enough to properly expose a macro photo. Personally, I find that the burst light is soft and even with a natural color. However, it can be a little dim compared to a traditional strobe; to compensate for this, photos should be shot at a slightly lower shutter speed or wider aperture. Overall, it is an ingenious solution for photographers and videographers looking for a cheap way to light their macro photos with strobe-quality lighting.
The second feature for macro is an optical condensing lens that reduces the beam to 20 degrees. Although the original 100 degree beam on the light is great for wide-angle video, it can be a little too soft for macro subjects. Especially when there is a lot of silt in the water, a 100 degree beam can be likened to having high beams on in dense fog. The light bounces everywhere, creating a hazy light and soft image. The optical condensing lens is great for producing a narrow, high-powered beam that brings out every detail of small, close-to-the-lens subjects.
You can read the review in it's entirety here.
Kraken Lights:
The Kraken Video Lights offer high performance at a lower cost, making them an ideal option for all levels of videographer. The Kraken Hydra 2500 Macro Edition includes a flood, red, blue & red, and a blue (UV) beams; making it a truly a universal light. The red & blue can create some artistic and unique photos.
The light head of the Kraken Hydra 2500 is water resistant, which protects the expensive light elements in case of a flood. While you'll likely have to replace the battery, but the light head will still be functional.
Related Underwater Gear Categories:
- Kraken Sports Lights & Lenses
- Top Underwater Video Lights
- Best Strobes for Underwater Photography
- Underwater Photo Gear
- Underwater Camera Rental
Sample Video:
Please call the Bluewater Photo team at 310-633-5052 with any questions, or email us at sales@bluewaterphotostore.com
- Lumens: 2500 Flood / 4000 Burst
- CRI: 80 @ 5500K
- Beam Angle: 100 Degrees Underwater
- Burn Time: 55 minutes @ 100% flood
- Modes: Flood, Red, Blue and Red+Blue
- Switch: Dual push button on/off intensity adjustment with battery level indicator
- Modes: Flood 100%/75%/50%/25% Spot 100%/50%/25%
- Depth Rating: 330ft/100m
- Weight: 490g on land 240g underwater (including battery)
- Dimensions: 55.2x137mm (2.17"x5.39")
- Light
- Battery
- Charger
- YS Mount
- Ball Mount
- GoPro Mount
- Lanyard
- Carry Case
- Lumens: 2500 Flood / 4000 Burst
- CRI: 80 @ 5500K
- Beam Angle: 100 Degrees Underwater
- Burn Time: 55 minutes @ 100% flood
- Modes: Flood, Red, Blue and Red+Blue
- Switch: Dual push button on/off intensity adjustment with battery level indicator
- Modes: Flood 100%/75%/50%/25% Spot 100%/50%/25%
- Depth Rating: 330ft/100m
- Weight: 490g on land 240g underwater (including battery)
- Dimensions: 55.2x137mm (2.17"x5.39")
- Light
- Battery
- Charger
- YS Mount
- Ball Mount
- GoPro Mount
- Lanyard
- Carry Case