This is a versatile underwater video light for shooters who want more than a basic white flood light. Its WRGBU modes, 100° underwater beam and 6,000-lumen standard flood output make it useful for general underwater video, creative color work and mixed photo/video rigs, while an 8,000-lumen boost is available when more output is needed.
Best For
Underwater videographers and hybrid shooters who want a relatively compact light with white, red, green, blue, UV and adjustable RGB lighting options.
Main Advantage
A useful combination of broad video lighting and creative WRGBU modes in a light weighing approximately 290g underwater.
Compatibility
YS and 1-inch ball mounting options are included, making the light straightforward to integrate with most standard underwater camera tray and arm systems.
Important to Know
Kraken now lists the Hydra 8000 V2 as discontinued and identifies the Hydra 10000 WRGBU and Hydra 12000 as its current replacement options.
Quick Specifications
| Standard Flood Output | 6,000 lumens |
|---|---|
| Boost Output | 8,000 lumens |
| Beam Angle | 100° underwater |
| Color Modes | Flood, Red, Green, Blue, UV and adjustable RGB |
| CRI / Color Temperature | CRI 90 / 5000K |
| Runtime | 60 minutes at 100% flood; 40 minutes at 135% boost |
| Depth Rating | 330ft / 100m |
| Weight | 690g on land / 290g underwater |
What You Need to Know
Compatibility
The Hydra 8000 V2 is not tied to a particular camera or housing. Use its YS or 1-inch ball mounting hardware with a compatible tray, arm and clamp system. It is also compatible with Kraken's Remote Control V2.
What You'll Need
The light, battery, charger and mounting adapters are supplied. For camera-rig use, you will still need an appropriate tray, arm and clamp arrangement. Remote operation requires the optional Kraken remote and appropriate fiber-optic connection.
Who Should Choose It?
It makes the most sense for shooters who value color modes and relatively low underwater weight more than maximum output. For large reef scenes or more demanding wide-angle video, a current 10,000-12,000 lumen model may offer more lighting headroom.
Compatibility Resources
These Bluewater resources can help when building the Hydra 8000 V2 into an underwater camera system.
Not sure which arms, clamps or control cables you need? Contact Bluewater Photo and we can help confirm your setup.
Kraken Hydra 8000 V2 WRGBU Video Light Overview
The Kraken Hydra 8000 V2 is designed around flexible underwater lighting rather than simply chasing maximum lumen output. Its standard white flood produces 6,000 lumens across a 100° underwater beam, with an 8,000-lumen boost available when additional output is required.
The WRGBU array is particularly useful for shooters who want to experiment beyond conventional white video lighting. Red, green, blue, UV and adjustable RGB modes give the light additional roles for low-light diving, fluorescence work and creative backlighting.
At approximately 290g underwater, the 8000 V2 is also easier to balance on a compact or mirrorless camera rig than many higher-output lights. Its 100m depth rating makes it suitable for the vast majority of recreational and technical camera-diving applications.
Key Features
- 6,000-lumen flood with 8,000-lumen boost gives you a practical everyday setting plus additional output when ambient light or subject distance demands it.
- 100° underwater beam provides broad coverage for general underwater video without the narrow hotspot of a primary dive torch.
- CRI 90 output at 5000K is designed for more natural color reproduction in underwater footage.
- WRGBU lighting modes expand the light's usefulness for red illumination, UV work and creative color effects.
- 290g underwater weight keeps the light relatively manageable on travel and compact camera rigs.
- 100m / 330ft depth rating comfortably exceeds normal recreational diving depths.
- Remote V2 compatibility allows optional control from the camera tray rather than reaching out to the light head.
What's Included
Included in the Box
- Kraken Hydra 8000 V2 light
- Li-ion battery pack with protection cap
- Charger / AC adapter
- USB Type-C cable
- YS mount
- 1-inch ball mount
- 2 spare O-rings
- Hand lanyard
Sold Separately / May Be Required
- Camera tray and handles
- Arm sections and clamps
- Kraken Remote Control V2
- Fiber-optic cable for remote-control configurations
- Additional or spare battery for multi-dive days
Designed for Real Underwater Shooting
Broad White Video Lighting
A 100° underwater beam helps spread the light across a useful field of view for action cameras, compact systems and mirrorless video rigs.
- 6,000 lumens for normal flood use
- 8,000-lumen boost when more output is needed
- CRI 90 for better color reproduction
WRGBU Creative Modes
The Hydra series goes beyond a simple white beam by providing dedicated color channels that can be used for both practical and creative underwater lighting.
- Red mode for low-light and night-diving applications
- UV mode for fluorescence-oriented shooting
- Green, blue and adjustable RGB for creative lighting
Optional Remote Operation
The Hydra 8000 V2 is compatible with Kraken's Remote Control V2, allowing light adjustments from the camera tray rather than reaching along your arms during a shot.
- Useful on longer arm systems
- Helps keep your hands near the housing controls
- Remote and fiber-optic cables are sold separately
Related Underwater Gear Categories:
- Kraken Lights, Optics and Housings
- Underwater Video Lights
- Underwater Photo Gear
- Underwater Camera Rental
- Depth Rating: 330 ft / 100 m
- Switch: Triple-button control with battery level indicator
- Modes: Flood, Red, Blue, Green, UV, RGB – all adjustable
- Lumens: 6000 lumens (Flood), 8000 lumens (Boost mode)
- CRI (Color Rendering Index): 90
- Color Temperature: 5000K
- Beam Angle: 100° underwater
- Weight: 690 g on land 290 g underwater
- Burn Time: 60 minutes at 100% Flood 40 minutes at 135% Flood (Boost mode)
- Recommended Replacement battery - Kraken Battery for Hydra 4K, 6K, 8K, 10K and Abyss 10K Video Light
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lumens does the Kraken Hydra 8000 V2 produce?
It produces 6,000 lumens in its normal flood mode and up to 8,000 lumens in boost mode.
What is the underwater beam angle?
Kraken specifies a 100° underwater beam, making it suitable for general underwater video and relatively wide scenes.
Does the Hydra 8000 V2 have color modes?
Yes. Modes include white flood, red, green, blue, UV and adjustable RGB.
How long does the battery last?
Kraken specifies approximately 60 minutes at 100% flood output and approximately 40 minutes at the 135% boost setting.
Can I use the Kraken Remote Control V2?
Yes. The Hydra 8000 V2 is listed as compatible with Kraken's Remote Control V2. The remote and fiber-optic cables are sold separately.
How deep can the Hydra 8000 V2 be used?
The light is depth rated to 330ft / 100m.
Are mounting adapters included?
Yes. The package includes both a YS mount and a 1-inch ball mount, giving you flexibility when integrating the light with an underwater camera arm system.
Is the Kraken Hydra 8000 V2 discontinued?
Yes. Kraken currently lists the Hydra 8000 V2 as discontinued and recommends the Hydra 10000 WRGBU and Hydra 12000 as current replacements.
