5 Best Compact Dive Lights For Night Diving

Any diver who embarks on an underwater adventure at night would want to have one of the best compact dive lights in their toolkit. With the best dive torch, you’ll ensure optimal performance and safety in low-light conditions.

The Underwater Kinetics SL3 (L2) eLED Dive Light is the best diving flashlight for night excursions. It’s a budget-friendly option and offers 425 lumens, sufficient for most low-light aquatic environments. Runner-ups offer more lumens and features like spot beams and adjustable light output levels. To choose a suitable dive light for your needs, consider your budget and the light’s durability and battery life.

Whether you’re a beginner cave diver or a technical diver, this article explores the best compact dive lights for night diving. 

Overview of the Top Compact Dive Lights

1. Best Budget-Friendly Compact Dive Torch: Underwater Kinetics SL3 (L2) eLED Dive Light
2. Best Canister Dive Light: OrcaTorch D630 V2.0 Canister Light
3. Best Compact Dive Light for a Liveaboard Holiday: SeaLife Sea Dragon 1300S Dive Light
4. Best Compact Dive Torch for Travel: Light & Motion Sola Dive Spot/Flood Light
5. Best Rechargeable Dive Light: OrcaTorch D550 Dive Light

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Key Scuba Dive Light Terms

As you shop for a scuba diving light, you’ll come across specific terms, such as:

• Primary dive light: A large, luminous handheld dive light suitable for day and night dives in murky or deep waters.
• Secondary (or backup) dive light: This is a smaller handheld light source used for additional illumination during dives in the day. It can also be used as a backup for your primary dive light if its battery depletes or fails. These lights are compact, so storing them in your BCD  is easy.
• Lumens: The measure of light intensity of a dive torch. The higher the lumens, the brighter the dive light.
• Beam angle:  The distance a light projects from one side to another.
• Burn time: The power duration of a dive torch on a single battery charge. 

Best Compact Dive Lights for Underwater Night Excursions

1.  Underwater Kinetics SL3 (L2) eLED Dive Light

Our Expert Opinion: Best Budget-Friendly Compact Dive Torch 

Versatility, convenience, and dependable performance are the highlights of the UK SL3 (L2) eLED dive light. It has a total of 425 lumens, so it can meet the needs of both beginner and experienced divers with a modest budget. Also, although it uses disposable batteries, it has a maximum burn time of 5.5 hours.

What You Need to Know

The Underwater Kinetics SL3 (L2) eLED dive light is a powerhouse for underwater exploration, especially at night. This reliable and high-performing scuba diving light offers unmatched value, making it suitable for novice and seasoned divers.

Whether exploring ocean ledges or diving into wall cracks, the UK SL3 (L2) has you covered. It’s also ideal for seasoned pros who need a reliable backup light for night, wreck, and cave diving. Rated for depths of 500′ (150m), it meets top-notch performance standards.

The UK SL3 (L2) is powered by three disposable C-size alkaline batteries. Moreover, it features a twist on/off bezel switch secured by a double O-ring seal. This guarantees flawless functionality and watertight integrity. 

A total internal reflection (TIR) reflector enhances the beam. As a result, the dive torch provides a brilliantly bright center spot complemented by low-level peripheral lighting.

Furthermore, the UK SL3 (L2) dive light is encased in a corrosion-resistant ABS and polycarbonate housing. It also features a convenient stainless-steel loop swiveling clip for lanyard attachment or clipping to your BCD.

Specifications

• Price: $65.00

• Lumens: 425
• Beam angle: 12 degrees (Central Beam); 38 degrees (1st Band); 112 degrees (2nd Band)
• Burn Time: 5.5-Hours
• Batteries: 3 Disposable Alkaline C-Size Batteries (not included)
• Materials: Body: ABS & Polycarbonate
• Weight: 0.83 lbs. (376.5g)

What We Like

• Good size for keeping in a BCD pocket
• Great value for the price
• Burn time of 5 hours, so it offers extended use during dives
• High-quality construction that makes it durable

What We Don’t Like

• Uses disposable batteries, which may not be as convenient as rechargeable options

2.  OrcaTorch D630 V2.0 Canister Light

Our Expert Opinion: Best Canister Dive Light

The OrcaTorch D630 V2.0 Canister Light blends versatility, powerful illumination, and safety features to revolutionize cave and wreck diving experiences. This cutting-edge light boasts 4000 lumens. And it’s constructed from durable aircraft-grade high-strength aluminum and coated with a seawater-corrosion-resistant finish. Therefore, it can withstand the rigors of underwater environments.

What You Need to Know

The game-changing OrcaTorch D630 V2.0 Canister Light stands out for its impressive 4000 lumens. This dive torch makes an unforgettable underwater experience possible, especially for cave and wreck diving.

It features an angle-adjustable cable for 90-degree and 180-degree rotation between the canister and the light head. Therefore, it’s suitable for side mount and back mount diving. And it’s adaptable to different diving styles.

The D630 illuminates your dive for up to 5 hours at maximum brightness, thanks to its robust 3000mAh, 7.4-volt, 89Wh rechargeable battery. The battery also doubles as a power bank to charge your devices while on the go.

Furthermore, it harnesses the power of five CREE LEDs. Therefore, expect a spectrum of brightness levels tailored to different needs, including:

• 4000 lumens for 5 hours
• 1500 lumens for 7 hours and 26 minutes
• 460 lumens for 23 hours and 50 minutes

With the D630 as your underwater companion, you can penetrate the darkest corners of the ocean. It also features a side titanium alloy button switch for easy operation and a safe lock function to prevent accidental activation. As a result, it’s one of the best canister dive lights on the market.

Specifications

• Price: $569.95

• Lumens: 4000 Lumens (High Mode); 1500 Lumens (Mid Mode); 460 Lumens (Low Mode)
• Beam angle: 7 Degree
• Burn Time: 5-Hours (High Mode); 7-Hours 26-Minutes (Mid Mode); 23-Hour 50-Minutes (Low Mode)
• Batteries: 3000mAh 7.4-volt 89Wh Rechargeable Battery Pack
• Materials: Body: aircraft-grade type III military hard-anodized aluminum 0.16″ (4mm) glass; Switch: titanium alloy
• Weight: 3 lbs. (1.37kg) w/Battery Pack

What We Like

• Provides up to 4,000 lumens
• Constructed from highly durable materials so that it can withstand harsh underwater environments
• Angle adjustable cable that allows for 90° to 180° rotation between the canister and light head
• Large-capacity battery pack that provides up to 5 hours of burn time

What We Don’t Like

• Relatively heavier than some other dive lights

3.  SeaLife Sea Dragon 1300S Dive Light

Our Expert Opinion: Best Compact Dive Light for a Liveaboard Holiday

Suppose you’re embarking on a liveaboard holiday. In that case, you’d need a sturdy and reliable dive torch that won’t need to be charged after each dive. Meet the Sea Life Sea Dragon 1300s Dive Light. This 1300-lumen torch is one of the best compact dive lights with a total of 5 light modes. That includes an SOS signal and three brightness settings. Although it doesn’t burn as long on its brightest setting as other torches, it’s a safe bet for underwater exploration.

What You Need to Know

Sea Life’s Sea Dragon Mini 1300S Power Kit is a complete solution for underwater illumination. It is designed for easy use and comes with a powerful 1300S Dive Light, an 18650 2600mAh rechargeable battery, and a USB charger.

The diving torch features the latest Luxeon V LED, providing an ultra-narrow spot beam (6 degrees underwater). Therefore, it’s ideal for long-range viewing and pointing out sea life. It also allows for one-handed maneuvering through five light modes:

• Full power: 1300 lumens
• Half power: 650 lumens
• Quarter power: 325 lumens
• Blinking signal
• Emergency SOS signal

The light runs for 55 minutes at full power with the included 18650 rechargeable lithium-ion battery. At half power, it runs for 1.83 hours; at quarter power, it runs for 3.67 hours. The power and mode buttons include a battery charge level indicator for convenient monitoring.

Boasting a durable anodized aluminum machined body and dual O-ring design, the Mini 1300S is strong, corrosion-resistant, and waterproof up to 330 feet (100m). Also, it has a temperature range of 0 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for diverse diving conditions.

Specifications

• Price: $139.00

• Lumens: 1300 
• Beam angle: 8 Degrees (6 Degrees Beam Underwater)
• Burn Time: Included Battery: 1.8-Hours (SOS Mode); 19-Hours (Emergency Blink Mode); 220-Minutes (1/4-Power); 110-Minutes (1/2-Power); 55-Minutes (Full Power)
• Batteries: 18650 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion 2600mAh Battery (Included)
• Materials: Machined Anodized Aluminum
• Weight: 0.38 lbs. (174g) w/o Battery

What We Like

• Provides 1300 lumens, which is bright and powerful enough for night diving
• Rechargeable batteries
• Compact design
• Features a narrow, long-range beam with a powerful hotspot
• Good price point for its performance

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t run as long as other dive lights on full power
• 8-degree beam may have a relatively narrow spread

4.  Light & Motion Sola Dive Spot/Flood Light

Our Expert Opinion: Best Compact Dive Torch for Travel

Light & Motion’s Sola Dive Light is one of the best compact dive lights for travel. It’s lightweight yet boasts a remarkable output of 3500 Lumens. Plus, it features a clean center spot beam that punches through the water. A minor drawback is the price tag attached to this dive torch. However, it overcompensates with its impressive performance and features.

What You Need to Know

The Light & Motion Sola Dive Light has a dual-beam design. It delivers 2000 lumens in a wide 60-degree flood beam and 600 lumens in a focused 12-degree spot beam. Therefore, it’s ideal for illuminating wide-angle reefs and revealing crevices and overhangs.

Factory-sealed and designed with a robust ring around the light head base to protect the contacts, the Sola dive light guarantees long-term durability. It also has an external charge interface for hassle-free charging. And it features colored battery and mode indicator lights that simplify battery life management.

Furthermore, the Sola dive light offers three brightness levels in 60-degree flood and 12-degree spot modes, providing versatile lighting options. The burn time in high/med/low modes is 55/110/220 minutes for the 60-degree flood and 110/220/440 minutes for the 12-degree spot. Therefore, it’s dependable for extended dives.

The Light & Motion Sola Dive Light presents a compact, travel-friendly design with premier performance and proven reliability. Its depth rating is 330 feet (100m), and it boasts a quick 2.5-hour charge time with the included 2-amp charger.

Specifications

• Price: $399.99

• Lumens: 60° Flood Beam Mode/12° Spot Beam Mode: 2000/600 Lumens (High-Mode); 1000/300 Lumens (Med-Mode); 500/150 Lumens (Low-Mode)
• Beam angle: 60-Degrees (Flood Beam Mode); 12-Degrees (Spot Beam Mode)
• Burn Time: 60° Flood Beam Mode/12° Spot Beam Mode: 55/110-Minutes (High-Mode); 110/220-Minutes (Med-Mode); 220/440-Minutes (Low-Mode)
• Batteries: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
• Materials: Body: Glass Filled Nylon; Lens: Tempered Glass
• Weight: 0.55 lbs. (253 g)

What We Like

• Features a one-touch switch for easy toggling between 12° spot and 60° flood beams
• Factory-sealed, ensuring flood-free performance and long-term reliability
• Fast charging technology for a full charge in 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Minimal weight and bulk make it suitable for packing in a carry-on or check-in luggage

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive 
• The light’s 12° spot beam may have a relatively narrow spread

5.  OrcaTorch D550 Dive Light

Our Expert Opinion: Best Rechargeable Dive Light

Boasting a good output of 1000 lumens, the OrcaTorch D550 is one of the best compact dive lights for a minimalist diver. On high mode, this light burns for a total of 125 minutes. Therefore, you could use it for two dives before recharging it. While it may not be as luminous for some diving conditions, the D550 is among the best rechargeable dive lights on the market.

What You Need to Know

The OrcaTorch D550 employs the latest USA CREE XM-L2 (U4) LED. This delivers a powerful 1,000 lumens output with over 5 hours and 45 minutes of runtime. It also has three output levels for recreational and deep technical diving:

• High mode: 1,000 lumens for 2 hours and 5 minutes
• Low mode: 367 lumens for 5 hours and 45 minutes
• Strobe function: 720 lumens

Featuring a sealed magnetic controlled tail switch, it ensures high waterproof integrity and easy underwater operation. It’s also constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum with a diamond-grade hard-anodized seawater-corrosion-resistance finish. Therefore, it can withstand the harshness of aquatic environments.

The D550 also incorporates an intelligent memory function, reverse polarity protection, and a constant current circuit for brightness consistency. Overall, this torch is compact and lightweight, designed for versatility and durability. 

Specifications

• Price: $94.95
• Lumens: Maximum Output: 1000 (High/Strobe Mode: 1000 Lumens, Low Mode: 367 Lumens)
• Beam angle: 8 Degrees (Hot Spot Angle); 70 Degrees (Periphery Beam Angle)
• Burn Time: 125-Minutes (High-Mode); 5-Hours and 45-Minutes (Low-Mode)
• Batteries: Single, Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (3.7-volt 2600mah), 2-Included
• Materials: Body: Aircraft-Grade Type III Military Hard-Anodized Aluminum; Lens: Glass
• Weight: 0.40 oz (183g) w/o Battery

What We Like

• Provides 1000 lumens, offering adequate illumination for night diving
• Highly reliable
• Rechargeable batteries
• Compact size and nifty case, making it convenient for travel

What We Don’t Like

• Although bright, 1,000 lumens may not be as powerful for all types of night dives

What to Look for in a Dive Light for Night Dives

An excellent compact dive light for night excursions should ensure optimal performance and safety in low-light underwater environments. Therefore, the essential factors to look out for when choosing a dive light are below.

Lumens and Light Output

Lumens is a measure of light intensity, so the higher the lumens, the more powerful and brighter the dive light. The most powerful dive lights exceed 5000 lumens, while entry-level dive lights have around 500 to 1000 lumens. 

A good range for dive lights, specifically those used for night dives, is 1000 to 5000 lumens. A bright output will ensure maximum visibility and safety in night diving. 

Now, that doesn’t mean certain dive lights aren’t suitable as backups for diving in low-light conditions. For instance, the UK SL3 (L2) eLED Dive Light provides 425 lumens, yet it’s among the best compact dive lights for night diving. 

It’s also essential to consider whether you can adjust the torch’s light output. Typically, you can set some dive torches to 100% brightness for maximum light or lower it to 50% or 25% for less light. This feature will enable you to maximize the torch’s battery life.

Beam Angle

The beam angle is another factor to consider when choosing the best compact dive light for your nighttime aquatic adventures. That is the distance a beam of light projects from one side to another. 

Since each dive light is designed for specific activities and environments, the beam angle will either be wide or narrow. For diving in caves, shipwrecks, and low visibility areas, a 7-to 12-degree beam angle is ideal. Whereas a 20- to 75-degree beam angle is suitable for recreational diving. 

Overall, a wider beam angle is suitable for night diving as it penetrates the darkness and ensures maximum visibility. A narrow beam angle would be best if you would like to illuminate specific spots like caves and underwater structures.

Battery Life and Burn Time

Dive lights either use rechargeable or disposable batteries. To decide which would be best, consider your diving frequency, preferences, and access to charging facilities.

Also, when choosing the best dive torch for night diving, prioritize impressive battery life. The light should deliver reliable performance while conserving energy to meet the demands of night diving conditions.

Burn time is another crucial factor. It refers to a dive torch’s power duration on a single battery charge. Opt for a torch with an extended burn time for longer night dives to ensure uninterrupted illumination throughout your underwater exploration.

Durability and Water Resistance

Some underwater environments can be highly corrosive for certain types of materials. Therefore, when looking for the best compact dive light, ensure its construction is durable and water resistant.  

Aviation-grade aluminum alloy is one high-quality material to look out for. Some torches have protective coatings or cases, guarding against scratches and drops. Therefore, consider scuba diving lights made from high-quality materials for enhanced longevity and reliability.

In addition, waterproofing is paramount. The best diving flashlights should be capable of withstanding the depths you plan to explore. As a result, check the Ingress Protection (IPX) rating, which signifies the light’s resistance to water and dust. O-rings also play a crucial role in sealing the torch, preventing water ingress. 

Size and Weight

The best compact dive lights are easy to carry without sacrificing impressive power. Therefore, they’re convenient for travel and underwater use. And you can easily store them in a pocket or clip them to the BCD for quick access when needed. 

Therefore, consider the size and weight of the dive torch to choose one that will make maneuvering and handling underwater seamless.

Price Range and Budget

Other factors to consider when choosing the best diving flashlight are your budget and the torch’s price range. A dive torch with high lumens and a strong battery life is more costly than an entry-level dive light. However, it’s worth the investment because a high-quality dive light will ensure optimal safety underwater.

If you’re working with a budget, consider the most crucial features for your diving excursions. Do you need a spot beam, or will a flood beam suffice? Could a dive torch with 1000 lumens work for your diving needs over one with 3000 lumens? 

The Bottom Line

Whether you need a compact dive torch for travel or as a backup for your primary dive light, several options are on the market. The best compact dive lights provide optimal light output performance while ensuring seamless underwater movements. 

Therefore, consider the lumens and light output to choose a suitable diving torch for your nighttime underwater excursions. The beam angle, battery life, and burn time are also essential considerations.

As with the rest of your scuba diving gear, you must maintain your dive torch. Avoid sand and dirt, as this can disrupt the switch and screws. Also, thoroughly rinse and dry the light after every dive because saltwater is corrosive. You should also inspect the O-rings for damage and clean and lubricate them with silicone grease.