7 Best Scuba Dive Lights For Perfect Vision At Depth And Night

The best scuba dive lights make diving excursions safer and more enjoyable. However, with the various options in the market, it can be challenging to find the right fit. This decision requires considering multiple factors, such as the diving type and the required light output.

The best lights for scuba diving are powerful yet offer easy handling and maneuvering underwater. They’re also made of high-quality materials, ensuring durability in harsh ocean environments. The Underwater Kinetics C8 eLED Dive Light is the best budget dive light for divers seeking immense power at a low price point. Others worth considering outperform in battery life and luminosity.

Whether you consider scuba diving a recreational or professional activity, this article will point you toward the best scuba dive lights.  

Overview of the Best Scuba Dive Lights – Our Top 3 Picks

1. Best budget dive light: Underwater Kinetics C8 eLED Dive Light
2. Best versatile head-mounted dive light: Bigblue HL1000N Head Lamp
3. Best compact dive light: Princeton Tec AMP 1 LED Flashlight

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The Importance of Dive Lights for Scuba Diving

Scuba diving torches are vital to any diver’s toolkit for the following reasons:

• Diving in murky water: Visibility is poor in murky water like local lakes and rivers. This means light doesn’t penetrate the depths of the body of water. In such locations, a dive light is a saving grace. 
• Communicating with other divers: A dive light can come in handy in non-emergencies and emergencies. For instance, you can use it to signal the boat to pick you up. Or you can use the light’s SOS feature to grab someone’s attention in a crisis.
• Night diving: If you’re diving before sunrise or after sunset without a dive light, you won’t be able to see anything. As a result, it’s wise to carry one. 
• Cavern, cave, and wreck diving: Light is limited inside wrecks, caverns, and caves, so you’ll need a diving torch to navigate those depths. 

7 Best Scuba Dive Lights for Clear Vision

1.  Underwater Kinetics C8 eLED Dive Light

Our Expert Opinion: Best Budget Dive Light

The C8 eLED L2 Rechargeable dive light is a trendsetter when it comes to underwater illumination. Expect 1200 hours of luminosity when the rechargeable battery pack powers it. Its robust design further makes the C8 eLED L2 one of the best lights for scuba diving. While it may be slightly heavy and bulky, it’s the best budget dive light in the market.  

What You Need to Know

The Underwater Kinetics C8 eLED L2 Rechargeable Dive Light is a reliable companion for underwater exploration. It offers a remarkable 1200 lumens, with 1080 lumens focused in the center beam when leveraging the optional rechargeable battery pack. As a result, backscatter is reduced, and there’s an overall improvement in beam brightness.

Moreover, the C8 eLED L2’s patented lumen booster increases LED efficiency by dispersing heat effectively. You can use it until depths of 500 feet (152.4m). And it’s constructed from corrosion-resistant HYDRALUM and durable engineering polymer components, boasting a 20-year lifespan.

This game-changer for deep-sea adventures is considered one of the best scuba dive lights because of its pistol design. It also features a dual power locking switch. That allows you to transition between high and lower power modes effortlessly to adapt for optimum beam ratio in various diving conditions. 

Specifications

• Lumens: 1200 (high mode); 560 (low mode)
• Beam angle: 10 degrees
• Burn Time: 3 hours (high mode); 5.3 hours (low mode)
• Batteries: Rechargeable Battery Pack (included)
• Materials: Body: HYDRALUM and Polymer; Bezel Cover: Rubber
• Weight: 36 oz (1029 g)

What We Like

• Powerful and robust primary dive light
• Depth rated to 500 feet (152.4 meters)
• Made of high-quality materials and is well-constructed
• Can provide up to 1200 lumens, so it’s suitable for underwater photography and videography

What We Don’t Like

• Slightly heavy and bulky
• May not be as versatile as other dive lights on the market

2.  Bigblue HL1000N Head Lamp

Our Expert Opinion: Best Versatile Head-Mounted Dive Light

If you’re looking for a compact, lightweight head-mounted torch that doubles as an underwater and land flashlight, the Bigblue HL1000N is ideal. It’s the best scuba dive light for underwater photography and night trekking. And thanks to its four power levels with different lumens and burn times, it caters to various environments. While it may not be one of the best lights for scuba diving when it comes to power, it’s the best compact dive light for different adventures. 

What You Need to Know

The Bigblue HL1000N Head-Mounted Light is a versatile underwater and land-based lighting solution. It features an adjustable head strap catering to various head sizes. And the light head is designed to swivel, ensuring precise illumination.

Through two XML LEDs, divers get 1,000 lumens output with a clear, cool 6500 Degree K color temperature. There are four power levels with different lumens and burn times: 

• 100 lumens for twenty hours in level 1
• 250 lumens for eight hours in level 2 
• 500 lumens for four hours in level 3
• 1,000 lumens for two hours in level 4

The HL1000N has a robust construction, including a polycarbonate body, an anti-corrosive aluminum alloy light head, and a double O-ring seal. That allows divers to travel to depths of up to 330’ (100m). 

Specifications

• Lumens: 1000 (full power)
• Beam angle: 8 degrees
• Burn Time: 20 hours (level I); 8 hours (level II); 4 hours (level III); 2 hours (level IV)
• Batteries: Rechargeable 18650 Lithium-Ion Battery
• Materials: Light Head: Anodized Aluminum; Lens: Tempered Optical Glass; Body: Polycarbonate
• Weight: 7.3 oz. (207 g) w/Batteries

What We Like

• Compact and lightweight
• Focused beam light for technical diving
• Rechargeable battery
• Suitable for a variety of diving conditions and activities thanks to 1000 lumens

What We Don’t Like

• May not be as powerful as other scuba diving torches
• Not made of high-quality materials, so may not be as durable 

3.  Princeton Tec AMP 1 LED Flashlight

Our Expert Opinion: Best Compact Dive Light

As far as the best compact dive lights go, the Princeton Tec AMP 1 LED Flashlight is a strong contender. This tiny flashlight features a powerful 90-lumen LED with a narrow-focused beam angle. Thanks to its large carabiner loop, you can easily attach it to your gear loop. Although it doesn’t pack as great a punch in terms of power as the other best dive lights, it’s suitable for underwater exploration.

What You Need to Know

The Princeton Tec AMP 1 LED Flashlight is a tiny, ultra-bright dive light designed for outdoor adventures. Its 90-lumen LED can burn up to 72 hours on a single set of batteries. And it weighs 2 oz (57 g), meaning it won’t add unnecessary weight to your gear.

Besides its compact design, this flashlight is waterproof to a depth of 330’ (100m). Therefore, it’s one of the best scuba dive lights. 

Moreover, the AMP 1 LED’s carabiner loop serves as a bottle opener for added convenience. And it comes with a snap-on cone that transforms the torch into a marker light when needed.  

Specifications

• Lumens: 90 
• Beam angle: 10 degrees
• Burn Time: 72 Hours
• Batteries: 2 AAA Alkaline Batteries (included)
• Materials: Polycarbonate Plastic
• Weight: 2 oz (57g) w/Batteries

What We Like

• Great backup light or night dive marker
• Can be used for area lighting and signaling
• Reasonable price point
• Compact and lightweight 

What We Don’t Like

• May not be suitable for night diving

4.  Kraken Sports NR-800 Dive Light

Our Expert Opinion: Best Backup Dive Light

Enhanced clarity during night divers, underwater cave discoveries, and shipwreck investigations is achieved with the Kraken Sports NR-800 Dive Light. Despite its shortcomings, this scuba diving torch is robust and powerful. It’s the best backup dive light with three different output levels and an impressive depth rating of 330’.

What You Need to Know

The Kraken Sports NR-800 Dive Light is a forerunner compared to backup dive lights. It caters to various underwater needs. And it has a remarkable output of up to 800 lumens, with a focused 10-degree beam. 

The NR-800 also has excellent battery flexibility. Power it with a rechargeable 18650 battery for a burn time of 120 minutes. Or choose three AAA batteries for a 90-minute runtime.

Furthermore, the NR-800 has a user-friendly design, with an easy-to-use push-button on/off switch. It also has a battery level indicator for peace of mind during night dives or other underwater adventures.

Specifications

• Lumens: 800 (Lithium 18650 Battery); 350 (3-AAA Batteries)
• Beam angle: 10 degrees 
• Burn Time: 120 minutes (Lithium 18650 Battery); 90 minutes (3-AAA Batteries)
• Batteries: Lithium 18650 Battery or 3-AAA Batteries (Batteries Not Included)
• Materials: Body: Aluminum
• Weight: 4.2 oz (120 g)

What We Like

• Three output levels, including SOS and strobe modes
• Easy to handle and maneuver underwater
• Rechargeable
• Affordable; good price point

What We Don’t Like

• May not be as powerful as some other dive lights

5.  Bigblue TL8000P LED Tec Light

Our Expert Opinion: Best for Technical Diving

Few dive lights compete with the Bigblue TL8000P’s luminosity. This powerhouse delivers the brilliance of sunlight underwater thanks to its 8000-lumen output. Therefore, it’s best for technical diving, particularly exploring caves and surveying shipwrecks, despite being heavier and bulkier than most.

What You Need to Know

Power. Control. Versatility. Those are the hallmarks of the Bigblue TL8000P LED Tec Light. This remarkable torch is one of the best lights for scuba diving, offering 8000 lumens at full power and a 10-degree narrow beam at 6500K.

You can switch between four different power levels or activate the SOS function with the press of a button. And you can customize your lighting from an intense 8000 lumens to a subtle 800-lumen glow for close encounters while optimizing battery life. 

The TL8000P is powered by a self-contained 18650×7 lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack. You can also easily remove the battery pack and swap it between dives. 

Additionally, the TL8000P boasts a depth rating of 330 feet (110 m), granting divers peace of mind when diving further. Plus, it’s constructed with rugged anodized aluminum housing and a tempered optical glass lens, ensuring durability and reliability at depth.

Specifications

• Lumens: 8000 (full power)
• Beam angle: 10 degrees
• Burn Time: 20 hours (level-I); 8 hours (level-II); 4 hours (level-III); 2 hours (level-IV)
• Batteries: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion 18650×7 Battery Pack
• Materials: Case: Anodized Aluminum; Lens: Tempered Optical Glass
• Weight: 27.65 oz (784g) w/Battery

What We Like

• Powerful 8000-lumen output
• Self-contained dive light
• Compact body style
• Narrow 10-degree beam ideal for technical diving and other activities
• Made of high-quality materials and well-constructed

What We Don’t Like

• May not be as portable as other dive lights
• Slightly heavy and bulky

6.  SeaLife Sea Dragon 2500F UW Photo-Video-Dive Light Head

Our Expert Opinion: Best for Underwater Photography

Photographers diving into the ocean’s depths to capture vibrant marine life will not be disappointed by the SeaLife Sea Dragon 2500. This essential component for underwater photography gear boasts a high color rendering index of 90. That eliminates aquatic blues and boosts colors down to 200’ (60 m). Although it’s heavier and bulkier than most, it’s extremely powerful. 

What You Need to Know

The SeaLife Sea Dragon 2500 replicates natural sunlight with cutting-edge flat-panel COB LED technology. It delivers a verified lumen output of 2500, burning at full power for up to 60 minutes. Plus, it maintains constant brightness regardless of battery power, thanks to its regulated circuitry.

Divers can easily switch between three brightness levels (100%, 50%, and 25%) and power the light on/off with one-button control. The Sea Dragon 2500 also features a hidden emergency signal mode with a 1-second blink-interval and SOS Morse code.

Furthermore, the light is constructed with an anodized aluminum lighthead and a fiber-reinforced polycarbonate body, ensuring safety and durability. And its single Vero 18 COB LED array provides a 35,000-hour bulb lifespan.

Specifications

• Lumens: 2500 (100% power); 1250 (50% power); 625 (25% power)
• Beam angle: 120 degrees (90 degrees underwater)
• Burn Time: 60-Minutes (100% power); 120-Minutes (50% power); 240-Minutes (25% power)
• Batteries: Lithium Ion 7.4V, 3400 mAh, 25Wh (included)
• Materials: Light Head: Anodized Aluminum; Body: Fiber-Reinforced Polycarbonate
• Weight: 13.1 oz (371 g)

What We Like

• Powerful 2500-lumen output
• Far-reaching 120-degree beam (90 degrees underwater)
• Ease of use and handling
• Durable and long-lasting because of the anodized aluminum light head with fiber reinforced.

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier and bulkier than the other best dive lights 

7.  Light & Motion Sola NightSea Light

Our Expert Opinion: Best Blue Light for Underwater Fluorescence

The Sola NightSea by Light & Motion is the perfect companion for adventurous spirits exploring the captivating world of fluorescence beneath the waves. This underwater torch emits the ideal wavelength to illuminate proteins and minerals, revealing captivating fluorescence in plants, animals, and minerals. Of course, if you aren’t doing underwater fluorescence work, it won’t be suitable for other diving needs.

What You Need to Know

Light & Motion’s Sola NightSea scuba light has a yellow filter that transforms the ocean into a visually appealing masterpiece. It also features a phosphor flip-cap, the reason it’s considered one of the best scuba dive lights.

Thanks to its phosphor flip cap, you can seamlessly switch from the immersive blue light to a practical white light for navigation. In flood mode, you’ll get 435 lumens of white light, while spot mode delivers 290 lumens. 

The Sola NightSea is incredibly flexible because of its modular design. As a result, you can quickly switch the light head or body. Moreover, it has three light modes, each for flood and spotlights. So you’ll get up to 3000mW brightness in high-flood mode and 1700mW in spot mode. 

Specifications

• Lumens: 3000/1700 (high flood/spot-mode); 1500/850 (med flood/spot-mode); 750/425 (low flood/spot-mode)
• Beam angle: 60 degrees (flood); 12 degrees (spot beams)
• Burn Time: 70 minutes (high mode); 140 minutes (med mode); 280 minutes (low mode)
• Batteries: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
• Materials: Body: Glass Filled Nylon; Lens: Tempered Glass
• Weight: 9 oz. (254 g)

What We Like

• Specifically designed for underwater fluorescence work
• Provides brilliant protein and mineral fluorescence
• Durable and well-constructed
• Compact and easy to handle
• Has a long battery life

What We Don’t Like

• External battery charging contacts are prone to corrosion over time
• Can’t be used for anything other than underwater fluorescence work

Key Considerations When Choosing Scuba Dive Lights

Type of Diving

There are several lights for scuba diving, and each is suitable for specific needs and environments. These include the following:

• Primary dive lights: These large and powerful light sources are typically handheld. You can use them to illuminate your surroundings during night dives or in low visibility.
• Secondary (backup) dive lights: These are used as a backup when the primary light fails or as a source of light for daytime dives. They are smaller and more compact than primary dive lights.
• Mounted dive lights: Suppose you’re undertaking an activity that requires both hands. In that case, a mounted dive light is ideal. It can be attached to a part of your body, leaving both hands free to operate tools.
• Photography/videography dive lights: These are designed for underwater photography and videography. They enhance the colors of marine life by providing a bright, even light source.
• Spotting/focus lights: When photographing underwater, divers use these small, intense lights to illuminate specific areas.
• Canister dive lights: These have a separate battery canister and an extended battery life compared to handheld dive lights. They are also typically more powerful and can be worn on your waist or attached to your tank.

When choosing the best dive light, consider the activities you plan to undertake. For instance, a large primary light would be helpful if you plan to explore underwater caves and enchanting shipwrecks.

Lumens and Light Output

Lumens is a measure of light intensity. Therefore, the higher the lumens, the more powerful and brighter the dive light. 

Entry-level dive lights have around 500 to 1000 lumens, while mid-range lights begin at 2000. The most potent diving torches can exceed 5000 lumens. 

You can typically adjust the amount of light output of most dive lights. You can set it to 100% brightness for maximum light or adapt it to 50% or 25% for less light. 

It’s essential to consider lumen and light output for activities like underwater photography. In that case, a strong light isn’t advisable. Instead, a torch with around 1500 to 2500 lumens of output is ideal.

Beam Angle and Focus

Another consideration to make when choosing the best scuba dive light is the beam angle. That refers to the distance your light projects from side to side. 

How broad or narrow the beam of light is depends on the activity and environments for which the underwater light is designed. For example, a 7-to-12-degree beam angle is ideal for cave diving, spot beam, or low visibility diving. In contrast, a 20-to-75-degree beam angle is suitable for recreational diving.

As a rule of thumb, a wider beam angle is suitable for night diving because it provides maximum visibility. And a narrow beam angle is more helpful in illuminating specific spots.

Focus is also a crucial consideration. It refers to the light beam’s concentration or dispersion. Some dive torches allow you to adjust the focus. That way, you can switch the beam angle from concentrated to wide.

Burn Time and Battery Life

Burn time is your dive light’s power duration on a single battery charge. The diving you plan to do will dictate the burn time you need. For instance, a longer dive will require a torch with a longer burn time.

Besides the burn time, the battery life of a dive torch is also a crucial consideration. There are two types of batteries that power dive lights:

1. Rechargeable batteries: These are best for frequent and avid divers. You will save money since you can charge the battery instead of buying a new one when it’s low. They are also environmentally friendly since they can be reused.
2. Non-rechargeable (disposable) batteries: These are relatively inexpensive, and replacements are available worldwide. However, the performance level of standard alkaline batteries is lower, and the battery life is reduced. You can upgrade to lithium batteries for more performance. However, they are more expensive, and you might not find them in remote locations.  

Durability and Water Resistance

A dive torch’s durability and water resistance are other crucial considerations when choosing the best dive lights. A dive torch should be durable enough to withstand the rigors of diving. 

As a result, look for those made from high-quality materials, such as aviation-grade aluminum alloy. Some torches also have a protective coating or case to prevent damage from scratches or drops. And some have O-rings to seal the light and prevent water from entering. So look out for such features.

A dive light should also be waterproof up to at least the depth you plan to dive. Therefore, consider the IPX rating, which indicates how well the light can withstand water and dust. The higher the rating, the more water-resistant the torch.

Size and Weight

Balancing power and portability is crucial when choosing the best scuba dive light for your needs. The size of a dive torch affects the ease of maneuvering and handling underwater. That’s why most divers opt for small and compact dive lights that still pack a punch in terms of light output.

Apart from the size, the weight of a dive light also influences the ease of maneuvering and handling underwater. Therefore, if you plan to travel with your dive light, look for one that won’t add too much weight to your baggage.

Price Range and Budget

The higher the lumens and battery life of a dive torch, the more expensive it will be. However, it’s worth investing in a powerful, high-quality dive light because they’re crucial to your safety underwater.

Opting for more affordable lights can rack up costs quickly. This is especially true for underwater photography lights as they have multiple pieces and a rig they must be attached to. 

Also, using cheap disposable batteries results in more costs in the long run. Instead, rechargeable batteries, while requiring a costly initial investment, can save you money in the long run.

Therefore, if you’re working with a budget, consider the features you can and cannot compromise on. That will ensure you don’t overspend on unnecessary equipment or purchase low-quality equipment that’ll need replacing sooner rather than later.

The Bottom Line

Diving at night or in low visibility is unsafe without a dive light. That’s why adding one (or several) to your gearis vital based on the activities you plan to undertake.

When choosing the best scuba dive lights, consider the type of diving you plan to do. Also, the lumens, light output, battery life, size, weight, and beam angle are vital considerations.