Underwater lights are primarily used during nighttime, wreck and cave diving. They can cost from $20 to $1,000. When underwater, lights can fulfill different purposes. Medium and large lights are used as primary and backup lights. They project light over a large area, such as in a cave, and use C, D or rechargeable batteries. Small, brighter lights are meant for a smaller scope, such as revealing details of ocean life, and normally take AAA or AA batteries.
Along with battery and size, there are bulb options for underwater lights. The main bulbs used with underwater lights are incandescent, high-intensity discharge (HID) and light-emitting diode (LED). Incandescent lights give off a yellow glow and are easy to buy. They are the least expensive type of bulb and retail for under $10. However, they break easily and last only about an hour. An HID bulb is bright, lasts longer, is more durable and is far more expensive than an incandescent bulb. It can cost $75 to $100. LED lights are dim and don't project as far as an HID light, but they use very little energy and are durable. A single LED bulb usually costs around $30.
What to Look for
The type of bulb you choose will depend on your budget and how long you plan to stay underwater. You want your light to last twice as long as your expected dive time, which, in the instance of a longer dive, could mean using a single LED bulb or carrying several incandescent bulbs. However, if you plan on taking underwater photos, an LED bulb will probably be better than an HID one, because it projects a more natural light, and bright lights scare away marine life. HIDs can also create a reflective glare in the photos. You can always call the local dive shop if you are unsure about which bulb will best fit your needs.
Another thing to consider is which kind of battery to use. If you plan to use your light during a daytime dive, then you probably want to use a rechargeable battery. These give a more consistent light but fade quickly, so you don't want them as your primary light source during a nighttime dive. If you dive at night, then you should use a regular battery.
Common Pitfalls
One misconception for some new divers is that an extremely bright light is better than a dimmer one. However, bright lights actually make it harder to see because they draw attention to the particle_temps in the water instead of the seascape. When shopping for a primary light, you actually want a light that has a wide dimmer beam, which will cast light on a larger area.
Also, some people choose a primary light with a pistol-grip handle, which looks fun but isn't practical. This type of handle ties up your hands. Ideally, you want a light with a lantern-shaped handle, which allows you to hold the light along with an additional object.
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