Focus/Video Light

[Mooseman1007]

Hi
Im off to Bunaken and Lembeh in March and would like to add a new light to my setup as the little Fantasea Nano doesnt have enough oomph !
I would like to be able to use the light for focus on my EPL2 setup, or as a video light for macro on my fiances compact camera. Ideally we would have the option of a red light option for those sensitive critters like Mandarin fish etc, but that can be via addon filter if necessary.
Anyways while I would love a Sola800P its out of my price range so need something to do a similar job at half the price....a tall order i guess. I have seen the Inon LE550W (bright, compact but only on/off) or the I-Torch Video Pro3 (Similar Specs to the Sola600P) advertised but any suggestions greatfully recieved.
I do have the option of mounting a torch rather than a specific focus/video light with an Ultralight bracket, but the LED Lenser Frogman I already have has a very narrow beam and not that bright (~75Lumen)
Suggestions welcome
Mooseman

 

[DSR-3]

I found the BigBlue FF1X5AFO to be a nice/economical* step up from the Nano I had. I don't think I would like anything "bigger", and the light seems more than bright enough (sometimes almost too bright?). I've only used it for 1 trip (25 dives), but so far- very happy with it. I will be adding/trying an optional (DIY) filter before next trip. *'found mine used, but also found good sale prices.

 

[jdfmail]

Go for the sola 500 it's not that expensive and imo the best lights available.

 

[Mooseman1007]

Go for the sola 500 it's not that expensive and imo the best lights available.

Unfortunately after everything else I have had to buy for this trip.....Even the Sola500 is nearly 2x my budget !
Need a viable alternative in a lower price bracket !
Mooseman

 

[buton]

I have the big blue light 5w afo, is not bad for 150 usd, but is a little big.. and Yes the sola is expensive but 1/2 small.than the big blue..

 

[Mooseman1007]

Im thinking along the lines of the Itorch Pro Vid3 as its half the price of a Sola 600 and has similar specs including the red option. I can get a Sola500 for a similar price, but is it that much weaker? I could always retrofit a red filter to overcome that. Its strange I havent seen any comparisons between the Itorch and the Sola500 which is strange as they are similar priced, for that matter I havent seen much about the sola 500 at all. Damned budget !!!!

 

[jdfmail]

I'd definitely get the Sola 500 over the itorch. No comparison really. I was looking at the itorch and had a chance to compare them side by side before buying and wouldn't even consider the itorch over the sola. If there was no Sola it would be a viable option. It's well made but big and heavy with an awkward and big mounting system. I rarely use the red feature but you can make something to accomplish that need.

 

[mjh]

Light & Motion is a great product but i-Torch makes an very good product at it's price point. You may want to consider the new i-Torch Mini Pro at advertised 700 lumens. Comes with two batteries and a pop-on red filter. Worth a look.

 

[jdfmail]

the Mini Pro looks interesting. Wondering if there are brightness levels...I guess no since it's a twist on/off.

Edit: I see that it's listed as having 3 levels. Looks like a nice light, anyone have personal experience with it?

Looks as if it's the same price as the Sola 800.

 

[jdfmail]

Light & Motion Sola 500 Compact Imaging L.E.D. Photo Light 850-0089 with reviews at scuba.com only $186.95...that's a bargain!