Help with picking a primary dive light

[scottb27]

I am going to be getting my night diving cert soon and need to pick out a primary light. My cert dives will be done in the carribean, and have other night dives scheduled for off Virginia Beach later this year. Is a canister my best choice to have as a primary or can I use a smaller light?

I currently have a UK sl4, which has done me well so far. My budget is around $700 max for a light. I can get another small light and use that, or should I go for something like a Hollis 15w led? Any help would be great.

Thanks

 

[dark_water]

I would seriously consider 4TEC LED Primary from L4M here: 4 TEC LED Primary Light, 3h burn - Light For Me Torch Light

My dive buddy have one and its truly the LED light with HID punch. Its a 18 or 20 watt but has no problems outshining 21w HID.
I would suggest to check some video comparisons here: TecDiveGear.com - 4TEC LED - Light For Me vs. 21Watt Halcyon HID - YouTube or maybe even ask for some demo near by ?!

Good luck.

 

[eelnoraa]

Light output for a night dive isn't as critical as in day time. Too much light can actually be an issue for night diving. If you target is for night dive in caribean, assumming high viz water, I don't think you a canister light. Not sure what kind of water in VA beach.

I have used a 21W HID in Thailand, it produces way way too much light for a night dive. My eyes acutally felt hurt from the intensity. I then switched to a Hollis LED5, even that is too much light. In day time tho, bringing 21W HID was one of the best decision I made for that trip.