Which Light is better as a primary dive light?

[porsche060]

UK Q-40 Light
UK SL4
Princeton Tec 3 LED Attitude Light

[ScubaToys Larry]

Really none... those are all really considered backup lights, but if I had to use one as a primary, I'd say the SL4. For a primary, you would probably look at something more like a UK C8, or a princeton shockwave led.

[jbkramer]

I'm currently shopping for a light for standard open water night diving but I can't figure out how much light makes a light primary. The primary lights you listed are pretty pricey - is that primary for crazy cave diving or is that honestly what someone needs for night diving?

[CompuDude]

The SL4 will do as a primary for night diving, but it's definitely on the lower end of the scale. It's quite popular as a loaner at dive resorts. Give it a shot and see if it works for you... go somewhere fairly safe for the first dive, and if you feel you have enough light, you're done, and if not, you have a good backup light.

[ScubaToys Larry]

Excellent suggestion from CompuDude (which I've come to expect!). Starting with an SL4 is ok... and for 20 bucks... hard to go wrong. But the smaller lights like will a smaller lens and be pretty spotty compared to the larger lights. And a light that holds 8 batteries will not just last longer - it will be much brighter. They put the batteries in series in all these lights, so getting the voltage up with a higher wattage bulb means it's going to throw a lot more light, and throw more of it.

So get a SL4 - check it out, and if not enough, toss it in your pocket, then get another as a primary later!

[jbkramer]

Sold on that as a plan, thank you all very much.

[franksrq]

this answers my question too. i am getting my advanced cert this weekend and i just want to buy a light that is going to get me through this course. if i like night diving, then i will consider buying a 300$ "light cannon" (that name scares me a little bit)

[jo8243]

I think a regular 8-cell light is fine. Doesn't have to be LED or HID IMO.

[ccarter]

Originally Posted by jo8243

I think a regular 8-cell light is fine. Doesn't have to be LED or HID IMO.

I'd pick up a HID or LED if I was buying now.. brighter and the white light looks a lot better (to me).

[jo8243]

Originally Posted by ccarter

I'd pick up a HID or LED if I was buying now.. brighter and the white light looks a lot better (to me).

Yes, but don't they generally cost a whole lot more? I could hire an army of island locals to swim behind me and hold regular lights for less money.