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Best Christmas Gifts for Underwater Photographers – 2015 Guide
Check out the 2017 Updated Christmas Gift Guide!
2015 Gift Guide For Underwater Photographers
It’s that time of year again!
Christmas is upon us and we dive into an ocean of options (even non-divers!), trying to find the perfect gift for our friends / spouse / parents / neighbours and dive buddies!
Just like we did last year, we have organized the best gifts for you to choose from according to your budget (and how much you love the person getting the gift 😉 )
So without further ado, here we go!
Here are a few quick-links to help you out:
Note: Prices are in USD. To switch to CAD, click the little flag on the top header of any product page.
** Sale prices might be valid by Dec 26 or Dec 31 2015 only! See product page for details.
Gifts Under $100
Fantasea – Silicone O-Ring Grease
$4.95
You cannot replace a winning horse! At the top of our list is the popular Silicone Grease! Nothing says “I love you” like a small tube of Silicon Grease.
The grease would help you remove that friend from your life as smooooth as possible…
Backscatter – FLEX Dive Filter for GoPro Hero3+ / Hero4
$29.99
The Backscatter FLEX FILTER system is a simple press on color correction filter system for the Hero 3+ and Hero 4 standard housings. The FLEX system allows any filter from the FLIP 3.1 system to mount to the FLEX FILTER frame, giving you the flexibility to expand your filter system in the future.
Great affordable option for adding color to your GoPro footage!
Polar Pro – Switchblade 2.0 – GoPro Hero4 / Hero3+
$69.99
The Switchblade2.0 is a great scuba diving accessory for the GoPro diver. It combines a macro lens and a red filter making it one of the most versatile GoPro filters on the market.
The all new Ultra-Macro lens provides 10x magnification which means underwater focus distance of 3 to 8 inches, and above water focus distance of 1.5 to 5 inches.
The PolarPro red filter provides precise color correction from 15 to 80 feet. The red filter and the macro lens can be used together, or separately.
Polar Pro – GoPro Microphone Kit – Promic
$49.99
The Promic GoPro microphone is the perfect addition for increasing your GoPro’s audio performance. This GoPro microphone allows you to capture increased audio levels as well as higher definition sound. The Promic’s rugged design ensures durability and offers a sleek low profile look.
As professional cinematographers know, an internal microphone will never reach the capabilities of an external microphone. External microphones will always outperform internal mics in capturing crisp audio at high sound levels. The ProMic achieves just that. By capturing higher sound levels and recording high definition audio, your GoPro® videos have never sounded better.
Big Blue AL450MAFO Underwater Focus Light
$95.99
Smaller for 2016! This light is a rugged, reliable, and compact light with a powerful output and auto flash off feature.
The AL450MAFO is an upgraded version of the popular AL350AFO – the AL450AFO offers 450 lumens, a 55 Deg beam angle, a twisting bezel for on/off function, and a lanyard. This is a great small light option for any diver.
Sealife Sea Dragon Mini (600 Lumens) Dive Light
$99.00
Powerful 600 lumen dive light featuring the new CREE XM-L2 LED and was Designed for multiple applications down to 300 feet/100 meters, the Sea Dragon Mini 600 features a wide 75-degree beam angle, two power modes, and easy on/off control with the twist of the light head bezel.
Unmatched in versatility – The Sea Dragon Mini 600 is compact enough to fit comfortably in your hand, but can also easily be used for other applications. With the included GoPro camera mount, cold shoe mount, SeaLife AquaPod mount, universal Y-S adapter and lanyard clip, you can add brightness to your dive in any situation.
Vivid-Pix Picture-Fix
$49.99 $39.99
Easy-to-use software that Auto-Magically* improves underwater pictures. Fast 1-Click adjustment improves most pictures. Recommended by Photo Pros: Cathy Church and Marty Snyderman.
Adjustment Sliders for Fine tuning the image to your preferred exposure, color and sharpness.
Mac & Windows compatible, Downloadable onto 2 computers.
Picture-Fix software was developed specifically for the underwater world. Without proper lighting or exposure, your pictures don’t relive the colors, marine life… the beauty of your dive or snorkel.
Gifts Under $300
Light and Motion GoBe S 700 Spot Underwater Dive Light
$299.00 $149.99
The ultimate waterproof flashlight. Conscientiously designed to go anywhere you want to be. Featuring a powerful 20 degree beam optimized to eliminate hot spots and provide an excellent balance of beam distance and viewing angle for a variety of uses.
The GoBe light is a combination of L&M’s outdoor and sport experience with their diving experience to produce a light that is designed to go anywhere you want to be. Depth rated 120mts / 400ft and perfect for illuminating base camp, taking videos or photos, and exploring open areas.
Inon UCL-165 M67 Close-up Lens
$178.75
The Inon UCL-165 is one of the most popular and well known lenses available in the market. It has been around for quite some time now, and still going strong!
This lens will mount on top of a standard 67mm threaded port in order to magnify the subject and allow you to fill the frame with it while maintaining sharp auto focus.
The cool thing about it is that you can stack two of these to double the effect, while still keeping excellent sharpness and contrast.
Sea & Sea YS-03 Strobe Universal Lighting System
$350.00 $299.95
Underwater lighting just became easier with YS-03 strobe. YS-03 is designed to mimic the light intensity of the camera’s built-in flash. Say goodbye to manually adjusting the strobe output, as YS-03 is TTL.
YS-03 is compatible with any camera containing a pre-flash and a TTL flash exposure function.
SEA&SEA created this strobe for any underwater photographer with any level of expertise. It is simple to use and easy to understand. With only one rotary power control, YS-03 is ready to start shooting beautiful images with a turn of the switch from OFF to TTL.
This package contains everything you need to start adding light to your images! Simply place the camera on the tray, connect the fiber optic to your housing and you’re ready to go!
Intova – Edge X Underwater Action Camera
$299.95
Edge X is the most full featured action camera with functionality that is unmatched. Performance driven upgrades include 1080p 60fps video, unique image enhancing features, wireless file transfer, 60X Zoom, built in LCD screen with removable shade, flash photography capability and more.
Selectable Auto Correction Firmware improves the video Fish Bowl effect caused by extremely wide angle lenses found in all Action Cams.
Big Blue Black Molly 3 (2600 Lumens) Underwater Video Light
$289.99
BLACK MOLLY 3!!! AL2600XWP: This light is nicknamed the ﾓBlack Molly 3ﾔ and is a perfect light for underwater photo/video divers.
With a 120 degree beam and an illuminated power switch/battery indicator, this light boasts awesome lumen strength and increased efficiency.
The AL2600XWP comes standard with built-in red LEDﾒs for enhanced focusing and night video work.
The light comes with a Yellow removeable filter, and a 1ﾔ ball for easy video system mounting.
It is easily removed and replaced with an optional spare battery that can be kept fully charged for convenient extended use.
Big Blue HL1000XW Underwater Head-Mounted Video Light
$169.99
New in 2016, this head-mounted light boasts 1,000 lumens of power.
It’s mounted on an adjustable head-strap which fits most head sizes, and is powered by a rechargeable 18650 Li-ion battery.
Whether diving in low light, cave or night dives, this light will make sure you see what’s ahead with vivid colors and keep your hands free!
Itorch A6+ Underwater Housing for Apple iPhone 6+
$145.00
The iPix for iPhone is a multi-featured solution specifically made to optimize the photo and video imaging capabilities of those who have traded their digital cameras for the simplicity of their smart phone.
This housing protects your phone in up to 42 meter deep water. This isn’t your standard waterproof case, this is a waterproof enclosure for your phone! Custom app and buttons to optimize still & video camera functions & upload to social media (available at the App Store).
Glass lens port and baffle for optical image clarity. iPhone is fully suspended within the housing ensuring the phone and screen are effectively shielded from wear, tear, shock and pressure.
Gifts Under $600
Sea & Sea YS-01 Strobe – Mounted on a Uni-Tray Flex Arm Set Light Set
$499.00
Our most popular UW strobe kit! Compatible with almost any compact or mirrorless housing!
The YS-01 is one of the top-selling strobes in the market. It’s a compact yet powerful strobe that can be used with multiple modes: DS-TTL, manual, TTL with converter. It can also be used as a Slave flash. The strobe offers a guide number of 20 and support a standard Fiber Optic connection.
The Uni-Tray is a Sturdy, Easy to Use, Modular, Lightweight and Carry-Friendly Tray/Arm Package. This High quality Locline arm package was designed specifically for Mozaik Underwater Cameras.
Sea Dragon Flash – Mounted on a Sealife Flex-Connect Light Set
$399.95 $299.00
Sea Dragon Flash – Universal strobe with a Guide Number of 20. Auto or manual power level, 80×60 Deg beam or 100 with supplied diffuser. Uses 4 x AA batteries which last about 150 flashes. Recycle time 5 seconds at full power.
Quickly and easily expand your camera set with Flex-Connect – add grips, Flex Arms, trays and other accessories with just a “click!” Flex-Connect allows you to transform your camera set from compact to full-featured in just seconds, providing a quick way to adjust to any dive environment. – Optional are Flex arms to extend the strobe and light away from the camera.
Dual Fantasea Action 700 – Mounted on a BTS Boomerang Tray & Flex Arms Light Set
$499.85 $459.00
A powerful lighting kit for your GoPro / Action Cam. A total light output of 1400 Lumens. Compatible with all models!
Very compact light , 75 degree beam, 700 Lumens, 3 power levels – Operation modes: 100% power, 50% power, 30% power and SOS Signaling
This BTS action cam tray/arm set is lightweight, includes two grip handles and will work with almost any action camera and two Video Lights. Includes YS Mount ends.
Ikelite DS-51 Strobe – Mounted on a Ikelite Flex Arm Light Set
$599.95 $549.95
This kit combines everything you need to add a strobe to any Ikelite compact or DSLR TTL system. The compact, lightweight and affordable Ikelite DS-51 Substrobe is an excellent choice for any underwater photographer.
The Ikelite DS-51 is a 28GN flash, capable of 200 flashes per charge and rated down to 300ft / 90m. The included sync cord guarantees precise True TTL exposure with every shot on your Ikelite housing.
The strobe is mounted on an easy-to-use flex arm which makes strobe positioning a simple and quick task.
Sealife SL501 Micro HD+ Underwater Camera
$499.00 $449.00
The first permanently sealed underwater camera – Capture the tranquil beauty of the undersea world with the first permanently sealed, flood-proof underwater camera. The Micro HD+ has no doors or openings that could possibly leak. With 32GB of onboard memory and a high capacity internal battery, there’s no need for memory cards, batteries, O-rings, or maintenance.
Small and ergonomic, the Micro HD camera is easy to handle underwater, operating with three wide “Piano Key” controls.
Fully Rubber-Armored, Shockproof 6ft / 2m. Charging the camera and transfering files is simple through the waterproof USB port.
The Micro HD+ can wirelessly download and share images and video to smartphones and tablets through a free iOS or Android app – perfect for backing up and sharing your photos and videos immediately after a dive or during a vacation. The app also allows for wireless control of the Micro HD+ camera to capture and review photos and videos.
Features colorful 13MP still images, full 1080p HD video and a built-in 140-degree Fisheye Lens.
Inon UWL-H100 28M67 Wide Conversion Lens
$522.50
Inon’s flagship wide angle lens, one of the best and sharpest in the market. Dual Use – Can be used both underwater and above.
Unique optical design allows to shorten minimum focal distance with ultra wide view angle thus effective for wide macro shot.
The lens is highly versatile and compatible with all M67 Screw mounts.
For an even wider field of view, add the optional Dome Unit II and increase your angle by an additional 25% and improve corner sharpness!
Radiant 2500 Pro – Mounted on a Cold Shoe Mount Light Set
$589.90
The Radiant Pro 2500 Video Light is a durable and powerful video light, designed to significantly enhance color and light in underwater videos and still images. It offers a variety of advanced features for creative photographers. Flood, Spot, Red, UV & Blue, all in the same light!
This package includes the a standard ball mount for your coldshoe, a ball clamp and a ball to YS arm for mounting the light.
Complete versatility and easy positioning!
Gifts Under $1000
Sealife Micro HD+ Underwater Camera w/Sea Dragon 2000
$899.00 $799.00
Ready-To-Dive camera and light package!
Capture the tranquil beauty of the undersea world with the first permanently sealed, flood-proof underwater camera. The Micro HD+ has no doors or openings that could possibly leak. With 32GB of onboard memory and a high capacity internal battery, there’s no need for memory cards, batteries, O-rings, or maintenance.
Small and ergonomic, the Micro HD+ camera is easy to handle underwater, operating with three wide “Piano Key” controls.
This package includes the powerful Sea Dragon 2000, a wide angle video light with a 2000 Lumen output at a 100 Degree beam angle.
Nauticam WWL-1 Wet Wide Lens
$995.00
WWL-1 is the highest quality wet changeable underwater wide angle conversion ever made, featuring unmatched contrast, overall sharpness, corner sharpness, and clarity. The design is truly full zoom through, allowing zoom to to be used as a tool for framing, and removable in water for close-up and macro shots.
Mount this incredible lens on any 67mm thread, directly or with the optional bayonet mount, and enjoy the sharp, crisp ultra wide angle images produced.
Fantasea FG7X Underwater Housing AND Canon G7X Camera
$1569.95 $999.95
The Canon G7X is one of the best high-end compacts available. Featuring a huge 1″ sensor, 24-100mm f1.8-2.8 very bright lens and all manual features we know from previous Canon cameras, this is a perfect system for underwater imaging.
The Fantasea FG7X is a custom molded, Polycarbonate housing that is perfectly contoured to the camera. This high end design make their housing very ergonomic which almost feels as an Aluminum housing but at the price of Polycarbonate. The housing offers full control of all cameras function. Its dials and buttons are strategically placed at thumbs reach making it very comfortable to use. BONUS – Moisture Detector comes installed in every FG7X housing at no additional cost!
Ultimate GoPro Package
$859.00 $789.00
The ultimate package for your GoPro! Including an excellent Boomerang tray, 2 powerful lights, Flip3.1 filters/macro combo kit and a Sealife Aquapod!
A powerful lighting kit for your GoPro / Action Cam. A total light output of 1400 Lumens. Compatible with all models!
Aquapod – Fits all cameras with a standard tripod screw – 1/4″-20 and includes a GoPro mount.
FLIP3.1 MacroMate Mini Combo Package Included, with SHALLOW, DIVE, and DEEP Underwater Color Correction Filters with 55mm Lens Adapter and MacroMate Mini for GoPro Hero3 & Hero3+.
** GoPro Camera not included! **
Big Blue VL7500P Underwater Video Light
$621.99
This great new addition to the Bigblue Dive Lights photo/video light family offers many features making it a great choice for any diver.
The VL7500P is a self-contained, compact yet powerful, all-purpose dive light – but is best suited for video purposes with a 120 Deg beam angle.
This light generates 7500 lumens, and offers 4 power settings controlled by a reliable push-button.
Also an option in the push-button system is a built-in red LED mode, great for lowering the color temperature and creating a great light for viewing all types of sea life.
This light also comes with a yellow filter and ball joint for camera use, and has a reliable Li ion rechargeable battery and charger.
Sea & Sea YS-D2 Strobe – Mounted on a Uni-Tray Flex Arm Set Light Set
$913.95 $779.00
All included strobe package, featuring Sea & Sea’s newest strobe – the YS-D2 and Mozaik’s universal Uni Tray, compatible with almost any compact or mirrorless housing in the market and fiber optic cable included! Ready to dive lighting package.
The Sea & Sea YS-D2 is the next generation TTL underwater strobe, following the widely popular YS-D1. Excellent for both wide-angle or macro photography above and under the water.
The Uni-Tray is a Sturdy, Easy to Use, Modular, Lightweight and Carry-Friendly Tray/Arm Package. This High quality Locline arm package was designed specifically for Mozaik Underwater Cameras.
FG16 Underwater Housing AND Canon G16 Camera
$1034.95 $699.00
The Canon G16 bundle with the Fantasea housing has been our most popular compact bundle for the past year.
The G16 is the ideal underwater camera, packing plenty of features and excellent quality in a compact size. It’s complimented by the incredible value Fantasea housing, which allows complete control over all the camera’s features and includes a bonus leak detector, as well as double O-ring seals, keeping your gear safe and dry.
Fantasea offers plenty of easy-to-add accessories such as a wide angle lens, macro adapter and lens, filters and more which snap on the housing effortlessly.
Now offered at surprisingly low price! Valid while stock lasts.
Gifts Under $1500
Big Blue VL30000P (30000 Lumens) Underwater Video Light
$1449.99
THIRTY THOUSAND LUMENS! Also known as the “Big Chubby”, the newest powerhouse in the Bigblue line of photo/video products is the VL30000P.
Self-contained Li ion rechargeable battery pack, Battery and charger included with an easy-to-access, removable battery pack.
Beam angle of 160 Deg, Push-button on/off switching system with 4 power output settings and an SOS setting, A built-in red LED setting.
A Lantern grip for easy hand-held use, a standard 1″ ball joint for easy mounting to any camera system, and A 35 LED cell design giving a stunning 30,000 lumens!
Dual Radiant 2500 Pro – Mounted on a Blue Ray Tray Light Set
$1079.00
This complete lighting set will allow you to take stunning and colorful videos withe a total of 5000 lumens!
The Radiant Pro 2500 Video Light is a durable and powerful video light, designed to significantly enhance color and light in underwater videos and still images. It offers a variety of advanced features for creative photographers. Flood, Spot, Red, UV & Blue, all in the same light!
The Fantasea Blue Ray Double Tray allows integrating different components in an underwater photo system, including the camera housing, arms, strobes, lights, lens holders and more.
Fantasea FG7X Underwater Housing AND Canon G7X Camera w/ BigEye & RedEye
$1925.95 $1499.95
A complete underwater setup including a camera, housing, lens and filter, reado to create awesome top quality videos and photos!
The Canon G7X is one of the best high-end compacts available. Featuring a huge 1″ sensor, 24-100mm f1.8-2.8 very bright lens and all manual features we know from previous Canon cameras, this is a perfect system for underwater imaging.
The RedEye fits directly over the housing lens port or installed on compatible lens accessories. It can be installed and removed during the course of the dive.
The BigEye is used as a Wet dome to restore the original viewing range of the lens underwater.
Complete G16 Underwater Setup
$1599.00 $1439.00
This popular Fantasea G16 package includes everything you need to take you G16 underwater and produce stunning wide angle AND macro photos! The bundle includes the BigEye lens, which expands your field of view by 25%, the SharpEye, which allows you to get closer to critters and take cool macro shots and a RedEye, for better colors when shooting with ambient light.
The YS-01 strobe is one of the most popular strobes in the market, adding true vivid colors to your photos, with a fast recycle time and wide beam.
The Blue Ray tray keeps everything in place and even includes the EyeGrabber which is used to stow the lens that isn’t in use at the moment.
Ikelite Underwater DSLR Housing for Canon T4i (650D) / T5i (700D)
$1599.95 $1299.95
All of the professional-grade features a camera of this caliber demands. The only Canon EOS 650D/700D housing to offer built-in hard-wired true Canon eTTL2 metering with an underwater strobe. And more than a little pocket change left over for your next equipment upgrade.
Access to all important camera function, Capable of electrical TTL strobe exposure, Comfortable rubber grips
Glass optical viewfinder enhanced for underwater, Visible o-ring seals, Corrosion-proof solid body
Release handles with comfortable rubber grips allow for easy attachment and removal of mounting arms at the touch of a button. Two 12-24 screws remove the handle and tray assembly for traveling.
For more options or custom packages, consult with our experts via the online chat on the bottom right corner! We’re always here for you and glad to offer advice!
Happy Holidays and dive safe!
Visit his personal portfolio at www.ranmorphoto.com.
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