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In this guide, we will compare lights that are often paired up with action cameras like Gopro or Paralenz and the leading two are the Big Blue VL4200P and Kraken Hydra 3500s+. Both lights are also very popular with compact camera setups as well.
Let’s go over some of their specs:
| Big Blue VL4200P | Kraken Hydra 3500S+ RGB WSRU | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $369.99 | $539 |
| Lumens Output | 4200 Lumens | 3500 lumens (4500 Strobe) |
| Beam Angle | 120 degrees | 110 degrees or 10 deg Spot (800 Lumens) |
| Depth Rating | 330ft/100m | 330ft/100m |
| Color Temperature | 6500k | 5000k CRI 80 |
| Red Light | Yes | Yes + UV Light |
| Strobe Mode | No | Yes |
| Max Burn Time | ~90 minutes @ 100% 4 Power levels |
~68 minutes @ 100% 3 Power Levels in Flood and Spot + SOS |
| Buoyancy | -167g (w/ batt) | -250 g (w/batt) |
| Power Source | Li-Ion BATCELL 32650 | Li-ion Battery Pack |
| Housing Material | Anodized Aluminum Alloy | Anodized Aluminum Alloy |
| Mount | Ball Mount (Optional YS) | YS and Ball Mounts |
Kraken Hydra 3500s
This video light is an awesome combination of power, convenience, and quality. Kraken being one of the top brands on the market synonymous with great performing, high-quality underwater lighting options introduces to us a light that can serve multiple functions.
Flood mode: 3500 lumens out of a single LED at a beam angle of 110 degrees
Spot mode produces a narrow 800 lumen beam
Red mode is quite straightforward, 3 power levels of red light, great for focusing at night.
UV mode produces a powerful ultraviolet light, which excites the fluorescence qualities of corals and marine life, to produce a very cool effect! Especially when combined with a yellow filter for your dive mask and camera, but also visible without it.
The LED is rated at a CRI of 80 and emits a light temperature of 5000K
Lumen Output: 3500 (800 Spot, 4500 burst)
Modes: Flood / Spot / Red / UV
Strobe function By connecting a fiber optic cable to the light, it can be used as a strobe with a burst power of 4500 lumens.
Remote Control ready An optional remote control can be used to control up to 2 lights.
Big Blue VL4200P
The Big Blue VL4200P Video Light is a powerful underwater video light. This video light also features a red light setting which is ideal for shooting marine life without disturbing them. It’s available in three colors: black, blue or pink.
4200 Lumens at 120 degrees for an extra wide beam angle.
6500K color temperature
Push button with 4 power levels and battery indicator
Powered by a Li-ion 32650 Battery (charger included)
Comes with a 1″ ball mount, yellow filter, and dry bag
Four power levels. Max burn time of 1.5 hours at 4000 lumens.
- Sony a1 Underwater Housings – May 28, 2021