daytime light for murky water

[gracklemann]

I need a light that will primarily be used in a lake (vis can range from 3-20 feet), mostly during the day to dusk.
I really don't like the idea of throwing away batteries, so rechargable seems like the best option. I figure at most I'll be doing 2 dives in between recharge opportunities, so perhaps around 80 minutes of burntime would desirable.

Here are the options I have looked at so far:

- PrincetonTec Shockwave II w/recharge kit.
It's about $150, 12-20w, 205-389 lumens, 1.25 hrs burn time, comes with a case

- UK C8 w/recharge kit
It's about $110 total, 13.2 - 20w, ? lumens, 1.4-2.5 hrs burm time

- UK C4 w/recharge kit
about $97, 6.6-10w, ? lumens, 1.5-2.5 hrs burn time

- UK Light Cannon w/recharge kit
$225 total, 10w (25w equivalent), 450 lumens, 2 hrs burn time

I'm open for other suggestions as well.

The C4 and C8 look like the cheapest options. The C4 has the further advantage of being smaller, but at the cost of power. I couldn't find published Lumen output ratings for the c4 or c8. The Cannon is the most powerful, but it costs more and replacement bulbs are $75. I'm not even sure if that's a real issue or not since I'll just be using it locally.

Anyway... I'm looking for advice and suggestions. Please keep in mind that I won't be using the light in clear water, and generally not at night. I'm looking for a good balance of functionality, cost, and size. Thanks.

 

[jonnythan]

The Light Cannon will by far put out the most light. The bulbs are a little fragile and very expensive to replace, so I don't recommend it.

I recommend the UK C8. It's bright, durable, simple, and small enough.

However, I recommend you DO NOT get the UK recharge kit. It uses NiCad battery technology, which will not give you very good burn time, and may be subject to a memory effect.

Instead, Batteryspace/Powerizer make this great NiMH battery/charger combo:
http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=323

You should get over 3 hours of burn time out of these, compared to about 2 hours out of the UK pack, for a similar price.

You do give up the 20watt bulb, but in my experience the standard 13 watt bulb is more than sufficient.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Take it from someone who dives murky water on a regular basis - a light isn't going to make things any better. Buy the light for night dives and to get a look in the little nooks and crannies you find underwater. If viz is bad, it's bad with a light too. The light just helps you see how bad it really is. Save your money and get a canister light. You'll be happier in the long run.