Fantasea Twin 1600 Lumens for Compact Housings / 110 Degree Beam Angle

[NW Dive Dawg]

Hi folks... I was doing a bit of video lighting research today and Mr. Google brought me here... so I figured I'd join up and say hello. When I went to register, it seems that I had already joined back in 05. So anyway.. this will be my 2nd post in 8 years!

Wife and I are both lifer divers and living here in the Great Northwest. On May 12 (nine days but whose counting) we're headed off to Bonaire for 10 days of no schedule shore diving. This will be our 10th trip to Bonaire so I have tone of gigs of video of everything they have to offer but this trip I really want to try and improve my video quality. I'm using a basic Canon Powershot SX230 12MP in a WP-DC42 Housing. The camera shoots excellent 1920 X 1080 HD, but the color at depth is ..well....the color at depth.


Anyway, this year I decided it's time to drop a little bank and see if I can improve things a bit. I decided on this set-up from Fantasea. (Link below). Don't know yet how it will all turn out but I'll definitely get back here with some results once we return. Also, I'll do some blank white wall topside tests to show beam angle, color temp, etc at different distances.


The MSRP is a little scary.. but with a little looking around I was able to basically "build" this excact system at Liesure Pro for $600 OTD with tax, shipping included. If you call them and order by phone, the online prices are discounted. The actual lights are $189 each. The tray is $55 and the arms are $29 ea. Batteries and charger are found on Ebay.

Fantasea Line Water Sports Photo Products & Accessories- Twin Radiant Lighting Set

 

[scubadivingtom]

I was thinking of buying the same lights. I already have this pistal grip set up. MAKO AR15 GoPro Handle Light Bracket Module

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

Well... everything arrived a couple of days ago and I'm extremely satisfied with the quality of these lights. After trying a few configurations, I decided on the single tray without the extention to bring the gorilla "arms" into a better position to operate the camera. These lights are bright, powerful and even. To test the dispursement angle, I did a white wall test last night with the following results for a single light:

8" distance = 22" diameter target dispursement.

12" distance = 35" diameter target dispursement.

24" distance = 50" diameter target dispursement.

36" distance = 72" diameter target dispursement

Also, just for kicks I turned out all the house lights and from 8ft, one of these lights up my greatroom wall with about almost a 20ft dispursement.


Anyway... all of this is basically meaningless without seeing how they perform UW. So...... my flight from Seattle to Miami leaves tonight at 9:30... then on to Curacao, then a hop over to Bonaire. Be there at Buddy's for 10 days so should be able really get the full picture and provide a better review of how these lights work..

Here's the set up right before I broke it all down to pack.

 

[Interceptor121]

Interesting lights I wonder who manufactures the actual LED?

Another thing to consider is that to cover the field of view of the GoPro or even a bit wider 60 degrees are sufficient as long as the lumens do not drop outside centre. Not many people know that including manufacturers of the cheaper lights it would seem

 

[Jak Crow]

So what was the verdict for these lights?

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

So what was the verdict for these lights?

Here's my first video attempt using these lights a couple months ago ( Bonaire in May) and a basic Canon point and shoot powershot and canon housing. The entire set-up including camera, housing, lights, batteries, tray, arms, charger, mem card.....EVERYTHING.... was less than $1,000. It all packs up really small and lightweight which is exactly what I wanted. The only thing I would do differently is to use a lower setting on the lights for some of the daytime close up shots. For night diving...(about 7 minutes into the vid) these lights also really worked well. Anyway, I'm happy. .


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbVBdnA8FXc

 

[Jak Crow]

Can you allow the video on mobile devices?

 

[avigulf]

Looks like a nice trip. The mobile banning is because of copyrighted music.

 

[TONY CHANEY]

Very nice, very nice work and good diving!

 

[Jak Crow]

I picked up one last week and used it for the Monterey Shootout over the weekend. This is a great light!. I think I'm gonna get a 2nd one.