If you think some of the canister torches are expensive, wait until you see the price of dedicated photography/video lights and strobes....
Or a drysuit, and DPV, and the proper training. And the on going cost, helium, logistic to get to a dive site
In the grant scheme, a $1000 light isn't that big of the deal in the world of tech diving. It is a lot worse if you have to abort a dive due to unreliable equipment after all the preparing, gas filling, getting to the site.
---------- Post added May 14th, 2015 at 05:59 PM ----------
thanks for both your inputs. So there is this other light I was looking at by Blue Reef. No idea who this brand is (probably some Chinese company) Anyways if you go here
Lights at LeisurePro you can see the model I am talking about. It is the 2000 lumen one that is 189 dollars onsale. only two reviews. Only one setting (super bright) and short burn time 2hrs or so but it appears it may do the trick for these ultra dark dives and taking a couple video/pics. ...?
So most light manufacture over rate their light output. They go with data sheet of the LED, not necessary true measurement. Looking at this blue reef spec, two 26650 in series, it still gives total of 4000mAh at 7.4V. 3 hour runtime means the draw from battery is about 1300mA. Efficiency of the driver is probably on 80% range, so total current going into the LED is probably 1000mA. Now look at data sheet for Cool White XML-L2 U2 bin, it produces about 400lumen. Together, the light output is about 1000-1200 lumen, not 2000. To get 2000LM for 3 hour, you need a much bigger battery
Having that said, you really don't need a super bright light for very dark dive. In fact, you need the brightest light for a day time dive. One big light usage for tech diver is signaling. To get effective signal in bright situation require a lot more light.
since you just started, my recommendation is NOT to invest in such an expansive light. Instead get something decent, something you can use as a backup light when you move to tech dive. A good option is those DRIS 1000 3C, DGX600. Plenty bright for recreation dive. Very decent run time. Inexpansive, reliable, great support from the sellers.