Laser Pointer Suggestions Sought

[fred3798]

I would like to carry a low intensity laser (<5mw) pointer. I have seen a few DMs carry them to help with pointing out small items and enticing critters to follow the light. No pointing in critters' eyes, I know. Some basic web-surfing suggests that brands advertised as "waterproof" may not really be well sealed even at no-decompression depths. Does anyone have experience with a reliable (to 30 - 40 m) and affordable brand? thanks.:cool2:

 

[Kilili]

Trident makes one, runs off 2 AA. Had for a long time, don't recall where i got mine, but easy to find. Claims waterproof to 60 metres. Try search Trident underwater laser, or some such.

Better, but more expensive:
http://shop.z-bolt.com/SCUBA-1-Unde...trk=gdfV25268_a_7c1640_a_7c6346_a_7cSCUBA_d_1

 

[JRO]

I would like to carry a low intensity laser (<5mw) pointer. I have seen a few DMs carry them to help with pointing out small items and enticing critters to follow the light. No pointing in critters' eyes, I know. Some basic web-surfing suggests that brands advertised as "waterproof" may not really be well sealed even at no-decompression depths. Does anyone have experience with a reliable (to 30 - 40 m) and affordable brand? thanks.:cool2:

I did a lot of digging and everything I read said that a red beam is tough to spot in the water. I forgot the brand, but I found a green laser...it was fantastic. I ended up giving it to dive guide in Mexico as a tip...we nick named him the green lantern.

 

[jh_MacLeod]

Better, but more expensive:
SCUBA-1 Underwater Green Laser for Scuba Diving & Marine Use, Salt Water Proof to 200 ft

I've had one of the Z-Bolt for years. I don't actually use it very often, but it has been submerged more than 100 times and has been 100% reliable.

 

[Damselfish]

agree about red being hard to see, I used to have a red one and it wasn't very useful.

 

[KeithG]

I would like to carry a low intensity laser (<5mw) pointer. I have seen a few DMs carry them to help with pointing out small items and enticing critters to follow the light. No pointing in critters' eyes, I know. Some basic web-surfing suggests that brands advertised as "waterproof" may not really be well sealed even at no-decompression depths. Does anyone have experience with a reliable (to 30 - 40 m) and affordable brand? thanks.:cool2:

Please do not point at the fish. It is rude.
If you MUST point, please use your finger.
If you are concerned that your finger may become fish food, please keep your fingers in your pocket.

 

[fred3798]

Rude? Anthropomorphising perhaps?

 

[MarineResearch]

I have used scaling lasers that are extremely reliable at depths far exceeding diving depths (mounted on an ROV). Unfortunately, the cost was about $3k. For shallower depths I have a pair of Innovative red lasers that I can mount to my camera housing. Parallel lasers are used to provide a constant distance between the lasers to allow for subsequent measurements and density calculations. Red (650 nm) is used because most fish cannot see it. Since the scaling lasers are used within a couple meters from the bottom, the attenuation of red at depth is acceptable.

If you want a more powerful laser that you see better and torment sea life, Innovative makes a green (532 nm) laser. Unlike red lasers, where you can only see the red dot most of the time, you can see the entire beam when using a green laser.

 

[MikeQc]

Better, but more expensive:
SCUBA-1 Underwater Green Laser for Scuba Diving & Marine Use, Salt Water Proof to 200 ft

I have on of those and it is Awesome!! you can play with small fish and they'll chase the dots like cats do.. very fun!
And it's stunning on a night dive!