Light ignorance

[scubafied]

I'm looking to buy some lights and don't really know where to begin. I've seen a lot of responses saying it depends on what kind of diving you do or where you dive. Also something about the angles of the lights working in some situations but not in others.

For the moment most of my diving will be rec diving in warm water areas. I'd like a primary that could be wrist mounted but still provide ample light in most situations. I was looking into the Light & Motion Sola 1200. I know it's pricey (not a concern) but with the photo lighting options as well it seems to be a very versatile little light with a high output.

Is 1200w enough for warm water rec diving? What differences do the angles of the beam play? Is there anything else I've missed that I should think about before buying?

If anyone has any suggestions other than the Sola, feel free to post them. My primary concerns are the wrist mount, and being able to see obviously. The handhelds just seem like they would be an inconvenience if you encountered a situation where you needed both hands available and the canister or tec lights involve to many cables for me to go that route.

Thanks in advance.

 

[gcbryan]

A more focused (narrow) beam is usually preferred in diving. It's better for signaling and doesn't create as much backscatter in poor visibility conditions. In the tropics (good vis) on a night dive most anything will work (1200 lumen would be overkill for me) and some may prefer a broader beam to illuminate a larger area.

If you want to use it to look under ledges in the daytime a more focused beam would be better as well.