Video lights on all the time?

[DrWilliam]

I’m considering upping my GoPro game by adding lights like a backscatter 2 light set up, but what I am confused about is are the lights on the whole dive ? I assume no, but let me explain why I ask. I usually use my go pro to shoot quick videos, rarely over 30 seconds, maybe only 10-15 seconds, and maybe do this ten or 15 times on a dive.

With a two light system will I be having to independently turn on each light when ever something pops up I want to film? Are there trigger systems to easily activate both lights on and off simultaneously?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Sure Squintsalot]

Leaving lights on full time might be a little obnoxious when in other divers' field of view. However, not actually using the lights every time you film, is a waste.

In my case, it's a constant flurry of arms and fingers....on, off, GoPro on, left light on, right light on, reposition, off, GoPro off, on, repeat up to 20 times during a dive. Oh, and let's include the numerous switch pressings to get to the right setting! Sure, it's all reflexive by now, but a remote trigger activating the lights would be pretty awesome.

 

[DrWilliam]

Totally agree about the obnoxious part of leaving lights on and your description of “flurry of arms and fingers” is exactly what I was imagining!

 

[1fspeed]

I've been using Kraken's Remote Control with a couple of their lights. The remote mounts to your tray/housing and allows on/off toggle and brightness adjustments.

 

[ROUS]

If you're shooting wide angle video, you often don't have time to turn on lights for a shot. Unless I've moved into a boring area, my lights stay on all the time (and are usually pointed away from other divers).

 

[Doc Harry]

I have two Backscatter video lights. I leave them all the time during night dives, they act as my primary dive light and video lights. There is plenty of juice in those batteries to last an entire dive.

I have another set of batteries for my video lights that I keep charged. I switch out the video light batteries after every dive.

During the day, there is no reason to leave the lights turned on. You don't need the video lights for wide angle shots unless you're doing a closeup with the wide angle lens, or inside of a wreck or cave. For shots without the wide angle lens, it's just a quick tap on each video light to turn them on.

 

[gmerick]

Lights sure helps bring out the color, and makes spotting reef creatures easier.
Pair of Big Blue VTL8000p lights. During the day, below 10m, if i'm within 2-3 meters of anything interesting (most of the dive) the lights are on. The batteries last in excess of 3 hours. I switch em off if I'm at all likely to shine on other divers. During night dives I use the lowest lumen setting, or switch off to watch luminescence.

 

[texasdivemaster2012]

Leaving lights on full time might be a little obnoxious when in other divers' field of view. However, not actually using the lights every time you film, is a waste.

Not a little obnoxious, a lot obnoxious. There was a diver on a trip who let his tray dangle when he wasn't using it. His high lumen lights pointed directly back at anyone who was behind him in the group. The dive guide said he was not allowed on any more night dives, if he was going to do that.

 

[Blackcrusader]

I have two Big Blue VL4200p video lights with adjustable power.
Yeah sometimes would like a magic remote for both lights but not really an issue.
Macro video is not moving fast enough to get away lol.

I don't leave the lights on during day dives. I may leave one light on low power on a night dive and use both when taking a video or photo.

Even on this day dive I used low power on the lights for this close up video..

 

[Blackcrusader]

I also take photos using my video lights. TG6 camera. Taken today.