Both Focus Lights and Video Lights have a bulb with a triple, high-powered LED (9W), with approximately 800-lumen output. In addition, Nocturnal’s Video Lights are approximately twice as bright as a 10W, HID light, making them brighter, more compact and very reliable. The LEDs can deliver 100,000 hours of illumination and withstand a great range of temperatures.
Nikon D600 | Nikon D7100 | Nikon D800 | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon EOS-Rebel T4i
Professional use is the hardest test; and professional photographers and videographers will attest that they don’t have to purchase costly replacement bulbs, or experience malfunctions, faulty bulbs and power issues with Nocturnal Lights L SLX 800i Focus and Video Lights. To satisfy the most-demanding pros and serious enthusiasts, Nocturnal has designed all of its underwater lights to provide a uniform and bright beam that produces colors matched to daylight conditions.
Nocturnal Focus and Video Lights units come in various configurations and packages, including multiple heads, additional burn time and attachment to any underwater camera or video housing via a ball joint adapter or flex arm (which can also be purchased in multiples). The company has delivered on its promise of quality with high-grade 6061 aluminum for the housing, and double O-ring seals. This rugged construction makes the body corrosion- and impact-resistant.
The standard Nocturnal L SLX 800i is depth-rated for 328 feet (100 meters) and supplies more than eight hours of burn time with 6 AA batteries (only two hours at maximum output). When less output is required, the unit will operate with just three batteries. The SLX 800Xi Video Lights model is built with a larger body, so its burn time is double to more than 16 hours with 12 AA batteries, or 4.5 hours at maximum output. To reduce output, it can run on three, six or nine batteries. There is even versatility in the battery selection, as you can use either alkaline or rechargeable batteries, as well as battery packs and chargers from other manufacturers.
Additional Specifications
Standard Focus and Video Lights are 5 1/2" x 2 4/5" without a handle (The SLX 800Xi Video Light is 7 3/4 " x 2 4/5").
These small dimensions make Nocturnal SLX 800i Lights very compact as well as weighing only 1.4 lbs above water (with batteries) and 0.5lb underwater (with batteries) (The SLX 800Xi weighs 2.2 lb above water [with batteries] and 0.6lb underwater [with batteries]).
Power to the light is almost instant, requiring just 100 nanoseconds.
A switch lock also ensures that power isn’t lost due to inadvertent contact with other equipment or your person.
Each light in the standard Nocturnal Focus and Video Lights includes:
- SLX 800i Video Light
- Ball Joint Adapter
- Neoprene protective buoyancy sleeve
- 1 Set of Spare O-ring Kit
- 1 Set of 12-degree internal reflector cups
- 1 Set of 60-degree internal reflector cups
- 1 Set of Light Stand for 90 Degree Beams
For video, a two-light system is preferable, but the SLX 800i is available as a single unit, as a pair or as a four-unit package.
If you want to capture your underwater digital photography adventures in the clearest, most color-corrected light, then any of the Nocturnal Focus or Video Lights are excellent choices. You must be committed to your hobby, however, as the Nocturnal Lights SLX 800i Focus or Video Light standard package costs approximately $450. Prices for other Focus Light packages exceed $500, while other Video Light packages are priced as much as $1,800 for a four-light configurations with multiple clamps.
Recommended Reading:
- Night and Low-Light Photography Photo Workshop
- The Low Light Photography Field Guide
- The Complete Guide to Digital Night & Low-Light Photography
- Complete Digital Photography
- Night Photography: Finding Your Way in the Dark
- Creative Night: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques