Lighting advice needed...

I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger on a Sony HC7 and the Gates Housing. So I've started looking into light options... Initial use will be largely in shallow bright tropical site (+ nite dives). Hopefully I will also get to bring it along for a Cocos trip later this summer. Eventually, I'll probably start taking them on some deep wrecks in Asia, but that's not for awhile.

Anyways, I've got a friend who's trying to sell his Salvo 21W HID canister light. I figure with one of these video reflectors, this might make a decent video light without breaking the bank. Actually I already have a 21W focusable HID as well but the head design is older and doesn't fit the video reflector (I might try to DIY some kind of diffuser to get rid of the hotspot) .

Now my question is, would I be better off buying say a Niterider/Greenforce twin 10W HID system vs a single 21W HID light?

buy the green and send em to me to trial, i will send you results...

buy the green and send em to me to trial, i will send you results...

 

I'll send you this one instead... see if you can fry those Mantas...

I've been using the Niterider Pro 20 for about 4 years now - i.e. 2*10W HID's. In that time I have had one new battery and replaced two bulbs. They work well for macro in dark conditions e.g. Lembeh Straits on black sand/mud. They are very adequate on night dives for close to medium work.

They are no good in fairly bright daylight even for macro, they are useless for wide angle. Saying that I used them in the Cenotes in the Mexican Yukatan Peninsular and they produced a very effective eery light picking up the white stalagmites etc. in the complete darkness of the caves.

As the light output is almost the same and having used a single HID in the past, I would prefer the twin system as it softens the shadows and lights the subject more naturally, especially on macro.

I would be interested in what the others say.

Roger

Can't go wrong with a 'death ray'!!!!

Death Ray LOL !

Hello Mr. TSA airport security agent, don't worry, it's just a really really strong light called the Death Ray

Well I've come to conclusion that the Deathray 200 is going to throw off the buoyancy and balance, mounted on a little HC7 housing...

Roger, thanks for the feedback on the niteriders.

Well I was playing around with various DIY diffusers (plastic shopping bags, tupperware tops, coffee can tops, etc) for my existing 21W HID canister/umbilical light and it appears to be doing a good job fully removing any hotspot. If I finally pull the trigger on the HC7 housing, I think I will give this a shot first.