Ikelite Halogen... Get 100w or 50w ?

I'll preface this query by stating that I am shooting UW video for the first time in November.

Ikelite is rebuilding a light head for me and Im wondering which way I should get it back in 50w or 100w.

Burn time or power, I guess that is the question.

If i go with the 100w halogen bulb I'll get 22minutes.... Not sure if that's going to get me through 2 tanks or not. I guess I have no Idea how much is time actually laid to tape during an average dive.

The other issue is macro ... will the 100w blow out close shots. Can the 20w modeling light be used for macro?

If I go with 50w I get 55 minutes of burn time. But less light output.

Diving in Cozumel so ambient light with correction filter will be used shallow, light without filter when deeper.

A few days of Isla Mujeres for 40ft reef dives as well.

What do ya think ?

Thanks!

Don

It's easy to change bulbs and they only cost about $5. I'd start with the 50 watt bulb and go to the 100 if you have to. Don't run the lamps the whole dive. Only turn them on when you need to.

I agree Ron, go with the 50's and change later if you need to. Remember that 100's are not double as bright as the 50's. I believe that they are only about 30% brighter and will chew through battery as you say. 22mins aint great, what will happen on night dives???

Jon

50w works great. Each time you dive, turn on the light and make sure it fills the frame ,not just half the frame or less, before you start shooting, and make sure you remove the cc filter when you turn on the light and start shooting or you too will get four min. of a red spotted eel. Made these mistakes and too many more to list without getting writers cramp!

Thanks for the advice. I had them build out it with 50w....and got a spare 50w bulb.

I figured it would be better to have more time than 20 minutes. If I need more light, I'll just move 12" closer

I thought scuba was an expensive sport. Add in some video and it starts getting ugly

Yeah video is expensive, but the best part is when you can't dive, nothing is a better substitute than watching your videos.