(I decided to create a new thread of an "old" post, as the old topic didn't match)
Finally I have had the chance to test the FIXLED1000. Unfortunately I did not at the time have the HG20DX to compare side by side, but I tested it against all of my dive lights (focus lights etc).
(I will update this thread later on when I've borrowed a HG20DX)
In short, the FIXLED1000 is nothing but outstanding!
I just love the wide, smoother beam (not 100% perfectly smooth, but almost) and the huge amount of power (1000 lumens!).
If it's as wide as the HG20DX I frankly don't know (yet, but I plan to test this soon). But, it's surely wide enough for me.
Why so much power you might ask?
Well as it's easily adjustable it can be used for more than "just" a focus light.
As a dive light it will lighten up the whole wreck or reef (well almost ).
As a video light it must be truly amazing.
I often dive in dark and relatively low viz waters and a light like this will make finding all sorts of things sooo much easier. No need to sweep, just point it forward and Sesame! In extremely low viz that wont work of course but I always bring a typical narrow beam dive light as well.
It would be interesting testing how well it would work as a strobe replacement. I know UWP did a test, but I want to make my own in dark green water.
Those of your diving in tropical waters probably don't see the point of this light. When I dive in e.g. the Red Sea, I never even bring a focus light. No need. And any cheap light will work great for night dives. But diving in dark, green relatively low viz waters e.g. in the Swedish west coast, especially in fjords where it's always very dark, a focus light is THE thing. I always strugle with altering the position of the focus light(s). I've tested multiple lights taped together or on individual arms and other things but nothing is good enough. Nothing even comes close to the beam of the FIXLED1000. Hey, I wish I had a diving store selling these babies!
I have not yet tested it on a dive, but I plan to do that soon and will update this thread with the results.
To show how great it is, I did some tests in my basement.
For all shots: D-SLR on a tripod, manual settings (f9, 14mm on a DX lens, ISO 200, 1/10, manual WB). The wall the lights are projected on is a 100" 4:3 projector screen.
FIXLED1000 at maximum power.
Ikelite Mini C Halogen with Fisheye Diffusor.
LED Lenser Frogman (the "big" one) with simple home build diffusor.
Tauchen Lamp GS35 with Diffusor head.
There have also been some improvements on the general design since the HG20DX. For instance the lock button is better (easier to access) and there are less chances for a leak (due to several neat improvements such as extra o-rings etc), an optional remote control etc.
For a "plain" focus light, I'm sure the new FIXLED500 will be just as good.
Here are some links of interest:
There are surely many dive stores that sells it, but here are a few that I've found (in different parts of the world).
/Peter
