By Jett Britnell
Having practiced underwater photography for 28 years, I have used an assortment of underwater lights. Many of these were hailed as being state of the art but with modern day advances in LED light technology there is a new spin on traditional lighting technology.
When I first saw the Light & Motion's SOLA 600 LED Focus Light at a scuba consumer trade show, it was amazing. With its attractive esthetics and diminutive size, the SOLA 600 is still lightweight. The SOLA 600 has fingertip adjustable white spot and flood beams along with a red light feature. A bank of red LED lights is new and exciting in a focus light. Several species of marine life cannot see the red light spectrum, so one is unlikely to spook your subject. Does it work? The answer is yes.
During a dive in BC's Emerald Sea, I came across a decorated warbonnet. Before approaching it, I switched the light from its white spotlight to red mode. Amazingly, I could see perfectly and focus my camera's lens with the red light. I was able to approach the warbonnet without disturbing or frightening it and took several close-up exposures. The red light mode worked. Charging is easy and you never need to remove the battery; a built-in lithium-ion battery that is charged through external charge ports with gold plated receivers.
The second question I had about this light was, would the light's factory sealed body present a problem for air travel? My concern was whether there would be a problem with air travel authorities because the batteries cannot be removed. Ultimately, this proved not to be an issue; we were able to pack the SOLA 600 in our carryon luggage for an assignment in the Philippines without any hassle.
By a wide margin, Light & Motion's SOLA 600 focus light is the best I have used in my many years. For more info, visit www.uwimaging.com. ■
Light & Motion SOLA 600 Specifications
MSRP
$579 US
Output Lumens
White floodlight 679 lumens,
Red light 225 lumens.
Burn Time in Minutes
High- 80, Med- 160,
Low- 320, Red- 320
System Weight
230 grams
Battery
2 Cell Li-ion
Charger
1.5 Amp
Dimensions
57mm x 101mm
Master diver Mike Hughes takes you on a whirl wind tour of the inner sanctum of Inner Puget Sound. 
Often called the “Sunrise Side” because it is located on the east shoreline of Michigan, Alpena calls to divers from out of the past.
When you think of diving for tropical fish, you probably don’t think of Rhode Island...especially in late September.
Come visit Isla de Guadalupe with writer Bruce Watkins and see the best place to observe and photograph these fascinating animals.
Meet the newest member of the Dive News Network, and no we aren't talking about a person!
For over 15 years Ernie Arellano has been in the forefront of dive industry innovations for other companies but now Arellano is striking out on his own. 
