BigBlue 4200 Lumen Wide Beam + 1200 Lumen Spot Beam - Black

Lumens measure the total light output, but they say nothing about how that light is shaped, so a tight narrow beam can look far brighter at distance than a higher-lumen wide beam. Beam angle, color temperature, and water clarity affect what you actually see as much as the lumen figure does. Use lumens to compare lights of a similar beam type rather than as a single score of quality.

A primary light is your main light, usually brighter, larger, and with a longer burn time, while a backup is a small, simple light carried in case the primary fails. Any dive where you need a light to exit safely, such as a night dive, calls for carrying at least one backup. Backups are chosen for reliability and simplicity rather than for maximum output.

Burn time and brightness trade directly against each other, so the same battery run at a lower power setting lasts substantially longer. Manufacturers usually quote burn time at each power level, and many lights automatically step down output as the battery drains or the head heats up. Treat quoted figures as fresh-battery, ideal-condition numbers and plan for more burn time than your dive actually needs.

The o-rings sealing the battery compartment are what keep the light from flooding, so inspect them for grit, hair, and nicks every time you open it, and wipe the sealing surfaces clean. Lubricate lightly with the grease type the manufacturer specifies, using a thin film rather than a heavy coat, because excess grease attracts sand. Replace o-rings when they look flattened, cracked, or dry, and do not over-tighten the cap in the hope of sealing a bad o-ring.

Lithium batteries are subject to airline and regulatory limits that vary by cell chemistry, watt-hour rating, and whether the cells are installed or loose. As a general rule lithium cells travel in carry-on baggage rather than checked baggage, with terminals protected against short circuit, but you must confirm your airline's current policy and any local rules before you fly. Carrying the manufacturer's battery specification sheet helps if you are questioned at screening.

Rinse it in fresh water after each dive day and work the switch while it is submerged so salt does not crystallize inside it, then dry it before opening. For storage, remove or charge the batteries as the manual directs, and leave the cap loose so the o-ring does not take a permanent set. Never store a light with corroded or leaking cells inside it.

Test it briefly as part of your pre-dive check, but do not leave a powerful light running in air, because many are designed to shed heat into the water and can overheat on the surface. Check the manual, as some lights have thermal protection that dims or shuts them down when they are dry. Testing before you gear up is far better than discovering a dead light at depth.

Yes, the wide beam side is built for video. It throws a 120 degree flood at 6500K with four output levels from 420 to 4200 lumens, so you can match brightness to the subject distance instead of blowing out close shots. Burn time runs 1.5 hours at full 4200 lumens and 6 hours at 1050 lumens. A 1 inch ball joint is included for mounting, plus a soft Goodman glove for hand-held use.

The spot beam puts out 1300 lumens in a 6 degree cone, versus 4200 lumens across 120 degrees on the wide flood. Switching between wide, narrow and the 150 lumen red mode is done with the push button control, which also carries a battery level indicator.

It runs on a rechargeable 32650 Li-ion battery pack, Bigblue part number BATCELL32650, which is included. The BATCHRUSB USB charger is also in the box. Burn time depends on the level selected: 15 hours at Level I (420 lumens), 6 hours at Level II, 3 hours at Level III and 1.5 hours at Level IV (4200 lumens).

The VTL4200P is compatible with the Bigblue FluoroDive Kit Set (FDK55), the Easy Release Series, the Goodman Handle Series and the Soft Globe Filter (GF55). The light ships with a 1 inch ball joint, a yellow filter (FILYELLG), a soft Goodman glove, a lanyard and a 5L outdoor dry bag. Call 888-701-4017 if you need help confirming a specific handle or arm setup.