Review: Pelican StealthLite 2450, Rechargeable Xenon Dive Light

Last year I took my very first vacation to the tropics. I enjoyed the snorkeling and the diving thoroughly; however, as soon as night began to creep up on me, all I could think of was how wonderful it would be to go into the water and have some form of light source in order to continue eyeing the undersea kaleidoscope of beauty.

I had a digital camera that was capable of taking spectacular shots underwater, however the photo fun had to come to an end as soon as the sun kissed me goodnight.

When booking a trip this year, I wanted to go fully prepared, but I did not want to spend thousands of dollars on an underwater light source that many dive shops sold. I wanted something small that would be easy to take along with me while traveling, and I wanted something that would not take me to the poor house. Mostly though, I wanted something that would allow me to take great photos underwater, while providing an adequate amount of lighting.

I began my search and found a small flashlight that was capable of diving down under with me. I was hesitant but the flashlight I went with was a Pelican StealthLite 2450, Rechargeable Xenon Dive Light. This light was much, much smaller than the competition big daddy dive lights, but priced at $60.00, I figured it would be something that was worth at least trying.

Features
 
So maybe the Pelican StealthLite 2450 Rechargeable Xenon Dive Light, does not come packed with the same illuminating features as high end dive lights, but for the small size and light weight of the light, I must say the specs are pretty impressive.
However specs on paper are just specs on paper. Testing the light is the real treat. I will cover this further on, and also cover how well the light worked as far as providing good lighting for my camera.

The best feature of course is the fact that the light is rechargeable. No need to bring batteries along with you, just plug the charge base into a wall socket, and rest the light on the base. The first charge took approximately 2 hours to fully charge. Green lights will let you know when your dive light is fully pumped up with a charge and ready to go.

The second charge only took an hour and 15 minutes. It seemed the first charge required the most juice.
If you want, you can also put 4 AAA batteries into the light for use. However, why waste money on batteries when you can simply charge it?

The next nifty feature that will really stick out to those considering the dive light, is the fact that it can go deep down into depths of 500 feet underwater. Not that I would ever be down 500 feet, it is nice to know that I am not limited.

The burn time on the dive light when fully charged is 4 hours, so you have more than enough time to catch great photo shots, and you have more than enough time to get used to carrying both the light, and your under water camera.

The Pelican StealthLite 2450, Rechargeable Xenon Dive Light only weighs 7.8 ounces. In the water though it feels virtually weightless. Its length is 6.5 inches, which makes holding it in your hand pretty effortless. The attached wrist lanyard also makes dropping it in the depths of the water less likely.

The tested lux value sits at approximately 4,800, while the tested lumen value is at 28.0. The light also has a nice thumb switch which slides on and off for use while working with gloves.

The light is capable of cutting through smoke and fog as well.

So yes, the features may not even come close to the features that you will find on expensive equipment, but for standard underwater photography, the features included seemed perfect, especially for the price.

How Well Does The Pelican StealthLite 2450, Rechargeable Xenon Dive Light Work At Night?
 
After powering the dive light on at night, I got it ready for its very first use, which was in my pool.

I was pretty impressed with how well it lit up my backyard as I walked to the pool. The illumination is powerful, and the circular light focus on subjects made me think that underwater, it would illuminate my subjects perfectly.

Before diving into the water, I plopped the Pelican StealthLite 2450, Rechargeable Xenon Dive Light into the water. To my surprise it lit up the entire pool as if there was a full sized underwater pool light installed.Will the Pelican StealthLite 2450, Rechargeable Xenon Dive Light Really Allow Me To Take Good Photos Underwater At Night?

I let the light sit down submerged on the bottom of the pool for an hour while I happily went swimming, and snapping some photographs of underwater pool toys. As you can see by my included photos, it almost looks as if I took these photos during the day.

Look at how well it lit the subject when the Pelican StealthLite 2450, Rechargeable Xenon Dive Light was focused directly on the subject.

So will the light allow you to take acceptable underwater photos at night?
 
You bet!

The results speak for themselves.

Tips For Best Night Shots Using The StealthLite
 
The best results you will get using the StealthLite include placing the light directly on your subject, and keeping your underwater cameras flash light on at all times. This way you get the additional lighting from the underwater flashlight, and the extra boost from the flash bulb on the camera.

In all honestly, it will look as if your photos were taken during the day, and this is especially neat because some fish you catch on camera at night, you will not find during the day.

I also suggest always taking a buddy with you, and make sure your buddy comes with a StealthLite as well. This will provide more light source for you.

Overall
 
Considering the fact that most underwater light sources will cost you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, the Pelican StealthLite 2450, Rechargeable Xenon Dive Light is an extremely excellent value, considering the fact that it is well capable of illuminating the waters enough to take some really great photographs.

What really makes the light so spectacular is the fact that the light will attract more fish. More predatory fish may be out at night, so always be cautious, and always bring a buddy with you. You will be shooting fish at night that primarily you will not see during the day. For $60.00, you really cannot beat it.

I've used mine in the water several times with no issues, and most importantly, no leaks.