21W Xenon
[VL21WXenonF]

This is the most sensational video on the market today and this new version has just been released with the new Lithium Ion batteries, giving a much increased burn time and it is dramatically lighter in weight than its predecessor. The Kowalski Xenon was the original High Intensity Discharge (HID) diving lamp. The performance is quite spectacular and it is difficult to imagine how performance like this can be improved upon in such a compact unit.

This was originally designed as a video lamp, but is also used by some, with a Spot reflector, for use as a diving torch. A word of warning, however; this lamp needs to be looked after as carefully, if not more so, than the rest of your camera equipment. It also cannot be switched on and off at will.

It comes at a price (not just the purchase price) as it is not a lamp to be allowed to roll around in the bottom of a RIB. The bulb technology relies on an Arc, rather than a Filament and it is, therefore, much more fragile; this is a piece of kit that needs to be cared for, not abused. We're afraid that the cost of replacement bulbs is also rather frightening.

If you really look after your kit and are looking for the brightest Video Lamp available - this is the "Bee's Knees", but, if it is likely to be receive rough treatment, forget it; you will drive yourself mad and considerably poorer, replacing broken bulbs.

This lamp is ideal for both Wreck and Scenic Photography and even well suited for British waters, giving a large bright beam to penetrate the gloom. The Flood reflector with a 10 0 degree beam is almost entirely free from shadows or hotspots

This lamp may not be safely used out of water, as the batteries become overheated and get damaged

The 21W Xenon comes with the Flood reflector as standard. If you prefer to have the Spot (9 degree) beam, please go to the Diving Torch section. If, however you wish to have the option of both Flood and Spot reflectors, which involves changing the casing, buy your Lamp with the Flood reflector in this section and purchase the separate casing from the Accessories section