You might be thinking, "It’s a focus light. It just needs to help my camera focus. Does it need a review?" When it comes to the Kraken 1000 FE, it does. This is not just a basic underwater light; the Kraken 1000 FE is a powerful creative tool. It features a compact design and comes with impressive accessories that make it more than just a tool for autofocus. These include an optical condenser, a snoot tip, and a set of interchangeable color filters. Taken together, these tools open up a new world of creative lighting possibilities for underwater photographers and videographers.
To evaluate the real-world performance of the Kraken 1000 FE, I took it diving in the critter-rich waters of Redondo, a popular muck dive site just outside Seattle, Washington. The unique marine life and dark silty bottom of Redondo offered an ideal backdrop to test how this light performs in creative scenarios. The result? A surprisingly powerful, compact tool that turns standard macro images into vivid, professional-grade shots.
Design and Build Quality of the Kraken 1000 FE
The Kraken 1000 FE is a rugged and compact focus light, built with an anodized aluminum body that’s both lightweight and highly durable. The build is sealed with a double O-ring system, providing extra protection against flooding—a crucial feature for divers who shoot in unpredictable underwater conditions. The design is made with functionality in mind. It includes a simple single-button operation system and ships with a YS-mount for easy attachment to your rig. Note that a ball mount is sold separately.
Its flood beam has a maximum output of 1000 lumens and a wide 100-degree angle, which provides more than enough illumination to assist your camera’s autofocus system. This is especially useful for macro shooters who need precision lighting to lock onto subjects. The beam’s color temperature of 5500K produces a neutral white light that mimics daylight, ideal for clear visibility underwater without color distortion.
One of the more thoughtful features is the red light mode. By switching to red, you can approach skittish marine life without alarming them. Most fish can’t detect red light, and your camera’s autofocus system will still function effectively. This feature is indispensable for night dives or when working with shy critters. In addition to the red and white flood modes, the Kraken 1000 FE includes an SOS mode and a burst mode that temporarily boosts brightness up to 1500 lumens.
Functionality as a Focus Light
As a focus light, the Kraken 1000 FE excels in simplicity and reliability. The single-button interface allows for intuitive operation underwater. One short press toggles the light on or off, and longer presses cycle through brightness levels and color modes. With an 85-minute burn time at full power, the battery life is sufficient for most recreational and technical dives. Even if you're shooting long macro sessions, the light is unlikely to fail mid-dive.
The Kraken 1000 FE shines brightest (both literally and figuratively) in its role as a focus light that doesn't intrude on your image. At 1000 lumens, it provides the perfect level of illumination for most macro setups. It's not so powerful that it floods the scene and overexposes the subject, but strong enough to allow fast and accurate focusing. Its beam is clean, evenly diffused, and doesn’t produce noticeable hot spots or fringes.
The inclusion of burst mode makes the Kraken 1000 FE an even more versatile tool. When connected to your camera via a fiber optic cable, the light can be triggered to flash up to 1500 lumens. This can serve as a strobe in certain macro photography conditions. While it’s not a replacement for a true strobe due to limited power and lack of TTL support, burst mode is useful in a pinch or for supplemental lighting effects.
Introduction to the Optical Condenser
To truly unlock the creative potential of the Kraken 1000 FE, you’ll want to consider adding the optional optical condenser. This accessory screws onto the front of the light and uses a lens system to focus and intensify the beam. The result is a higher lux output that concentrates light in a much narrower, stronger pattern. This makes it ideal for producing high-contrast images with black backgrounds or accent lighting that draws attention to your subject while minimizing environmental distractions.
The optical condenser fundamentally transforms the light from a wide-angle flood into a precise, high-intensity spotlight. It allows photographers to isolate subjects in their frame by reducing ambient spill. This technique is particularly effective in macro photography, where you want your subject to stand out crisply against a clean, dark background. It also enables more control in artistic shots, such as backlighting or rim lighting marine life for dramatic visual impact.
Used on its own, the optical condenser gives your Kraken 1000 FE a new level of functionality. However, it also serves as the mounting point for other accessories, including a snoot and various colored filters. These optional tools can be stacked or used interchangeably, adding layers of creative flexibility to your underwater lighting setup.
Exploring the Snoot Attachment for the Kraken 1000 FE
After attaching the optical condenser to the Kraken 1000 FE, the next logical step in unlocking its full creative potential is to add the snoot attachment. This tool is designed for precision lighting, allowing the photographer to concentrate the light beam into a fine, narrow point. Snooting is a lighting technique commonly used in macro photography to isolate subjects, highlight intricate details, and generate dramatic contrasts between the subject and background. The Kraken snoot accomplishes this with remarkable efficiency.
The snoot itself is lightweight, easy to attach, and designed to work seamlessly with the optical condenser. Once connected, it focuses the already narrow beam produced by the condenser into an even smaller circle of high-intensity light. This results in a controlled, pinpoint spotlight that is ideal for shooting tiny subjects such as nudibranchs, shrimp, or fish eyes. The light is channeled in such a way that there is virtually no spill, allowing the photographer to eliminate distractions and environmental clutter from the frame.
During dives at Redondo, the snoot attachment enabled me to light macro subjects in a way that made them pop against black, textureless backgrounds. Even in silty environments, where backscatter and ambient haze are common challenges, the snoot’s focused beam provided clean and elegant lighting with minimal post-processing required. The optical quality of the snoot light was also impressive, with no noticeable color fringing or softness at the edges of the beam. The beam remained circular and consistent, helping to maintain even exposure throughout the focused area.
Lighting Precision and Beam Quality
One of the strongest aspects of the Kraken 1000 FE snoot system is the beam quality it produces. When paired with the condenser and snoot, the light delivers a consistent, soft-edged beam that is still bright enough to highlight details while tapering smoothly into darkness. This quality of light gives a refined and cinematic feel to macro subjects. The beam is well-shaped and does not exhibit jagged or irregular edges, which can often occur in cheaper or poorly designed snoots.
The brightness of the beam is another notable feature. While the Kraken 1000 FE only puts out 1000 lumens at full power, the optical efficiency of the condenser and snoot system intensifies the lux output at the point of focus. This means that the light appears much brighter when concentrated in the narrow beam than one might expect from its raw lumen rating. In real-world terms, this is more than sufficient to produce vivid highlights and bring out the textures of small marine life.
It’s worth emphasizing that the snoot beam’s intensity can be easily adjusted using the light’s built-in power levels. This gives the photographer granular control over exposure and contrast, allowing for fine-tuning in various underwater conditions. Whether shooting in daylight, twilight, or complete darkness, the beam can be adjusted to achieve the desired aesthetic effect without overwhelming the subject or losing critical detail.
Techniques and Applications for Snoot Lighting
Snoot lighting can be challenging to master, but the Kraken system simplifies the process with its user-friendly design and manageable beam size. For best results, the photographer should position the snooted light close to the subject, typically within a few inches. This proximity allows for precise control over beam placement, essential for illuminating specific areas such as a nudibranch’s gills or a shrimp’s eye. Angling the light from above or behind can also create interesting highlights and natural-looking shadows.
A helpful technique is to use a focus light or a spotting aid during composition, then fine-tune the snoot beam before taking the shot. With the Kraken 1000 FE, the snoot beam itself is visible and usable for composition, making it easier to align lighting before capturing the image. This eliminates the guesswork often associated with using separate lights or blind aiming, which can be particularly frustrating in fast-paced or silty environments.
Creative photographers often use snoot lighting to achieve three primary effects: isolation, shadow control, and depth enhancement. Isolation involves separating the subject from the background, creating a sense of dimension and emphasis. Shadow control allows for sculpting light to enhance the form of the subject, adding drama and depth. Depth enhancement makes use of foreground-background contrast to create a more immersive visual story. The Kraken 1000 FE supports all these goals with a light output that is both flexible and visually appealing.
Real-World Snoot Photography Examples
Using the Kraken 1000 FE with snoot and optical condenser in the waters of Redondo resulted in some compelling imagery. One notable example was a portrait of a Pacific cleaner shrimp nestled inside a vase sponge. The snoot light was directed precisely at the shrimp’s head and antennae, allowing them to glow brightly against a background that faded to absolute black. The result was an image that looked clean, professional, and emotionally engaging.
In another instance, I encountered a nudibranch crawling along a discarded bottle. Using the snoot, I lit only the rhinophores and head area, while the rest of the scene remained completely unlit. This directed the viewer’s attention exactly where it was intended, creating a minimalist image that conveyed both subject detail and artistic vision. The small beam size of the snoot was perfect for this style of targeted illumination.
These types of results are not unique to advanced photographers. The Kraken 1000 FE’s user-friendly design makes these outcomes accessible to anyone with a basic understanding of positioning and exposure. Its intuitive controls and reliable performance take much of the guesswork out of snoot lighting. Even beginners can achieve sharp, dramatic macro images with a little practice and patience.
Comparisons with Other Snoot Lighting Options
While the Kraken 1000 FE performs well in snoot mode, it is important to consider how it compares with other lighting options in the same category. The DivePro MP30, for example, is considered one of the gold standards for snoot video lights. It provides a stronger beam and a higher overall lux output. Its design is purpose-built for snoot work and does not offer the same versatility as the Kraken, which is more of a hybrid device.
The Kraken 1000 FE, by contrast, may not offer the absolute brightest snoot beam on the market, but it brings something equally important—multi-functionality. As a focus light, snoot, and colored backlight, it can take on multiple roles in a single dive, reducing the need for carrying extra gear. For most divers, especially those who shoot a mix of stills and video, or who prioritize portability and simplicity, this makes the Kraken a more practical choice.
Furthermore, the cost-to-performance ratio is another area where the Kraken stands out. Its relatively affordable price, combined with the modular accessories like the snoot and filters, makes it a smart investment for creative photographers looking to expand their lighting toolkit without committing to a larger, more expensive setup.
The Role of Snoot Lighting in Underwater Storytelling
Snoot lighting is not just a technical tool; it’s a storytelling device. By limiting the light to only specific parts of the subject or scene, the photographer guides the viewer’s eye and creates intentional points of emphasis. This narrative control is what separates technically sound images from those that resonate emotionally.
With the Kraken 1000 FE, this storytelling potential becomes more accessible. You’re not just lighting a subject—you’re shaping mood, highlighting texture, and defining space. A snooted image of a seahorse wrapped around coral, for example, can convey solitude, elegance, or mystery depending on how the light is applied. The choice of angle, intensity, and beam size all contribute to the image’s emotional tone.
The versatility of the Kraken light allows photographers to shift between wide flood lighting, red stealth modes, snooted precision, and color-filtered creativity all within a single tool. This flexibility empowers underwater storytellers to adapt on the fly, respond to changing conditions, and experiment with lighting techniques that best suit the narrative they’re trying to build.
Creative Challenges and Limitations
While the Kraken 1000 FE is a versatile and high-performing light, there are some creative limitations to be aware of. The most obvious is the raw output power. At 1000 lumens, it is well-suited for macro and close-up work, but it lacks the punch needed for wide-angle scenes or deep ambient fill. It’s not a substitute for a powerful video light or a dual-strobe setup in complex lighting environments.
In snoot mode, another challenge is maintaining precise alignment. Because the beam is so narrow, even slight movements can cause the light to fall off the subject. This is true of all snorkel systems, but especially with handheld setups or in strong currents. Using a tripod or a light arm with locking mechanisms can help maintain accuracy during composition and shooting.
Lastly, battery life is something to monitor, particularly when using the light in higher power modes or when switching frequently between functions. The 85-minute runtime at full power is more than adequate for a standard dive, but extended shooting sessions or multiple dives without recharging may require carrying a backup battery or power source.
Introduction to Color Filters with the Kraken 1000 FE
After exploring the Kraken 1000 FE’s functionality as both a focus light and a snoot system, the next feature that elevates this tool into the realm of creative lighting is its compatibility with colored filters. These filters are compact, easy to attach, and allow the photographer or videographer to infuse a scene with expressive and dynamic hues. Underwater, where natural colors are quickly absorbed and distorted with depth, being able to reintroduce and manipulate color adds not only visual interest but also artistic depth to an image.
The Kraken 1000 FE color filter set attaches to the front of the optical condenser. This placement allows the narrow and intensified beam produced by the condenser to take on whatever color the photographer desires. What’s more, the filters are designed to flip in and out quickly during a dive, allowing for seamless transitions between white light and colored light, or between different colors. This flexibility is ideal for photographers who need to respond quickly to changing conditions, moving subjects, or new creative ideas in the moment.
Color filters are not just an afterthought with the Kraken 1000 FE—they are a deliberate and powerful tool. They can be used to backlight subjects, tint backgrounds, or provide accent lighting that sets the mood or creates visual separation between foreground and background. In underwater photography, where creativity is often constrained by the limits of light and color loss, these filters open up a whole new realm of expressive potential.
How Colored Lighting Affects Underwater Imagery
Water acts as a powerful filter itself. As a diver descends, the red wavelengths of sunlight are absorbed first, followed by orange, yellow, green, and eventually blue. This process strips much of the vibrancy from the underwater world, leaving scenes looking muted or monochromatic when viewed without supplemental light. Even high-quality strobes and video lights typically only restore white balance or simulate daylight.
Colored filters, by contrast, do not attempt to replicate natural sunlight. Instead, they offer a controlled distortion—an artistic intervention that introduces intentional color into the scene. Used correctly, these filters can create compositions that would otherwise be impossible in natural underwater conditions. For example, a subject can be lit in purple, green, or blue, transforming a basic documentary image into an artistic portrait.
Color also influences perception and emotion. Blue light can evoke calmness or melancholy, while red suggests warmth, urgency, or aggression. Yellow brings attention and vibrance, while green can suggest mystery or unease. These psychological associations carry over into underwater imagery, allowing the photographer to communicate more than just what the subject looks like—they can suggest how the viewer should feel about the scene.
The Kraken 1000 FE’s filter system makes these creative choices available to divers in a compact, travel-friendly package. With the ability to quickly swap filters mid-dive, users can experiment with multiple moods and visual effects in a single session, all without changing their primary lighting setup.
Creative Uses of Colored Filters in Photography
One of the most effective ways to use colored filters is to apply them as backlighting tools. By positioning the Kraken 1000 FE behind or underneath a subject and adding a colored filter, the photographer can create a glow that outlines the subject or diffuses through transparent structures. This technique works especially well with jellyfish, shrimp, or nudibranchs, where translucent body parts capture and diffuse light in beautiful ways.
In one dive session, a blue filter was used behind an octopus nestled in a rock crevice. The blue glow created a dreamlike quality that contrasted beautifully with the natural beige tones of the octopus itself. In another instance, a purple filter was used to backlight a nudibranch, bringing out the intricate details of its cerata and making them look like glowing tendrils. These kinds of images stand apart not just for their technical execution but for their visual storytelling.
Colored filters can also be used in combination with strobes. While the strobe lights the subject with natural or balanced white light, the colored Kraken beam can add ambiance or separation to the background. This combination ensures that subject color remains accurate while the environment takes on an artistic hue. The contrast between true-to-life subjects and stylized backgrounds can create a cinematic look that’s both grounded and imaginative.
Another popular use is edge lighting or rim lighting. By placing the Kraken 1000 FE with a color filter slightly behind and to the side of the subject, the light can create a colored halo or outline that adds depth and visual drama. This is especially effective in macro photography where the subject is isolated and the scene is tightly controlled. With practice, the photographer can direct the beam to highlight just the edges, giving the subject a sculptural, three-dimensional quality.
Layering Filters and Custom Color Effects
The Kraken 1000 FE filter system supports stacking or combining filters. This means two or more color filters can be layered to create unique hues or gradients. For example, combining blue and red filters might result in a magenta tone. Mixing yellow with green can create a soft lime effect. While some color fidelity is lost in stacking, the technique allows photographers to go beyond the default options and explore more personalized color palettes.
This kind of creative control is rarely available in underwater lighting gear, especially in lights that are this small and affordable. With a little experimentation, a diver can begin to develop a signature color style—an instantly recognizable visual fingerprint that helps their work stand out in the growing sea of underwater images. These custom color effects can be useful for portfolio-building, contests, or editorial work where a strong visual identity is critical.
Of course, combining filters requires a thoughtful approach. Each additional filter layer reduces the overall light intensity. The beam becomes dimmer and may lose some of its precision, especially if the filters are not perfectly aligned. Therefore, using layered filters is best suited for shallow dives where ambient light is available to assist exposure, or for scenes where soft, colored glows are more desirable than bright, sharp light.
Filter Use in Underwater Video Work
While the color filters are more commonly used for photography, they also have meaningful applications in video. In video, lighting must be consistent and well-balanced across time, and the Kraken 1000 FE can serve as an accent or secondary light to bring color dynamics into the shot. The filter’s soft and steady glow can be used to wash backgrounds with mood-enhancing hues or provide color contrast to primary lighting.
For example, in a video scene featuring a goby resting on a coral branch, a strobe or white light can be used to illuminate the subject from the front while the Kraken with a red filter lights the background. This creates a separation between subject and setting and helps guide the viewer’s eye. Used in this way, the Kraken becomes more than just a support tool—it becomes a character in the visual story.
Color filters can also be used to simulate effects like sunbeams, lava glows, or bioluminescence. These effects are particularly compelling in narrative or artistic videos, where realism is less important than emotion or mood. Paired with careful framing and exposure, the filtered light can suggest fantastical environments, alien worlds, or dreamlike underwater landscapes.
A practical consideration in video work is maintaining a balance between light intensity and color saturation. Too much filtering can create an underexposed frame, while too little may cause the color effect to be lost. The Kraken 1000 FE’s adjustable power levels make it easy to find the right balance, although in darker environments, some post-production color grading may still be required to bring out the full effect.
Limitations and Best Practices
Using colored filters underwater is not without challenges. The first is light loss. Every time light passes through a filter, especially a colored one, some energy is absorbed. This means that the filtered beam is not as bright as the original white light. In shallow, clear water, this may not be an issue. But in deeper or murkier conditions, the diminished brightness can become noticeable.
To mitigate this, it's best to use colored filters in controlled situations. Close-up compositions, low-light environments, and subjects that remain relatively still are ideal. Macro photography, in particular, benefits greatly because the short working distance between light and subject means even a filtered beam retains sufficient intensity.
Positioning is another key factor. Because color filters alter the look of a scene significantly, it's important to be deliberate about how and where the light is used. Random backlighting or overuse of saturated tones can result in unnatural or jarring compositions. Subtlety often produces stronger results. Using a small amount of colored backlight or a soft edge glow can enhance an image without overpowering it.
It's also crucial to check your images frequently. On many cameras, particularly those with LCD screens, the filtered colors may appear different from what they will on a computer screen. Reviewing your photos in playback mode and making small adjustments during the dive ensures better results later in post-production. Practice and experimentation are key. Over time, divers will develop a stronger sense of how different filters behave in different conditions.
Summary of Filter Effects in Different Scenarios
During testing, different filters produced distinct results depending on subject type, lighting angle, and environmental conditions. A blue filter used in daylight at shallow depths enhanced shadow areas without making the image overly dark. A red filter added intensity and warmth to otherwise neutral backgrounds. Purple filters created soft, surreal glows ideal for abstract or artistic compositions.
Some subjects responded better than others to colored light. Transparent species like glass shrimp or ghost pipefish absorbed and diffused the color, resulting in internal glows and beautiful translucence. Opaque species, on the other hand, reflected the color more directly, often leading to more dramatic and saturated effects. Experimentation revealed that using colored filters with translucent or semi-transparent marine life yielded the most interesting and visually unique results.
Filter use was also highly effective in silty or backscatter-prone environments. By narrowing the beam and introducing color, the Kraken helped cut through suspended particles and isolate the subject from a cluttered background. This not only improved visual clarity but also added a sense of polish and professionalism to the images.
Real-World Applications and Field Testing
In order to fully understand the strengths and limitations of the Kraken 1000 FE Focus Light, it’s crucial to look beyond the studio or theoretical specs and analyze how it performs in actual diving scenarios. The testing grounds for this light included varied underwater environments—from calm, shallow tropical reefs to darker, silty temperate waters. The inclusion of a snoot and color filters meant that the light had to perform under multiple creative and technical demands.
Reef Macro Photography
One of the primary use cases of the Kraken 1000 FE is macro photography. On a dive in the warm waters of Anilao, known for its macro biodiversity, the light performed exceptionally well with the snoot attachment. The snoot provided a focused beam that isolated tiny subjects such as nudibranchs, shrimp, and pygmy seahorses. Photographers appreciated how the tight beam eliminated distracting background elements, especially when working with a shallow depth of field.
The snoot’s adjustability allowed for precise control of the beam angle, something many macro photographers demand when framing elusive subjects tucked inside corals or sand. The coloration options proved particularly beneficial when photographing translucent or highly reflective creatures. For instance, using a warm filter brought out subtle details in a glass shrimp’s body that would otherwise be lost in a stark white beam.
Wreck and Cave Diving
When used in low-light, highly textured environments like shipwrecks or caverns, the Kraken 1000 FE showed notable reliability. Though its power isn’t suited for illuminating entire chambers, it works very effectively as a directional light for highlighting objects of interest—such as inscriptions on a wreck or specific coral growths in a cave. The snoot was used to “spotlight” features like ship mechanisms, offering dramatic effects when combined with a slow shutter speed and controlled strobe lighting.
Its beam focus and tight control meant that other divers’ lights did not contaminate the scene as much. One diver commented how the Kraken helped “paint the wreck,” allowing for a painterly composition of otherwise chaotic metal and debris. The versatility of being able to change color temperature helped correct the greenish tint often found in colder, deeper waters.
Night Diving and Blackwater Conditions
In blackwater conditions—where subjects are suspended in the open water column—the Kraken 1000 FE proved to be a helpful companion. The tightly focused beam allowed divers to track and illuminate small larval fish and invertebrates drifting in mid-water. Compared to broader video lights, the Kraken helped maintain focus on just one creature without over-illuminating the plankton-rich surroundings, which often leads to backscatter.
During night dives on a coral reef, divers used the Kraken to light up subjects without startling them. Its compact size made it less cumbersome than larger lighting systems, and the ability to dim the light with a press of a button made for easier adaptation when transitioning between subjects. The red filter proved crucial for observing nocturnal behavior without alarming marine life, especially crustaceans and cephalopods.
Controlled Environment vs Harsh Use
A key strength of the Kraken 1000 FE is its durability. While it is compact and designed for portability, it stood up to abuse during multi-dive trips, withstood temperature fluctuations, and resisted saltwater corrosion thanks to its anodized aluminum body. The magnetic control ring remained responsive and didn’t get jammed even after prolonged use in silty environments.
However, long-duration use at high power settings did result in some thermal throttling. The built-in thermal protection feature automatically reduced output to prevent overheating—a welcome safeguard—but one that might catch a user off guard if not anticipated. In colder waters, this was less of an issue, but in tropical dives, careful power management became necessary.
Battery Life, Charging, and Operational Efficiency
Power is often the deciding factor in focus light performance, especially for photographers shooting multiple dives in a single day. The Kraken 1000 FE uses a rechargeable 18650 lithium battery that supports USB-C charging, a modern and welcome upgrade from older models that require proprietary docks.
Battery Runtime
At full power (1000 lumens), users reported between 50–55 minutes of continuous use, depending on the ambient water temperature and frequency of power cycling. At medium and low settings, the battery comfortably lasted through three dives. With the snoot attachment (which limits light dispersion), even medium or low output was sufficient, extending runtime without compromising photographic quality.
The light includes a battery indicator with color-coded signals: green (high), blue (medium), red (low), and flashing red (critical). This feature is especially useful when time is short between dives, allowing divers to quickly assess whether a battery change is needed.
USB-C Charging
One of the light’s strongest user-friendly features is its USB-C charging capability. Being able to charge directly without removing the battery adds a layer of convenience that seasoned divers deeply appreciate. The charging port is sealed under a double O-ring twist cap, preventing accidental flooding. Charge time from empty to full was approximately 3.5 hours, and the included cable worked well with portable power banks, making it easy to charge between dives at remote locations.
Comparison with Competing Lights
To better understand where the Kraken 1000 FE sits in the competitive landscape of dive lighting, it’s helpful to compare it with similarly priced or featured models from other brands. Among the most relevant competitors are:
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Light & Motion Sola 1200 Photo
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Scubalamp PV10S
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SeaLife Sea Dragon 1000F
Beam and Color Accuracy
Compared to the Sola 1200, the Kraken offered slightly better beam focus for macro purposes, especially with the snoot. However, the Sola 1200 wins in sheer lumen output and broader flood angle. The Kraken also had better warm filter implementation than the Sea Dragon, whose color shifts were less consistent.
Modularity
A major point in favor of the Kraken is its modularity. The removable snoot, optional diffusers, and interchangeable filters give photographers more control. Many competing lights lack this level of customization unless you purchase third-party accessories.
Build and Handling
In terms of physical robustness, the Kraken stood toe-to-toe with Scubalamp, with both featuring machined aluminum bodies and depth ratings beyond 100 meters. However, the Kraken was easier to operate with gloves, thanks to its magnetic dial system.
Conclusion
After extensive real-world testing across various underwater conditions and creative setups, the Kraken 1000 FE Focus Light stands out as a remarkably versatile and reliable lighting tool tailored for underwater photographers and videographers who demand precision, flexibility, and durability. Its powerful 1000-lumen beam is well-balanced—not too harsh, not too soft—making it ideal for both focusing in low-light environments and for acting as a primary or fill light in compact shooting kits. The thoughtful inclusion of snoot and color filter attachments significantly elevates its value, turning a straightforward focus light into a flexible creative instrument. The snoot attachment offers pinpoint control over light direction, perfect for isolating subjects in macro photography, creating drama, or eliminating distracting backgrounds. Meanwhile, the color filters enable creative experimentation with mood, tone, and ambient simulation, whether you're replicating natural light conditions or adding surreal, artistic effects to your shots.
Beyond its lighting capabilities, the Kraken 1000 FE impresses with its ergonomic build, reliable magnetic switch system, and extended battery life, making it a dependable companion on longer dives or in remote locations where charging options may be limited. It withstands the rigors of saltwater use thanks to its solid aluminum housing and carefully engineered seals, and the intuitive user interface ensures that divers can operate it with ease, even with gloves on or in limited visibility. For videographers, the even spread and minimal hotspotting ensure smooth, natural footage, while photographers benefit from the light’s compatibility with a range of arms and mounts, allowing seamless integration into both handheld and housing-mounted systems.
While there are more powerful lights on the market, what sets the Kraken 1000 FE apart is its excellent balance between performance, size, and price—especially with the added snoot and color filters. It's not just a tool for visibility underwater; it becomes part of the visual narrative, helping storytellers capture the ocean’s beauty with clarity and emotion. For those who frequently shoot macro subjects, blackwater scenes, or creatively lit compositions, this light is more than sufficient—it is empowering.
In summary, the Kraken 1000 FE with its snoot and color options is not only a solid choice for beginners looking to enhance their underwater lighting but also a sophisticated option for experienced shooters seeking control, subtlety, and creativity in their work. It proves that great things can come in small, well-designed packages, and for those willing to explore the limits of underwater lighting artistry, it’s a light worth investing in.