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S.U.P.E.R. Part 19: Fantasea Radiant 3000F Video Light
In our ongoing series S.U.P.E.R. (Scubaverse’s Underwater Photography Equipment Reviews), Scubaverse.com’s underwater photography editors Nick and Caroline Robertson Brown review new underwater photography equipment, general diving equipment, and some older favourites too.
For the nineteenth instalment of S.U.P.E.R., Nick and Caroline take a look at the Radiant 3000F Video Light from Fantasea.
We were delighted to get the opportunity try out this new video light from Fantasea after we found out about it at DEMA late last year, so we were really pleased when it arrived in time for us to take on our trip to Sharm el Sheikh in January. The Fantasea Radiant 3000F is a good looking piece of kit that gives off an air of quality. But, much more importantly, is packed with useful features.
The 3000F has 4 Lighting settings: Flood, Spot, Red and UV. It also has flashing SOS modes which you hope you never have to use, but is reassuring to have available to you. When in the Flood setting, the light provides 3000 lumens over a 100 degree beam angle. So there is plenty of power for lighting your subject and also makes this a lovely light to shoot when it is being handled by your buddy. In Spot Mode, the beam angle is reduced down to a 15 degree, 1000 lumen concentrated light, which is great to focusing on smaller subjects or areas. You can adjust the brightness of both of these beams depending on the conditions you are in, whether you want the battery time to be extended, perhaps based on the images you want.
For anyone that likes to shoot at night, the red light is very useful for illuminating shy subjects such as mandarin fish so that you can photograph and video them without affecting their natural behaviour. The UV light is a great new tool for underwater photographers and videographers who are looking for something a little different. You can use this light to bring out the flouro characteristics of many corals, anemones and small critters that only come out in the dark.
The Radiant 3000F package comes with 4 batteries, but the light only uses 2, so you can have replacements charged and ready to go at all times. The light also has a battery indicator to let you know how much life is left, which is another really useful feature. In flood mode, on full power, the batteries will last around 50 minutes, perfect for the standard recreational dive. This light also has a useful Standby mode, which will again assist you in saving batteries. To get the light into Standby, you have to press the mode button 3 times in quick succession. It is then ready to use, but if you do not use it within 20 minutes, it will turn back off again. This also prevents the light being accidentally turned on in your gear bag!
The light comes with both a YS mount and a ball mount, so can be fitted to whatever video or photo arm system you are using. It is depth rated to 100m, and one of our favourite features of the Fantasea Radiant 3000F is that is has a “memory” so if you use a particular setting regularly, this light remembers what it was last set on, and when you turn it on again it will come back on in that same setting. Simple but genius.
There is a lot to like about this new video light from Fantasea. It has lots of cool features, and it has a lovely light quality. It looks good, and it comes with a nice package of useful accessories. We enjoyed using it both as a light for our own photography, and as the light being held by the model in our shots. It should be hitting the shelves this month and so if you are in the market for a new video light, it should be on your short-list.
Distributed in the UK by Blue Orb Distribution.
For more from Nick and Caroline, visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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