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THE GEAR MATCHUP · Underwater video lights

Kraken Sports vs Heinrichs Weikamp

LTD 3000 vs hw Video

Which light belongs on your camera rig?

RED CORNERKraken Sports
LTD 3000
LTD 3000
85/100Our editorial score
BLUE CORNERHeinrichs Weikamp
hw Video
hw Video
87/100Our editorial score
OUR PICK

Scores are our editorial opinion of these models, based on features, suitability and ownership trade-offs—not hands-on test results. How we chose →

THE VERDICT

We’d pick the hw Video.

We’d start with Heinrichs Weikamp hw Video. We like hw Video for broad scene coverage and a protected rotary control, especially when a narrow beam would frustrate the shot. Choose Kraken Sports LTD 3000 instead if its strengths are a better match: we like the combination of flood, spot and USB-C battery charging for a flexible smaller rig.

Which one suits you?

OPTION A

Kraken Sports LTD 3000

LTD 3000

We like the combination of flood, spot and USB-C battery charging for a flexible smaller rig. The conflicting CRI entries mean we would not buy this specifically for a promised colour-rendering number.

Get to know this model →
OPTION B

Heinrichs Weikamp hw Video

hw Video

We like hw Video for broad scene coverage and a protected rotary control, especially when a narrow beam would frustrate the shot. Its 1.1 kg weight and dedicated charging connection are real packing compromises.

Get to know this model →
Open both in the gear comparison tool →

Specifications side by side

The details that matter, side by side. “Check with the brand” means we have not confirmed that detail.

Kraken Sports LTD 3000 vs Heinrichs Weikamp hw Video — manufacturer specifications
DetailKraken Sports LTD 3000Heinrichs Weikamp hw Video
OutputCheck with the brand3000 lm flood / 2000 lm spotCheck with the brand
Flood beamCheck with the brand100°Check with the brand
Colour temperature6500K4900 K
RuntimeCheck with the brand50 min at full floodCheck with the brand
Battery5000mAh 26650; USB-C85 Wh Li-ion
Depth rating100 m200 m
CRICheck with the brand82 / 85 conflictCheck with the brand
BeamCheck with the brandCheck with the brand170°
Output evidenceCheck with the brandCheck with the brandAt least 5500 lm measured, manufacturer claim
Stated runtimeCheck with the brandCheck with the brand45 min at top setting; 4 h at 20 W
Dimensions and weightCheck with the brandCheck with the brand78 × 190 mm; 1.1 kg

Showing all 11 specification rows.

What the differences mean when you buy

Continuous output and coverage

Kraken Sports LTD 3000

Output
3000 lm flood / 2000 lm spot
Flood beam
100°

Heinrichs Weikamp hw Video

Beam
170°

Start with the mode used while recording. Burst and time-limited boost values are not continuous output. Compare coverage on the same underwater or in-air basis and consider the lens you use. More total lumens do not automatically mean better subject illumination or a more even beam across a wide-angle frame.

Colour and control choices

Kraken Sports LTD 3000

Colour temperature
6500K
CRI
82 / 85 conflict

Heinrichs Weikamp hw Video

Colour temperature
4900 K

Colour temperature, colour-rendering claims and red or spot modes serve different purposes. Compare the mode you actually plan to shoot, including how it changes runtime. Where a source has conflicting CRI or output figures, resolve the discrepancy before using it to justify the purchase. Test the camera’s white-balance workflow rather than assuming one setting fixes every scene.

Battery, runtime and rig balance

Kraken Sports LTD 3000

Runtime
50 min at full flood
Battery
5000mAh 26650; USB-C

Heinrichs Weikamp hw Video

Battery
85 Wh Li-ion

Budget output over an actual shooting session, including repeat dives and access to charging. Compare head-only and complete kits separately, checking trays, grips, adapters and battery contents. Land weight and in-water weight answer different questions; conflicting entries should remain unresolved until the manufacturer clarifies the assembled configuration.

A closer look at both

Kraken Sports

LTD 3000

The LTD 3000 combines a 3000-lumen flood with a 2000-lumen spot in one rechargeable light. The 100° flood is intended for close video coverage, while switching to spot concentrates the beam. It uses a single push button and a 26650 battery with USB-C charging.

What we like

We like the combination of flood, spot and USB-C battery charging for a flexible smaller rig.

What would make us think twice

The conflicting CRI entries mean we would not buy this specifically for a promised colour-rendering number.

More about the LTD 3000 →
Heinrichs Weikamp

hw Video

The hw Video is a wide-angle underwater video light built around a POM and aluminium housing. Its 170° beam and protected rotary control suit broad scene illumination rather than a tight signalling spot. The manufacturer distinguishes the LED’s nominal 8500 lumens from at least 5500 lumens measured from the light in an integrating sphere.

What we like

We like hw Video for broad scene coverage and a protected rotary control, especially when a narrow beam would frustrate the shot.

What would make us think twice

Its 1.1 kg weight and dedicated charging connection are real packing compromises.

More about the hw Video →

Four checks before you place an order

  1. Match the light’s documented continuous beam and output mode to the camera and intended shooting role.
  2. Confirm the runtime at that exact mode, keeping burst and reduced-power claims separate.
  3. Build a complete parts list for trays, arms, clamps, adapters, batteries and chargers.
  4. Check colour settings and controls on the actual camera rig, and resolve any source conflicts before buying.

Ask for a quote for the complete kit, including the accessories you need. That makes the price comparison much more useful.

Price, accessories and owning the equipment

A head-only price cannot be compared fairly with a kit that includes a tray, grip or mounting components. Include the cost and availability of a spare battery and compatible charger, and check the practical charging time between sessions. Existing accessories should be confirmed compatible by part number.

If upgrading, identify whether the limitation is coverage, usable continuous output, colour control or battery logistics. Buying a larger light can change handling and rig balance. Follow the manufacturer sealing, charging and battery-transport guidance; published output does not establish that a light is suitable as your primary dive-safety light.

How we scored these models & further reading

These are our subjective buying scores out of 100. We weigh the usefulness of the features, the intended diving or carrying job, and the compromises involved in owning the gear. They are not laboratory measurements, safety grades or customer averages. The verdict applies to the two named models, not everything either brand makes.

90–100: one of our first choices for the stated job. 80–89: a strong option with trade-offs. 70–79: a more specific fit. A different fit, camera, valve or dive plan can change which one you should buy.

Questions worth settling

Can I compare the number in the model name?

Only after checking what it represents. Some models use a normal continuous output while others advertise a Turbo, burst or short boost value. Compare the documented recording mode, coverage and runtime rather than assuming the name is a standard measurement.

Which is the better buy for this particular comparison?

Kraken Sports LTD 3000: The conflicting CRI entries mean we would not buy this specifically for a promised colour-rendering number. Heinrichs Weikamp hw Video: Its 1.1 kg weight and dedicated charging connection are real packing compromises.

Our pick is where we would start. Choose the other model if its fit or features better match your setup—especially where a camera, valve, boot or exposure suit needs an exact match.

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