While many flashlights on the market today feature impressive waterproof ratings, most would not last long if taken on a fully underwater task. For that, a diving light is needed. Thorough waterproofing design allows diving lights to operate at greater depths for much longer than ordinary LED flashlights.
As the manufacturers of some of the world's top LED flashlights, Nitecore and Acebeam have taken on the task of making their own underwater diving models. See below for J2LEDFlashlight's "deep dive" on the Nitecore DL10 and Acebeam D20 dive lights.
These lights will reach their limit at extreme conditions and are not suited for extreme or professional grade diving. However, for casual to mid-technical dives, they will go above and beyond in the underwater illumination department. From capturing pictures of a coral reef to scuba diving, they are designed with features ideal for lighting up the watery world around you.
Nitecore DL10
Nitecore's first diving light, the DL10 is specially designed for underwater activities and photography. It features an auxiliary red LED that can be turned on alongside the main LED to provide supplemental soft light for bringing colours out underwater. Two easy to reach side switches let you control both LED modes with ease.
The DL10 is also unique among dive lights by coming with an attachable diving pointer (~165 mm / 6.5 inch), useful for underwater probing and signaling. This diving light is fully submersible up to 30 metres, making it sufficient for recreational diving and photography.
⦁ Utilizes a CREE XP-L HI V3 LED to emit a max output of 1000 lumens
⦁ Integrated red light serves as an auxiliary light supplement for underwater photography
⦁ Crystal Coating Technology combined with “Precision Digital Optics Technology” for extreme reflector performance
⦁ Max beam intensity up to 12,400cd and beam distance up to 223 meters
⦁ Two brightness levels for White and Red plus White strobe mode
⦁ High efficient constant current circuit board provides max runtime of 9 hours
⦁ Built-in threads for connecting the scuba diving pointer
⦁ Reverse polarity protection
⦁ Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
⦁ Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy with HAIII military grade hard-anodized finish
⦁ Waterproof in accordance with IPX8 and 30 meters submersible
⦁ Impact resistance up to 1.5 meters
⦁ Tail stand capability
View the full product page here.
Acebeam D20
The Acebeam D20 is a step up from the DL10 in terms of raw power. On high it will deliver a peak brightness of 2700 lumens to light up the depths for 2 minutes before stepping down to a still powerful 1000 lumens. The light outputs at a highly focused angle to maximize beam distance. A single side switch allows for easy one-handed control while underwater.
It comes with a micro USB rechargeable 21700 battery, and it is also compatible with 18650 batteries, although performance will be lower. This light is depth rated to 200 metres, making it able to withstand deeper dives.
⦁ LED: 1 x CREE XHP35 LED with lifespan of 50,000 hours
⦁ Max output 2700 lumens when powered by 1 x 21700 rechargeable battery
⦁ Max beam distance: 296 meters (land)
⦁ Peak beam intensity: 22000cd
⦁ Max run time: 7.5 hours
⦁ Two brightness settings plus SOS mode
⦁ Stainless steel side switch for one-hand easy operation
⦁ Included 21700 Battery with built-in Micro-USB charging port included (IMR21700NP-510A battery power bank, 5100mAh)
⦁ Built-in side power indicator
⦁ Ultra-clear tempered glass lens with anti-reflective coating, which achieves a 98.3% light transmittance
⦁ Smooth reflector for max light output
⦁ Highly focused beam for maximum distance
⦁ Digitally regulated output- maintains constant brightness
⦁ Over-heat protection to avoid high-temperature of the surface
⦁ Aircraft grade aluminum body structure, premium type III hard anodized anti-abrasive finish
⦁ Depth rated submersible to 200 meters
⦁ Impact resistance: 1.2 meters
View the full product page here.
Nitecore DL10 and Acebeam D20 Specs Comparison
Take a look at the side by side comparison for the two diving lights below.
Those looking for a more versatile light for recreational diving and underwater photography may want the Nitecore DL10 for its red auxiliary LED and diving pointer. On the other hand, if you need a higher performance light that can be taken to deeper depths, the Acebeam D20 is for you.
| Nitecore DL10 | Acebeam D20 | |
| Brightness |
White high - 1000 lumens White low - 385 lumens Red high - 115 lumens Red low - 55 lumens Strobe - 1000 lumens |
High - 2700 → 1000 lumens Low - 375 lumens SOS - 1000 lumens |
| Beam distance |
White high - 223 m White low - 148 m Red high - 25 m Red low - 18 m |
296 m (max) |
| Beam intensity |
White high - 12,400 cd White low - 5,500 cd Red high - 160 cd Red low - 77 cd |
22,000 cd (max) |
| Runtime |
White high - 1h 15min White low - 4h Red high - 4h 15min Red low - 9h |
High - 2min (2700 lum) → 2h (1000 lum) Low - 7.5h SOS - 5h |
| Battery type | 1x 18650 / 2x CR123 | 1x 21700 / 1x 18650 |
| Depth rating | 30 metres | 200 metres |
| Impact resistance | 1.5 metres | 1.2 metres |
| Dimensions |
133.1 mm (length) 34 mm (head dia.) 25.4 mm (tail dia.) |
136 mm (length) 34 mm (head dia.) 27 mm (body dia.) |
| Weight (battery excluded) | 143.1 g | 128 g |
| Accessories |
Diving pointer Diving lanyard |
Lanyard |
| Price | $139.99 | $199.99 |