Description
Hydra 3000 V2: video light, dive torch and nighttime focus light
The Kraken Hydra 3000 V2 combines a 3,000-lumen white flood, a 2,000-lumen spot and red, green, blue and UV modes in one light. Add auto flash-off for strobe-based still photography and a rotary brightness control, and you have a versatile option for divers who shoot more than one way.
Wide beam for video, narrow beam for diving
Use the 3,000-lumen white flood for nearby video subjects and broad illumination. Switch to the narrow 2,000-lumen spot beam to use the Hydra as a dive torch, directing light where you are looking as you explore underwater. The spot also works as a focused light for macro subjects. Turn the dial to adjust brightness for diving, focusing or shooting video.
More output is useful only when it suits the scene. Subject distance, water clarity and light position all affect the image. Keep the camera close to your subject and position the light carefully to reduce backscatter.
Auto flash-off for still photography
When you use a continuous light to help your camera focus, you may not want that light contributing to the photograph made with your strobes. The Hydra 3000 V2 has auto flash-off for that focus-light workflow: it momentarily switches off when a strobe fires.
Auto flash-off is separate from Burst mode. For video, use continuous lighting. The manual lists 3,000 lumens for both constant and burst output; Burst mode is not an increase above the light’s maximum white flood rating.
Red light for nighttime focus
Red mode gives you a nighttime focus light that helps avoid startling critters with bright white light. Use it to find your subject and help the camera focus, then let your strobes light the photograph. Auto flash-off momentarily switches the Hydra off when a strobe fires, keeping the continuous focus light out of the strobe-lit exposure.
Colour modes when you want a different look
- Green: an alternative colour for creative lighting.
- Blue and UV: options for fluorescence and other specialised lighting. Suitable viewing or camera filters may be needed for your setup.
- Manual RGB: select colour combinations for side lighting, backlighting and other creative effects.
- Automatic RGB / Disco Mode: cycle through colours when changing illumination is part of the shot.
These modes complement the white light rather than replace it for ordinary video. Follow the manual’s operating guidance, and do not direct the light into anyone’s eyes.
Which light suits your rig?
Choose the Hydra 3000 V2 if you want one light for video, use as a dive torch and nighttime focus lighting with strobes. Wide and narrow white beams cover different tasks, while red mode and auto flash-off support critter photography at night. The additional colour modes give you room to experiment with creative lighting.
For a simpler wide/spot/red focus-light setup, compare the Hydra 1800+WSR and Hydra 2200 WSR. If white-light video is your main priority and you want more flood output, compare the Abyss 6000. Consider runtime, rig weight and mounting as well as lumens.
Power and runtime
The Hydra 3000 V2 uses a rechargeable 26650 battery with a USB-C charging port. Its rated runtime is approximately 50 minutes at 100% wide output. Low-battery and thermal protection can reduce brightness; actual runtime depends on battery condition and use.
Key specifications
- White output: 3,000 lumens flood; 2,000 lumens spot
- Modes: Wide, Spot, Red, Green, Blue, UV, Manual RGB, Automatic RGB, Burst and SOS
- Auto flash-off: yes, for focus-light use with strobes
- Control: push button and rotary dial with battery-level indicator
- Brightness: 11 levels from 0–100%
- Rated runtime: approximately 50 minutes at 100% wide output
- Battery: rechargeable 26650 lithium-ion battery with USB-C charging
- Depth rating: 100m / 330ft
What is included?
Hydra 3000 V2 light, 26650 battery, charger/AC adapter, USB-C cable, YS mount, ball mount, spare O-rings and lanyard. Camera, housing, tray and arms are not included.
