Light & Motion Sola Series

Manufacturer: Light & Motion Type: accessory (LED video/focus light) Year introduced: 2010

Overview

The Light & Motion Sola series was a line of compact, sealed LED lights that represented a significant advance in underwater focus and video lighting when introduced in 2010. The series’ factory-sealed, zero-maintenance design eliminated the risk of flooding — the lights never needed to be opened, with recharging handled through exposed gold-plated external contacts (^[1]).

Sola 600 (May 2010)

The original Sola 600 produced 679 lumens from a six-LED white light array (adjustable through three output levels) plus 225 lumens of red light from a four-LED array for night close-up work. It weighed just 0.54 lbs (245g) and featured a 75-degree even beam pattern, a magnetic bump switch for level adjustment and mode switching, and a recharge time of 2.5 hours. Maximum burn time was 75 minutes. It retailed at $579 (^[2]).

Alex Mustard reviewed the Sola 600 for Wetpixel and called it “my favourite underwater photography accessory of the last 12 months.” He compared it favorably to the Fisheye FIX LED 500, noting the Sola was approximately half the size and produced a marginally wider and softer beam. He tested it extensively in the Maldives, Florida, Bahamas, UK, and Holland, plus five other photographers used it, all without any problems. The sealed design and lockable magnetic switch were praised for reliability, though Mustard noted potential concerns about sand accumulation in the switch mechanism and salt water on the charging contacts that users should address with proper rinsing (^[3]).

Sola 2000 (March 2012)

The Sola 2000 dramatically increased output to 2,000 lumens while maintaining the compact Sola form factor at just 238 grams (283g with mount). Burn times were 60 minutes at full power (2,000 lumens), 120 minutes at 1,000 lumens, and 240 minutes at 500 lumens. It featured a regulated output with a “Smart Dashboard” for monitoring power and battery status, and recharged in 150 minutes via the external port. The light came with both 1-inch ball and 1/2-inch Locline mount options and retailed at $899. Light & Motion highlighted compatibility with various camera systems from compact to DSLR housings to GoPro action cameras (^[4]).

Reviews & Discussion

• ^[5] — Adam Hanlon’s announcement of the Sola 600 with specifications including 679 lumens, red light mode, sealed design, and magnetic switch. Article (editorial source).
• ^[6] — Alex Mustard’s field review comparing the Sola 600 to the Fisheye FIX LED 500. Mustard praised the tiny size, wide/soft beam, sealed flood-proof design, and battery life. Tested across five countries and by six photographers without issues. Included historical context on the evolution from diving torches to dedicated focus lights. Article (editorial source).
• ^[7] — Announcement of the 2,000-lumen flagship with regulated output, Smart Dashboard, and multiple mount options. Article (editorial source).

References

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