Light & Motion SOLA600 – Focus and video light

Alex Mustard · Issue 57, Nov/Dec 2010 · pp. 27–30

Products mentioned: Light & Motion SOLA600, Fisheye FIX LED500, Fisheye FIX LED1000, Subal housing, Subtronic Alpha strobes, Nikon D700, 105mm VR lens, 1.4x teleconverter, 5T dioptre

When I review products, I try and cast a critical eye over them. Despite the high quality of most gear these days, I don’t see the benefit of writing reviews that say every product is wonderful. I adopt a similar approach with my photos, always looking for areas for improvement. So, with this in mind, it might be a surprise to hear straight off that the Light and Motion SOLA600 focus and video light is my standout underwater photography accessory of 2010. I’ll explain. The importance of a focus light for underwater photography is entirely dependant on what you shoot. If you favour shooting large pelagics in the open ocean or wide angle scenics on a shallow Red Sea reef, they are thoroughly unnecessary. But if you like macro, murky water or night diving then a good focus light will make the fundamental difference between getting and shot and not. Norwegian underwater photographer Christia…