Real-World Long-Term Testing Overview
This video is a long-term review of what the creator currently considers to be some of the best budget underwater video lights available: the LetonPower Sealion Series, with a specific focus on the Sealion L12 and L15.
After approximately 100 dives, both lights have been extensively tested across a wide range of environments and dive types — and importantly, neither model has experienced a single issue during this period.
Diving Conditions & Use Cases
The Sealion L12 and L15 have been used with multiple devices, including:
GoPro
Insta360
Google Pixel
Samsung smartphones
iPhone
They were tested in both cold and warm water, during:
Shore dives
Advanced wreck diving
Decompression dives
CCR (Closed Circuit Rebreather) dives
Advanced cave diving
This makes the review particularly valuable, as the lights were evaluated in demanding, real-world diving scenarios, not controlled tabletop tests.
The reviewer has over 25 years of underwater videography experience
Only after extensive personal use did the reviewer approach LetonPower to request an affiliate code, purely to help support the channel and fund future gear reviews.
All footage shown in the videos is captured by the reviewer using the actual products, ensuring authenticity and transparency.
Performance vs Price: Setting Realistic Expectations
The Sealion L12 and L15 are positioned in the $100–$150 price range, and the review is very clear about what that means:
Estimated real-world output: around 6,000 lumens
Compared against many budget lights that claim unrealistic figures (20,000–50,000 lumens)
Even high-end lights vary widely in how lumens are measured and advertised
The reviewer emphasizes that these lights are:
Amazing for the money
Accurately described for their price category
Not intended to replace $500–$2,500 professional underwater video lights
To achieve significantly higher brightness, a much larger budget is required.
Why the Sealion Series Stands Out
Within the budget category, the Sealion L12 and L15 are described as:
More reliable than other $100–$150 lights tested so far
Consistent in output and build quality
Suitable for a wide range of recreational and technical diving applications
The reviewer uses a clear analogy:
Just like an action camera offers incredible value for its price, it will never outperform a professional cinema camera such as a Panasonic GH7.
The same logic applies to underwater video lighting.
Battery Use & Compatibility
The reviewer also mentions using aftermarket batteries, specifically 21700 3.7V 4800mAh Li-ion batteries from various suppliers.
No specific battery brand or supplier is recommended, and divers are advised to choose sources they trust, as battery quality can affect performance and output.
