Choosing the right dive light is crucial for recreational divers, as it improves visibility, safety, and the overall enjoyment of underwater exploration.
With a variety of options available, understanding key specifications such as lumens, beam angle, button operation, and details like burn time can aid you in making an informed decision.
As the UK’s number 1 stockist and showroom for Orca Torch products, we’ve prepared this brief comparison highlighting several popular handheld OrcaTorch models and showcasing their features to assist you in finding your ideal underwater companion.
In this review, we'll cover the most popular and best-selling handheld dive lights from OrcaTorch, namely the D520, D530, D700, D710 and the newly released ZD710 MK2.
OrcaTorch ZD710 MK2 Dive Light
The OrcaTorch ZD710 MK2 handheld dive light stands out due to its versatility. It offers a powerful 1500 lumens in turbo mode, ensuring ample brightness for various diving conditions.
One of its most notable features is the adjustable beam angle, which ranges from a narrow 4° to a floodlight wide 72°. This adaptability allows divers to switch between a focused beam for signalling or examining crevices and a broader floodlight for general illumination, photography and videography.
Operation is straightforward with a side titanium alloy push-button switch, and it includes a safe lock function to prevent accidental activation.
The ZD710 MK2 provides a flexible burn time of 2 to 12 hours, depending on which of the four modes you use, making it suitable for multiple dives or extended bottom times. The ZD710’s 4-level dimming will provide 1500 lumens on Turbo mode, 880 Lumens and 2 hours runtime on High mode, 420 Lumens and 3 hours runtime on Medium mode 150 Lumens, 12 hours runtime on Energy-saving mode.
Additional OrcaTorch features, such as high-strength A6061-T6 aluminium construct, intelligent overheat and over-discharge protection, along with a battery indicator, enhance its reliability, with a depth rating of 150 metres.
The ZD710 comes with a 5000mAh 21700 USB Type-C rechargeable battery, USB charge cable and wrist lanyard. Spare batteries can be purchased separately.
OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light
For divers seeking a focused beam with exceptional brightness, the OrcaTorch D710 handheld dive light stands out as a formidable contender, boasting an impressive and brief 3000-lumen max output on Boost mode. And it comes in varying body colours to match your style too!...
It is lighter and smaller than the ZD710 but features a fixed, focused 6°, centre beam angle, ideal for cutting through murky water or highlighting specific subjects. Similar to the ZD710, it utilises an easy-to-operate side titanium alloy push-button switch.
The D710 offers a burn time ranging from 1 hour and 40 minutes to 7 hours and 40 minutes, providing a good balance between output and duration. At 1,700 Lumens High mode, its runtime is 1 hour 40 minutes that increases to 3 hours 50 minutes at Middle mode and just under 8 hours at 400 lumens low mode.
Key features of the D710 include a safety lock function, intelligent overheat protection, a battery indicator, and robust water pressure resistance down to 150 metres, ensuring its durability in demanding environments.
The D710 comes with a 5000mAh 21700 USB Type-C rechargeable battery, USB charge cable and wrist lanyard. Spare batteries can be purchased separately.
Below you can see a size comparison of the ZD710 MK2 (left) and the D710 (right).
OrcaTorch D700 Dive Light
The OrcaTorch D700 underwater light is a reliable option for divers who prioritise a powerful, concentrated beam and would prefer not to rely on a magnetic switch.
With a similar size to the D710, it provides a maximum light output of 1700 lumens and features a narrow 6° beam angle, making it excellent for penetrating the water and illuminating distant objects.
Rather than using a push-button, the D700 features a mechanical head rotary switch (twist and turn) that provides a tactile and secure feel underwater. Like all the torches listed here, the body is elongated and threaded with three O-rings to prevent flooding.
Its burn time is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. This light also incorporates essential safety features such as intelligent overheat protection, reverse polarity protection, and over-discharge protection, along with a 150-metre depth rating.
OrcaTorch D530 Dive Light
The OrcaTorch D530 dive light is a compact yet powerful choice for recreational divers, resembling the D700 and D710. It delivers a commendable 1300 lumens of output and features an 8° super-focused beam angle, providing concentrated light for detailed observation.
It’s operated by a convenient side titanium alloy button switch that also features an LED indicator light for monitoring battery status.
The D530 offers good burn times, with 1 hour 25 minutes on High and 4 hours 30 minutes on Low power, making it versatile for different dive profiles. Like its counterparts, it comes with intelligent over-heat protection, water pressure resistance up to 150 meters, and reverse polarity and over-discharge protection.
The D530 has a video version too... The D530V Video Light.
OrcaTorch D520 Dive Light
Similar in size and feel to the D530, the OrcaTorch D520 dive light is a 1000-lumen robust workhorse. While OrcaTorch does not specify the beam angle for the D520 it works out more or less between 10-12º compared to the other models and has a nice aura around the spot beam.
If you're on a tight budget or seeking a simple, dependable backup, the D520 is certainly a suitable choice. It's an affordable and sturdy hand-held primary dive light for recreational diving, as well as a trustworthy backup torch for technical diving.
While the D530 boasts a maximum lumen output of 1300 lumens, it operates via a magnetic switch, whereas the D520 functions with a straightforward twist-turn mechanical rotary switch. The D520 does not offer the burn time of the D530, but its 5000K LED colour temperature provides superb colour rendition.
Here at Underwater Explorers, we've been selling the D520 from day one to both recreational, technical, and commercial (scallop) divers. And as we say, anything that survives a scallop diver's dives is definitely worth considering!
Conclusion
When selecting the best dive light for your recreational diving needs, consider your typical dive environments and preferences.
If adjustability and longer burn times are crucial, the OrcaTorch ZD710 MK2 might be your best bet among this lot. However, do consider size and weight as well. Unlike the D-version torches that can be mounted on a shoulder D-ring, this is a true handheld dive light, accommodating its adjustable beam twist head.
As for the more compact lights that can act both as primary and as a backup...
For maximum brightness and a focused beam, the D710 excels. The D700 is a solid choice for a robust, concentrated light with a unique rotary switch, while the D530 offers a balance of power and portability for everyday diving. And, the affordable palm-size D520 will still cover most conditions.
Always prioritise a light that meets your specific requirements for visibility, ease of use, and reliability underwater. You can find more information about these dive lights through the following links:
