If you’ve spent any amount of time diving, you’ve likely experienced this scenario: you spot something remarkable—a camouflaged octopus, a rare nudibranch, or a bizarre bottom-dweller—and eagerly try to get your buddy’s attention. You point, you wave, maybe even gesture frantically… but your buddy just gives you that blank stare. Before they finally clue in, the creature is gone, and the moment is lost.
This has happened to Joey and me more times than I can count—especially when we are diving in new places, with unfamiliar marine life. We always found that we needed a way to point out sea life quickly and without disruption.
Enter the Xtar D26 1600 Dive Light—a powerful dive torch that doubles as a critter indicator tool underwater.
Characterizing a good dive light can be difficult as the definition of a perfect dive light is often in the eye of the diver. “Perfect” is very much dependent on the light’s environment and application. For us, some of the most important features of a dive torch include; light production, handling, weight in the water, run time and rechargeability which is what will be the main points of focus in this review.
Xtar is an electronic technology company from Shenzhen, China. Founded in 2006, the company integrates production, sales, research and development, into the fabrication and manufacture of high-quality Li-ion batteries, smart chargers and LED flashlights. Having a strong connection to various industries – diving and outdoor sports – being one, they asked us to test, photograph and review the UltraPointer DL2 1600 scuba diving light.
The Xtar UltraPointer DL2 1600 Light Specs
| Torch Size: | Head diameter 4.5 centimeters, body diameter 2.9 centimeters and length 16.8 centimeters |
| Weight: | 213 grams without the battery |
| Lighting: | Independently controlled white beam and green laser. Lumen: 1600 Intensity: 31450cd |
| Beam: | An 6° white beam on spotlight. A 60° white beam on floodlight. The white light beam reaches a distance of 355 meters (on land). The green laser reaches 1000 meters (on land). |
| Runtime: | On the brightest white light setting the torch runtime is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Times could vary depending on environmental conditions. |
| Max Depth: | The light is pressure tested to 100 meters (328 feet) |
The moment I unboxed the Xtar UltraPointer DL2 1600, I was struck by its sturdy construction. Made of anodized aluminum alloy, it has a solid, professional feel and promises serious durability. With a maximum output of 1600 lumens, it delivers an intense, white light and/or green laser beam—perfect for low-light dives and peeking into crevices where critters like to hide.
The Xtar DL2 is a 1600-lumen dual-light dive torch with white light and laser light, which can be used independently or together to meet various lighting needs.
What makes this light shine—literally and figuratively—is how reliable and intuitive it is. The Xtar’s magnetic rotary switch makes operation underwater smooth and secure, even with thick gloves. The beam is narrow enough to highlight specific features on a reef but wide enough to light your general path. Of course when night diving you can always use more lumens to brighten the water, but for its size and price I was very pleased.
When Joey got his hands on the light, the laser-like precision of the green light beam has made it a go-to tool pointing out marine life. It’s a subtle, non-invasive way to share those underwater “wow” moments and for me to grab that undisturbed picture perfect shot. It avoids the need for physically pointing and hand signals that often get lost in translation.
Although we didn’t dive particularly deep, the light’s IPX8 waterproof rating ensures it performs flawlessly down to 100 meters.
The Xtar UltraPointer claims a runtime of over two hours on a full charge at medium brightness, and so far, I’ve found that to be spot-on. I charge it after every dive day and have never once been left in the dark. On dives where we do back to back submersions I ensure that I have a backup light on hand just in case the battery runs out. The light also features a useful smart battery indicator, giving peace of mind during longer or deeper dives. Green signifies the light is fully charged and dive ready, solid red means there is 30 minutes of light left and flashing red signifies there is 10 minutes of light left.
Though not marketed specifically as a photography light, I’ve used the UltraPointer DL2 1600 as a focus light, on the top center part of my camera, to illuminate subjects during macro photography sessions with solid results. The bright, steady beam works well when natural light fades, and while not a substitute for dedicated video lights, it performs admirably in a pinch.
Where this light also really shines is pointing out interesting photography subjects at a distance – I can’t tell you how invaluable it is to not have a large looming dive figure scaring away all the tiny creatures. Joey loved using the green laser beam to get my attention and direct my camera toward small interesting macro subjects.
After several uses, the Xtar Dive Light has proven to be a regular part of Joey’s gear setup. It’s tough, dependable, easy to use, and incredibly effective both as a primary torch and as a subtle tool for communication underwater. The package also included a rechargeable 18650 battery, charger, wrist lanyard, spare O-rings, and a user guide—everything needed to hit the water running.
Would I recommend the Xtar DL2 1600 Dive Light? Absolutely. It’s the kind of gear that doesn’t just light your way—it enhances the entire dive.
Do you have your own dive light? If so what is your preferred brand and style of dive light?
Writers Note: This dive light review was sponsored by Xtar. The UltraPointer DL2 1600 light was provided to Dive Buddies 4 Life by the company in exchange for the review. All comments, tests and thoughts in relation to the light are honest and strictly that of Dive Buddies 4 Life. For more information on the light or to get your own light to visit the Xtar website.
Additionally, this post may contain sponsored or affiliate links. We will make a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no extra cost to you. See full disclosure and disclaimer policy here.
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