Premium Underwater Imaging Gear in the UAE: Keldan Lights & Marelux Housings

-

If you’re venturing into underwater photography or videography in the UAE, or upgrading your gear for serious dive-work, two names stand out: Keldan lights and Marelux housings. Through their UAE & Saudi authorised distributor Base Films, you can access pro-level equipment, and this blog explores both: what they offer, approximate price guidance for the UAE market, and what to consider when buying.

Keldan Lights – What they are & why they matter

Originally developed in Switzerland in the early 1990s by Daniel Keller, Keldan started as a dive light built as a birthday gift—and evolved into a global manufacturer of high-performance underwater video lights.  Their reputation rests on features such as very high lumen output, remote control capability, high colour-rendering indices (CRI), and rugged underwater construction.

In the UAE context, the Base Films website offers Keldan video & dive lights for UAE/KSA. For example, they list:

  • “Keldan Video 24XR 45,000lm CRI86” – 45,000 lumens, 5,600 K, 11-360 W LED, burn time 40 minutes to 20 hours, depth rating 200 m. 

  • “Keldan Video 18XR 35,000lm CRI86” – 35,000 lumens, similar spec. “Keldan Video 8XR 20,000lm CRI86” – 20,000 lumens, depth rating 200 m. 

Why they matter:

  • Underwater lighting is one of the biggest challenges in underwater videography/photography: ambient light falls off fast, colour gets lost, shadows become harsh. A powerful, well-engineered light like Keldan gives you consistent beam, high output, better colour fidelity.

  • The remote control capability (e.g., RC1) is very useful for complex rig setups.

  • In the UAE’s diving contexts (Red Sea, Gulf waters, UAE coast) where you might shoot wrecks, deep dives, or complex lighting conditions, having premium lights gives you an edge.

Price guidance in UAE:
The exact “price in UAE” for each model from Keldan via Base Films isn’t clearly listed for every model on the website. But using global pricing helps estimate. For example:

  • On a European retailer site, the Video 8XR Ambient Cyan (18,000 lumens) is listed at US$3,500. 

  • On another site, Keldan LED Module FLUX 11,000 lm is priced at US$670. 

Converting roughly US$3,500 at an approximate rate (1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED) gives about AED 12,800 before taxes/imports. Given UAE dealer mark-ups + duty/shipping + warranty support, you might expect somewhere in the range AED 13,000-17,000+ for a top model (as of 2025). For higher lumen models (35,000-45,000lm) expect significantly higher—likely AED 20,000-30,000+ or more.

What to check when buying:

  • Ensure you buy from the authorised distributor (Base Films in UAE) to get valid warranty/support. The website confirms Base Films are authorised for Keldan in UAE & KSA. 

  • Check the exact model: lumens output, CRI rating (higher CRI = better colour rendering), depth rating, battery/lighting runtime.

  • Ask about accessories (filters, barn doors, remote controller RC1).

  • After-sales support: O-ring maintenance, service in UAE.

  • Compatibility with your underwater rig (arms, mounts, balancers).

  • Beam spread / profile: For wide-angle vs macro work you may need different light characteristics.

Marelux Housings – What they are & why they matter

Marelux is a specialist manufacturer of underwater housings for mirrorless cameras (and accessories) with a reputation for high build quality, advanced design, and innovation. Their product line includes anodised aluminium housings, vacuum-valve monitoring, quick-release baseplate, large port diameters, etc. 

In the UAE, Base Films list themselves as the authorised distributor for Marelux housings in UAE and KSA.

What they offer:

  • Housings for cameras like Canon EOS R5, Sony a7R V, Nikon Z8, etc. On the Marelux site you’ll find, e.g., MX-R5II (Canon) at US$3,498. 

  • High quality materials: Anodised aluminium alloy, scratch-resistant, seawater corrosion resistant. 

  • Depth rating (many to 100 m or beyond) and features like dual locking system, built-in vacuum detection/moisture alarm. 

Hence, you can estimate that standalone housings (without full wide-angle package) may fall in a price bracket somewhere AED 18,000-25,000+, and full packages (ports, accessories) may go higher. Converting US$3,498 at ~3.67 gives around AED 12,800, but added cost for local import/packaging/accessories likely pushes up to the AED figures you see.

Why these housings matter for UAE users:

  • The Arabian Gulf / Red Sea region diving demands gear that is reliable, durable, and safe. Leaks or corrosion are major issues. A premium housing means fewer worries.

  • As mirrorless cameras (Sony/Canon/Nikon) become the main platforms for underwater shooters, a good housing allows full access to camera functions underwater (AF-ON, Q menu, lens release, etc) as claimed by Marelux.

  • For pros or serious enthusiasts, this is one of the bottlenecks: good lighting + good housing = ability to shoot high-end footage and images underwater.

What to check when buying:

  • Confirm compatibility with your exact camera model + lens options (ports, extension rings)

  • Check what’s included (housing body only vs full package with dome/ports/trigger/valve)

  • Depth rating and service/maintenance in UAE — availability of O-rings, servicing.

  • Colour/finish options (Marelux offers custom colourways) and accessories. 

  • Package contents: For example, the “Wide Angle Package” includes housing, vacuum valve with pump, dome port, zoom gear, carry lanyard. 

  • Warranty and after-sales support via distributor.

How to Position These in Your Blog

For your blog, you can position this article with a few angles:

  • “What it costs to get pro-underwater gear in the UAE”: emphasise that for serious underwater content creation (dive videography, commercial shoots, luxury resorts, reef documentation) you are looking at tens of thousands of AED in gear.

  • “Why choose premium gear (Keldan + Marelux) rather than budget options”: highlight how durability, service, control, and output quality matter especially when shooting underwater.

  • “Buying from UAE distributor”: highlight that Base Films offers these as authorised distributor, meaning local support, warranty, etc – a key advantage over grey imports.

  • “Tips before purchasing”: include checklist for the buyer (camera compatibility, accessories, after-sales support, cost of servicing/consumables).

  • “Use case examples”: maybe mention how a diver in UAE or KSA might use a 45,000 lm Keldan light or a Marelux housing for underwater resort shoots or commercial underwater photography. Tie to the region (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Gulf).

  • “Price trends and budget planning”: even if you don’t have exact every model price, you can show ranges (AED 12k+ for light, AED 18k+ for housing) and factors that push higher (package, accessories, large lumen, depth rating).

  • “Local availability and service”: emphasise the importance of buying via local distributor (Base Films) so you get support.

Sample Blog Structure

Here’s a suggested flow you could adopt:

  1. Introduction — why underwater photography is growing in UAE (luxury resorts, Red Sea region, diver tourism) and why having the right gear matters.

  2. Overview of Keldan Lights — what they are, key models (24XR, 18XR, 8XR), what lumen/CRI/depth specs mean, approximate pricing and why they matter.

  3. Overview of Marelux Housings — what they are, key models (MX-R5/II, MX-A7RV, MX-Z8 etc), build/material features, pricing in UAE, why go premium.

  4. Where to buy in UAE / distributor details — mention Base Films as authorised distributor, their location (Dubai, Al Quoz etc) and benefits.

  5. What to consider when buying — checklist for buyer: compatibility, accessories, depth rating, service, cost of ownership.

  6. Budgeting & decision guide — price ranges, how to choose based on your shooting needs (hobby vs professional), tradeoffs.

  7. Conclusion — summarise the value of investing in the right gear, especially in the UAE context; call-to-action (contact distributor, test gear, plan your underwater shoot).


Final Thoughts

For your readers who are diving enthusiasts, underwater filmmakers, resort photographers or professional shooters in the UAE region, spelling out the gear investment and options is highly relevant. The combination of Keldan lights + Marelux housings represents a top-tier setup; by providing price guidance in AED, regional availability (UAE via Base Films), and the decision criteria, your blog can serve as a valuable buyer-guide.

If you like, I can pull together an updated price table of current UAE-specific models from Base Films (as of 2025) and also compare a few “entry” vs “pro” models for both brands. Would that be helpful?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Best Cameras for Under Water Photography in 2025

-
Image
Introduction Under water photography continues to grow in popularity across the globe—and nowhere more so than in regions like the Under Water Photography in UAE , where stunning reefs and marine life provide endless inspiration. Whether you're a hobbyist snorkeler or a expert diving deep for documentaries, choosing the right camera is important for taking pictures the underwater world with readability and element. This manual explores the fine cameras for under water pictures in 2025, which includes alternatives for casual users, superior enthusiasts, and professionals involved in Underwater Filming For TV/Film. Key Features to Consider in an Underwater Camera Before exploring the list, here’s what to look for: Waterproofing or Housing Compatibility High Image Quality (Sensor, Resolution, ISO) Low-Light Autofocus & Stabilization RAW Shooting Capability Ease of Use Underwater Battery Life for Long Dives Top 7 Underwater Cameras for 2025 1. Sony A7R V (with Nauticam Housing...
Read more

Flying a Drone in the UAE? Here’s What You Need to Know About Getting Drone Permits UAE

-
Image
In recent years, drones have gone from niche gadgets to must-have tools for creators, businesses, hobbyists, and professionals. Whether you’re a photographer capturing jaw-dropping desert landscapes, a filmmaker shooting in Dubai Marina, or a real estate agent showcasing a luxury villa, drones unlock a whole new perspective. But there’s one important thing to know before you take off in the UAE:  you need a drone permit. Flying a drone without proper authorization can lead to hefty fines, confiscation of your equipment, or worse — legal trouble. That’s why understanding how  Drone Permits UAE  work is essential for anyone planning to fly in the region. In this blog, we’ll break it all down — what drone permits are, why you need them, how to apply, and what you can do to fly safely and legally in the UAE. Whether you’re a tourist with a hobby drone or a licensed operator working on a big project, this guide is for you. Why Do You Need a Drone Permit in the UAE? Let’s start...
Read more

Aerial Photography Pricing: What to Expect & Why Permits Matter in Abu Dhabi

-
Image
  Aerial photography has transformed the way we capture landscapes, events, architecture, and even real estate. With the rise of drone technology and high-resolution imaging, the demand for aerial footage is soaring—pun intended. However, one of the most common questions clients ask before booking such services is: "What does aerial photography cost?" In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about aerial photography pricing, including key cost factors and the importance of aerial permits  Abu Dhabi , especially for commercial projects. Aerial Permits Abu Dhabi What Is Aerial Photography? Aerial photography refers to the process of capturing images or videos from the air, typically using drones, helicopters, or other aircraft. It’s widely used in industries like: Real estate and property development Event coverage (weddings, festivals, concerts) Corporate promotions and tourism Film and media production Land surveying and agriculture Infrastructure and construc...
Read more