Aputure Light Storm 1200d Pro Review

The fixture makes use of a Junior Pin for mounting and requires a combo gentle stand.
The sunshine with yoke is available in at 19.73 lbs / 8.94 kg. Sure, it’s a beast—no light-duty stands for this one. For a lot of, the requirement of a combo stand will doubtlessly flip them away as these stands are typically costlier and are a lot heavier. The yoke is powerful and doesn’t flex.

The Matthews Low Boy Double Riser Combo Stand retails for $278 USD. It has a max top of 6.4′ and weighs 16 lb / 7 kg, and may help as much as 72 lb / 33 kg. I like this stand lots. I added wheels to it once I wanted to maneuver it round in a studio. To be sincere, these wheels haven’t come off since I put in them. It’s one of many extra compact fashions.

Shifting the LS 1200d Professional on a stand takes some power, particularly if in case you have the 13 lb / 5.93 kg controller connected to the stand with the included clamp adapter.

Talking of the controller it. The package contains an superior clamp with a fast launch. It matches properly on the leg of the combo stand, or when prolonged, it is going to work on the stand itself. I prefer it on the leg because it helps with stability, and it’s simpler to see the menu and settings because it’s tilted a bit.

The controller has two quick-release positions since no battery plate is on the facet.

How does the burden of the LS 1200d Professional evaluate to different comparable type LED lights such because the Nanlux Evoke 1200 and fixtures that don’t draw as a lot energy, such because the 700W Maxima 7 and the 720W Aputure LS 600d Professional? Beneath you’ll be able to see.

The Aputure LS 1200d Professional is 4.53kw lighter than the Evoke 1200, and it weighs nearly the identical as an LS 600d Professional with the F10 Fresnel connected.

So, how does the burden of the LS 1200d Professional evaluate to some 1200W HMI fixtures? Let’s have a look.

With these weight comparisons, it is very important keep in mind that the Aputure LS 1200d Professional isn’t an HMI Fresnel.

As one other comparability, the Mole-Richardson 1600W Tener LED (Daylight) suggestions the scales at 31.80 kg. Sure, it is a increased energy draw (1600W) LED gentle, nevertheless it does present an excellent comparability towards the Aputure LS 1200d Professional.

How does the burden of the 1200d Professional evaluate to a light-weight such because the ARRI M18? Beneath you’ll be able to see:

There may be solely round a 3kg distinction in weight in case you evaluate the LS 1200d Professional to an M18. Nevertheless, you additionally have to keep in mind that the M18 is an HMI Fresnel, and the Aputure shouldn’t be.

The Aputure LS 1200d Professional shall be a bit lighter than some HMI Fresnel fixtures with an identical output.

Energy Draw

The sunshine attracts 1440W, which is lots; nonetheless, it will possibly nonetheless be run by way of any family AC outlet. Should you wished to make use of a standard HMI that may offer you an identical output to the LS 1200d Professional, you would need to use one thing like a 1.8K, 2K, or 2.5K. When you get above 1800W, you’ll be able to’t run a light-weight off a family AC outlet. This is among the most vital benefits a light-weight just like the LS 1200d has over some older fixtures.

The LS 1200d Professional does draw extra energy than its closest competitor, the Nanlux Evoke 1200. It is a little bit of disgrace, as powering a 1440W fixture with batteries is harder.

Controller & Powering Choices

All however one enter/outputs are on one facet of the controller. On high of the controller is the first lamp head enter. That is an enchancment over the 600d Professional that has connectors on the underside, so you’ll be able to’t have it standing up.

Battery Choices

The LS 1200d Professional doesn’t have a Gold or V-mount choice for battery energy. Two 48V/15A DC inputs take energy from a battery block. Be mindful it is going to want a considerable battery block or two of them for full energy for a nominal time. You should utilize one DC enter and get 50% output from the sunshine. I do really feel this selection is nice planning for future-proofing as battery expertise is getting higher quick. Earlier than you already know it 3000w batteries would be the norm.

Battery Blocks are pricey, and the capability, measurement, and value will all enhance, however right now, a 48v battery block able to powering one 1200d Professional will put you again a couple of thousand {dollars}. A fuel generator/inverter is a greater choice. The difficulty is the 1440W energy draw. It’s important to have a battery block that helps that 1440w energy draw.

This BlockBattery HCL-1600 1648Wh Multi-Voltage Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Station does help the 1440W energy draw of the LS 120d Professional with its 1648Wh capability. You may run the sunshine for a bit over an hour for a whopping $4,345.00

One benefit of a 1200w energy draw fixture is you could have a couple of extra choices, nevertheless it’s nonetheless costly. Take the $3,050.00 Fxlion 1232Wh 15/28/48V Lithium-Ion Mega Battery. That is one thing you would do with the Nanlux Evoke 1200 because it solely attracts 1200W.

Going Cellular

I’ve all the time wished a fuel generator/inverter in case we lose energy on the home or go tenting on that uncommon event. I additionally need the station I work at to purchase one since I shoot our information anchors open air within the solar lots. Utilizing lights together with the overhead scrims could be implausible, so I researched if a extra reasonably priced choice exists and located a couple of which might be lots inexpensive than the tried and true Honda EU2200i that price $1300. This unit is fairly quiet. That’s the reason it’s so common to be used in video and movie manufacturing. The Honda operates at 42 to 50 dBA.

One I’m fascinated with is the Westinghouse iGen2200 fuel generator/inverter. It’s rated at 1800 Watts and 2200 Peak Watts. It ought to work nice with the LS 1200d Professional (most energy draw of 1440 watts) and an LS 300 (350-watt energy draw) or LS 600d Professional (750-watt energy draw). Simply so long as you keep beneath at or 2200 peak watts, will probably be superb. The iGen2200 is rated at 52 dBA.

Retaining it Cool

To maintain the fixture cool, it makes use of two followers and what seems to be like cooling fins inside and on high of the lamp head. It has one fan on the underside and one on the again. It needs to be no shock the followers make some noise because the fixture generates loads of warmth.

Fan Speeds

Talking of protecting it cool. The Mild Storm 1200d Professional has 4-Fan Modes. This takes benefit of protecting the noise down when working both at max energy or in heat environments. I like having this selection as fan noise could be exhausting to take care of when recording audio; nonetheless, with a fixture this shiny, I doubt it is going to subsequent to expertise fairly often, however you by no means know, and the power to manage it’s implausible.

• Good: Fan velocity is in keeping with temperature as much as 45° C / 113°F
• Medium: Normal beneficial fan velocity. Appropriate for Environments from 35°C / 95°F
• Excessive: Environments from 35°C – 45°C / 95°F – 113°F
• Silent: Deactivates all followers however limits output to 100W

Fan Noise

No getting round it. With a high-power COB and two followers to maintain it cool, you’ll have to take care of fan noise. I used a decibel meter to see how a lot noise the lamp head places out. I first took an ambient room take a look at, turned the fixture on, and took one other studying from one and three meters.

For reference, a whisper is about 30 dBA, and regular dialog is about 60 dBA.

Fan Set To Medium

Ambient Room Stage = 34.3 dBA
LS 1200d Professional from 1-meter = 38.7 dBA
LS 1200d Professional from 3-meters = 36.8 dBA

Fan Set To Excessive

Ambient Room Stage = 34.3 dBA
LS 1200d Professional from 1-meter = 43.8 dBA
LS 1200d Professional from 3-meters = 40.3 dBA

The fan tone is lower-pitched and doesn’t whine or change in tone at completely different fan speeds. I really feel that microphones within the 5-meter zone may very well be a difficulty, however this is dependent upon what else is occurring within the space. For nearer proximity to microphones, an LS 600 or different lesser output lights shall be a better option as they don’t have close to as a lot fan noise.
In Good mode operating at 100%, I discovered that the LS 1200d Professional stayed in Medium. This setting is the beneficial fan velocity for environments from 35°C / 95°F.

Is that this a difficulty? It may very well be. It’s important to settle for this, much like the junior pin that requires a combo stand. These are issues that include fixtures with such excessive wattage and output.

How Scorching Does The Lamp Get?

Good query! One of many first issues I seen when altering the reflectors is that they had been toasty! I seize a glove to verify my digits get that burning feeling. This isn’t one thing I’ve to do anymore since all my manufacturing lights are all LED.

I pulled out an infrared thermometer to see simply how sizzling the lamp and reflectors get at 100%. With the huge reflector connected, the entrance inside temp was 150° whereas the skin of the reflector was 138°.

The surface of the lamp head doesn’t get extremely popular. I used to be shocked by how nicely the cooling system works. I can simply loosen the lean lock and seize the highest deal with. The deal with was 80°, and the entrance of the lamp close to the Bowens mount was 118°. That is with the sunshine at 100% and powered on for half-hour inside my residence with an ambient temperature of 68°.

Menu System

When you have used the 300d Professional or 600d Professional, the controller has an identical appear and feel to it. It’s easy to navigate and alter settings. It features a 0.1-100% stepless brightness management that helps exactly dial within the output you want. I like this lots.

Talking of the controller it. The package contains an superior clamp with a fast launch. It matches properly on the leg of the combo stand, or when prolonged, it is going to work on the stand itself. I prefer it on the leg because it helps with stability, and it’s simpler to see the menu and settings because it’s tilted a bit.
The controller has two quick-release positions since no battery plate is on the facet.

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The 1200d Professional makes use of Lumenradio CRMX and Artwork-net & sACN by way of an etherCON connector, along with the 5-Pin DMX512 ports, to seamlessly combine into any skilled DMX interface.

Connectivity

Its connectivity is designed with lighting technicians in thoughts. The LS 1200d Professional makes use of Lumenradio CRMX and Artwork-net & sACN by way of an etherCON connector, along with the 5-Pin DMX512 ports, to seamlessly combine into any skilled DMX interface.

Output

COB lights are kicking it up a notch with increased output and fresnel equipment to tame these COB clusters. 1440 watts is loads of energy, and protecting it from catching on fireplace needs to be one of many largest challenges with out having a large loud fan operating.

Photometrics

To check the output, I used a Sekonic C-700U from 3-meters. Attributable to area points, I wasn’t capable of take a look at from 5-meters. For reference, I added the inverse sq. legislation calculation for 5m. To maintain issues constant, I left the fixture in the identical place, modified the reflectors, and took the readings.

CCT	Distance	Naked Bulb	Hyper 15° Reflector	Hyper 30° Reflector	Hyper 55° Reflector
5600K	3M	6,590 lux	73,5000 lux	22,200 lux	13,300 lux
5600K	5M	2,372 lux	26,460 lux	7.992 lux	4,788 lux

Necessary to notice that there’s a sizzling spot, and the output drops as you exit to the beam’s edges. The 15° Reflector is way more noticeable whereas the huge is much less.

Beneath, you’ll be able to see Matt’s output outcomes when utilizing the Nanlux Evoke 1200.

CCT	Distance	Naked Bulb	F-35 fresnel 11°	F-35 Fresnel 45°	Reflector 45° beam angle
5600K	3M	4,484 lux	46,666 lux	14,100 lux	16,000 lux
5600K	5M	1616 lux	16,800 lux	5,076 lux	5,760 lux

The Evoke 1200 really has extra output than the Aputure LS 1200d Professional when each are used with their 45° and 55° reflectors respectively.

So what about if we evaluate it to an HMI gentle just like the ARRI M18?

As a comparability, an ARRI M18 and HMI 1200W SE, when used at 15 levels, places out round 75,000 lx at 3m.

Okay, what about utilizing a 1800W lamp bulb within the ARRI M18? Properly, as you’ll be able to see, the output at 3m when used at 16 levels is 108,889 lx.

The Maxima 7 and Maxima 7 Fresnel Lens, when set at 15°, has a claimed output of 58,914 lux at 3m.

If you wish to evaluate a extra reasonably priced gentle, the Aputure LS 600d Professional and F10 Fresnel, when set at 15°, put out 31,700 lx at a distance of three meters. At 11°.

Outdoors Check

With all this speak about output I wished to see how nicely it could work on a shiny sunny day. Sorry concerning the expertise. He was all I might discover 😀

I used the Canon C200 with 24-70mm set at F2.8, ISO 400, and ND at 6-stops. The White Stability is ready to 5600k.
The Aputure Mild Storm 1200d Professional was set at 100% with the Medium reflector and is 11 toes / 3.35 meters from the so-called expertise.

The solar is on digital camera proper and could be very shiny. To diffuse it I used a Chimera body and Chimera Full Material diffusion. Facet notice. I like this diffusion setup. The body could be very quick to arrange and is gentle in weight and makes use of any model diffusion since that has elastic on the nook to connect to the body. I extremely suggest the 6×6 model as nicely for a similar causes.

The above body seize is what it seems to be like simply outdoors the diffusion body.

That is the setup with out the 1200d Professional turned on.

And right here it’s on at 100% output with the Medium reflector.

The sunshine is shiny and I might have dropped the output a bit to make it fill rather less and moved it over a bit extra. I additionally might have put a diffusion body in entrance of it to melt it a bit because it’s pretty harsh. You get the concept. There may be loads of punch obtainable when utilizing the 1200d Professional outdoors.

Coloration Accuracy

Just like the output assessments, the colour take a look at is from 3-meters utilizing all three Hyper Reflectors with the sunshine set to 100% output.

Naked Bulb

Extensive Hyper Reflector

Medium Hyper Reflector

Spot Hyper Reflector

In a nutshell, the CRI is nice. The naked bulb Common CRI is 96.0 with an Prolonged CRI of 94.36. The Kelvin got here in at 5517K.

	EXTENDED CRI	CCT
Aputure LS 1200d Professional (Open Face)	94.36	5517K
Nanlux Evoke 1200 (Open Face)	95.18	5377K
Aputure LS 1200d Professional (55° Reflector)	94.5	5592K
Nanlux Evoke 1200 (45° Reflector)	95.13	5353K

Above you’ll be able to see how this compares to the Nanlux Evoke 1200. Whereas the prolonged CRI scores are pretty comparable, the Aputure has higher Kelvin shade accuracy.

All in all, these readings present the fixture performs very nicely and received’t offer you any shade points.

Softboxes and Modifiers

With a lot output, the 1200d Professional is nice for punching by diffusion or a large softbox. With loads of energy, you could have loads of choices. The F10 Fresnel designed for the 600d Professional will work however not in addition to it does with the meant use on the 600d Professional.

What’s appropriate? Properly, I’m glad you requested! Aputure has made it simpler to know what at present works with the LS 1200d Professional and is as follows.

Optimized

Aputure equipment which have been developed particularly for the fixture or carry out with knowledgeable degree of effectivity/effectiveness.

• LS 1200 Hyper Reflectors
• F10 Barn Doorways
• Mild Dome 150
• Mild Dome II (Take away Inside Baffle, Take away Gel Holder)
• Mild Dome SE – (Take away Inside Baffle)
• Mild OctaDome 120 – (Take away Inside Baffle)
• Lantern 90
• Mild Field 60×90 – (Take away Inside Baffle)
• Mild Field 30×120 – (Take away Inside Baffle)

Suitable

Aputure equipment that may be safely used on the listed fixture(s), doubtlessly with a decrease degree of effectivity/effectiveness, and are appropriate with the fixture’s accent mount. Secure utilization primarily considers weight & warmth sturdiness.

• Bowens Normal Reflector
• Bowens Hyper Reflector
• F10 Fresnel
• Lantern
• House Mild

Third-Get together

Equipment developed particularly for the fixture or for use on a number of completely different platforms, together with this fixture by third-party producers.

• SNAPBAG® Octa 5′ SBRRUO5 Rabbit Rounder Common
• Chimera Bowens S-Mount Velocity Ring Modifiers
• Suitable Bowens Mild Modifiers (≥1m/3ft diameter)

With this data, you’ll be able to simply discover equipment that work, and sooner or later, I’m positive different manufacturers will make modifiers that shall be appropriate. While you step as much as such a brightness and warmth, you need to be extra cautious.

When utilizing a softbox with COB fixtures, I like including the included interior baffle to unfold the beam out and keep away from a sizzling spot. A fresnel works otherwise on COB fixtures than they do on conventional tungsten gentle. It does enhance the output and sharpen the sides however simply doesn’t lower as nicely. The present F10 is huge, so I might solely think about how massive a brand new model could be for the LS 1200d Professional.

Facet notice: There aren’t many choices within the 1200w COB fixture area which might be reasonably priced. Matt reviewed the Nanlux StormEvoke 1200, which is a 1200 watt COB. Examine that one out as nicely!

Pricing and Availability

The Aputure Mild Storm 1200d Professional retails for $3390 USD and is on the market right now. As a comparability, the Nanlux Evoke 1200 is $3,350 USD.

Ultimate Ideas

The Aputure Mild Storm 1200d Professional packs an excellent punch with wonderful construct high quality. Aputure did an incredible job on the design. This fixture isn’t for everybody because it’s very a lot a specialty gentle for events when a excessive output gentle is required.

It’s going to work nicely outdoors for a key and fill utilizing a scrim or bounce our pushing by a window to create a glance akin to daylight coming into the room. That’s the place lights like these shine. It’s much like a 1200 HMI with out the effort of the delicate bulb and its price. HMI’s are additionally very costly.
I don’t suppose it’s a sensible choice in case you want an all-rounder kind fixture because the fan is louder than I like for interviews or if dialogue is being recorded indoors and round 3 meters.

I believe it’s essential to know what you’re stepping into. Should you want this type of firepower, the Aputure Mild Storm 1200d Professional is one fixture value taking a look at.