First announced last September, Aputure has now officially released its Light Storm 1200D Pro flagship LED light. With 1200 Watts of power, Aputure claimed at the time of its initial announcement that it was the “highest output Bowens Mount light fixture on the market”. While not the only light fixture at 1200W, it’s true that it was the only one at that kind of level with a Bowens mount making it ideally suited to your existing Bowens modifiers. This daylight-balanced light comes with three reflectors for wide, medium and narrow beams and the whole setup is shipped in two separate cases; One for the light and one for the reflectors. Handy, as you don’t have to cart an oversized case everywhere if you don’t need to use the reflectors and cart them around with you everywhere. It’s been a long wait, but now it’s available to buy!
When it comes to raw power output, the LS1200D puts out 6,3480 lux at 3 metres when completely bare, which goes up to 9,610 lux with the wide (55°) reflector, 22,400 lux with the medium (30°) reflector and an extremely bright 83,100 lux with the narrow (15°) reflector. It’s dust and water-resistant (not waterproof!) and has a CRI and TLCI of 96+ and 98+ respectively.
It’s target to replace on film and video sets are the more traditional HMI and Tungsten “hot” lights that have been in the industry for decades. LEDs are able to put out a lot more light compared to the power they consume and don’t require constant bulb replacements. They’re also a lot easier to gel and add modifiers to because while they’re still going to get warm at those kinds of power levels, they’re not even close to traditional Tungsten bulbs.
Connectivity support includes CRMX, Art-net and SaCN via etherCON and 5-pin DMX512. Of course, you also get remote control with Aputure’s Sidus Link app control system. Power is supplied through either an AC cable or via two 48v 15A DC inputs for half or full power. When you’re not controlling it remotely, the power setting can be altered from the controller and you also get eight different lighting effects (Paparazzi, Fireworks, Lightning, Faulty Bulb, TV, Pulsing, Strobe and Explosion) as well as four dimming curves and four fan modes for when shooting requires an absolutely silent set. The Aputure Light Storm 1200D Pro is available to buy now for $3,390 although everywhere currently still seems to be awaiting stock that’s on the way. So, while it’s not technically still a pre-order, you might have to wait a little while for it to arrive.
