Gaffer & Gear 265 - Aputure XT26

Gaffer & Gear 265 - Aputure XT26
In this episode I take a look at the Aputure XT26, including its wide and narrow Hyper Reflector, The motorized F14 Fresnel and the Spotlight Max with its 50, 36 and 19 degree reflectors
00:00 Intro
01:45 Firmware Improvements
04:04 Cons / Negatives
07:48 Pros / Positives
10:47 Brightness with Different Modifiers
11:17 Brightness XT26 v Evoke 2400B
12:34 Cost and What You Get
17:01 No Modifier Attached
18:24 Supplied Medium Reflector
20:09 Wide Hyper Reflector
21:35 Narrow Hyper Reflector
22:46 F14 Fresnel Talk
27:23 F 14 Fresnel Testing
30:18 Spotlight Max Talk
32:21 Spotlight Max 50°
36:26 Spotlight Max 36°
40:07 Spotlight Max 19°
42:24 DMX Testing
48:33 AC Power Draw
48:57 Dimming Characteristics
50:14 CCT Target Accuracy
50:27 Color Render TM-30 RF
50:37 DuV
51:23 2700K
51:45 3200K
52:32 4400K
52:56 5600K
53:36 6500K

[@stephenf3838]

"The whole system is sold to you In One Box. Now let me tell you. That is incredibly difficult to get out of the delivery van if you don't have a forklift." lol

[@davidbroughton5237]

Andrew's neighbors, "Honey, he's out there doing it again."

[@JoATTech]

I would never buy this light, but I'm going to watch whole video without any breaks :D The best light reviews on planet Earth.

[@nshea3286]

On the bright side, you could use the light for Foley recordings of jet engines.

[@CebisoMhlanga]

heh, on the bright side

[@charlesteton]

Seriously, seriously, love your in depth reviews. WOW. Thank you. Should be the Gold Standard for ALL product reviews.

[@meetthegaffer]

Wonderfully thorough delineation of pros & cons. You are a godsend to the industry.

[@AlmightyUniden]

As always, really appreciate the efforts put into all of your videos. Thank you so much!

[@gustafapplequist9059]

Your reviews are outstanding! Thanks for another great video!

[@boasol]

Awesome review! I think something to keep in mind for a larger Sprinter 3500 size of truck (like I have) ...folks may be on the fence with in terms of size,. However, unlike a 4k HMI or 10k tungsten (which I gather this is closest to as a replacement) you will still need more smaller power fixtures, where not as many are needed with 1 or 2 of these on board. The other thing is that I do different kits and carts depending on scenarios and budget, so if I had a light like this, it wouldn't always be on the truck, as it wouldn't be needed for many scenarios such a Sprinter size of the truck, and with larger scenes or competing with very bright sunlight, I likely would be bringing less of the lower power lights. But Aputure is trying to get a larger piece of the high-end production market, using 5-10 ton trucks, so having a bunch of these on-board, and sharing all the accessories between them, makes sense. They have tried to check every box that high-end pros want, and size and weight is less of a concern when you have large teams, trucks, stands, scissor lifts, condors, etc. If they get the fresnel zoom calibration issue addressed, then the head cable length is less of an issue if Studio Mode can be fully functional and be able to leave a light in a challenging location for many days. Each manufacturer needs to differentiate and create certain advantages that the others don't have. Something Aputure needs to work on is striking a middle ground with cases that are more robust than zipper fabric cases, but not as large or heavy as road cases. Pelican-style with smart decisions on padding, maybe using high-density foam dividers more than standard foam can help.

[@joewebb5138]

Thanks for donating your time to these product reviews. Best reviews I’ve ever watched. Hope you keep it up. What really is kind of sad about Aputure is that their gear is getting better and better, but I feel like they spend a lot of time on certain aspects of the light and kinda rush other aspects. I love their lights (most of them anyways). I just want them to not be in a rush to release stuff. Aputure is killing it in terms of features and output. I know software is always left half finished, but updates after release are fine. Not to get too in-depth here, but I really think they should stop making spotlight adapters… and honestly that fresnel, although good design and well made, output is not where it should be. I like what Nanguang is doing with their optics as far as their spotlight and fresnels. Godox is also surprising me with their options as well. I saw some of the videos NAB Vegas 2024 and It looks awesome. Can’t wait to go to my local Cinegear in Los Angeles at WB lot in a couple of months. New Aputure panels are looking great, but the ballast are huge… As a Studio lighting tech and Low budget Gaffer in LA for 20 years, I always like when manufacturers actually try and not just make a great all around unit, but one that is a little lighter.. Big ballasts and bright lights are good for replacing HMIs in a lot of ways, but my back hurts from the size of some of these LEDs… Thanks again for all your videos.

[@agustinbruzz3379]

Thanks for all the info!

[@Richard_Bumblebee]

Looking forward to your review of their new lights and Sidus Link Pro.

[@666size666]

Great review Andrew. Let's not forget that we need these "not-so-perfect" lights invented before we get that "perfect" one invented. One day that ballast and kit will be smaller, more manageable and quieter and that will be on the back of this first model.

[@auroraborealis7472]

Or in other words v2 > v1

[@gaffergear]

You are 100% correct.

[@jeffcelis3024]

You mean the 2400B 🫢

[@joewebb5138]

I feel like this light is too much money to be a v1.

[@Wh1teland]

Getting little worried about the neighbours with those monster lights :D :D

[@TheSpiritawake]

As usual thanks for this. I always appreciate your honest review. I’m still waiting for your Skypanel X review. Arri better get lights to Andrew. 😢

[@gaffergarage]

It's the best light on the market atm and you should get it 😊

[@danthedisappointment]

great ep mate! would love to see your gaffer truck!

[@gaffergear]

I will have to do another walk through episode soon, everything has changed so much

[@boteaconstantin7269]

@@gaffergear Yes please. I am very curious how you store your Nanlux 1200B with all the accessories

[@gaffergear]

@@boteaconstantin7269 it's a mess

[@cagf2013]

It certainly has some unique advantages but is extremely cumbersome in size and weight. Very interested in that new iFootage light you have in the background though ;)

[@suckersklub82]

is it really all that cumbersome compared to an M40 though

[@cagf2013]

@@suckersklub82 well consider the size and weight when you add the motorized Fresnel, an M40 flood/spots natively with no attachments. The aputure unit still has many advantages over a HMI though, don't get me wrong. There are also other 2400 size LEDs available that aren't quite so big. Personally I like the look of the Godox equivalent.

[@flashforum939]

The spotlight Max is super underwhelming when it comes to output. I have the 36 degree version and two things are super disappointing: 1. The gobo holder is a pain in the ... and as you mention it is ridiculous to change gobos when it's hot. 2. The output is so extremely low even with very powerful lights.

[@gaffergear]

Optically it's amazing, which I found adds to the disappointment about the output

[@cobralyoner]

Aputure is growing up a lot lately.

[@kinoromantic]

The controller alone looks and weighs as much as my pelican 1615 air camera case 😄

[@JoATTech]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jeyycie3656]

As much as I like LED for their benefits, when you have a light with ballast as heavy and cumbersome as a 12K, louder than a RED Epic at full fan speed, the weight of the head of a 4K HMI or 5K tungsten, and need as much space for the accessories than for the light in the truck, I'll just say "thanks", and just rent an M18 or 2,5K HMI. 😂 (and also is cheaper) Unless you really need something high output for dimming effects or the leko capabilities, but otherwise I think we've reached a point were led fixtures starts to become a bit silly, compared to traditional sources, and isn't as well designed or balanced (physically speaking), nor as simple. Also, with that amount of heat and output, I wonder about the lifetime of the led chip, which with that amount of semi-conductor wizardry straight to the bin once it's cooked, is an ecologically disaster despite what the industry is pushing into our ears... The Chinese don't care if it lasts, it just has to last long enough before the new one... 🙄 thanks again for your great coverage of products.

[@666size666]

Agreed, however, it sounds like you're comparing this to film set lighting exclusively. There are theatrical applications that this would be much better for. As you point out, dimming. Also, there wouldn't be better lights invented in the future unless ones like this are made. All said, I'm with you. I am not buying this light for my film needs (15 meters only for the feeder means no condor...bummer) but I could possibly rent it for certain cues or leko effects.

[@jeyycie3656]

@@666size666 Yes there is an interest for theater, but I don't think Aputure is competing on that market really, I've never seen brands like that on stage, more likely ETC, Elation, Robert Juliat, etc... and then Robe, Martin or Vari-Light for moving lights.

[@cfl4286]

@@666size666the header cable length is the biggest bummer for me. Usually need at least two 50 ft leads otherwise you’re putting the ballast in the basket. Doesn’t seem to be an aputure specific problem at least.

[@JeffGrahamPhotography]

There are definitely seems to be a point of diminishing returns with LED technology where it goes from light, small, cool, and convenient to unmanageably large, costly, and heavy.

[@suckersklub82]

@@cfl4286 - you may be putting the ballast in the basket, but you're also running a significantly lighter power cable up there (240V 16A domestic grid here)

[@justinuriahphoto]

I can't imagine how many storage sheds you have in the backyard....lol. So many lights over the years. You could open your own rental company.

[@gaffergear]

I sell what I don't need or use. This is what keeps "Gaffer & Gear" running. With the never ending changes to gear I only keep the bare minimum of lights I can get away with these days.

[@IrfanKhan-sw8lb]

👏👏👏

[@santoslanusse]

Thanks for this excellent review! Are you planning to make a review of the new Arri L Series Plus?

[@gaffergear]

I would love to, but ARRI doesn't seem to be interested in sending me anything for review. They have a brand name that implies quality, so they don't have a lot to gain by a reviewer like me looking at it.

[@santoslanusse]

@@gaffergear what a pity ARRI isn't sending you their light for review. Your reviews are the most complete in KZbin by far!

[@KenTVtw]

Their loss

[@user-qs2dv9fm8m]

How about the size of the ballast

[@arimiller2882]

Would love to see a Godox 2400Bi review

[@gaffergear]

I need to follow up, I believe one is in stock for me

[@evanburns9182]

Hey Andrew, do you plan on reviewing the Spotlight Max with other lights? We were on set the other day and we had a whole bunch of different spotlight attachments and found that none of them were quite there yet. Hoping the Max solves most of these issues…

[@gaffergear]

I have a large section in this video with the attachment, but I am going to do a separate video in it with the 600c and 1200d

[@vontd9]

BTW Aputure does supply a AU/NZ 10a cable for this with a limiter.

[@mitchgross592]

[Aputure] For clarity, that cable and others like it (designed for circuits that can’t handle the full draw of the XT26) have an extra pin on the Control Box end. This tells the box to limit the power draw. Much safer.

[@gaffergear]

If they do the distributor knows nothing about it and no one anywhere can give me an order code

[@vontd9]

@@gaffergearMitch above with the official reply, but my local supplier has the 10a flatpin version.

[@joramhartmann7101]

Can you Review aputures New infinimats when They are available?

[@gaffergear]

I'm more than keen to have a look for myself

[@Cradlepink]

What’s the output on it ? Based on the size of the ballast it should be a 6 or a 12kw

[@gaffergear]

Around a 4K in my opinion

[@Cradlepink]

@@gaffergear That is a lot of stuff for a 4kw lamp that basically is just really good at dimming 😅

[@johanlindqvist99]

Do you ship to Switzerland? 😅

[@gaffergear]

Imagine the cost

[@JoATTech]

"Brain transplant and monopoly dollars" 🤣🤣🤣

[@DylanReeve]

There's no way I will ever need to own (or probably even rent a light like this, and yet I can't pull myself away).

[@BrianNguyenIHASDACANSER]

Does Andrew just own 2 houses? Cause like clearly both his 1 of his sprinters are just parked at another persons homr

[@retro4078]

Kinda shameful that the SSI scores are mediocre and out dated. Especially considering their C1500 had a violet spike yet some reason they couldn't add 1 violet emitter to this beast.

[@gaffergear]

I was a bit surprised that the violet phosphor was not in this light, I sort of expected it would be going forward with Aputure products, especially as it is in some of the Amaran products.

[@00WhiteBlade]

Looks like at 11:16 you accidentally put the "No Modifier at 2700k" reading for "No Modifier at 5600k."

[@gaffergear]

Great pick up, I can't believe no one at Aputure noticed that

[@00WhiteBlade]

@@gaffergear Oh are all those Aputure's readings? Or do you mean you ran your video past Aputure before uploading it?

[@gaffergear]

@@00WhiteBlade their my readings, but Aputure usually spot an error instantly

[@gaffergear]

They don't get to see a preview, but if I have an error they are usually on to me within the hour

[@00WhiteBlade]

@@gaffergear Copy thanks!

[@morningtidefilms]

Maybe this has already been asked, but how do you keep your neighbors from hating your guts?! Do you test when they're out of town, or send them special gifts? If this happened to some people I know, they would be reporting an extraterrestrial invasion.

[@gaffergear]

I always ask them first and shoot at a time or on a night that suits them. Anyone you see watching me or hanging around during the testing most likely lives in those houses. In earlier episodes I used to open my roller door and shoot in the other direction, I didn't even have to go outside, but the neighbours changed. During winter it gets dark early in Melbourne, so it may look a lot later at night than it actually is. Being on an intersection my main concern is being able to turn the lights off before any cars get close.

[@Sgyozo]

Those contacts are dumb, detecting non-powered accessories could be done by RFID or something. Powered ones via a 3-lead cable, if a cable breaks, no big deal, but contacts are a weak point. BTW, for 8k i'd expect it to work very well without the need to wait for firmware updates.

[@gaffergear]

Interesting points