Meet The Gaffer

A very simple comparison of output through a DoP Choice snap bag and magic cloth from three 1200 watt point source units: Nanlux Evoke 1200B, Nanlux Evoke 1200 (Daylight), and Aputure Lightstorm 1200D.
Thank you's to
-Nanlux for the use of the unit
-Meets The Eye Studios for use of their Stage A for the afternoon
-Hedley Standwell for providing a stand-in
-John Paul Poritz for lending a hand and good vibes throughout!

[@johnpaulporitz]

It was a ton of fun! Thank you!

[@philpritchard5173]

Aputute unit..v impressive in modifiers...(A. Lock confirmed that too) but it's nuts that bi-color Evoke gives same daylight output as the Daylight version! Aputure may have a bicolor coming so that will be interesting. Thanks for the 5 hrs, so we don't have to!

[@JulesFredericNerestant]

Seems like the 1200b chipset is larger in diameter, could that be helping?

[@meetthegaffer]

It looked like that to me too, but when we put a tape measure up to it they appeared identical.

[@philpritchard5173]

@@meetthegaffer There is going to be a 2k and then some from these 2 manufacturers soon. Exciting times. I've enjoyed watching your and Andrew Lock's channels and how you and your guests have documented the transitions to LED's. It's quite a time.

[@robertharker]

I hear you about it taking time. Even for something simple.

[@CaseyPreston]

These are the tests that I want. Thank you. I never use a hard source for a key so I don't care what the measured output is as a hard source. In any case, any spotted HMI Par is going to blow away any comparable COB LED for measured output so the comparison seems silly. All I want to know is how they compare in a softbox which seems to be the only way to really test their total output and use as a key light.

[@cagf2013]

Worth noting that a lot of people use the reflector dish and shoot the light through a diffusion frame. This usually gives the most output for any given size when using COB LEDs. The Soft box is more of a size and convenience thing as you would know.

[@meetthegaffer]

For sure. And doing this comparison would show the differences between the intensifiers, the relative beam angle, all those things.

[@CaseyPreston]

@@cagf2013 Yes. I think a softbox with magic cloth is good because it tends to compensate for any difference in the beam angles of the lights. I’ve also tested lights directly off of b board for the same reason.

[@vladimirmartinez8431]

Great comparison, would be gracias to do the same with the Fresnel attachment.

[@nareknae]

hi thanks for making this video test desirable to see all comparison results together on one list end of video

[@earthlevel4569]

thnx for the notes

[@OrenArieli]

If my pockets were deeper, I'd pick up a Hedley, but I have to make do with a generic hairdresser's practice mannequin I've named Eileen (because she doesn't stand, she....never mind). Thanks for this review, Luke. Happy holidays.

[@noorstudio5112]

Aputure 160fc Evoke 110fc Evoke 1200B 120fc 5600k 90fc 3200K, that's right? so the aputure is brighter?

[@meetthegaffer]

But I believe this may be partially due to a spottier beam angle.

[@PancakeLighting]

What are the major advantages to using the Rabbit Roudner system vs. the Aputure softboxes? Is there a light quality difference or is it more about the build quality and versatility of switching out mounts?

[@KevinWilling]

The advantage is that you can buy one high quality modifier that works with every unit on the market by switching out the black plate, vs having a soft box that only works on Bowen’s mount. It’s important to recognize that lights are constantly changing and there might be a world where you buy a light that’s not Bowens mount and don’t want to buy soft boxes all over again.

[@meetthegaffer]

It’s build quality and flexibility, for sure. The Aputure modifiers are kind of a no-brainer re cost, but a couple DoP Choice modifiers are Heaven.

[@valerintproductions]

When measuring the distance of the light, the 9' is where the end of the softbox is correct, the outermost diffusion? NOT the light. You factor in the softbox.

[@meetthegaffer]

In this case I going to the diffusion because that in effect is the light source. The distance is somewhat arbitrary as well😀

[@valerintproductions]

@@meetthegaffer Ok that's what it looked like I just wanted to make sure. I was about to do some lighting tests of my own with all my new soft-boxes and wanted to make sure that's what was being measured! Thanks!

[@nshea3286]

What is the shadow quality of the 1200b Evoke like compared to the regular Evoke?

[@meetthegaffer]

We’ll see when I actually start using it!

[@mattbaker32]

I may have missed it - what are the camera settings if you're able to remember?

[@meetthegaffer]

Sorry, no longer retrievable from my aging memory.

[@mattbaker32]

@@meetthegaffer no worries. I appreciate everything you do, Luke. Pies included.

[@lauddp1150]

So is there any reason to even invest in the evoke 1200 if the 1200b is the same output? I'd be very frustrated if I actually owned the Evoke 1200

[@meetthegaffer]

Good question! Many people are asking themselves this very question right now.

[@consywonsy]

I own 2 -_-I guess that's the risk of being an early adopter while this tech is still finding it's feet. I hear the Prolycht 675w RBGACL isn't far off the output of the Aputure 1200 👀

[@PancakeLighting]

The rate these units are advancing seems very frustrating for owner/operators. I'm having a HECK of a time deciding what units will be good returns right now. I feel like this may begin to slow down as 1200W is approaching the limits of what you can plug into house power in the US so that's got to cause some shifts and hopefully a slow down.

[@lauddp1150]

@@PancakeLighting yeah I agree. That’s why I have currently invested in the 1200d by Aputure. But man, I’d be damned if they release a 1200b or 1200c at the same output. I rent out a lot of my gear and I feel like this would diminish its rental value

[@lauddp1150]

@@consywonsy if that’s the case I might have to look into that instead of the 600c…

[@jeremyapplebaum]

Where did you get the 18% grey mannequin?

[@meetthegaffer]

hedleystandwell.com/

[@gdrriley420]

who makes those cranks stands being used here?

[@meetthegaffer]

Matthews mini-vators… kinda like the panel stands but with a wider stance.

[@creativegreats]

The nanlux 1200d and 1200b have louder fans than the aputure 1200d .. what are other advantages of the aputure 1200d over the naxlux 1200d and b?

[@meetthegaffer]

The Aputure 1200D works with Sidus and has an easier way to do local control if the unit is up in the air. There is also no separate yoke. The Aputure 1200D seems to have more output, but this may be due to a tighter beam angle… and depending on the size of intensifier or other modifier, they are pretty comparable. The Nanlux Evoke 1200B gives you the option of tunable white, which is kind of a big deal. The option to attach a fresnel is also helpful. The Nanlux does have a proprietary mount, so unless you’re using the DoP Rabbit Rounder system, you would need to purchase, non-Bowens modifiers. Both are great additions to your kit. I have both and use both, often side by side.

[@creativegreats]

@@meetthegaffer whats tunable white used for ?

[@meetthegaffer]

@@creativegreats Tunable white references the ability to change the warmth or coolness of a fixtures white light output. This is handy creatively to set mood, but also to balance the lights you add to an existing location.

[@creativegreats]

@@meetthegaffer In other words the bi color feature ? Tungsten and daylight ?

[@meetthegaffer]

Yes, however, the emphasis is on tuning rather than either 3200K or 5600K. Saying it’s a tunable white is a more nuanced (and accurate) way to say it😜

[@igetitlitsoicansit2950]

JIM CRAMER:1200B IS A BUY! 1200 D'S ARE A SELL

[@meetthegaffer]

My 1200D’s aren’t going anywhere at the moment, but eventually they will be replaced😀

[@Take5North]

“You’re not gonna get in the weeds” with all the technical data? 😂 C’mon mate!

[@meetthegaffer]

We’ll not nearly as technical as our good friend Andrew Lock (Gaffer & Gear), is what I mean😀