The Aputure Storm XT52 is billed by the company as the “most powerful point source LED fixture in the industry.” It’s a tunable white high intensity lamp with a CCT range from 2,500 K to 10,000 K. The Storm XT52 can also deliver a range of color effects without gels.
Build
The Aputure Storm XT52 lamp head weighs a hefty 61.29 pounds (27.8 kg). However, it can be operated on a standard crank stand. It also measures 21.7 inches (550 mm) by 13.9 inches (353 mm) by 14.3 inches (362 mm). There’s also a substantial control box that measures 16.2 inches (411 mm) by 6.3 inches (159.5 mm) by 15.2 inches (388 mm) and weighs 29.54 pounds (13.4 kg).
The standard head cable measures 24.6 feet (7.5 meters). In addition, the entire Storm XT52 system is IP65 weather protected, including the control box, cables, lamp head and modifiers.
BLAIR light engine
The Storm XT52 features Aputure’s BLAIR light engine. This uses blue, lime, amber, indigo and red sources to deliver high quality white light. As a result, the Storm XT52 has a CRI and TLCI of greater than 96.
The BLAIR light engine is also able to output saturated colors across more than 70% of the Rec.2020 color gamut. This is available with the light’s Limited HSIC+ and x,y control modes.
Also, Aputure says that the indigo emitters enhance fluorescing materials in the same way as natural daylight and tungsten sources.
Brightest output
The Aputure Storm XT52 is currently the brightest of any LED point source fixtures available. It delivers up to 41,900 Lux at 16.4 feet (five meters) when set to 5,600 K and fitted with a 35-degree reflector. This makes it brighter than a 6,000 W HMI fixture. If you use a 20-degree reflector, then the output is a staggering 136,500 lux at five meters. At 3,200 K the figures are a little lower but still impressive, however. You will get 35,400 lux with the 35-degree reflector and 119,600 lux with the 20-degree option. Aputure says that the Storm XT53 offers flicker free output at 20% brightness and above at any recording frame rate as well.
Powering the XT52
The Aputure Storm XT52 has a maximum power draw of 5,200 W using the standard 7.5 meter (24.6 feet) head cable. You can daisy chain these cables up to a maximum of 45 meters (146.6 feet), but this will raise the power draw to 6,000 W. Despite the high power requirements, you can run the Storm XT52 from most popular 6,500 W generators. However, you can also limit the maximum power via the control menus to make sure you don’t overtax your power source. All of that power will also generate heat, so the Storm XT52 features liquid and air cooling.
What we think
With the launch of the Aputure Storm XT52, LED lights are now able to compete with some of the larger traditional “hot” lights used on film sets. The BLAIR light engine promises unrivaled levels of color accuracy as well as its highest-ever brightness levels. All of these features come at a high price, however. As a result, it seems that the Storm XT52 is aimed at rental houses, rather than independent filmmakers like Aputure’s previous lights. It will be interesting to monitor how the market responds and to see if the Storm XT52 becomes a common sight on professional film sets.
Pricing and availability
The Aputure Storm XT52 is scheduled to start shipping in late July 2025, priced at $13,100. The standard kit includes the 35-degree reflector.
