Nanlux Evoke 1200 Released – A Very Powerful LED Light

by Olaf von VossMay 19^th, 2021

Nanlux has just introduced quite a beast of an LED light, the Nanlux Evoke 1200, and yes, the 1200 actually stands for 1.2kW. This fixture is meant to compete with traditional 1.8K PARs and 2.5k HMI fixtures, but in a much more compact form factor. So let’s take a close look, but don’t forget your sunglasses!

This new Nanlux Evoke 1200 light is indeed a rather large light when compared to smaller units from Nanlux’s sister brand Nanlite, such as the Nanlite Forza 500 (reviewed here). But of course, the Evoke 1200 is still much smaller than a traditional HMI fixture.

Nanlux Evoke 1200

The Nanlux Evoke 1200 is a 1200W LED fixture with a so-called COB (chip on board) design. Other popular lights that use this approach include the Light Storm series from Aputure, Godox, or those from Nanlux’s sister brand Nanlite. The Evoke 1200 does not use a Bowens mount to attach accessories to it, but instead uses a proprietary mount, namely an NL mount.

The bare light itself offers a beam angle of 120°, but this can be modified, for example, by the optional Fresnel lens.

Although RGBW fixtures are very popular these days, the Nanlux Evoke 1200 is only available in either pure daylight (5600K) or tungsten (3200K). With dedicated versions, Nanlux was able to optimize the COB design for each model to get the maximum possible performance.

In addition, the entire unit (including the ballast) is IP54 rated, so light rain should not be a problem.

Accessories

Since this fixture does not offer a Bowens mount, but one developed in-house by Nanlux, the choice of accessories is somewhat limited, but Nanlux has made sure to offer some accessories from the start:

• Fresnel Lens (comes with barndors)
• Square Softbox 100cm
• Octagonal Softbox 150cm
• Parobolic Softbox 150cm
• Lantern Softbox 120cm

Special brackets will also be available to mount two or even four Evoke 1200s in one frame.

Specifications

The device itself is quite large, but compared to conventional HMI devices, it’s not that bulky, to be honest. It is 330 × 241 × 210mm (12.99 × 9.48 × 8.26″) plus the yoke and weighs almost 7kg (15.3lbs). The ballast is a behemoth in its own right and weighs 10.5kg. So overall the whole thing is heavy, but for what it is, it’s still a pretty compact combination.

Nanlux states that you can power this light from the mains obviously, but the company is also working on a battery-powered solution to run this light deep in the woods, for example, without the need for a dedicated generator.

The yoke is equipped with a quick-release mechanism and can be attached either to the light itself or, when used with the Fresnel attachment, directly to it.

Control

The Evoke 1200 has a rear panel with all the necessary controls and a 2.8″ status display. It can also be controlled wirelessly and a whole range of protocols are available:

• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi (Nanlink app)
• DMX / RDM
• Lumen radio

According to Nanlux, the company also has a dedicated wired remote in the works, which they will release a bit later. Of course, this light comes with some pre-configured lighting effects. Think flashes, strobe, paparazzi, broken bulb and the like. In addition, you can save custom looks. The device is fully dimmable 0% – 100% in 0.1% increments which is nice.

Pricing and availability

The Nanlux Evoke 1200 has a hefty price tag, but that’s okay since it’s a bold light aimed at professional sets. It sells for $3380, with the optional Fresnel lens costing $890. The standard reflector is included, as well as the ballast and necessary cables. All other modifiers need to be purchased separately.

The Nanlux Evoke 1200 will be available starting in Q3, so it’s going to take some time, but the company is working hard to get it out as soon as possible.

Link: Nanlux

What do you think? Do you see an application for such a powerful light on your projects? Share your thoughts in the comments below!