Lowel launched an interesting new version of their Tota LED floodlight: the Tota LED XL. This daylight-only fixture has a three-section design that keeps the design compact, protects the LED panels during transport, and makes it fast to set up. So let’s take a closer look at it!
If you’ve been in the film industry for over a decade, you have probably already shot what was part of most independent filmmakers’ kits: the original Lowel Tota. This very compact and straightforward fixture hosted a simple 500-1000W bulb and doubled as a portable barbecue that made you learn your craft the hard way if you ever touched it with bare hands while it was on (or off for a short amount of time).
Nowadays, halogen fixtures are close to being something of the past. However, Lowel has been moving to the LED market for quite some time now with some fixtures like the Blender XL LED. Furthermore, you can also LED retrofit some of their halogen lights, such as the Lowel Rifa EX.
The Lowel Tota LED has been available for quite some time, but the company continues to expand its LED lighting lineup with the recent Lowel Tota LED XL.
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Lowel Tota LED XL – features
The Lowel Tota LED XL is a compact 34 x 21 x 5.3cm/13.4 x 8.2 x 2.1in fixture entirely made of metal weighing 1.8kg. Compared to the regular Tota LED, the XL version has two more sections, which makes it close to three times brighter, with a claimed output of 11,200 lx at 3ft (4,275 lx for the Tota LED).
This daylight-only fixture has a beam angle of 60°, you can adjust its brightness from 0 to 100%, and it is very color accurate, according to Lowel, with a TLCI over 98 and a CRI over 96.
You can mount the Lowel Tota LED XL vertically or horizontally thanks to the included two-way 5/8″ receiver. Also, it comes with three removable light diffusers and some barn doors to adjust the light spill.
Control and power box
The 216 LEDs of the panel are powered by an external ballast/control box. This control box is pretty straightforward, as it is a daylight-only fixture. Indeed, you only have an On/Off switch and a knob to adjust the output.
At the back of the ballast, you’ll find a built-in V-Mount battery plate, which is handy if you don’t have access to mains power or need to move fast.
The controller measures 23.5 x 14 x 7.9cm/9.25 x 5.5 x 3.1in for a weight of 1.4kg/3.1lb. Furthermore, the light head and ballast are fanless, ensuring zero noise on set.
Price and availability
The Lowel Tota LED XL is available now for $449. In the included padded soft case, you’ll find the light, the ballast, barn doors, three diffusers, the two-way 5/8″ receiver, and the cables.
For more information, please visit Lowel’s website here.
What do you think about this XL version of the Tota LED? Do you think it could be a great addition to your lighting kit? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!
