Aputure Storm XT52 Review – Is This Aputure’s Most Powerful Light Yet?

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Aputure announced the Storm XT52 during Cine Gear 2025, and it immediately drew attention. It gives a whole 5200W of high-output white CCT from 2500 to 10,000K, easy controls and a tough, weatherproof design. It competes with other top lights like the Nanlux Evoke 5000B, known for its extreme power, and the Godox MG6K, which offers strong performance in a smaller size. The XT52 brings together brightness, quality, and control, all in one solid and reliable light. The Aputure Storm XT52 isn’t just another LED light, it’s one of the most powerful and advanced fixtures Aputure has ever made. If you work in film, television, or high-end video production, you know how important lighting is. It can change the mood, improve quality, and help tell your story. The XT52 was made to give you everything you need in one strong, smart, and flexible light.

Aputure XT52 Specifications and Core Features

The XT52 is Aputure’s most powerful point-source LED ever. It was launched in 2025 and became one of the most talked-about lights at Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles. Let’s take a detailed look at why the Storm XT52 is getting so much attention and what makes it different from anything else on the market.

FeatureDetails
Max Output~42,000–48,000 lux at 5m (35° reflector)
Power Draw5200W, peaks up to 6000W
Color Temperature Range2500K – 10,000K
Color EngineBLAIR (5-color system)
CRI / TLCI≥96
SSI (D56)~87
Beam Angles35°, 50°, optional Fresnel & beam
Control Box Weight13kg
Head Weight27.7kg
IP RatingIP65 (weather-resistant)
Cooling SystemAdvanced liquid cooling
Control OptionsSidus Link, CRMX, DMX, Art-Net

1. Storm XT52 Offers Brightness That Competes with HMI Lights

The Aputure Storm XT52 is incredibly bright. It gives off 48,000 lux of light from 5 meters away when using a 35-degree reflector. That’s about as bright as many 6K HMI lights, and even brighter than some 9K ones. But unlike those older lights, the XT52 doesn’t need to warm up, has no fragile bulbs, and is easier to use. It can also be dimmed with great precision, from full brightness down to just 0.01%. This gives filmmakers a lot of creative control, whether they want a powerful beam or a soft glow.

2. Features the BLAIR Engine for Super Accurate Colors

Inside the XT52 is a special lighting engine called BLAIR, which uses five colors of LEDs: blue, lime, amber, indigo, and red. This combination helps it create true white light and strong, beautiful colors. The light covers over 70% of the Rec.2020 color space, which means it shows colors very accurately. The indigo LED helps reproduce skin tones and glowing fabrics better than normal lights. The XT52 also scores very high in tests for color quality (CRI, TLCI, SSI, and TM-30).

3. Storm XT52 Is Built Tough with strong IP Rating

The XR52 is built with IP rating of IP65. This means the light is protected from dust and rain, so you can safely use it outdoors without extra weather covers. Compared to traditional HMI lights, this makes the XT52 much more flexible and dependable in tough shooting conditions. Even though it’s a powerful light, the Aputure Storm XT52 is made to be practical on set. The lamp head weighs about 61 pounds (27.7 kg), and the control box is around 29 pounds (13 kg). That means one person can set it up using a crank stand, and you don’t need a whole crew just to move the gear.

4. Has a Smart Cooling System and Zero Flicker at High Speeds

The XT52 uses a smart cooling system with fans and liquid cooling. This keeps the light cool and quiet, even at full power. It normally uses 5200 watts of power with a standard 7.5-meter cable. If you use a longer 45-meter cable, it can go up to 6000 watts without losing brightness. Even better, the light stays flicker-free above 20% brightness, even when shooting in slow motion or at high frame rates.

5. The Storm XT52 Comes with Modern Control Options

You can control the XT52 in many ways. It works with Sidus Link (Aputure’s app), DMX, LumenRadio CRMX, Art-Net, and sACN. That means it fits well into professional film setups and can also be controlled from a phone or tablet. The light has built-in effects like fire, lightning, and flashing, which can be adjusted from the menu or through the app. It also works with Aputure’s electronic mount, letting you attach heavy accessories like motorized Fresnels or special reflectors. It comes with a 35-degree reflector, but you can swap it for 20°, 25°, or 50° options. You can also use accessories like the CF16 or Parallel Beam 70 to change the shape of the light.

6. Storm XT52 Works with Flexible Power Options

To get the full 5200 watts of power, the XT52 needs a 220V outlet. But it can still run on a 110V outlet, where it gives up to 3200 watts, still brighter than Aputure’s XT26. The power cable can be up to 45 meters long, so the control box can stay safely on the ground while the light itself is high up on a stand or rig. If you’re using a 6500-watt generator, the XT52 can run safely at full power thanks to its built-in limiter, making it perfect for remote shoots or outdoor filming.

Included Components in the Aputure Storm XT52 Kit

When you purchase the Aputure Storm XT52, the standard kit typically includes the following components:

  • Storm XT52 LED Light Head – The 5200W COB fixture designed for high-output professional use.
  • Control Box (Weather-Resistant) – A robust unit that houses the power supply and control interface, built to match the light’s IP65 rating.
  • 10-Meter Head Cable – Allows flexible placement of the light head and controller, even in complex setups.
  • Lightning Clamp or Quick-Release Mount – Secure mounting hardware for attaching the control box to stands or trusses.
  • Protective Lamp Cover – Shields the COB emitter during transport or storage.
  • AC Power Cables – Standard power cables for connecting the unit to mains power.
  • Wireless Antennas – For full wireless DMX and Sidus Link control.
  • Carrying Case – A durable hard case or rolling case (varies by distributor) to safely store and transport all components.

Price, Availability, and Buying Options

The Aputure Storm XT52 is priced for serious productions.

  • XT52 with flight case: around $13,700
  • Bare kit: about $13,100
  • Modifiers (Fresnel, Beam 70): sold separately

It’s available through dealers like B&H, Texas Media Systems, and rental houses. Shipping began mid-2025 in the US and Europe. For most indie shooters, it’s a big investment, but for rental houses, studios, or DPs working on big sets, it’s a smart upgrade from older HMI systems.

CREDIT –https://www.newsshooter.com/2025/02/14/aputure-storm-xt52-5200w-fixture-with-blair-light-engine/

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1889192-REG/aputure_ap07060156_storm_xt52_bi_color_led.html