BLAIR Light Engine COB LED Smarter Fan tech Detailed Unboxing Aputure 1200X | Worth the Investment?
Today, I’m thrilled to share an unboxing and first look at the highly anticipated Aputure 1200X. This is not a sponsored post — I purchased this light with my own money—so I’ll be giving you my raw, unfiltered thoughts on whether it’s worth the price tag. Let's dive into the features, build quality, and whether it’s an upgrade from the Aputure 1200D.
First Impressions & Unboxing
The Aputure 1200X arrives in a large, sturdy box that measures 45 x 42 x 68 cm, noticeably thicker and taller than its predecessor, the 1200D. Inside, everything is well-packed and protected, which is great for a piece of equipment this expensive.
One of the first things I noticed is the redesign of the wheels. On the 1200X, the wheels are completely made of plastic, unlike the rollerblade-like rubbery wheels found on the 1200D. While plastic may not seem as durable, the texture on these wheels feels good and should offer enough grip. That said, time will tell if they hold up under heavy use.
Build Quality and Design Updates
The build quality of the 1200X feels solid. It's slightly taller than the 1200D by about 4 centimeters but retains a similar length and width. The structural differences, though subtle, make the 1200X feel more robust. For example, the locking mechanism is noticeably beefier. It’s thicker, wider, and more durable than on the 1200D, which adds to its sturdiness.
When using the light with heavy modifiers, the braking system on the 1200X is a significant improvement. On the 1200D, the head would often sag or fall when unlocked, making it cumbersome to manage larger light setups. But the 1200X has a smooth braking system that adds a sense of drag when you adjust the angle. It feels much more secure, making it easier to lock in place without the worry of it slipping.
Additionally, the bottom of the 1200X features four feet, giving it extra height. Unfortunately, these feet are not removable, which could be inconvenient if you prefer a lower setup. However, the extra height is designed to prevent knobs on light stands from interfering with the light’s base—a small but thoughtful detail.
Case and Cable Management
A small but significant improvement comes in the head cable that connects the controller to the lamp head. On the 1200D, this cable was stiff and difficult to manage, making it a pain to fit back into the case. However, the 1200X has a more flexible head cable, which is easier to roll up and store—definitely an upgrade for anyone who values efficient setup and teardown times.
The controller box remains largely unchanged, except for one key difference: the 1200X sacrifices the DC battery power option found on the 1200D in favor of an Ethernet port for network control. While some might miss the battery power option, the addition of network capabilities can be a game-changer for large setups and remote control over lighting.
One small ergonomic upgrade worth noting is the button design. On the 1200D, the buttons felt mushy and unresponsive. However, on the 1200X, the buttons are more tactile and give a satisfying click when pressed, making it easier to operate in fast-paced shooting environments.
Light Output & Performance
Now, let's talk about the light itself. The Aputure 1200X has a few notable improvements over the 1200D. First, the fan control is significantly smarter. Unlike the 1200D, where the fan would kick in immediately—even at low temperatures—the 1200X waits until the light actually needs cooling. This is particularly useful if you're shooting in colder environments or want to minimize fan noise on set.
Another standout feature is the lowest brightness setting. At 0.1% brightness, the light is incredibly dim, to the point where you can look directly into it without blinding yourself—something that’s pretty remarkable for a 1200-watt fixture. This makes the 1200X incredibly versatile, allowing you to place the light close to your subject without overwhelming them with brightness.
Color Accuracy & Controls
When it comes to color, the 1200X has a green and magenta shift adjustment, although it’s somewhat limited at lower Kelvin settings. For example, at 3200K, you can only dial in 50% green but at 5600K and higher, you can make full-range adjustments. This limitation at the lower end may not be a dealbreaker for most users, but it’s something to keep in mind if you frequently shoot in warmer color temperatures.
While the 1200X is primarily a bi-color light, it also has some basic color effects. You can create hues like blue, red, and green, although they’re not as saturated as you’d find with RGBWW lights. These effects are cool for adding subtle color to a scene, but if you need fully saturated colors, you’ll still want to reach for a dedicated RGB fixture.
Final Thoughts
After spending some time with the Aputure 1200X, I’m impressed by its upgrades over the 1200D. The improvements in build quality, fan control, and low-brightness settings make this light a versatile addition to any professional lighting kit. The retail price is slightly lower than the 1200D, likely due to the lack of additional reflectors in the box (the 1200X only comes with a 45-degree dish, whereas the 1200D included three different reflectors).
That said, the 1200X’s thoughtful design changes—especially the improved locking system and fan control—make it feel like a more refined product. While I still need to run more tests for a full review, my initial impressions are highly positive. This light feels like a worthy investment for filmmakers and professionals who need reliable, high-output lighting with smart features.
Stay tuned for the full review, where I'll be putting the 1200X through its paces with a spectrometer for a detailed comparison with the 1200D.
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