2000W Fresnel spotlight with double the light output of 1K model, standard light for key positions and large-area illumination in filmmakings.
Technical Specifications
The 2K Fresnel delivers 20,000-24,000 Lux at 3 meters in spot mode. The Fresnel lens has a diameter of 250mm and concentrates the beam with higher efficiency than the 1K. The color temperature matches the 1K standard: Tungsten 3200K or HMI 5600K.
The focusing mechanism operates via a longer slide travel (up to 150mm) for even more precise zoom range, from approximately 90° in flood to 22° in spot mode. Dimensions: approx. 420mm width x 310mm depth, weight approx. 8.5 kg (without stand). Power consumption:
- Tungsten: 2000W direct
- HMI 2000W: approx. 2400W with ballast
Heat generation reaches approx. 1500 watts – clearly noticeable in close proximity. The fixture requires cooling breaks after approx. 45-60 minutes of continuous operation.
History & Development
The 2K variant developed in the 1960s in parallel with the 1K, but only became a film standard from the 1970s onwards. Mole-Richardson and ARRI established the 2K as a quasi-standard for professional studio lighting. The introduction of 2K HMI lamps in the 1980s also made the variant interesting for exterior shots.
Modern 2K models feature improved thermal management systems with heat pipe technology and ceramic lamp sockets, enabling longer operating times. LED-based alternatives emerged from 2015 onwards, but could not replace the pinpoint precision of the classic 2K Fresnel.
Practical Use in Film
The 2K Fresnel was the standard key light for Hollywood studio film production from the late 20th century until around 2010. In Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner" (1982), the atmospheric neon-noir lighting was partly realized with 2K Frenels – the intense light output enabled the characteristic contouring against a strong sky.
Roger Deakins used classic 2K Frenels for interior lighting in "No Country for Old Men" (2007) to create psychological tension through hard shadows. The precise focusability allows for subtle light adjustments between takes without repositioning.
In modern productions, the 2K remains the first choice for drama series and prestige films where classic lighting techniques are preferred.
Variants & Alternatives
The 2K HMI requires a ballast and delivers true daylight-balanced light (5600K). The 2K Tungsten is cheaper to acquire but requires consistent CTO filtering for daylight scenes.
LED alternatives such as ARRI SkyPanel L60 or Astera AX3 offer similar area lighting but cannot replace the focused punch of the Fresnel. Fluorescent panels (Kino Flo 4x4) require multiple units for equivalent light output.
The advantage of the classic 2K Fresnel remains unbeaten for key positions with high light contrast requirements and exterior fill lighting.