2000W Fresnel tungsten spot, rugged and reliable for mid to large sets.
Technical Details
The T2 uses a FEP lamp (Tungsten Halogen) with a G22 base and operates at 220V/240V AC. The Fresnel lens diameter is 8 inches (203mm), with a spot-to-flood range varying from 12° to 60° beam angle. The cast aluminum housing weighs 11.5 kg without a stand, and its dimensions are 440 × 350 × 400mm. A manual dimmer on the housing allows for stepless power adjustment from 100% down to approximately 10%. Cooling is achieved through passive convection without a fan, ensuring silent operation.
History & Development
Arri introduced the T2 in 1985 as part of their revised Tungsten series, after the predecessor models from the 1970s were no longer state-of-the-art. The development aimed for a more compact design with improved light output. In 1992, a redesign occurred with optimized Fresnel optics and an improved heatsink. Since 2010, the T2 Plus has been offered, which additionally features a Schuko connector and an improved barndoor system.
Practical Use in Film
The T2 established itself as a standard light for interview setups and smaller interior shots. In "The Lives of Others" (2006), DoP Hagen Bogdanski used T2 batteries for interrogation scenes to create harsh shadows. In television productions, the T2 often serves as a key light for close-ups or as a hair light in two-person conversations. Its compact form factor allows for use in confined spaces where larger fixtures cannot be positioned. Disadvantages include limited light output for larger sets and heat generation during long takes.
Comparison & Alternatives
The T2 is positioned between the smaller T1 (1000W) and the T5 (5000W). Modern LED alternatives like the Arri SkyPanel S30-C offer similar light output with lower power consumption and variable color temperature, but cost ten times as much. HMI lights like the Arri M8 produce three times more light at the same power draw but require ballasts and are less flexibly dimmable. For daylight shooting, the T2 remains limited to artificial light scenarios or use with CTB gels due to its 3200K characteristic.