The Vari-Lite VL3500 Moving Head Spot Light is an integrally designed, high-performance lighting fixture with a durable aluminum alloy head, yoke, and enclosure. It uses a 1200-watt short arc lamp and a precision glass reflector system to generate a substantial 20,000 lumens of light output.

Key operational systems feature a sophisticated four-blade shutter mechanism that allows blades to move independently or in unison on two planes for crisp images, with the entire assembly capable of rotating 50° in either direction. The color system utilizes a three-filter CYM cross-fading mechanism and a separate fixed color wheel with six interchangeable dichroic colors. The luminaire also employs a 13-element 6:1 zoom optics system, adjustable from 10° to 60°, and two gobo/effects wheels for creative visual designs.