I think that anyone with any basic knowledge of photography should be able to easily guess what light meters are used for because their name says it all. They are used to precisely measure the amount of light around you so you can always be sure you are using the correct exposure on your camera. They give you all the necessary values needed to achieve the perfect exposure like ISO, aperture and shutter speed. There are two major types of light meters, incident and reflected meters.
Incident light meters measure the amount of light falling onto the subject while reflected meters measure the amount of light that’s reflected from it. Incident meters are proven to be more accurate because they will provide accurate exposure even if you’re measuring light of surfaces that are too dark or reflective. Their only flaw is that they aren’t ideal for subjects that are too far away or moving too fast.
Reflective meters are more common since these type of meters are the ones used in cameras themselves. They measure different light levels in the scene and give you an average value based on these readings. All though they are faster than the incident light meters they can also be fooled by areas with large amounts of contrast or many different levels of light. Other two terms that need to be explained are spot meters and flash meters.
Spot meters are reflective meters that are used to very precisely meter certain objects in the scene with their readings unaffected by the very bright or dark spots in your image. Flash meters are designed to measure the amount of light coming from a flash which can’t be done by traditional meters because of it’s very short duration that’s usually greater than 1/1000 of a second. There are also some special types of meters available like cinema models with expanded settings for frame rates that can display lux, shutter angles or foot-candles or color meters or spectrometers that can measure color temperature and CRI or display spectrum graphs.
Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478DR-UGo to Amazon
The first thing you'll notice when you take a look at this meter is it's large 2.7 inch touchscreen providing for an easy and intuitive control over the interface and it can be used for both ambient and flash metering.
Overall rating:
73
Weight:
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100
Design:
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95
100
Price:
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30
100
Features:
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90
100
Pros
Incident Metering for Ambient & Flash
Range: -2 EV to 22.9 EV at ISO 100
Cine Setting: Frame Rate & Shutter Angle
2.7" Color Touchscreen LCD
Flash Analyzing Function
Filtration Compensation Mode
Illuminance/Luminance Measurements
Cons
Expensive
Language is fixed depending where you bought the product
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It can function in the range of -2 to 22.9 EV at an ISO of 100. Beside being used for stills it can also be used for video with it's Cine and HD Cine modes which give you the ability to set your desired frame rate from 1-1000 fps and shutter angles from 1-358 degrees. Other features worth mentioning are flash analyzing function that uses both ambient and flash metering readings, filtration compensation mode which compensates for the light that is lost by using a filter and a memory mode for 9 readings. The maximum ISO range it can measure is from 3 to 409,600 in 1/3 increments. It runs on 2 AAA batteries and also features a mini-USB port for firmware upgrades.
Sekonic DigitalMaster L-758DRGo to Amazon
This multi-function meter is so feature packed that it's hard to decide where to start when talking about it's features.
Overall rating:
75
Weight:
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100
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100
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It offers both spot and incident measurement modes as well as flash and ambient. It also offers PocketWizard wireless triggering, exposure proofing, 14 slots for custom settings and even pre-exposure warning. All it's measurement capabilities can be calculated from ISO of 3 to 8000. Incident and reflected modes can work together to give you highlight, shadow and mid-tone measurements all displayed on the meter's analogy scale. Looking through it's rectangular 1 degree parallax-free spot viewfinder you can see f-stops, shutter speeds and a lot more in both dim and bright light situations. It can sense light down to f/-2.0 at an ISO of 100.
There's also the ability to set exposure compensations up to +/- 9.9 EV for custom film exposure corrections or bellow extensions and +/- 5.0 EV for filter compensation. This meter offers one interesting feature that analog camera shooters will love and that’s dual ISO capability. With it you can take a single measurement and display shutter speed and f-stop for two different film speeds. There are three different exposure profiles that can be saved and easily switched between and can also be created on your computer and transferred via an USB cable. At the bottom of the list of impressive features lies yet another one and that’s weather sealing.
Sekonic Flashmate L-308S-UGo to Amazon
If you aren't interested in all the fancy bells and whistles that more advanced models offer and you're looking for a more affordable but still quite functional solution this meter could be just for you.
Overall rating:
69
Weight:
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95
100
Design:
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60
100
Price:
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50
100
Features:
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70
100
Pros
Incident Metering for Ambient & Flash
40° Reflected Light Metering
Range: 0 to 19.9 EV at ISO 100
Flash Range: f/1.4 to f/90.9 at ISO 100
Cine Setting: Frame Rates from 8-128 fps
Repeat Accuracy: ±0.1 EV or Less
Compact Size with LCD Screen
PC Sync Terminal
Cordless Flash Option
Runs on One AA Battery
Cons
Expensive for what it offers
Batteries can run out quickly
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It meters both ambient and reflected light by using a 40 degree angle reception lens and it also meters flash lighting. While being very pocket friendly it still has a respectable metering range from 0 to 19.9 EV at an ISO of 100 and can also work with flash light ranging from f/1.4 to f/90.9 at the same ISO. It was also made with video and film makers in mind with included frame rate range of 8-128 fps and a shutter angle of 180 degrees. Lastly there's a 3-8,000 ISO range and it runs on just one AA battery.
Gossen DigiPro F2Go to Amazon
This is a good all-around flash and ambient light meter that can measure incident and reflected light in both modes.
Overall rating:
65
Weight:
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98
100
Design:
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30
100
Price:
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70
100
Features:
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60
100
Pros
Incident and Reflected Readings
Cord or Cordless Operation
Multiple Flash Measurements
Integrated Contrast Measurement
Swivel Head
Intuitive Digital Interface
Memory Function
Simplified CINE Meter
Exposure Displayed in 1/2 or 1/3 Stops
Ergonomic One-handed Operation
Cons
Expensive for what it offers
Outdated model in comparison with other brands
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With the help of integrated contrast measurement you can get an indication of whether the sensor of your camera can handle the high contrast subjects. It also features a convenient swivel head which gives you more control over your readings. The unit is quite small and ergonomic and can easily be used in one hand. It can display exposure values in 1/2 or 1/3 stop increments, digital readout in 1/10 stops and analog indication of contrast in 1/2 step increments. There are also shutter speed and aperture priority modes available as well as an extensive range of frame rate speeds for video makers including the 25 and 30 fps modes. It can show exposure times from 1/8000 of a second to 60 minutes, has flash sync speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 of a second and can measure light in resolutions of 1/1, 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps.
Kenko KFM-1100 Auto Digi MeterGo to Amazon
Sometimes all you need is a simple, user-friendly and reliable meter and that's where KFM-1100 steps in.
Overall rating:
69
Weight:
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90
100
Design:
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100
Price:
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75
100
Features:
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80
100
Pros
Simple and easy-to-use ambient/flash meter
Accurate and full featured
"Analyze" function for mixed lighting
Flash-ambient ratio calculations
Cord or cordless operation
Cons
Can only store two measurements in memory
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An ergonomic design that sits comfortably in your hand and a large LCD display are the first things you'll notice while looking at it. Across the top of the display you'll notice a pointer scale which shows exposure in 10ths of stops and in 1/2 stop increments. Supported shutter speeds range from 1/8000 of a second to 30 minutes and 1 to 1/1000 of a second for flashes. It's cine mode supports frame rates of 8-128 fps. It can be used as an ambient meter as well as a flash meter with or without a sync cord and has an aperture range of f/1.0 to f/128. There’s also a calculation function that averages measurements stored in the memory which can be useful when measuring reflected light and you can store up to 2 of these. One last feature worth mentioning is the analyze function that uses both the flash and the ambient metering to help you measure the amount of light more precisely in mixed lighting conditions. On the power side of things the meter runs on 1 AA battery that can last up to 50 hours in ambient mode.
Sekonic C-700R SpectroMaster Color MeterGo to Amazon
If you've ever wondered what a real professional's light meter should look like than the C-700R should give you a general idea.
Overall rating:
70
Weight:
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100
Design:
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100
Price:
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20
100
Features:
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100
100
Pros
Measures Flash, LED, HMI, Fluorescent
Measures Tungsten, Natural Light
100' PocketWizard Triggering Range
4.3" Touchscreen
Color Spectrum Graph
Displays Rosco, Lee, Fuji, Wratten Names
Displays CRI, White Balance Compensation
Multiple Light Comparison
CMOS Sensor and Linear Variable Filter
Cons
Amazingly expensive
Big screen display can be fragile
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Right out the gate it boasts one very impressive feature and that's the ability to measure the amount of light of any type of light source be it LED, flash, natural, HMI or incandescent light. You can view all your readings on a spacious 4.3 inch color touchscreen and use one of the meter's many functions like spectrum graph, camera filter, CRI, lighting filter and white balance compensation. The R in it's name shows that it's capable of wirelessly triggering a PocketWizard connected flash at a maximum distance of 30 m or any flash for that matter just with a touch of a button. It's capable of measuring the amount of ambient light in the range of 1.0 to 200,000 lux and color temperature in the range of 1,600 to 40,000K. There's also a display mode called text mode which gives you the ability to see your color temperature, color compensation and light balancing filters for the color temperature you wish to achieve. While we're mentioning color temperature it's important to add the fact that it's linear CMOS sensor is very sensitive and can analyze the color temperature of any light source from 380 to 780 nanometers in 1 nanometer increments capturing spikes in the output.
Sekonic L-398A Light Meter Studio Deluxe IIIGo to Amazon
Here we have something a little different than anything else on this list and it's an analog light meter.
Overall rating:
54
Weight:
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100
Design:
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40
100
Price:
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60
100
Features:
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30
100
Pros
Amorphous silicon photocell
Needle lock for quick and easy measurement readings
Memory pointer for quick and easy reference to your last measured value
Swivel head and needle lock facilitate easy and accurate readings
No need for batteries
Cons
Analog meter
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I know that many of you wouldn't consider an analog meter to be comparable to it's digital peers or even useful in this day and age but you'd be surprised when you find out that it's not the case. This one is a redesign of their old classic meter and brings many new features that make it a competitive offering on the market. Firstly, it works without a battery, how awesome is that? It's made possible by using an amorphous silicon photocell. There's a needle lock for quick and easy measurement readings and a memory pointer so you can easily reference to your last measured value. Other features include a lumidisc that gives you the ability to adjust illumination contrast and measure illumination intensity and a lumigrid for measuring reflected light.
Gossen GO 4046 Starlite 2Go to Amazon
Another meter on this list that is catered to professionals and it has the features to prove it.
Overall rating:
47
Weight:
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75
100
Design:
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42
100
Price:
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30
100
Features:
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40
100
Pros
Waterproof Housing
Ambient, Flash, Cine and Luminance
1-5° Metering
Cons
Expensive for what it offers
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First, it can work in ambient, flash and spot metering modes and can measure both incident and reflected light. It boasts an ISO range of 3 to 8000 which can be set in 1/3 step increments. Supported shutter speeds range from 1 to 1/1000 of a second for flash sync and 1/8000 of a second to 60 minutes in ambient mode. One of it's most impressive features is it's waterproof housing which makes it an interesting choice for outdoor shooters looking for that extra level of protection. You can measure ambient, spot or flash exposures in 1-5 degrees angle using it's viewfinder. Video makers will find it interesting because this meter requires no formula conversations. Using the 11-step gray scale you'll be able to obtain precise black and white values and you'll also be able to obtain foot-candles, lux and other readings by using the photometry. The power source for Starlight 2 is just one 1.5V AA battery.
Kenko KFM-2200 Cine and Flash MeterGo to Amazon
Firstly, this meter is capable of both incident and reflected light measurement, flash and strobes included.
Overall rating:
51
Weight:
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82
100
Design:
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30
100
Price:
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41
100
Features:
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52
100
Pros
Incident and Reflected Light Measurement
Flash Metering and Sync Terminal
Spherical 270° Diffuser
Spot Angle of 1°
Three Measuring Modes
Digital LCD Display
Viewfinder with Diopter Adjustment
Frame Rates from 2 to 360
Shutter Speeds of 30 min to 1/16000 sec
Aperture Range of f/1.0 to f/128
Cons
Expensive in comparison with other competitors
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It's equipped with a spherical diffuser which can be rotated up to 270 degrees and can take spot measurement readings using the viewfinder. Like it's name implies it has enough features to be suitable for both photographers and video makers and the large selection of shutter speeds from 1/16000 of a second to 30 minutes really helps here. There's also an aperture range of f/1.0 to f/128 as well as the ISO range of 3 to 8000. You'll be viewing your measuring results on it's backlight display and you can also take spot measurements parallax-free viewfinder. It's able to store up to 10 measured values and has a custom alt mode that let's you set the meter to your liking. Lastly, there's a flash sync terminal that allows you to easily attach and meter flashes.
Gossen Digisky Digital GO 4039 Exposure MeterGo to Amazon
Modern and lightweight, these are the two major attributes that make this meter stand out from the crowd.
Overall rating:
77
Weight:
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80
100
Design:
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88
100
Price:
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67
100
Features:
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72
100
Pros
Incident, Reflected, Flash Readings
Color Graphic Display
Built-in Rechargeable Battery
Display: 1/10, 1/3, 1/2, 1/1 Stop
Cord, Non-Cord, Radio Measurement
Memory Function
Cine Meter Setting
1/8000 Sec. to 30 Min. Shutter Speeds
1/1000 Sec. to 1 Sec. Flash Synch
SBC Silicon Photo Diodes
Cons
None
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Looking at the esthetics it's bound to attract attention with it's 2.2 inch color TFT screen, symmetrical button layout and shiny black plastic housing dominated by the red Gossen logo. It has an interface designed and optimized for easy one-handed usage and high performance that can also be updated via the integrated USB port. The software on Digisky also has four built in profiles that can all be individually customized and switched between at any time. If you're a video maker or a cinematographer you'll surely appreciate the built-in movie function which gives you the ability of setting values like ISO, EV steps, cine speeds, photometry, filter values and sector angles. HDR photographers will like the option to measure the contrast and illuminance of a subject. On the hardware side of things there’s also an integrated rechargeable battery. In the end, let's talk some numbers. It can display apertures from f/0.5 to f/128, shutter speeds from 1/8000 of a second to 30 minutes and flash measuring times from 1 second to 1/1000 of a second.
Sheperd Polaris Karat Flash MeterGo to Amazon
Full-featured and priced well, these are the two major things that mark this meter.
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