A light meter is a useful tool for assessing the available light in any scene you want to photograph. They’re used by outdoor photographers and studio photographers alike, and they’re designed to help you achieve the perfect camera settings to work with the ambient light. They also help you adjust the lighting levels of studio strobes and artificial light sources.
Because modern cameras have an internal camera meter, many photographers are hesitant to use an external light meter. But when it comes to taking exposure readings and calibrating your light sources, using light meters are the best method available.
If you’d like to more accurately measure light, go beyond your camera’s spot-metering capabilities, and achieve accurate exposure readings every time, then a handheld light meter is the perfect photography accessory for you.
What are the differences between a camera’s light meter and an incident light meter?
Light metering with your camera measures the reflected light in a scene, or the light that bounces off your subject. Reflected light metering is effective for many applications like landscape photography, nature photography, and architecture photography. But when it comes to portrait photography, many photographers prefer using a light meter.
Light meters measure incident light, or the direct light that hits a subject. We measure incident light by placing a light meter next to the photographic subject. This technique for measuring light is extremely accurate and precise.
Best light meters to measure light
While there are several manufacturers of light meters on the market, Sekonic is perhaps the most well-known and industry-appreciated brand. Their models are easy to use, reliable, and effective for both photographic use and cinematography.
With a wide range of light options, from basic models to exceedingly complex and high-tech meters, Sekonic has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for the best light meters for taking light readings in the studio or in the field, consider these options.
Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Digital Light Meter
While the Sekonic L-308X-U is relatively simple to use, it still offers a variety of features. It works just as well for photography and cinematography, and it can measure ambient light and take accurate incident readings.
With a backlit LCD display, multiple metering modes, and an ISO adjustment button, this versatile light meter is the ideal introduction for photographers who are new to taking accurate readings.
Sekonic L-858D-U Speedmaster Light Meter
Photographers in search of more robust light meters will love the L-858-D-U Speedmaster. With helpful touchscreen display and controls, a light sensor for measuring flash and ambient light simultaneously, flash-duration measuring capabilities, and radio control modules for wireless triggering, this is a high-end, high-accuracy light metering device for photography and cinematography.
If you use Flashpoint or Godox studio strobes or speedlights, you’ll love the Speedmaster model designed to work seamlessly with your lighting equipment.
Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478D-U Light Meter
With a slightly lower price tag but many of the same excellent features, the LiteMaster Pro L-478D-U is a great choice of light meter for photography and cine applications. This model also features a touchscreen, an extended ISO range, exposure meter, and a flash-analyzing function. Cinematographers in particular will appreciate the clever capabilities included in this model and its useful filmmaking features.
If you use PocketWizard radio remotes, check out the Litemaster Pro L-478RD-U. It’s designed to work seamlessly with your trigger system.
Sekonic C-800-U Spectromaster Color and Illuminance Meter
While other models on this list focus on light measurement, the Sekonic C-800-U also provides accurate measurement of full-spectrum color. Whether you require detailed, attractive color representation for still photographs or filmmaking, this impressive meter will become a trusted part of your gear kit.
This is the only light meter on the market with SSI (Spectral Similarity Index) for comparing lights based on spectral similarity.
Sekonic L-208 Twinmaster Compact Incident / Reflected Light Meter
Photographers who value the simplicity of analog will love the Sekonic L-208 Twinmaster. Capable of reading both incident light and reflected light, this compact meter is the height of simplicity. Toss it in your camera bag and you’ll be able to take accurate light measurements anywhere, any time.
