Light Meters

[rocco]

I have been looking into light meters. My understanding is they read the lighting and help you with the correct exposure. But how realistic are they?

How many people use them and do you recommend them?

Last question.

What is the best ones to buy with a max budget of $400?

[Poo d'état]

I've only worked with incident meters so can only comment on them. As far as i know, they are more accurate than the in-camera metre, especially for portraiture, as the hemispherical dome reads reflected light from a much wider range of angles. You'll also need it if you're synching flash units.

With the advanced metering systems in SLRs these days, i think the in-camera is sufficient for general stuff, but ultimately depends on what you're after.

The photographers i used to assist all use the Minolta, it's a fantastic little piece of equipment. I think brand new ones are hard to find these days, but you might be able to get a second-hand one (though bear in mind you may need to get it tested for accuracy if it's an old one, so factor that into the cost).

[Luke W]

I have been looking into light meters. My understanding is they read the lighting and help you with the correct exposure. But how realistic are they?

How many people use them and do you recommend them?

Last question.

What is the best ones to buy with a max budget of $400?

I would really only consider it for studio flash work.

I've got a Minolta Flash Meter IV and I only use it for studio work.

They were much more useful in the days of film and no histograms.

If you wanted to get one, the Minolta Flash Meter IV is very good and a bargain on eBay.

[rocco]

Thanks for your replies. I basically wanted one to understand light better. I see photographers popping them out and thought they might be a handy tool.

[rubiton]

Agree with Luke its only worth the expsense if you are using it for very particular flash or lit photography (as in reflectors, lights, etc). If you are outdoors the in camera one is as good as anything (just point it at the grass not the general shot as it will read the sky) but then with digial SLRs you can take a test shot and check. Can't really see the use for an extra gadget if you are taking outdoor pics but then I've been taking pics for so long I can tell if its gotten that bit darker and change camera accordingly (though its still worth checking in camera just to confirm settings are fine).

However if you are worrying about light then that must mean you are looking into using the manual settings which is fantastic to hear as the essence of being good at photography is knowing how to set up you camera for a shot rather than just living with whatever the camera chooses on an auto setting.

[Ashanali]

ambient light meters are cheap if you are just wanting to play around and get to know natural light settings better.

Alex has a metz meter now, but Polaris are also good and you should be able to get one for less than $400.

[rocco]

Thanks for your help guys.

rubiton I was thinking it might help me to use M instead of using my camera P or A. I do feel the camera doesn't read the light that well at times. But I have some tips now.

I was thinking of the Sekonic L358 but not for studio work and flash stuff.

Thanks.

[Guest Tess32]

Maybe you're not using the most relevant in-camera metering mode for the light?