An ideal light meter for professional and hobbyists photographers or videographers.
Extremely sensitive and accurate light readings. Comes with an over-range indicator. Stores different data and peak readings on command for note taking.
Has a cheap, plastic feel around the light sensor and main body of the device. Does not read all types of lights.
The best budget light meter with a simple set up process and control interface. Great for beginners.
Light meter body is small enough to fit inside bags or pockets when not in use. Control buttons are easy to reach and push with one hand to switch to different settings.
Difficult to use accurately in low light conditions. Comes with a small learning curve to master.
A versatile light meter that makes lighting an area easier than other meter options.
Large screen is big enough to display multiple readings at the same time. Reads ambient temperature in addition to the surrounding luminosity levels.
Integrated thermometer can arrive out of calibration, throwing off inaccurate readings by several degrees.
One of the best high-end light meters for anyone wanting the most accurate readings and results.
Individual light sensor and 12- to 24-inch coil make it easy to take different readings without moving the display. Controls are easy to navigate while using the meter.
Light level indicator can drift up when reading the same light source for a long period of time.
The type of budget light meter to choose when you want more flexibility when taking readings.
Large level range up to 100,000 lux. Long cord attached to sensor makes it easier to get up close to light sources for more accurate readings. Easy to operate for first time users.
The light sensor peaks out in bright environments such as direct sunlight.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Some professional photographers have become adept at judging light conditions and know instinctively how to adapt accordingly. For the rest of us mere mortals, there are light meters. Handheld meters are useful to show how much light is being deflected onto the subject meter. Unlike the light meters built-in to the camera, which can be inaccurate when presented with backlighting, snow, or extreme contrasts, handheld meters can be placed near the subject, facing the camera, to measure incident light, which will give you valuable information to set the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. By using the light meter properly, your photographs will have a wider range of tone that’s more even across the photo. You can also set up specialty effects. For the best results, look for models that can have incident, reflected, and flash lighting modes.
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