worth getting a lightmeter?

Leigh

Leigh

Leigh

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Joined
18 Oct 2002
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570
So ive just invested in some Elinchrom one strobes so i can take product photos for my wifes business.

While it has been relatively straightforward to setup and get results im happy with is there any benefit in buying a light meter?

Ive looked at Sekonic and Gossen offerings and the gossen digisky ties in with Elinchroms system so seems the way to go if a lightmeter is a worthwhile investment.

What features are a must?

Opinions and thoughts welcome.
 
I don't think Lightmeters are as relevant as they once were.

Firstly, modern cameras all have fantastic metering systems and flash systems are pretty intelligent. Lightmeters came about when this wasn't the case.

Secondly, with digital you can see your results immediately, so there isn't the worry that if the lighting was wrong that your photos will be ruined.

I would think in a time critical environment where shooting was important to be perfect then a lightmeter makes sense, such as a professional commercial photographer who might have clients waiting and speed is of the essence. Taking photos for your wife's business though, I would image you are quite free from time constraints and can experiment how you like. As such, a lightmeter is more a time saver and a bit of an unnecessary purchase I would think.

I've not actually used one since Uni when I was learning. If I became a serious studio photographer, I'm sure I'd probably get one though.
 
I prefer one for flash work. While it's possible to either guestimate exposure or to use the LCD screen to get the exposure dialed in, I generally prefer to just take a flash reading and get straight to it.

I've got a Sekonic 358, mainly because I managed to grab a bargain on it, but I can't say I really use anything over what the basic model (308?) does.
 
Worth it for studio work with flash, Its ideal for setting up lighting ratios when using multiple lights etc.
 
Sig226 said:
Worth it for studio work with flash, Its ideal for setting up lighting ratios when using multiple lights etc.
Click to expand...

This.

You can get the exposure about right with just the cameras LCD display, but ratios need accurate metering.

Meters also allow you to balance flash vs ambient.

They also allow you to get repeatable results.

So not essential, but good to have.
 
If you are going to do studio work etc then Sekonic has got some cash back depending on model only till the end of the month.
 
If I was doing studio/flash work with mutiple off camera lights I'd definitely have one for anything else they are a bit redundant these days assuming your using a DSLR and not an old OM1
 
Its all for studio/flash work so ive ordered the Gossen Digisky as it links in with the Elinchroms. Will report back once ive had some use.
 
yeah, I would have also recommended a light meter for setting up strobes..

I have all my lighting ratio's written down from lots of trial and error for various lighting configurations, and the light meter means I can setup ratio's perfectly for all 4 strobes I have, and I know that the very first image I take will look spot on!

Of course, I managed without one by using the camera's metering and a bit of trial and error.. but why make life difficult if you don't have to?
 
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