8 Best Multi-Purpose Light Meters
Why bother with a dedicated light meter when all modern smart devices have them built-in? It’s a fair question, and this introduction aims to give you the answers. More folks are keen on photography now than ever before. That’s thanks in part to the decent cameras built into modern smart devices. Image quality is good, but you need better control of the lighting to produce the WOW factor.
We often find ourselves staring into a photo, but we’re not always sure why. Well, composition, angles, and the subject(s) are vital, but none of that matters if the lighting fails. The illumination of a photograph can mean the difference between an eye-grabbing work of art or a mediocre snapshot.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| URCERI Digital Light Meter |
| 4.7/5.0 |
| Screen Type: LCD, color backlit |
| Weight: 6.4 oz. |
| Ergonomic design, comfortable, color LCD, Min/Max readings. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Sekonic Flashmate L-308X-U |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Screen Type: LCD and backlit |
| Weight: 3.52 oz. |
| Customizable LCD, dedicated functions, 3 ways to measure, deluxe case. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Sekonic Spectomaster C-800 |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| Screen Type: LCD color touchscreen |
| Weight: 8.2 oz. |
| User-friendly, measures any light source, designed for on set, large touch panel. |
| Check Amazon |
Uses Outside of Photography
Light meters have uses outside of photography too. Perfecting architectural lighting is one. Another is to measure the exact light levels for growing certain plants. I include a few of those in the guide.
Light Meters for Photography
There are two basic types of dedicated light meters used in photography. Both models have advantages over built-in meters in that they’re extra versatile and more accurate.
- Reflective Light Meters
- Incident Light Meters.
#1 Reflective Light Meters
#2 Incident light meters
Built-in Vs. Handheld Meters
Most cameras have adequate built-in TTL light metering systems. Even so, they can’t compete with a dedicated handheld meter. Moreover, an integrated meter can only do reflected readings, not flash nor incident. You can walk around a subject or scene to measure complex lighting with a camera. And if it’s still wrong, well, you can always correct it later using image editing software, but it’s extra work.
Light is the make or break of any photograph, and the handheld meter offers a simple solution. Most products are super easy to use and can save a lot of time and disappointment. Most photographers that move from built-in light meters to the handheld devices never look back.
What to Look for in a Handheld Light Meter
There are certain buying considerations to look for in a new light meter, namely:
- Set your maximum budget
- Rugged build, comfortable to hold, and portable
- Ease of use if you’re a novice
- Sliding lumisphere to measure incident and 40° reflected metering
- Customizable, backlit color LCD screen
- Wide metering range
- Broad Flash range
- Exposure times from long to fast, e.g., 60 to 1/8000 seconds
- Anything else you can think of
About My ‘8 Light Meter Choices’ Guide
My buyers guide reviews 8 excellent light meters across all the price ranges. I chose these meters based on personal views, the opinions of industry experts, and real user feedback. Even the cheaper products give you better results than built-in meters. The first three reviews are the Editor’s preference for Best Budget, Best Value light meter, and the Top Pick.
All other products are by price order, lowest to high. The table here lists the light meter reviews as they appear on the page. Use it to navigate to your favored brands or budget.
Multi-Purpose Light Meters Comparison Table
| Make and Model | Screen Type | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| URCERI Handheld Digital Light Meter | LCD, color backlit | 6.4 oz. | Check Price |
| Sekonic Flashmate L-308X-U Light Meter | LCD, backlit | 3.52 oz. | Check Price |
| Sekonic Spectomaster C-800 Light Meter | LCD color touchscreen | 8.2 oz. | Check Price |
| Leaton Digital Lux LCD Light Meter | LCD | 4.8 oz. | Check Price |
| Dr. Meter Pro LED Light Meter | LCD | 11.2 oz. | Check Price |
| Extech Ergonomic LT510 Light Meter | LCD, backlit | 5.6 oz. | Check Price |
| Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe III Light Meter | Analog interface | 11.2 oz. | Check Price |
| Sekonic LiteMaster Pro Light Meter | LCD touchscreen | 8.0 oz. | Check Price |
1. URCERI Handheld Digital Light Meter | Best Budget
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The Best Budget pick goes to an affordable handheld digital light meter by URCERI. It’s a compact, ultra-light and portable device that’s comfortable to hold and easy to use.
- Best feature 1: Affordable, versatile light meter
- Best feature 2: Wide metering range for its class
- Plus points: Ergonomic design, comfortable, color LCD, Min/Max readings, data hold button
- Minus points: Not 100% accurate 100% of the time, no swivel head
URCERI MT-912 Digital Light Meter Highlights
The URCERI MT-912 general purpose digital light meter with an affordable price tag. Consider the MT-912 if you’re new to dedicated light meters, as it has a lot to offer the beginner. It’s small and durable with a nice feel to it. This versatile tool can measure luminosity from 0–200000 Lux, and ambient temperature. Its color, digital LCD backlit screen displays data clearly in any light.
The LCD shows both minimum and maximum light readings. And a Data Hold button ensures you don’t lose your settings. There’s even a low-power indicator to give you ample time to change the batteries before they die. And the auto power-off feature helps to prolong the life of the batteries.
Point to note: This product is a decent choice for macro style photography. However, it isn’t a dedicated photographic meter. That’s because it doesn’t do the calculations automatically.
The Not So Good
The readings are close, but they’re not consistently accurate. It’s more of an issue when measuring light at 45°. It’s not bad, but the MT-9123 can’t compete with costlier products when it comes to guaranteed accuracy. The head of this meter doesn’t swivel, and nor does it claim to. Still, a movable head is a feature that would make the tool a lot more versatile.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Make & Model: URCERI MT-912 |
| Color: Black/yellow |
| Photo Detector: silicon photodiode |
| Display Type: Color LCD |
| Measuring Luminosity: 0–200,000 |
| Resolution: <1000: 0.1; >1000: 1 |
| Battery Type: 3 x AAA |
| Battery Life: 60+ hours |
| Product Weight: 6.4 oz. |
| Dimensions: 6.9 x 2.2 x 1.2” |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Affordable, versatile light meter |
| Wide metering range for its class |
| Ergonomic design, comfortable |
| Color backlit LCD screen |
| Low-power indicator |
| Automatic power-off feature |
| Min/Max readings |
| Data hold button |
| Fc/Lux button |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not consistently accurate |
| No swivel head |
2. Sekonic Flashmate L-308X-U Light Meter | Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
Sekonic is a respected name in light meters, and its L-308X-U Flashmate gets the Best Value slot. This device is a highly versatile and portable tool with a plethora of photographic functions.
- Best feature 1: Well-made, portable, and versatile light meter
- Best feature 2: Sliding lumisphere
- Plus points: Customizable LCD, dedicated functions, 3 ways to measure, deluxe case
- Minus points: No exposure times at precision settings, unusual price category
Sekonic L-308X-U Light Meter Highlights
Sekonic L-308X-U is a well-made product that fits snuggly in the hand. It boasts a plethora of features and to suit all situations, including 3 dedicated functions. They include Photography, Digital Cinematography, and HD Cinematography. Photo mode is ideal for stills photography using shutter and aperture priority. And the sliding lumisphere lets you measure both incident and reflected light.
The meters backlit LCD screen is customizable. It also automatically lights up at 5 EV (exposure value), which is useful. Sekonic’s L-308X-U comes with a smart, protective deluxe case.
The Not So Good
The only major negative with this device relates to exposure times at the highest precision settings. It doesn’t seem to offer them. It’s in an unusual price category too. The meter is about 70 dollars over the top end budget products, and 80+ dollars under higher-end devices. That means it’s too expensive for some, yet not costly enough for those who want a pro-level meter.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Make & Model: Sekonic |
| Model: L-308X-U Flashmate |
| Color: Black |
| Display Type: Backlit LCD |
| Metering Range: 0–19.9 EV at ISO 100 |
| Flash Range: f/1.0–f/90.9 at ISO 100 |
| Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 – 60 Secs |
| Battery Type: 1 x AA (not included) |
| Battery Life: Not specified by the maker |
| Product Weight: 3.52 oz. |
| Dimensions: 2.5 x 4.3 x 0.9” |
| Warranty: 1 year limited |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Well-made, portable and versatile |
| Sliding lumisphere |
| Customizable LCD |
| Dedicated functions |
| Wide metering range |
| Broad flash range |
| 3 ways to measure light |
| Includes Deluxe case |
| The Cons |
|---|
| No exposure times at the highest precisions settings |
| Awkward price category |
3. Sekonic Spectomaster C-800 Light Meter | Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
Sekonic’s Spectomaster Meter is the Editor’s Top Pick. This is a high-precision device capable of measuring all kinds of visible light. It’s expensive, but an invaluable tool for professionals.
- Best feature 1: Fast button layout; ideal for one-handed function
- Best feature 2: 270° swivel head
- Plus points: User-friendly, measures any light source, designed for on set, large touch panel
- Minus points: Touch response a tad slow, costly device for amateurs
Sekonic Spectomaster C-800 Highlights
The Sekonic Spectomaster is a professional color meter with an impressive spec sheet. It offers ultra-accurate color measuring for photographers and cinematographers. Consider this meter if you work with multiple types of light source on set. No artificial lighting is too much of a challenge for this puppy. Plus, the C 800 Spectromaster is incredibly easy to use despite its sophistication.
The 4.3” touch button panel offers a one-handed function. Moreover, the 270° swivel head lets you measure light effortlessly from all angles. And for the tech-heads, it has CRI, TLCI, TLMF, TM-30-15, and now SSI. This tool even recommends the ideal filters to get the best correction for any light. It’s a pro-level light meter packed with pro-level features, but with novice-friendly handling.
The Not So Good
There’s little to fault with this meter as it performs exactly as advertised. Some users think its response is a tad slow to touch input, but that’s not a con shared by all. It’s certainly not a deal-breaker. The price is high if you’re a keen amateur, but it’s an invaluable tool for professionals.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Make: Sekonic |
| Model: C 800 Spectromaster |
| Color: Black |
| Display Type: 4.3 color touch LCD |
| Measuring Range: 1.0–200,000 lux |
| Flash Range: 20–20,480 x/s |
| Battery Type: 2 x AA (not included) |
| Battery Life: 8+ hours |
| Product Weight: 8.2 oz. |
| Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.4 x 3.5” |
| The Pros |
|---|
| User-friendly, comfortable design |
| Measures any light source |
| Perfect meter for on set |
| 270-degree swivel head |
| Color LCD touch panel |
| Customize function |
| Multiple displays |
| Corrective filter recommendations |
| Auto Power-off |
| Auto Dimmer |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Some complain that it’s touch response should be faster |
| Expensive for amateur users |
4. Leaton Digital Lux LCD Light Meter
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.4/5
Meet the Leaton Digital Luxmeter. The device costs around 20 dollars at the time of writing, but don’t let the low-price tag put you off. It’s a rugged, reliable meter for multiple applications.
- Best feature 1: Hardy design, comfortable to hold
- Best feature 2: Large LCD screen
- Plus points: Simple to use, mode and hold buttons, auto power-off, low battery warning
- Minus points: Poor instructions
Leaton Digital Lux Light Meter Highlights
The Leaton Digital Lux LCD is made of decent plastic, is comfortable to hold, and easy to use. This light meter is okay if you’re into black & white photography. It’s not a good choice for more sensitive photographic work or multi-color complex lighting projects. It lacks versatility for photography and doesn’t give exposure settings or other light-related suggestions.
A lot of people tend to buy this meter to make sure their flowering plants get the right amount of light. It works pretty much as advertised, but it won’t blow you away. It has a large, easy-to-read LCD screen, a hold function, and both auto and manual ranges. The Leaton Digital Lux runs on a regular 9V battery and comes with a 15-minute auto power-off feature and low battery warning.
Point to note: Lux is not the same thing as Lumens. Be sure to use a Lux to lumens calculator if you need to convert.
The Not So Good
Instructions are just about okay. The Chinese to English translations can make things seem vague, but still understandable with patience. Leaton hasn’t hinged or tethered the plastic cover that protects the dome when not in use. That makes it easy to misplace or lose if you’re not careful.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Make: Leaton |
| Model: Digital Luxmeter |
| Color: Green |
| Display Type: LCD (not backlit) |
| Battery Type: 1 x regular 9V |
| Range: 0.1-00,000Lux, 0.01–20,000Fc |
| Resolution: 0.1Lux/0.01Fc |
| Product Weight: 4.8 oz. |
| Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.6 x 1.6” |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Hardy design, comfortable to hold |
| Large LCD screen |
| Simple to use |
| Mode and hold buttons |
| Auto and manual ranges |
| Auto power-off (15 mins) |
| Low battery warning |
| Excellent value |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Poorly translated instructions |
| Dome cover not hinged |
| Not a dedicated light meter for photography |
5. Dr.meter Professional LED Light Meter
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.6/5
Dr.meter is renowned for its range of affordable light meters. This product is the Professional LX1332B model. It makes easy work of monitoring light levels at home, in the studio, or on the go.
- Best feature 1: Sturdy build, easy to operate
- Best feature 2: Up to 4 adjustable ranges
- Plus points: Wide application, rotatable sensor, data hold, carry/storage case, tripod-ready
- Minus points: LCD not backlit, hanging sensor cover
Dr.meter Pro LED Light Meter Highlights
Dr.meter’s Pro LX1332B light meter has a sturdy build and user-friendly appeal. The 4 adjustable ranges ensure you get perfect measurements every time. Multi-directional swivel sensors are always welcome, and this one offers 270° rotation. This is a superb product considering its price tag, and an excellent first sensor. It’s useful for measuring light in studio photoshoots, stage sets, and more.
The meter is tripod-ready, which is another bonus for those who need to work hands-free. Other product highlights include data hold and the convenient zippered carrying case.
The Not So Good
The LCD screen isn’t backlit, but it’s unlikely to put most people off. Still, it’s a nice feature to have nonetheless, especially those with auto-dimmers. The tethered sensor cover hangs down and tends to flop around. A better option would have been to have somewhere to clip it when not in use.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Make: Dr.meter |
| Model: Professional 1332B |
| Color: Black |
| Display Type: 3.4 LCD |
| Battery Type: 1 x 9v |
| Battery Life: 200 hours |
| Sampling Time: 2 times/sec |
| Product Weight: 11.2 oz. |
| Dimensions: 8 x 4.2 x 2.3” |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Sturdy build, easy to operate |
| 4 adjustable ranges |
| Wide application |
| Rotatable sensor |
| Data hold function |
| Auto power-off |
| Unit adjustment |
| Tripod-ready |
| Zippered carry/storage case |
| Value for money |
| The Cons |
|---|
| LCD Screen not backlit |
| Hanging cover is annoying |
6. Extech Ergonomic LT510 Light Meter
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.3/5
The Extech LT510 is another travel-friendly Light Meter that’s super-easy to use. It’s a rugged, pocket-sized device with several applications and additional features. Let’s check it out.
- Best feature 1: Photodiode w/ color correction filter
- Best feature 2: Backlit LCD screen
- Plus points: Easy to use, pocket-sized, multiple applications, auto power-off, tripod-ready
- Minus points: Restrictions for photography, removable cap is easy to misplace
Extech LT510 Light Meter Highlights
Extech’s LT510 is compact and versatile. It can measure the light intensity in a space up to 20000 Lux or 1,860 Foot-candles. It does this using a high-precision photodiode and a corrective color filter. Consider the LT510 if you need a meter to measure the light of indoor/outdoor spaces with accuracy. The latter could be to ensure there’s adequate illumination in places like ATMs and parking lots.
This meter is straightforward to use even at the novice level. It comes with a Data Hold button, Min/Max functions, and the option to take measurements in either Lux units of Fc (foot-candles). The backlit LCD lets you quickly see data in failing light. An auto power-off function helps to save unnecessary battery drain. And there’s an optional tripod.
The Not So Good
This light meter is suitable for several applications, but its photographic uses are restricted. That’s because it doesn’t offer exposure conversions and other useful data. It’s a better light meter for performing light tests indoors or shaded and sheltered outdoor locations (see above). The Extech LT510 has a removable cap for its sensor, which makes it easy to lose or misplace.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Make: Extech |
| Model: LT510 COMPACT |
| Color: Dark green |
| Display Type: Backlit LCD |
| Foot-Candle (Fc) Range: 0–1860Fc |
| Lux Range: 0–20,000 |
| Max Res: 0.1Fc/1Lux |
| Accuracy: ±5%rdg |
| Battery Type: 3 x AAA (included) |
| Product Weight: 5.6 oz. |
| Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.2 x 5.5” |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Easy to use at the novice level |
| Compact, pocket-sized design |
| Protective sensor cover |
| Multiple applications |
| Photodiode w/ correction filter |
| Backlit LCD screen |
| Auto power-off function |
| Tripod-ready |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Restricted photographic uses |
| Removable cap, easy to misplace |
7. Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe III Light Meter
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The penultimate review is for the L-398A Studio Deluxe III light meter by Sekonic. This model sports a classic design. It’s an ideal choice for photographic and cinematographic applications.
- Best feature 1: No batteries or external power source needed
- Best feature 2: Full range of aperture & shutter combinations
- Plus points: Easy to use, swivel head, needle lock, Lumidisc, Lumigrid, memory pointer
- Minus points: Complex design looks daunting, quite pricy
Sekonic Studio Deluxe III Light Meter Highlights
One of the best features of the Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe III is that it doesn’t take batteries. Instead, it uses an amorphous photocell to generate power. Add this classic meter to your shortlist if you want a genuine analog experience. You can read the exact aperture and shutter combinations via the needle and exposure dial.
This meter is straightforward to use, and it comes with a swivel head and a convenient needle lock. Photographers take incident measurements of 3D objects using the 180° Lumisphere. Or, use the Lumidisc for selective readings. For reflected light, replace the Lumisphere with the Lumigrid. That’s it. You can use the memory pointer whenever you need to recall an earlier readout.
The Not So Good
This meter is manual and can look daunting to first-time users with all its dials and numbers. It does take some getting used to, but it’s a lot simpler than it looks. The Sekonic L-398A is also quite expensive since its void of sophisticated electronics, data logging, and built-in algorithms. Even so, it has its place among fans as there are no startup issues or batteries to worry about. And it WORKS.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Make: Sekonic |
| Model: L-398A |
| Color: Black/silver |
| Type: Analog for ambient light |
| Display Type: Analog |
| Measuring Luminosity: x |
| Battery Type: None |
| Receptor Head: Rotating dome |
| Light Receiving: Incident & reflected |
| Receptor Element: Amorphous silicon |
| Product Weight: 11.2 oz. |
| Dimensions: 4.40 x 2.30 x 1.30” |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Easy to use analog-meter |
| No batteries or external power |
| Aperture & shutter combos |
| Full swivel head |
| Continuous reading w/ needle lock |
| Ideal prime or back-up meter |
| Lumidisc for selective |
| Lumigrid for reflected |
| Memory pointer |
| Quality carry case |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Complex design; looks daunting |
| Quite pricy |
8. Sekonic LiteMaster Professional Light Meter
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.7/5
Those who invest in a Sekonic LITEMASTER PRO L-478-U are prosumers, semi-pros, or professionals. It’s an incredibly sophisticated tool, but it’s also easy to navigate and simple to use.
- Best feature 1: Simple to use even for novice users
- Best feature 2: Large color LCD screen
- Plus points: Build quality, multi-functional, rotating sensor, 5° viewfinder (optional), warranty
- Minus points: Overly sensitive touchscreen, poor battery life
Sekonic LiteMaster Pro Light Meter Highlights
Sekonic’s L-478-U light meter has a quality feel and look to it, as it should do at this price category. It comes equipped with a large 2.7” color touchscreen display. That gives users fast, smooth metering control for ambient light and flash. It’s a highly capable meter for stills photography, but it also has Cine and HD Cine video modes. The multi-functional appeal certainly helps to justify its price tag.
The swivel Lumisphere receptor head rotates a full 90° to the right and 180° to the left. You can also retract it to use as a flat diffuser. There’s an optional 5° viewfinder as well for spot metering.
The Not So Good
The LCD touchscreen is fast and welcome, but it does tend to be overly sensitive. It’s something new users must be mindful of as it’s easy to change values by accident. The Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478DR-U takes readily available AAA batteries, which is great. Battery life, though, is less impressive and may not last a day with continual use and cheaper products.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Make: Sekonic |
| Model: L-478DR-U |
| Color: Black |
| Display Type: LCD touchscreen |
| Display Size: 2.7 |
| Diffuser: Spherical to Flat |
| Receptor Element: Silicon Photodiode |
| Battery Type: 2 x AAA |
| Product Weight: 8 oz. w/ batteries |
| Dimensions: 2 x 1 x 5” |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Simple to use at any skill level |
| Large color LCD touchscreen |
| Exceptional build quality |
| Multi-functional uses |
| Fast navigation |
| Rotating sensor |
| 5° viewfinder (optional) |
| Extended warranty |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Overly sensitive touchscreen |
| Poor battery life |
Contents
- Uses Outside of Photography
- Light Meters for Photography
- #1 Reflective Light Meters
- #2 Incident light meters
- Built-in Vs. Handheld Meters
- What to Look for in a Handheld Light Meter
- About My ‘8 Light Meter Choices’ Guide
- Multi-Purpose Light Meters Comparison Table
- 1. URCERI Handheld Digital Light Meter | Best Budget
- URCERI MT-912 Digital Light Meter Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 2. Sekonic Flashmate L-308X-U Light Meter | Best Value
- Sekonic L-308X-U Light Meter Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 3. Sekonic Spectomaster C-800 Light Meter | Top Pick
- Sekonic Spectomaster C-800 Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 4. Leaton Digital Lux LCD Light Meter
- Leaton Digital Lux Light Meter Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 5. Dr.meter Professional LED Light Meter
- Dr.meter Pro LED Light Meter Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 6. Extech Ergonomic LT510 Light Meter
- Extech LT510 Light Meter Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 7. Sekonic L-398A Studio Deluxe III Light Meter
- Sekonic Studio Deluxe III Light Meter Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 8. Sekonic LiteMaster Professional Light Meter
- Sekonic LiteMaster Pro Light Meter Highlights
- The Not So Good
It’s hard to say