Light Meters

[robdavis305]

This may have been talked about but I couldnt find it. Im totally new to photography and love taking pics. I have trouble deciding what I should set my camera on as far as shutter speed and aperture. I understand the ISO part of it and was wondering if a light meter would help me to set the other. I was looking at the light meters on B&H and there is about 3 or 4 kinds. What kind is the best as far as shooting indoors and outdoors for under 200.00. Thanks for all your input.

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by robdavis305

I was looking at the light meters on B&H and there is about 3 or 4 kinds. What kind is the best as far as shooting indoors and outdoors for under 200.00. Thanks for all your input.

I think the Polaris flash meter is quite good for under $200. Shepherd/Polaris | Polaris Digital Meter | SPD100 | B&H Photo

[acedrew]

I think the best thing to do with $200 that you want to spend on a light meter, is save it for that next lens/flash. What I would look at if I were you is some guides on using the TTL (Through The Lens) Meter built into your camera. It's probably going to do about as good a job as a sub $200 meter anyway. What model is your camera? Here is a good starter guide: Using Your Camera’s Meter to Set Exposure | The Photography of Rob Miracle It explains the difference between incident metering (with an external meter) and reflectance metering (what your camera has built-in)
Another great source of info for photographers is the Navy Photography Guide an older version is available here, it doesn't cover a lot of the newer technologies, but it's very accurate about the basics of camera systems. Photography (Basic) - Introduction to photography and other graphic techniques

Andrew Rodgers
Perfected Perspectives -- Photography by Andrew Rodgers

[zappo]

In the digital age lightmeters are kind of dinosaurs, mostly used only be profesionals. Save your money and do a workshop with someone who is good in this.

This will help you a lot more understanding the topic than a lightmeter. Acutally I doub't you would be able to use one to your advantage if you dont't have a deep understanding in the underlying basics. The LM is only a tool, it won't improve your work if you don't know what to do with it (As most camera equipment).

Best regards

Florian

[kencaleno]

A flash/exposure meter will improve your photography at least 100%-Your camera's meter only reads reflective light,and different tones reflect differently-but incident readings are consistent,because light falling on on all tones is always the same-just try getting detail in the black tuxedo of a groom.and detail in the white dress of the bride,without blowing out the dress,with your ttl meter. Hand-held meters read reflective and incident light and to a tenth of an EV stop.They can also give you an exact exposure setting for flash,and tell you how many times to operate your flash to light an area, as in Real Estate. Studio Photographers wouldn't be without a meter. They are so accurate. If you really care about your images, get a flash/exposure meter. you won't regret it. By the way,as recommended before,by a previous poster,the Polaris meter is really good value.regards, Ken

[zappo]

Originally Posted by kencaleno

A flash/exposure meter will improve your photography at least 100%-Your camera's meter only reads reflective light,and different tones reflect differently-but incident readings are consistent,because light falling on on all tones is always the same-just try getting detail in the black tuxedo of a groom.and detail in the white dress of the bride,without blowing out the dress,with your ttl meter. Hand-held meters read reflective and incident light and to a tenth of an EV stop.They can also give you an exact exposure setting for flash,and tell you how many times to operate your flash to light an area, as in Real Estate. Studio Photographers wouldn't be without a meter. They are so accurate. If you really care about your images, get a flash/exposure meter. you won't regret it. By the way,as recommended before,by a previous poster,the Polaris meter is really good value.regards, Ken

Sorry, but I see this completly different. For someone who is completly new to photography (as he stated), a lightmeter will help nothing. He could buy himself a whole bunch of tools, without a solid understanding of the basics they will help him not a bit.

Just my point of view, maybe I'm simply not the lightmeter kind of a guy.

[acedrew]

Originally Posted by zappo

Sorry, but I see this completly different. For someone who is completly new to photography (as he stated), a lightmeter will help nothing. He could buy himself a whole bunch of tools, without a solid understanding of the basics they will help him not a bit.

Just my point of view, maybe I'm simply not the lightmeter kind of a guy.

Exactly, I couldn't agree with you more. And while Ken is right about a handheld(incident) meter being about twice as accurate as the TTL (reflectance), it doesn't matter guys! we're shooting digital! That same "100%" can be gained just by learning to use the histogram and highlight/shadow clipping feature of you camera. A handheld meter is about the last thing a beginner needs, esp when they don't know how to use the TTL. I would say this for any toy/tech in photography, use what you've got until it becomes the limiting factor! And if all you're wanting is manual values to "start with" then TTL is not the limiting factor. I have used a light meter a lot and have to say it was very close to my spot meter on my camera 95% of the time. It's just not necessary these days!
Andrew Rodgers
Perfected Perspectives -- Photography by Andrew Rodgers

[Samanax]

Originally Posted by robdavis305

This may have been talked about but I couldnt find it. Im totally new to photography and love taking pics. I have trouble deciding what I should set my camera on as far as shutter speed and aperture. I understand the ISO part of it and was wondering if a light meter would help me to set the other.

How well do you understand the Exposure Triangle? Do you understand how all three parts relate to a creatively correct exposure?

Exposure Triangle

The Exposure Triangle – In Beginner Speak “The End of Auto Mode"

Understand Digital Photography exposure – The Exposure Triangle

Understanding Exposure with the Exposure Triangle

Lens Aperture Explained – Exposure Triangle Pt.1

Shutter Speed – Exposure Triangle Pt.2

ISO – Exposure Triangle Pt.3

Originally Posted by robdavis305

I was looking at the light meters on B&H and there is about 3 or 4 kinds. What kind is the best as far as shooting indoors and outdoors for under 200.00. Thanks for all your input.

Some of my friends shoot a lot of film and they seem to really like the Sekonic L-398A. They always seem to have it with them.

[Elmo]

Save &180 of that $200 and get Peterson's book on exposure. Only when you understand exposure will a meter be of any help. That is the reason you are having trouble with your built in meter.

I am a meter type of guy, spot meter that is.

[kencaleno]

Originally Posted by Elmo

Save &180 of that $200 and get Peterson's book on exposure. Only when you understand exposure will a meter be of any help. That is the reason you are having trouble with your built in meter.

I am a meter type of guy, spot meter that is.

That book will put you wrong!-He is a great film photographer,but he doesn't know jack about digital.

A hand held meter is so simple=you set the iso,and the meter will give you a digital readout for shutter speed and aperture-that is easier to understand than reading and understanding histograms.