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Review Summary
2021-11-08T13:26:14
Sumpley the best ligght meter on the market.
Darryl L.
2021-09-19T12:42:12
These reviews are hilarious. It gives flash duration which is amazing but honestly between the touch screen and additional features I?ll never use I still prefer my L-358. Anyone saying this meter makes them a better photographer doesn?t know how to correctly meter for film. Sunny 16 is sunny 16. If you?re using it for strobe then what is correct for 80% grey may not be correct for a pale completion wearing white. It?s simply a tool. Nothing more nothing less. The flash duration meter is what this thing has going for it. The UI, not so much. Also the rubber grip on the spot meter eyepiece has a tendency to jump off. Much like the eyecup on the original H 1/2 . If you get that reference you?ll know exactly what I?m talking about?
Justin O.
2021-07-22T20:34:10
i want standards for exposure and color so 858 and a colorchecker passport is what i uses.
FRANCIS M.
2021-06-03T08:27:43
This meter is a beast. It has features for days. The camera exposure profiling is super useful and the UI although ugly is very intuitive
Joey R.
2021-04-28T16:25:06
I mean, way out of my budget spent money I don't have and I don't know how to work it at all... but im excited to learn!
SAMANTHA F.
2020-12-27T08:37:23
A definite must have for the learning photographer. I would recommend purchasing the sync cable or the transmitter to fully unlock the capabilities of the light meter.
CHELBE H.
2020-09-29T10:17:35
Muy Util exelente herramienta tanto para Profesionales como para principiantes.
HAPPY M.
2020-09-02T13:19:56
I cannot stress how much more efficient your workflow will be using a meter. TTL is nice, but having something dead-on accurate is so much better. I can better sculpt my light and shadows and balance with ambient lighting better with a meter.
Darci B.
2020-08-04T07:21:06
Made my semi-pro photography life soooo much easier!
Randy B.
2020-07-31T16:21:22
This thing helps me so much! You won't lose more time in a shooting testing the light.
Orosman R.
2020-06-30T10:10:02
It had dramatically changed the way I approach the exposure triangle settings, and significantly changed the number of correct exposures, and family thinks I now have a very professional demeanor during photo shoots of the family and friends.
Abe S.
2020-01-16T09:03:35
Great light meter… Absolutely necessary for anyone who needs to understand the total duration of electronic flashes for freezing subjects with flash.
Michael W.
2020-01-04T18:20:39
Excellent ... and works well with Elinchrom. However, it is not compatible with Profoto.
Spyro Z.
2020-01-04T07:25:00
Will work well for film & digital exposure all in one tool.
KATHERINE C.
2019-12-22T19:35:41
I upgraded to this meter for the flash duration feature. It a very nice meter. It it is surprisingly heavy compared to the several other Sekonic meters i have had. My only other criticism is that the triggering button to measure/fire the flashes is harder to push than all the previous meters. But it’s very well built, accurate, and has great features. Great for a pro or advanced amateur.
ANDY G.
2019-09-11T09:55:51
Versitile in function. Easy to use and a must on the set.
JANE T.
2019-07-04T08:42:07
The meter allows you to dial in the ISO, the aperture, and the flash duration, what could guarantee better results?
Frank W.
2019-06-13T08:22:56
I had a Sekonic L-758DR before this meter and they are very similar in their use so the learning curve wasn’t too bad. It’s a great meter. Very easy to use with the touch screen. You can hide menu items that you will never use. The main reason I purchased it was for the flash speed measurement and I haven’t gotten a chance to use that part of it. I also purchased the transmitter for Elinchrom so it’s so easy to measure my light setups with it. I love my L-758DR and was a little bit heart broken to sell it but this meter has already taken it’s place. One down side is that it shuts off fairly quickly and so far I haven’t found a way to control that but I’m sure if I keep looking long enough, it’s in the menus somewhere. This meter is so customizable it’s incredible. If you do a lot of strobe photography and you need to know the flash duration of your strobes, this is the meter for you.
SCOTT L.
2019-05-05T19:27:45
Since I only do still photography, This light meter does everything I need and more. I am very pleased with my purchase.
Merle J.
2019-03-25T08:45:38
The best light meter in the planet, love it and use it religiously every time I shoot
ERICK B.
2019-03-14T09:59:13
Works, great product!
Kevin S.
2019-02-22T11:55:46
I would recommend every photographer to consider getting a Sekonic L-858D-U Speedmaster Light Meter.
Gregory K.
2019-02-13T08:13:40
This sensor has so much to offer, and I've just begun using it. Very nice in the hand. Very trustworthy.
Rene Z.
2018-10-17T21:12:32
Two separate meters in one (incident and spot) combined with a touch screen that eliminates knobs and buttons that makes for cleaner / simpler operation. Add the optional wireless transmitter ( if you're buying this meter you buy the transmitter, period) and you're set.
CHRISTOPHER H.
2018-05-25T04:40:29
Works like a charm
HAROLD P.
2018-05-04T13:31:15
using the averaging function it calculates the setting I need to get the best whole exposure. Love the spot (reflected) reading.
Rodney C.
2018-03-23T08:59:08
I had the L358 previously, but this meter is amazing. Great for HSS and shutter speeds over 1/1000 plus spot meter for landscape. It worth the upgrade!
KEN C.
2018-01-30T11:08:45
Ordered the unit and was very pleased with the speed it arrived. I am so pleased with the 878,, it is a breeze to learn all,that I needed to know. I will recommed it to anyone. Thanks Adorama. John
John S.
2017-12-26T07:51:36
Real accurate and with more options that my previous 758 DR. With the ability to meassure HSS. Now I can do ratios in HSS too. I liked the buttons version better from the 758, as the touchscreen is harder to get a change, but I can get used to it. Worth every penny. I you are still thinking about buying it just go and get it you wont regret. Perfect picture on the first shoot with perfect whites in bridals dress. A must have if you are serious about photography and want to make the picture right from the camera without wasting test shoots.
Jacob L.
2017-12-06T07:59:53
I purchased the L-858-U because I needed a meter that would measure flash with High Speed Synch. I have owned or used just about every meter out there over the years and this one is definitely the best one so far. The menu's and touch screen are very intuitive and user friendly. Love the the spot meter and all the cine features too. Would recommend for anyone who needs a meter with advanced features.
TODD P.
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Browse our FAQ
Multi-Function
Silicon Photodiode
1/4"-20 Female
LCD
No
Aperture Priority, FPS Metering, Flash Duration Analysis, HSS Flash, Shutter Priority
Incident, Reflected
Cordless
Measuring Range(ISO100): FlashIncident: F0.5 to F161.2(=128.9)
Reflected: F1.0 to F161.2(=128.9)
Option VF 1deg.: No
Option VF 5deg.: No
Option VF 10deg.: No Measuring Range(ISO100): AmbientIncident: -5 to 22.9 EV
Reflected: -1 to 24.4EV
Option VF 1 deg.: No
Option VF 5deg.: No
Option VF 10deg.: No
Flash, Incident: f/0.5 to 128.9 at ISO 100
Flash, Reflected: f/1 to 128.9 at ISO 100
f/0.5 to 161.2 (1, 1/2, 1/3-Step Increments) at ISO 100
3 to 13,107,200 (1/3-Step Increments), Plus 850
1/64,000 to 30 Minutes (1, 1/2, 1/3-Step Increments), Plus 1/400, 1/200
AA
3.7 x 6.94 x 1.94" (9.40 x 17.63 x 4.93cm)
10.58 oz (299.94g)
192223011182
Models | SKU: SKL858DUA MFR: 401-858 A $619.00 $629.00 Save:$10.00 In Stock | SKU: SK401858BR MFR: 401-858BR $679.00 $882.70 Save:$203.70 (23%) Temporarily On Backorder Although this item is temporarily on Backorder, you can order it now and it will ship as soon as it arrives. Your card will only be charged once item is shipped. | $449.00 $566.00 Save:$117.00 (21%) In Stock |
---|---|---|---|
Accessory Compatibility | - | Sekonic L-858D | - |
Meter Type | Multi-Function | Multi-Function | Flash Meters, Multi-Function |
Compatible Brand | - | Broncolor | - |
What was I thinking?
By Jean B.
Honestly, the difference in my photography has been eye opening. Being able to dial in the exposure first try is a game changer. I found the interface intuitive. I was up and running after a half hour of familiarizing myself with the unit.
Great Improvement
By Ronald C.
Sekonic makes great light meters but the 858 is their best yet primarily because of its ease of use. Not a bunch of buttons to keep track of, everything is right there on the touch screen. If you are looking for the best light meter all around this is it.
For photographers and filmmakers seeking advanced light measurement control, the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter, complete with a pack of 4 AA 1.5V Alkaline batteries, is a game-changer. This innovative device, boasting a 2.7" color touch screen, is the world's first multi-function light meter designed to meet the evolving needs of today's image-makers.
Built on over 60 years of industry experience, the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U is a significant leap forward in design and functionality. It is the first light meter capable of measuring flash, while also providing accurate ambient exposure readings in low-light conditions as dim as 0.1 lx. This feature empowers photographers and filmmakers to capture stunning imagery in a variety of lighting scenarios.
The Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U is also the first to offer wireless compatibility with Elinchrom, Phottix, and PocketWizard products. This compatibility provides a streamlined workflow and ultimate control for photographers. The meter's ability to measure High Speed Sync (HSS) and calculate proper ambient-flash exposure opens up limitless creative possibilities for precision flash exposure control.
With enhanced light-sensitivity and extended ISO and Shutter Speed Ranges, the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U is designed to perform in extremely low light conditions. It matches the high-ISO capabilities of modern cameras, enabling accurate metering in low-light and providing critical data for creative decision-making.
The L-858D-U also introduces the ability to measure flash duration, a key factor in freezing fast-moving subjects. This feature demystifies one of photography's most challenging techniques, making it accessible to photographers of all levels.
The device's radio control modules enable wireless triggering, expanding upon Sekonic's pioneering wireless exposure measurement technology. The L-858D-U also features an increased light sensitivity, making it possible to accurately meter scenes lit by candlelight or capture the right measurement for long-exposure night photography.
The L-858D-U is the first meter capable of measuring the stroboscopic pulses fired from strobes during Hi-Speed Sync. This feature provides photographers with an accurate way of measuring their lights when they want to overpower the sun or achieve a very shallow depth of field.
The L-858D-U's flash analyzing function is particularly useful for on-location shooting. It measures ambient and flash simultaneously and automatically indicates the percentage of flash in the total exposure. This allows for easy adjustment of the ambient flash mix, aiding in lightening shadows or reducing background detail.
The device also includes a full information spot viewfinder, expanded shutter speed range for ambient light and strobe, extended ISO range, Full HD Cine and CINE modes, filter compensation mode, and a 2.7" color dot-matrix touch screen. It also offers connectivity with MAC/PC DTS Software for firmware upgrades, custom settings, and exposure profiling.
Designed for durability, the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U is dust-proof and splash-proof, ensuring reliable performance in any location. This light meter is a comprehensive tool designed to meet and exceed the demands of modern photographers and filmmakers.