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Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter image
 
(based on 25 ratings)
Brand: Shepherd
Located in: Cameras & Lenses, Universal Camera Accessories
Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter
Review Snapshot®
Avg. Customer Rating:
 
4.3 stars
(based on 25 reviews)
100% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

Pros:
Accurate(15), Compact(12), Consistent(12), Durable(5), Easy to use(7)
Best Uses:
Everyday(4), Home(5), Macro photography(3), Photography(14), Portraits(19)
Describe Yourself:
Enthusiast(3), Photo enthusiast(5), Semi-professional(5), Semi-pro photographer(8)
Was this a gift?:
No(4)
 
Great Meter
By Pop Star PhotoVerified Purchaser from Central Islip ,New York on 3/13/2011
Pros:
Accurate, Compact, Consistent, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Photography, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Semi-pro Photographer
Was this a gift?:
No
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

Great Meter for the money. Considered other More Popular Brands But glad Ichose this one.

 
Works Great
By ClickVerified Purchaser from Ohio on 2/20/2011
Pros:
Accurate, Compact, Consistent, Lightweight, Strong Construction
Best Uses:
Photography, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Semi-pro Photographer
Was this a gift?:
No
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

This is my first light meter. I like it. It took no time at all to learn how to use it in my studio. I droped it once and not even a mark.

 
Great value!
By KLSVerified Purchaser from Southern Coloraqdo on 2/6/2011
Pros:
Accurate, Compact, Consistent, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Photography, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Semi-pro Photographer
Was this a gift?:
No
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

[...] Instructions were simple. Made getting the correct exposure with strobes fast and easy! Not built for rugged use, but for the price it can't be beat.

 
WOW! What a great investment
By Big Friendly IndianVerified Purchaser from Spokane, WA on 10/11/2010
Pros:
Accurate, Consistent, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Photography, Photojournalism, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Semi-pro Photographer
Was this a gift?:
No
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

I've only had my light meter for a few days and it has made a huge difference in my work.

 
Perfect for first timers
By cruser779Verified Purchaser from Adrian, MI on 7/29/2010
Pros:
Compact, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Artwork, Photography, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Photo Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

This is a great device for getting accurate readings in multiple light setups.

 
Great meter for the price
By JTVerified Purchaser from Fayetteville NC on 5/24/2010
Pros:
Accurate, Compact, Consistent, Lightweight
Cons:
Incompatible Sync Chord
Best Uses:
Photography, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Photo Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

Used For Portraits

 
I would buy this product again
By gerardoVerified Purchaser from florida on 3/22/2010
Pros:
Accurate, Compact, Consistent, Lightweight, Strong Construction
Best Uses:
Photography, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Semi-pro Photographer
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

very easy to use, accurate

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE
By MOLLYBUGVerified Purchaser from ROCHESTER, NY on 2/21/2010
Pros:
Accurate, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Photo Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

I'VE ONLY USED THIS A FEW TIMES FOR INSIDE PORTRAITS AND IT WAS VERY VALUABLE. CAN'T WAIT TO USE IT FOR OUTSIDE PORTRAITS WHICH IS WHAT I MAINLY PURCHASED IT FOR.

Images shared by: MOLLYBUG

Image Thumbnail

Tags: Using Product

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Does the job
By McQVerified Purchaser from Center of the Universe on 1/24/2010
Pros:
Accurate, Consistent, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Photography
Describe Yourself:
Photo Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

I had read where people say it is cheap and breaks but I don't have these issues. It works great. For the buck, it is a great deal. I use it in the studio mainly. I have taken it out in the field with no problems. Very easy to use. Does just what I need it for. I would buy another one, but I don't have to. Mine works great.

 
I would certainly buy this product again
By DavebowVerified Purchaser from Colorado on 1/11/2010
Pros:
Accurate, Compact, Consistent, Lightweight, Strong Construction
Best Uses:
Photography
Describe Yourself:
Semi-pro Photographer
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

Use it all the time both for flash and ambient. Always gives accurate results.

 
I would buy this again!
By cburgbillVerified Purchaser from Ashland, Ky on 10/1/2009
Pros:
Accurate, Compact, Consistent, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Photography, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Photo Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

I decided to buy this to use with my 1st set of strobes, and I'm verty glad I did. Since this is my 1st light meter I don't have anything to compare with, but it is very easy to learn to use. From what I was reading about the other meters, it doesn't have a lot of bells & whistles that could complicate using it.

 
Good quality at not the highest price
By RFidalgoVerified Purchaser from Seattle, WA on 7/23/2009
Pros:
Accurate, Compact, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Artwork, Photography, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Semi-pro Photographer
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

Great option to have on hand compared to a gray card, or when you just want to know exactly what light will do your shot. Lightweight, compact and it provides the information needed to ensure that light will not negatively affect your shot.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Good Meter and price
By BobVerified Purchaser from Oneonta,AL on 5/13/2009
Pros:
Accurate, Compact, Consistent, Lightweight, Strong Construction
Best Uses:
Photography, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Semi-pro Photographer
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

I shopped several sites and this meter had a lot of features for the price.

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
12 Years and still working
By MoneyMarkVerified Reviewer from Chesapeake, VA on 2/20/2009
Pros:
Durable, Easy To Use, Lightweight, Reliable
Best Uses:
Portraits, Studio
Describe Yourself:
Semi-Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

I bought one of these back in 1996 and I am still using it today. It is accurate and consistent, what more do I need?

[12 of 12 customers found this review helpful]

 
Perfect for the beginner
By Zeke the Geek from Chicago, IL on 9/25/2008
Pros:
Durable, Easy To Use, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Home, Portraits, Studio
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

As a person who is just getting my feet wet in studio/portrait photography, I was very overwhelmed by the number of light meters on the market. After many hours of researching light meters, I stumbled on a review that basically said this is the light meter to get for the beginner because it doesn't have any bells and whistles, it just meters light. This is exactly what I wanted so I decided to go with the Shepard Polaris light meter.

Let me say that I am absolutely pleased with this meter because it is extremely easy to use even for someone like me who had never touched one before. Within 15 minutes after opening the package, putting the battery in, and leafing through the instruction booklet, I was using it as if I had known how to for years.

I would highly recommend this to those who just want the bare essentials and/or are beginners at the whole studio/portrait thing. Also perfect for those with a limited budget.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Good value
By JohnVerified Purchaser from Fredericton, NB, Canada on 7/14/2008
Pros:
Durable, Easy To Use, Lightweight
Cons:
None I can think of
Best Uses:
Everyday use, Portraits, Studio
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

seems to be approx 1/3 of a stop off ... but is consistent, which is all one can ask of a meter

 
Basic & Solid product
By MaplegroveBobVerified Purchaser from Maple Grove, MN on 5/21/2008
Pros:
Easy To Use, Inexpensive, Lightweight
Cons:
None
Best Uses:
Home, Macro Photography, Portraits, Studio, Traveling
Describe Yourself:
Semi-Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

I was looking for an inexpensive light meter that would do it's job well. The light meter is easy to use and has all the basic exposure function I need, and at a price I can afford. It is made of plastic, but it has a nice belt pouch to help protect it. It's readings are quite accurate.

[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

 
great starter light meter
By digital photo conceptsVerified Purchaser from Port richey fl on 5/21/2008
Pros:
Durable, Easy To Use, Improves Product Function, Lightweight
Cons:
no backlight for lcd
Best Uses:
Everyday use, Home, Macro Photography, Portraits, Sporting Events, Studio, Traveling
Describe Yourself:
Semi-Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

nice meter lifht ans small easy to use

Images shared by: digital photo concepts

My assistent Rabbit

Image Thumbnail

Tags: Using Product

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
I would recommend this to a friend!
By TerriVerified Purchaser from NY on 3/6/2008
Pros:
Easy To Use, Improves Product Function, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Everyday use, Home, Macro Photography, Portraits, Studio
Describe Yourself:
Semi-Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

Very easy to use! Accurate! Lightweight!

 
small little helper
By grymVerified Purchaser from Palm Springs, CA on 3/6/2008
Pros:
Easy To Use, Improves Product Function, Lightweight, Low Cost
Best Uses:
Everyday use, Portraits, Studio
Describe Yourself:
Semi-Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

allows me to work faster and get the results that i want! has made my life a lot easier since i have it!

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Reasonable entry level flash meter
By JPVerified Purchaser from San Jose, CA on 3/28/2007
Pros:
Inexpensive v's features, Simple Controls
Cons:
Accurate to - 1 stop
Best Uses:
Home, School, Studententry level meter
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast, Photography student
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

The product met my expectations: inexpensive student level flash meter.

I did note, like some other people, the accuracy is slighly off. It gets you to within +- 1 stop. I used my LCD screen to fine tune the f-stop and shutter speed. I had the light settings "dialed in" within a matter of minutes.

[4 of 4 customers found this review helpful]

 
Great for the money
By FuzzzzyVerified Purchaser from Oklahoma on 2/12/2007
Pros:
Durable, Great Features, Simple Controls
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

This meter is very accurate and easy to use. That's about all that is required from a light meter. Gives excellent, consistent, correct results at a fraction of the cost of the big boys.

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
Affordable and Accurate
By BobVerified Purchaser from New Jersey on 2/12/2007
Pros:
Accurate, Lightweight, Simple Controls, Versatile
Best Uses:
Professional Work, Special Events, Travel
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

I've used this light meeter for over 5 years and have found it a valuable inexpensive tool.

[4 of 4 customers found this review helpful]

 
"A basic, easy to use meter for your $"
By photobugVerified Purchaser from Montebello, CA on 2/5/2007
Pros:
Accurate, Compact, Consistent, Lightweight
Cons:
none
Best Uses:
Photography, Portraits
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

I have used this meter for taking outdoor portraits and indoor tungsten photoflood basic 3 light portrait setups. Very basic and easy to use. I lost the user manual and it was no problem remembering how to use it after three months.
The "AA" battery last almost forever. If you don't need all the bells and whistles of the other meters ($$$) you can't beat this meter for the price ($).

[24 of 24 customers found this review helpful]

 
What the Pros use
By Reborn from Manitowoc, Wisconsin on 8/18/2006
Pros:
Accurate, Compact, Consistent, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Photography

Comments about Shepherd Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter:

[...] I went to the local pro photo shop to see what they would recommend. Without hesitation, they said the Polaris SPD100. Unless you have exotic shooting circumstances, this meter is the best and what they use. Liked it much more than the JTLs, Gossens, or Sekonics.
Skeptical, I next called my brother-in-law who was a professional photographer for 20 years and now a commercial imaging consultant. His meter is a Polaris SPD100. He felt the rest were over-priced.
Finally, I called a fantastic Black and White artistic photographer down in Gurnee, IL and his meter ... You guessed it, the Polaris SPD100.

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