Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash & Ambient Light Meter

SKU: SBP

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Q&A

Questions & Answers

Shopper : I noticed that it's not compatible with Nikon, what about with Canon.?MARK G : I don't think it's camera specific, I use it with my strobes and it has always worked well. I've used it side by side with a high end (more $) meter and the readings match.Mike P : It's a meter, it measures light, it's compatible with any device that needs light measured. I've used it with my Nikons with no problem and it should also work with Canon or any other camera as long as you know how to use your camera's manual controls.DIEGO K : It is compatible with nikon and canonCHRISTINE D : My light meter worked just fine with my Canon. I was very pleased with it. I would be interested in getting of it. I'm retired.SANG K : Not sure what you mean by that. I used it with Nikon, Canon, Pentax as well as some 20 years old 35mm film medium format film cameras.
Joseph K : What kind of warranty comes with this used unit?ROBERT H : Yes it will.MARK G : 2 years according to mine.MANFRED S : I really don't know since I bought mine brand new. Used is probably 30 to 90 days. It's a good unit however.KEN B : Off hand, cant say but you could easily find that info from the maker. Joe, do yourself a favor and buy the Sekonic L 308 for a few more bucks. This meter just lacks sensitivity. I often get an error message when trying to measure bounced strobe lighting which is what I mainly bought a light meter for. Now I'm stuck with it!KAREN H : I not exact on the warranty - but we have had this unit a couple of years and it still works as expected.
RICHARD B : One reviewer commented on a 10 degree spot meter attachment , but I do not see any mention of the attachment in the item description. Do I need a 10 degree spot meter attachment and where do I get one?MARK G : The meter doesn't come with any attachments, but the white sphere does slide for a 40 degree view. As for after market attachments I haven't seen any.ROBERT T : I have this meter, and I do not have a spot meter attachment. You would only need the attachment if you were trying to determine the the reflective light in a small area. i.e. on a persons face who has their back to the sun. This can be useful, but is not necessary. This is a great meter. I use my often.CHRISTINE D : I didn't have one, but I was very pleased with my meter.MARILYN C : No, there is not a 10 degree spot meter attachment that comes with the unit. I do not believe that you really need one however. Just meter your subject up close, if possible, or if not ,then go with the settings and bracket up to +/- 2 f/stops. The beauty of the Digital era, is you are not paying for extra prints to determine the best exposures. With digital imaging, you can "tweek" your best exposure to get a great final image, especially if you are shooting in "raw" mode. Even if you don't shoot in raw mode, you still have a good range for correction, and can make an infinite variety of adjustments.....Just save in TIFF mode, with lossless compression, because if you work with JPEG's, every edit you make, you lose quality, because they get compressed sequentially. Of course, it all depends on what you are using your images for, be they web, personal, or prints, and how large you intend to make those final images.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2014-06-24T21:00:00

Rated 1 out of 5

Downer

I'm going to break the trend here on all these outstanding reviews and honestly I bought it because of them. I wanted to meter mostly reflected speed-light flash. I find almost all the time that the meter lacks sensitivity unless I input an ISO I wouldn't use anyway. At 800 ISO with Hi power bounce I get an"Eu" message which the manual does not even define. Using in outdoor bright or shaded light it functions okay also on direct flash. So for the most part it stays on the shelf and I use in cam metering or Chimp.

KEN B.

2013-08-12T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great functionality

This is my first light meter, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it is accurate, quick to read out, and simple. It feels delicate, but most electronics don't like being dropped or thrown underneath cars so it probably doesn't need to be built like a tank.

Tony H.

2013-07-01T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Outstanding

I use this lightmeter often for various ligthting situations, wether it is landscape, or in the street. It has helped me tons with measuring light with portraits for both ambient and flash.

BritoHH

2013-04-22T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

A Good Value

I am just starting to use the light meter but find it useful. I mainly purchased it for use with my studio lights to help me with my settings using my Alien Bee 1600s. It cuts down on the trial and error of trying to estimate the camera settings. It has proven to be very useful. I purchased this meter based on good reviews and its relatively inexpensive price. It seemed like it would be the best value and so far it seems like a good choice It is a fairly light plastic, but given its normal use it is sturdy enough. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a reliable light meter at a reasonable price.

Doug

2013-03-19T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

This Product is Amazing.

This product is great and works really well.

Steven

2013-03-06T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

This meter is exactly what I needed!

I have learned that this meter will get you where you need to be most of the time. Sometimes I get creative and move a stop but most of the time it is right on for my lighting.

Curt m.

2013-03-06T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

good for me as a beginner

Iam just starting to do this. I am retired and need to do something. Your products have helped me get involved with the community.

trashman

2013-02-04T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Does a good job

I use this item almost every day and it does a great job.

DAVID S.

2013-01-21T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great value

Great device. SUperb value for the price.

Anker B.

2012-09-23T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

The best for the price

It is very easy to use, can be used as reflective,incidence ,flash,and spot light meter, The readings are very accurate,and simple to understand it works in diferent modes, for example, is very usefull for setting up my studio lights, by reading the EV from each lamp,, in outdoors, is very usefull as incidence ,and reflective light meter, with the 10 degree spot meter accessory , the reflective readings are very accurate. I am sure, for the price, you cannot get any better, I am very happy with this light meter

GERARDO S.

2012-05-13T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Under rated - great value

Big bang for the buck.

ShawnR

2012-05-06T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Works great

Great for the price. It does everything I need. Easy to use.

MIKE G.

2012-03-25T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Easy to use.

Great product that geats the job done without breaking your budget.

Barry

2012-03-18T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Good enough

Used for portraits

M.Estrella

2012-02-19T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Best buy for my money

Works great for metering both speedlights and studio strobe. I'd be lost without it.

KAREN S.

2012-02-19T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Inexpensive and undervalued

Compared to my old Luna Pro I find this easier and more consistant

RICHARD B.

2012-01-29T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

great for those on a budget

Does everything you really need in a light meter. Doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the high ends ones and no it won't trigger your flashes but it is everything you need to take great photos and something affordable. For me the KISS method work best. It will greatly improve your photos

SHARON Y.

2011-12-27T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Mandatory Accessory

For the price, this is an excellent tool for photographers that works well in all conditions. I use it to spec out a site and to check my strobe settings when I'm setting up for a shoot. The ambient light readings are solid as are the electronic settings. Sample readings in portrait situations are accurate. Although it does not have a light temperature function--use a Grey Card and save the money to buy some good glass. Works for me.

Daniel J.

2011-11-20T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Simple and Easy to Use

I needed a simple light meter for lighting and shooting portraits. This meter has all the features I need and is extremely quick to learn to use.

ANGELA V.

2011-09-05T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great value

I love this little light meter. It is inexpensive, light-weight and great value for the price. It has all the features that you would expect from more expensive light meters (e.g. Sekonic) The only feature missing would be a built in pocketwiard trigger... at this price, I am not complaining :)

RANJIT L.

2011-03-12T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great Meter

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

ERIC B.

2011-02-19T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Works Great

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.

Click

2011-02-05T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great value!

[...] 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.

KAREN S.

2010-10-10T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

WOW! What a great investment

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

L R.

2010-07-28T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Perfect for first timers

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

cruser779

2010-05-23T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great meter for the price

Used For Portraits

JT

2010-03-21T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

I would buy this product again

very easy to use, accurate

GERARDO P.

2010-02-20T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE

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.

MOLLYBUG

2010-01-23T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Does the job

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.

McQ

2010-01-10T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

I would certainly buy this product again

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

Davebow

About Shepherd Polaris Digital Flash and Ambient Light Meter

FEATURED REVIEWS

Perfect for the beginner

By Zeke G.

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 ...

View full Review

12 Years and still working

By MoneyMark

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?

Polaris - Digital Reflected, Incident and Flash Light Meter is a professional exposure meter with world class features and performance, at a fraction of the cost of comparable models.

Polaris has the functions and micrprocessor-driven accuracy you expect, plus some additional conveniences you might not, like an oversized LCD display, multi flash capability and user preset program levels. More features and a lower price makes Polaris unbeatable value.