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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
Flash Meters, Multi-Function
1/4"-20 Female
LCD
No
Incident, Reflected
Flash, Incident: f/0.5 to 128.9 at ISO 100Flash, Reflected: f/1 to 128.9 at ISO 100f/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
Alkaline, Manganese
3.7 x 6.94 x 1.94" (9.40 x 17.63 x 4.93cm)
10.58 oz (299.94g)
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 RONOALD 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.
With it's 2.7" color touch screen and truly innovative and sophisticated features, the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U leads the way to the next generation of light measurement control as the world's first multi-function light meter for photographers and filmmakers. Leveraging over 60 years of experience in the image-making world with cutting-edge technology, the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U has undergone a significant design change and boasts a comprehensive feature set sure to meet and exceed the demands of today's photographers and filmmakers. The first meter of its kind capable of measuring flash, while also being able to achieve an accurate ambient exposure reading in dimly lit scenes as low as 0.1 lx, the Sekonic L-858d-U provides image-makers of all levels with the critical exposure data they need to create stunning and beautiful imagery.
The first to provide wireless compatibility with Elinchrom, Phottix and PocketWizard products, the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U also provides ultimate control to photographers seeking a faster and more streamlined workflow. Limitless creative possibilities are within reach through the meter's ability to measure High Speed Sync (HSS) and calculate proper ambient-flash exposure for precision flash exposure control. With an increased light-sensitivity and extended ISO and Shutter Speed Ranges, the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U enables all image-makers to obtain measurements in extremely low light and turn those readings into creative decisions. Finally, matching the high-ISO capabilities of today's cameras, by accurately metering in low-light, is finally possible.
Flash Duration Measurements
Understanding flash duration is the first step in freezing fast-moving subjects. Since all cameras are limited to relatively low sync speeds, stopping motion in a single image is often achieved by leveraging short flash durations with the camera's max sync speed. A long-held secret of some of the world's most talented photographers, the key to freezing action consistently is found in being able to measure flash duration. Photographers are now able to do this easily for the first time, demystifying one of photography's most challenging techniques.
Radio Control Modules for Wireless Triggering
Having pioneered wireless exposure measurement, the L-858 Speedmaster Pro expands upon this ground-breaking innovation by adding functionality for Elinchrom Skyport and Phottix Strato II/ Ares II users allowing more photographers to experience the benefits of wireless freedom. With the PocketWizard module photographers can easily trigger any PocketWizard wirelessly and control the power of their lights with any Control TL Compatible Unit. With the Combined Elinchrom & Phottix Module, photographers have full Skyport triggering and power-control capabilities, while Phottix users have Strato II and Ares II triggering capabilities.
Increased Light Sensitivity
Increased ISO capabilities in today's cameras have created a need for light meters to increase their ability to measure light in the dimmest of settings. With an additional 3-stops of light sensitivity for incident light, 2-stops of light sensitivity for reflected light (spot) and an ability to capture a reading down to 0.1 lx of Illuminance, accurately metering scenes lit by candlelight or getting the right measurement for long-exposure night photography is now a possibility.
HSS Flash Measurements
The L-858D-U is the first meter of its kind that can measure the stroboscopic pulses fired from strobes when they are used for Hi-Speed Sync. Finally, photographers now have an accurate way of measuring their lights when they want to overpower the sun or achieve a very shallow depth of field through using HSS.
Flash Analyzing Function
The L-858D-U is especially useful for on-location shooting to lighten shadows or reduce background detail. That's because it measures ambient and flash simultaneously and automatically indicates the percentage of flash in the total exposure. You can easily adjust the ambient flash mix by turning the Jog Wheel. The digital display indicates the camera settings and an analog display shows the relationship between ambient and flash and the total exposure.
Determining the Dynamic Range of your camera
Shoot with the equipment you use most. Make tests under daylight and studio lighting. Exposure Profile Target requires an 11-shot bracket (0, +/- 5EV). Exposure Profile Target II shown at the right requires a 3-shot bracket (-3EV, 0,+3EV). Make a spot reading of 18% reflectance tone and incident reading in front of target and record data. Shoot the bracketed shots based on incident light measurement.
Entering Data
Download test images into computer. If shot in RAW, convert to TIFF for computation. Enter ISO, incident and reflected light shooting data. Then select images and press OK to watch the Sekonic Data Transfer Software program graph the dynamic range of your DSLR camera. Save the data for transfer to the L-858D.
Full information Spot Viewfinder
The 1-degree spot meter has a broad reading range from EV 1 to EV 24.4 for ambient light and measures flash down to an amazing f/2.0. Its large, bright viewfinder with diopter correction and full-information data display give you everything you need to make the right exposure decisions without having to take your eye from the eyepiece.
Expanded Shutter Speed Range for Ambient Light
Measure ambient light for shutter speeds between 30 min. to 1/64,000s
Expanded Shutter Speed Range for Strobe
Measure strobes for shutter speeds between 30 min. to 1/16,000s
Extended ISO Range
Additional ISO range from ISO 3 to ISO 13,107,200, with ISO 850 for cinema cameras
Full HD Cine and CINE modes
Measure from 1 to 1000 fps or shutter angles of 1 to 358 degrees
Filter Compensation Mode
Photographers and filmmakers using high-density ND filters now have a filter factor of up to 12EV. Save up to 30 "favorites," to instantly know what exposure compensation needs to be considered.
2.7" Color dot - matrix touch screen
Allows users to quickly and easily change settings and read important information
Connectivity with MAC/PC DTS Software
Upgrade firmware, apply custom settings and utilize exposure profiling
All-Weather Design
Dust-proof and Splash proof (JIS Standard Water Resistance Class 4, Splash-Proof Type) for continued reliability and durability on-set, in any location.