Light Meters?

[acrephoto]

Is there a type of light meter that I should get? I shoot with a canon 300D and I'm going to be purchasing a set of Alien Bees. Is a light meter a light meter or is there a type I need?

[scottbergerphoto]

Is there a type of light meter that I should get? I shoot with a canon 300D and I'm going to be purchasing a set of Alien Bees. Is a light meter a light meter or is there a type I need?
You need a light meter that will be able to measure flash. I recommend the Sekonic L358. It does flash, incident, and reflected light readings. For $25 you can add a Pocket Wizard module to the meter in the battery compartment, to use with a Pocket Wizard wireless flash system. If you want a meter with built in 1 Degree spot meter and have money to burn, the new Sekonic L558 is a beauty.
Scott

[chris.bailey]

Is there a type of light meter that I should get? I shoot with a canon 300D and I'm going to be purchasing a set of Alien Bees. Is a light meter a light meter or is there a type I need?

To be able to accurately reproduce particular effects you will need a flash meter but to be honest, the beauty of digital is the immediate feedback. I often just set my 10D on Manual 1/125th and start at f11 and then either adjust the flash settings or aperture until I get what I want. I then make a note of those settings for the future. This is one situation where tethering the 10D to a laptop is useful. The problem with having four or five flash heads and a camera is the plethora of adjustment combinations flash power, camera speed, camera aperture and you will soon develop a feel for what changes produce what effects.

You do need to find a very patient model for the first few weeks!!!!!

[acrephoto]

so now the question is.... to light meter, or not to light meter.....

I probably could get away without using one, I am shooting digital (300d)

[DaveG]

Is there a type of light meter that I should get? I shoot with a canon 300D and I'm going to be purchasing a set of Alien Bees. Is a light meter a light meter or is there a type I need?

To be able to accurately reproduce particular effects you will need a flash meter but to be honest, the beauty of digital is the immediate feedback. I often just set my 10D on Manual 1/125th and start at f11 and then either adjust the flash settings or aperture until I get what I want. I then make a note of those settings for the future. This is one situation where tethering the 10D to a laptop is useful. The problem with having four or five flash heads and a camera is the plethora of adjustment combinations flash power, camera speed, camera aperture and you will soon develop a feel for what changes produce what effects.

You do need to find a very patient model for the first few weeks!!!!!

You can do this but it will be very difficult to set up lighting ratios this way. I have to measure each flash flash individually so I can control the light output so I can construct the ratio. If you only have one strobe then the histogram approach will work, but the strength of using studio strobes is to use more than one to create interesting lighting. Even if you get something good with the histogram how would you duplicate it for the next time?

I have a Minolta Autometer IVf that I love. It's been replaced by the Vf, but I can't say anything about that. If you can find a IVf at a store you should be able to get this excellent meter for an equally excellent price.

[Malaxos1]

I agree about the Sekonic L-358. I have one and so far I am a happy camper...Dean

[horqua]

String your lights! :lol:

[dennykyser]

L358 is a great meter, besided flash, comes in handy for tricky exposure shots.

[Vegas Poboy]

I have & love the L358 it has saved me time & money.

[blu82]

Is their any intergalactic import tax on alien bees?
Do they need to be quarantined?
Are they large enough not to need a macro lens?

[Inspired Photography]

I use a Sekonic L-308S. It doesn't have the spot capabilities of the 358 and isn't weatherproof, but still works for me. It was all i could afford at the time and it seemed to be a good starting point. Still accurate to 1/10th stop, and seems to be metering some great shots... I guess it depends on what exactly you want to use it for too. If it is just studio, i would say it is ok, but if you use your light meter ALOT like some do, then the more expensive unit would probably be the way to go. Seeing as you are asking about them, you probably rely on your camera meter most of the time and you would be ok with the cheaper one.

That's my thoughts anyway,

Rob

[SkipD]

Another vote for the Sekonic L-358. It's a very good and versatile meter.

I suggest getting the 1° spotmeter adapter for it too, primarily for outdoor use.