What's a good starter light meter?

[da_teacher]

I just ordered some Bees and a set of Poppers...next purchase might be a light meter--I know I can chimp or look at the histogram but might as well try to get it right a little quicker.

I don't want to spend a ton of cash...spent enough already! LOL

So I'm in the market for a light meter...any suggestions?

Thanks.

DT

[bobbyz]

I have L358 and very happy with it. you can buy used for $200.

[ToddR]

I'm certainly no expert, but I ended up getting a Sekonic L-358 around the same time as my AlienBees. That model seems to enjoy a decent rep around here.

[sas8888]

Sekonic L-358 Just bought mine used for $175 off this forum. Great deal good meter. It was amazing at how much it has helped to get things right.

[57hardtop]

Sekonic L-358 :)

[da_teacher]

Looks like the Sekonic is a winner!

[Naturalist]

+1
Another Sekonic L-358 user here, too! Great meter!

[da_teacher]

best price to be had on this meter?

[Wilt]

The Sekonic line is very popular, with the demise of Minolta as a name. Minolta meters and Gossen meters are both excellent products that captured the pro user community in past times. In the Minolta like I can strongly recomment the Autometer IVf and Vf, or the Flashmeter V or VI. The Autometer is like the Sekonic 358 in similarity of features, aimed one step down from the priciest line (Flashmeter line, Sekonic 500- or 770-series)

[zagiace]

I have the Minolta 4f, its been ok. I cannot complain. So, another vote for the sekonic.

[buurin]

I use a 308s, i dont know what more I would need. I got it used, pretty cheap -- like $120.

[maresp5]

Gossen Digipro F.

[Hermes]

Sekonic 308s is the cheapest and I've never found anything that the 358 does better that's necessary for studio work. It's also smaller, lighter and takes standard batteries.

[george m w]

L-358 here with the RF module to talk to the pocket wizards.

[Azzure_7]

I have just recently researched about light meter as well.
I found out that most users here recommend and uses 358.
358 is really hard to beat unless you wanted spot metering capabilities.

[da_teacher]

L-358 here with the RF module to talk to the pocket wizards.

Will the Sekonic talk to Popper Jrx's?

[TMR Design]

Will the Sekonic talk to Popper Jrx's?

NO, unfortunately not. Sekonic and Pocket Wizard are both distributed by MAC Group and the integration is proprietary.

Sekonic meters with the Pocket Wizard radio transmitter module will only trigger Pocket Wizards.

At this time Sekonic and LPA/Pocket Wizard have no intention of changing that or expanding the system to include other triggers.

[Cararan]

L-358 here with the RF module to talk to the pocket wizards.

+1 :D

[GerBee]

best price to be had on this meter?

Don't go skimpy now, any price you pay for this meter is WORTH it. Pay a little extra and help out the economy, don't buy this metre down to a price ~ it's a high quality tool and I only own one for about two years, shame on me.

Yes I do have other meters which are now unused so the purchase of the L-358 was sort of a luxury purchase for me ~ but it is one of those essential and easy to use tools whose results just stagger.