Tell me which light meter to buy!

Which light meter would you recommend that I buy and why?

What is it that you are trying to accomplish with this other than generally get a reading. In that, are you looking to get one that will work as a flash meter as well. There are lots of choices across a number of different manufacturers.

I have the Sekonic L-358. I made this choice because I could use it as a flash light meter as well and I could add the module to use it to fire my strobes utilizing my pocket wizards. It does everything else that I need it to do as far as reading ambient light. Sekonic makes more expensive models but this one does the job that I need. Minolta light meters have fairly solid reviews as well.

You need to not only look at your requirements for today but where you think you want to grow into other gear that a light meter would be beneficial.

Well my main concern is to get accurate reading for portraits, specially when I am on location. Which at this point is mainly at weddings... there I would use it for the formal shots but also to get readings first thing when I get to the church.

I would get something with a spotmeter. This means the L558R in the sekonic line.

I have the L358 as well and sometimes I want to spotmeter. The attachment is a PITA to use for many reasons.

I have read that the minoltas don't shift as much with use as the sekonics do, but they sekonics seem to satisfy the masses just like the rebels do. The toronto (read hollywood) filmsets use minoltas for ambient and I think pentaxes for spotmetering. Those guys seem to know what they're doing usually.

Sekonic L-358, and Pocket Wizards...........

Sekonic L358 is what I use, I like it.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #2212339
I would get something with a spotmeter. This means the L558R in the sekonic line.

I have the L358 as well and sometimes I want to spotmeter. The attachment is a PITA to use for many reasons.

I have read that the minoltas don't shift as much with use as the sekonics do, but they sekonics seem to satisfy the masses just like the rebels do. The toronto (read hollywood) filmsets use minoltas for ambient and I think pentaxes for spotmetering. Those guys seem to know what they're doing usually.

I have the L558R. It's a very nice instrument that has more features than I could ever wish for. The spot meter works great.

Ok, dumb question(s) but here she goes:

I don’t understand where the Sekonic light meter comes into play with the pocket wizard. You have the pocket wizard on the camera and you have the remote flash(es). The pocket wizard would trigger the flash(es), so where does the Sekonic with the digital transmitter module come into play?

Sheldon, you mention wizard(s) plural. I thought one wizard would trigger multiple flashes the same as my 580EX on master. Is it a distance issue?

Also, does the L558R come equipped with the digital transmitter module or is it still optional?

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #2212339
I would get something with a spotmeter. This means the L558R in the sekonic line.

I have the L358 as well and sometimes I want to spotmeter. The attachment is a PITA to use for many reasons.

I have read that the minoltas don't shift as much with use as the sekonics do, but they sekonics seem to satisfy the masses just like the rebels do. The toronto (read hollywood) filmsets use minoltas for ambient and I think pentaxes for spotmetering. Those guys seem to know what they're doing usually.

Apart from the fact that Minolta is out of the meter (and camera) business, Minolta meters were the pro's standard for a very long time! Sekonics are the meter of choice these days, but it should not prevent users from purchasing Minolta Autometer IV or V or Flashmeter IV on the used market (apart from the usual caveats of used equipment purchase!) You see them on eBay.

bazair2air wrote in post #2218089
Ok, dumb question(s) but here she goes:

I don’t understand where the Sekonic light meter comes into play with the pocket wizard. You have the pocket wizard on the camera and you have the remote flash(es). The pocket wizard would trigger the flash(es), so where does the Sekonic with the digital transmitter module come into play?

You can't read what the strobe is outputting without it firing. The sekonic with the module installed will fire the strobe (assuming that you have a pocket wizard connected to it) and take your reading at the same time.

Wilt wrote in post #2218572
Apart from the fact that Minolta is out of the meter (and camera) business, Minolta meters were the pro's standard for a very long time! Sekonics are the meter of choice these days, but it should not prevent users from purchasing Minolta Autometer IV or V or Flashmeter IV on the used market (apart from the usual caveats of used equipment purchase!) You see them on eBay.

I forgot completely. Thanks for the heads-up.

It's kinda sad.