Light-metre

I would like to purchase a light-meter. I think it would help me in portraiture in setting up the camera.
I would like some advice as to what to look for in my purchase and what manufacturer and model is value for money. I have a rough idea of the expense, i know that i will have to pay more than £100, and would be willing to spend £150, more if people can convince me of a particular models merits.

Many thanks in advance.

sekonic 358 is the best bang for buck dont know how much where you are but 275 us bucks

ok thanks, whats this viewfinder upgrade though>>???
If you need that, then it would be cheaper to go all out and buy the 558, or just get the cheaper 308>>???
i have no idea what i am looking for and what features are required by moderm standards.

You can get the 358 for $212 right now at b&H (only shows up that price in your cart)

Sekonic 358 + 1deg Spot attachment go for £184 and £120 respectively (+ shipping) at Warehouseexpress.

Current Exchange rates put the 358 for $212 at B&H at about £107 before shipping & duty.

I'm assuming 'the viewfinder upgrade' you are refering to is the 1degree spot attachment. This (correct me someone if I'm wrong) will enable you to take a precise spot reading of part of the scene you wish to capture. By taking a series of readings you can try to ensure that there's not too much contrast in the whole scene.

If price is no option the Sekonic L558, o/w get the L358. The 558 has a one degree spotmeter with digital readout inside just like a camera viewfinder.

would i need the 558, i really want to use it for oudoor portraits, i want to be prepared for when the sun arrives next year. i dont think the built in light meter is enough, i would like the meter to work indoors i assume at some point i might emabark on studio work if i take up a photography course.
What do youguys use your for? maybe this will help me in my decision, thanks again.

When you do portraits, you usually have access to be close to the person you are taking the picture of. That makes a spot meter unnecessary. Just walk over to the subject and take an incident reading of the lit side of the face. You can do that with the L358 without any add'l spot meter attachment. A spot meter comes in handy when you can't get up close and personal. You can make your own spot meter by using your camera and a zoom lense. Just zoom in close and fill the viewfinder with the area you want to spot meter. Take a reading and then switch to whatever lens or zoom you want.