 Wendy Ellis |
What's a good flash meter for studio portraits? I'm setting up a home studio and need to get a good flash meter for my studio lighting (3 light heads; combination soft/brolly box and umbrellas). I shoot digitally with a Canon EOS Digital Rebel 300D (not sure if that makes a difference or not). What do you recommend?
|
|
|
|
||
|
Michael H. Cothran |
Any flash meter by Sekonic or Minolta. Which one you pick from their vast selection is solely dependent on how deep your pockets go. I own both a Minolta Flash Meter IV (20 years old), and a Sekonic L=508 (8 years old). Michael H. Cothran www.mhcphoto.net
|
|
|
|
||
|
Wendy Ellis |
Thanks Michael! I'm thinking of going with the Sekonic L-558R. Opinions?
|
|
|
|
||
|
Michael H. Cothran |
It's state of the art for sure, but be aware, you're paying a lot of money for the built in "spot meter" if you don't intend to use it regularly. Otherwise, an incident flash meter like the L358 would serve just as good for a lot less money. Your call. Good Luck. Michael H. Cothran www.mhcphoto.net
|
|
|
|
||
|
Wendy Ellis |
Is that the only difference between the L358 and the L558R - the spot meter? I'd love to save $250...
|
|
|
|
||
|
Michael H. Cothran |
Any meter from Sekonic (or Minolta) is going to be accurate, consistent, and dependable, so don't worry in that area. It just depends whether or not you can use the spot attachment. The spot meter is a GREAT thing only if you intend to use it (AND know HOW to use it!). And if you think it will be valuable to your metering (either in the studio or on location), I'd opt for it. I DO use the spot meter on my L-508. Otherwise, if all you really need is an incident flash meter, save your money and get the L-358. Bottom line, I'd buy as much meter as I could afford, even one that you could "grow into," but I wouldn't waste money buying all the frills and whistles if I didn't intend to use them all. The spot meter would be useful in the studio or outside if you learn how to use it correctly, but I don't think it is absolutely necessary by any stretch of the imagination. And again, any meter from Sekonic or Minolta should give you decades of trouble free use. Michael H. Cothran www.mhcphoto.net
|
|
|
|
||
|
Wendy Ellis |
Thanks so much for your insight, Michael! I so appreciate it!
|
|
|
|
||
|
Vladimir Sanchez |
Hi Wendy, I hope is not too late for my reply, but I just wanted to tell you that I was also in the same circumstances. I opted for the L-358R and purchased it last week. This model features a built-in PocketWizard transmitter that you can use to fire your strobes remotely. I immediately fell for it. Altough I yet dont have the PocketWizard, I bought it looking to get one in the future, making my workflow more agile and efficient. Think about possibilities. Adorama is currently selling it for $245 including the transmitter module. I think it's great deal that would allow to grow your system in the future. My $0.02! Best, Vlad
|
|
|
|
||
|
Wendy Ellis |
Thanks Vlad! I actually decided to go with the L-358R and I really love it! I'm already thinking about going wireless too! Thanks for your input!
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||