Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Review

Sekonic L-358 flash master light meter is extremely efficient and very easy to work with. It's convenient to use as it is both compact and lightweight and will fit in a shirt pocket when used with the neck strap. It is an excellent all-round light meter being very good in outdoor conditions as it is rugged and weatherproof. It is also very accurate for studio photography and in low light situations. 

The Sekonic L-358/ flash master is an excellent blend of advanced features with high quality and accuracy and user-friendly functions at an affordable price.

The meter is very accurate to 1/10 of the stop which will suit professional users wanting precision control although most enthusiasts who have cameras with ½ at best 1/10 stop accuracy this is overkill.     

It has a number of valuable features including the ability to select the right amount of either ambient or flash exposure, it also offers a built-in retractable incident lumisphere which limits the angle of light received for quick comparisons of wide to narrow angle incident measurements. This is retracted and protected when the meter is put away in the case.    

The Sekonic L-358 is simple to operate but provides sophisticated light metering; it is also the world's first really affordable meter with digital wireless flash connection. This is an optional digital radio flash triggering module that can be fitted into the back of the unit and will simultaneously trigger a remote camera and/or electronic flash units and measure the flash output wirelessly without flah cables being attached. 

The shape of the meter is very practical to hold and not overly heavy but at the same time feels substantial when being used. The buttons have a satisfying click and the rotary jog wheel has sufficient resistive pressure to ensure accurate selection of settings in the LCD. 

The meter it is supplied with a quality leather case although the additional flat light receptor that is used to take reflected readings does not have a place to live within the case, a minor gripe. 

The meter is very accurate to 1/10 of the stop which will suit professional users who want precise control when using non-click stopped lenses, for most enthusiasts though who have cameras with half or at most 1/10 stop accuracy this is overkill. 

The meter will operate a shutter speed between 1/8000th of a second down to 30 minutes the meter will then display the necessary aperture to suit that speed, EU appears if it is out of the metres range. The aperture can be selected anywhere between F1 and a 90 and the meter will display the necessary shutter speed to suit the aperture selected. Gain EU appears if it out of range. 

Overall this is an excellent light meter designed for both professional and amateur use although given its rugged design will be very suitable for professional users wanting a highly accurate but rugged light meter at a sensible price.