Sekonic L-758

This is a review of the Sekonic L-758 light meter. Sekonic has been the number one name in meters for years, and this one raises the bar higher.

The L–758 is the world’s first multi-function light meter that can be calibrated to match the sensitivity of your digital camera sensor at all its ISO settings, flash or ambient or file format characteristics.

As any photographer who has been around knows, the meter in your camera will only take you so far. It’s okay for a spot meter, but leaves a lot to be desired when precise accuracy becomes an issue. And as an incident or a strobe meter is concerned, the meter in your camera is useless. This is where a handheld meter comes in and the Sekonic L-758 light meter excels.

First, as a spot meter, it does a much better job than the meter in your camera. Dial in the ISO, set the aperture or shutter speed, aim it at the point in your scene you want to meter and click the button. It quickly, and most importantly, accurately, gives you the correct exposure. If you are looking at a high dynamic range scene, you can take an average setting quickly.

The incident meter works in a similar fashion. Get your model in position and set the desired ISO and shutter speed or aperture, place the meter in front of the subject aimed at the camera and click. A completely accurate reading for flawless exposures every time.

If you have spent any time in a studio, you know that the main reason you need a light meter is for strobes. This is something you simply can’t do in camera, so you are left to either guess and adjust, or use a meter. It is very time consuming to set up three or four lights with different exposures on each one and get them right without a great meter such as the Sekonic L-758 light meter. But with this meter it is a snap.

The L-758 feels comfortable in the hand, not to heavy and a good size. The buttons are quality and the jog wheel clicks round accuratly. Upto three exposure profiles can be stored and then retrived if switching from one camera to another, very useful.

The sekonic also has an exposure latitude warning indicator and adjustable Mid-Tone settings, the L-758 Series gives you control of optimum image tonality and exposure control very simply with no fuss.  

Set your ISO low, say 100-200 depending on the recycle time you need. Next set your aperture, probably f8 or f11. Now place the meter in front of the subject like you did with the incident meter, but this time aim it at the light source. Now it is easy to get that 1 stop difference on your main lights and 2 stops on the background without endless guess work and wasted time.

If you are looking for a great, quality light meter to fill all your metering needs, look no further than the Sekonic L-758 light meter.