You might need an affordable light meter for your camera.
Light meters allow you to get the exposure right each and every time-the difference between a well-exposed image and an underexposed one can often be just a few clicks on the dial. If you’re not sure what kind of light meter best suits your needs, we’ve got some suggestions that’ll help you choose!
All the products and prices below are suggested based on their performance, special features, and availability. Plus, they’ll make sure you get all the benefits of a quality product without any hassle or confusion in finding it at an affordable price!
Take a look at the best cheap light meters for photography on the market this year so you can determine which is the right one for you.
Here are the 3 best affordable light meters for photography
1. Dr.Meter 1330B-V Digital Light meter
You’re looking for a digital light meter, but are overwhelmed by the choices out there.
The Dr.Meter 1330B-V Digital Light Meter has all the features you need! This high-quality digital light meter comes with 4-range settings so you can find the perfect level for your needs, it’s accurate and easy to use, and easy to carry around – so it will always be there when you need it.
With its higher accuracy, 2-3x sampling rate, and easy to read display screen – what could be easier than that? Add that to its convenient switches and ability to fit inside your backpack or large pocket – this is the perfect light meter for anyone looking to take their photography to the next level!
Pros:
– Easy to use
– Consume less power
– Easy to carry around
– Has a clearly readable display screen so you can always get an accurate reading quickly and easily.
– Well Built
– Cheap
Cons:
– I don’t think the latches on the storage case will last very long.
– The light brightness was not measured.
Bottom Line: This light meter is a must-have for anyone who likes to take photos or videos outside. If your job takes you places where you need to be able to take accurate light readings, this will make sure you can get them done easily and efficiently.
2. URCERI Photographic Light Meters
Record the brightness of the room with this URCERI Light Meter.
It can measure lux up to 200,000 lux and ambient temperature with high accuracy of ±3% rdg ± 8 dgts (10,000 Lux). Its 4 digital color LCD screen has MIN/Max readings, date-hold function and auto power off function. With an easy-to-use design for accurate measurement and fast response, you’ll be able to use this light meter for any photography project or set design.
You’ll be able to enjoy its wide range of applications including but not limited to use in school, factories, warehouses, office or home for any photography projects with the lightweight and ultra compact design.
Pros:
– Easy to use light meter
– Well made
– Great little light sensor
– Good value to price
Cons:
– Does not provide iso aperture or shutter speed.
Bottom Line: A very nice light meter for this price. All in all, a great value if you’re looking to get your hands on a light meter that’s easy to use and doesn’t require any reading.
3. Sekonic Flashmate Light Meter
What are you missing in your photography?
Sekonic has been making light meters since 1947, and they’re used by professionals around the world. The L-308X-U Flashmate is a pocket-sized meter that’s exceptionally accurate and can be used with both ambient and flash lighting.
Use it in three different ways to measure either incident or reflected light, or experiment with flat subjects or lighting contrast in still photography. This all in one tool is perfect for photographers who want reliable measurements without lugging around extra equipment!
Pros:
– Reliable and Accurate
– Easy to operate
– Perfect for beginners!
Cons:
– Worked well, but felt cheap for its price, and the lack of accessories was deflating
Bottom Line: I would recommend this product. It is very portable, has a nice design, is easy to use and makes flash photography easy. I would recommend it for anyone who doesn’t have another light meter or wants to get into flash photography.
How Do You Choose the Best Light Meter for Photography?
If you’re new to using light meters, or just want to learn more about how to choose the best meter for yourself, below is some information that can help.
Price:
Generally, expensive meters will perform better than cheaper ones. However, some lower-priced meters might also offer features that can match those of their more expensive counterparts!
If you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a light meter, our recommended products won’t break the bank and will help you get started with your photography.
You can always upgrade to a more professional light meter after you know the basics of using it!
Features:
When choosing the best cheap light meter for photography, you should look for one with some extras.
If your work requires precise measurements, you should buy a light meter that has options like preset or custom functions. You can also find auto-focus features on some of the cheap meters, so picture-taking won’t become difficult while you eyeball comparisons.
Also, having a light meter that reads RMS is essential when you’re taking pictures in low-light situations. However, it’s important to remember that LEDs might produce different frequencies of light than incandescent bulbs do.
Battery Life:
It’s also possible to find cheap light meters that are rechargeable, but they usually have shorter battery life compared to regular ones.
You should make sure your router can handle the additional power usage required by the rechargeable meters. Though some chargers can be purchased separately, it’s better to get a light meter with a built-in battery.
Measurement Range:
As far as measurement range goes, you should look for meters that have a wide adjustment range before you buy one. This will allow you to measure different light sources from far away.
You can also find light meters that have a macro mode, provided that the size of the light sensor corresponds with this range.
Final Verdict:
Of course, it’s not necessary to get a cheap light meter if you don’t think you need one. Because there aren’t many other specific uses for it, however, we recommend any of the cheap light meters we reviewed above because they perform well and will help you to improve your photography skills.
