The Best Light Meters for 2022
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Best Light Meter
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Traditionally used by photographers, light meters are also a great resource for architects and designers. For example, they can be used to determine light levels within a space when selecting light fixtures or adding windows and skylights when remodeling. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best light meters currently available.
UPDATED: April 5, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Sekonic Flashmate L-308X-U because it features a compact design with an easy-to-read display, a wide metering range, and measures both ambient and flash lighting.
Light Meter Uses
As mentioned above, light meters have a broad range of uses for both professionals and DIYers.
An important distinction to make is between what photographers use these tools for and what others use them for. Not all light meters will determine the proper exposure for a photo. So if you are a photographer, make sure it has this functionality.
Some models only measure the light intensity which is ideal for measuring light levels in offices, schools, homes, greenhouses, labs, and more. Knowing the light levels can be extremely beneficial when optimizing the lighting within a room. Over-lighting is a common issue that is not only annoying for the building occupants but also adds unnecessary electricity costs.
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Luminance
Digital light meters measure the level of luminance which is defined as, "a measure of the luminous intensity per unit area of light traveling in a given direction". The value is given in units of lux and/or footcandles.
Measurement Range
Depending on the specific model, it will be capable of measuring light levels within a given range. Knowing what you will typically be using the meter for will help to determine which model will work best for you. For example, some meters can measure down to 0.1 lux. This would be ideal for someone who is usually working in low-light conditions.
Exposure Value (EV)
For photographers, the exposure value is a combination of camera shutter speed and f-number. As with lux, the meters with EV capability will offer both a measurement range and accuracy. Also, the specific requirements of this feature will come down to a cost-benefit analysis. If you require extreme accuracy when measuring lux or EV it will often be accompanied by a cost premium for the device.
Screen
Most modern light meters feature an LCD screen which allows you to monitor the settings and measurements. Some offer a backlit display that helps when reading the values under low-light or dark conditions.
Size
A simple but important feature to note is the overall size of the unit. Since most meters will be packed in a carry bag or put in a pocket, take note of the dimensions. Typically the feature set will be reduced given a smaller unit, all else being equal. As a result, you will need to weigh the pros and cons of what features you require versus how easy it will be to carry around.
Method of Power
Most meters are powered by one or several standard batteries such as a AA or 9V. This has the benefit of being able to quickly swap out a new battery when out in the field. If it were a fixed battery like a smartphone it would require waiting for it to charge, delaying the task. Most units offer an auto-off feature that helps to preserve battery life.
For an overview of the basics of light metering, check out this brief video:
Now, on to the individual products. Each unit included below has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection. I have included a range of models below for both professional and casual users.
So here is my list of The Best Light Meters for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Sekonic L-308X-U Light Meter
The Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate features a compact design that can easily fit in a pocket or camera bag.
Equipped with an easy-to-read screen to display readings and measurements.
Offers the ability to measure both ambient and flash lighting.
Equipped with a metering range from 0 to 19.9 EV at ISO 100.
Measures flat subjects through the use of a lumidisc insert for the light receptor lens.
Equipped with a lens with a 40-degree reception angle.
Offers the ability to work with flash within a range of f/1.0 to f/90.9 at ISO 100.
Features a rating of <0.1 EV on repeat exposures.
Provides Lux (lx) and foot-candle (fc) readouts.
Powered by one AA battery.
Runner-up: BTMETER BT-881D Digital Illuminance Light Meter
The BTMETER BT-881D features a 1.6" LCD screen for adjusting and displaying settings.
Includes a data recording feature than can store up to 33 data sets.
Offers minimum and maximum hold along with Lux/FC selection.
Features a temperature display in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Includes a 10-minute auto-shutoff to maintain battery life.
Comes with a carrying pouch to store and protect the unit.
Best for Professionals: Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter
The Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter features the ability to measure flash duration for fast-moving object photography.
Features two-stops of sensitivity for reflected light and three-stops of light sensitivity for incident light.
Equipped with a digital display that shows the camera settings.
Includes an analog display for flash, ambient, and total exposure readings.
Offers the ability to capture readings down to 0.1 lx of Illuminance for low-light conditions.
Features measurement of strobe pulses for high-speed photography.
Best Large Screen: Extech LT45 Light Meter
The Extech LT45 features an LCD screen to display the light readings and adjust the settings.
Features a simple one-button zero calibration system.
Includes minimum, maximum, and average readings.
Features both Lux and FC measurements.
Includes auto-ranging.
Offers the ability to measure light sources up to 400,000 lux.
Includes a bottom tripod mount.
Best Value: Dr. Meter LX1330B Light Meter
The Dr. Meter LX1330B features four range settings for a variety of lighting conditions.
Equipped with a 3.5” digital LCD display for easy reading.
Features a flexible cable to easily maneuver the sensor.
Offers a sampling rate of two to three times per second.
Features a silicon diode photodetector with a filter.
Powered by a 9V battery for up to 200 hours of use.
Easy to Use: Extech LT40 Light Meter
The Extech LT40 features an LCD screen for easy reading of measurements.
Features a simple push-button operation that makes it easy to use.
Offers the ability to measure light in either footcandles (Fc) or lux units.
Equipped with maximum, minimum, and average reading settings.
Includes cosine and color corrected measurements.
Features an auto-off to save battery power when not in use.
Best Compact Design: Gossen GO Light Meter
The Gossen GO Light Meter features an integrated contrast measurement system.
Offers the ability to detect if the contrast can be managed by the camera sensor or film.
Includes both incident and reflected light metering methods.
Displays the exposure value in 1/3 increments.
Includes a timer for exposures from 1 second up to 30 minutes.
Equipped with camera bag temperature monitoring.
Offers a lightweight design at just 1.4oz (40g).
Best for Incident and Reflected Ambient Light: Sekonic 401-208 Light Meter
The Sekonic 401-208 features a compact and lightweight design at just 1.5 ounces (excluding battery) so that can be easily carried or kept in a pocket.
Features a 15-second hold and read mode to easily record measurements.
Includes a pouch and wrist strap for easy portability.
Powered by a CR2032 lithium battery.
Includes a camera mount for hands-free operation.
Best Budget Option: Dr. Meter LX1010B Light Meter
The Dr. Meter LX1010B measures up to 10,000 footcandles and up to 100,000 lux.
Equipped with a 3.5” LCD display for easy reading.
Features over-range indication.
Includes a data memory function.
Offers a sampling rate of 0.4 seconds.
Powered by a 9V battery.
Best for Beginners: URCERI Light Meter
The URCERI light meter features a high response rate frequency of twice per second.
Equipped with a four-color LCD display for easy reading.
Features a measuring range of up to 200,000 lux. and up to 20,000 FC.
Includes a low battery indicator.
Features auto power-off which shuts the device off after 15 minutes to save battery life.
Offers a compact design for easy storage and portability.
I hope this list of the best light meters was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
