I Tested the Sekonic L-358 Light Meter: A Photographer’s Must-Have Tool for Perfect Exposure!

As a photographer, one of the most essential tools in my kit is my light meter. It allows me to accurately measure and control the light in my shots, resulting in beautifully exposed photographs. And when it comes to light meters, there’s one brand that stands out among the rest – Sekonic. In particular, their L-358 model has become a staple for many photographers around the world. In this article, I’ll be diving into the features and benefits of the Sekonic Light Meter L-358 and why it’s a must-have for any serious photographer. So grab your camera and let’s shed some light on this incredible device.

I Tested The Sekonic Light Meter L-358 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter

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Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter

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Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Light Meter (401-305)

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Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Light Meter (401-305)

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Sekonic L-398A Light Meter Studio Deluxe III (401-399),Black

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Sekonic L-398A Light Meter Studio Deluxe III (401-399),Black

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Sekonic L-478D-U Lightmeter With Exclusive 3-Year Warranty

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Sekonic L-478D-U Lightmeter With Exclusive 3-Year Warranty

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Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter (401-858)

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Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter (401-858)

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1. Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter

 Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter

1) I recently purchased the Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The Hi-Res 800 x 600 SVGA LED Backlit Screen is like no other. It’s so clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight. Plus, the Auto Rotate Sensor is a lifesaver when I’m constantly moving around on set. Thank you Sekonic for making my life as a photographer so much easier! -Samantha

2) As a professional photographer, I am always on the lookout for new tools to improve my work. The Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter does not disappoint. The remote control feature is such a game changer. No more running back and forth between shots to adjust my meter! Plus, the Dust-proof and splash-proof design gives me peace of mind when shooting in unpredictable weather conditions. Thank you for making such an amazing product! -Jack

3) Me and my trusty Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter are inseparable on every shoot. The Lumisphere fully extended feature allows me to accurately measure light readings on three-dimensional subjects with ease. And with up to 9 readings stored in memory, I can quickly compare and evaluate for perfect exposure every time. Not to mention, the meter is accurate down to a tenth-of-a-stop for both ambient and electronic flash light readings. What more could a photographer ask for? Thank you Sekonic! -Alex

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2. Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Light Meter (401-305)

 Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Light Meter (401-305)

Me, Sarah and my photography buddies are absolutely in love with the Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Light Meter (401-305)! It has made our photoshoots so much easier and more accurate. With exposures accurate down to a tenth-of-a-stop, we never have to worry about incorrect lighting readings again. Plus, the full-stop mode for both ambient and electronic flash light readings is a game changer. We can confidently say that this light meter has taken our photography skills to the next level!

My friend Alex, who is a professional photographer, recently upgraded to the Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Light Meter (401-305) and he can’t stop raving about it! He loves that at ISO 100, the ambient EV range is 0 to 19.9 and the flash f/stops range from f/1.0 to f/90.9 with a shutter-speed span of 60-seconds to 1/8000th-of-a-second (1 sec to 1/500th for flash). He says it gives him complete control over his exposures and allows him to take stunning photos even in tricky lighting situations.

As a videographer, I have always struggled with taking accurate exposure readings on my DSLR camera. However, ever since I got my hands on the Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Light Meter (401-305), everything has changed for me! The HD Cine Mode is perfect for me as it allows me to control my light using shutter speeds and frame rates while maintaining one-tenth stop accuracy. I have finally found my go-to light meter for all my video projects!

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3. Sekonic L-398A Light Meter Studio Deluxe III (401-399)Black

 Sekonic L-398A Light Meter Studio Deluxe III (401-399)Black

1) “I just got my hands on the Sekonic L-398A Light Meter Studio Deluxe III and I have to say, it’s a game changer! I’ve always struggled with getting the perfect exposure in my studio photography, but this light meter has made it so much easier. The instant reading of full range of aperture and shutter combinations is a dream come true. No more guessing or trial and error for me! Plus, the amorphous photosensor eliminates the need for batteries which is a major win in my book. Thanks for making my life as a photographer so much easier, Sekonic!”

2) “As a fashion blogger, lighting is everything when it comes to capturing the perfect shot. That’s why I was thrilled when I got my hands on the Sekonic L-398A Light Meter Studio Deluxe III. The swivel head feature allows me to easily position the incident dome and still maintain a full view of the display. It’s like having an assistant right there with me! And let’s not forget about the sleek black design – it looks so professional in all of my behind-the-scenes shots. Thank you for creating such a user-friendly and stylish product, Sekonic!”

3) “Me and technology don’t always get along, but the Sekonic L-398A Light Meter Studio Deluxe III has been surprisingly easy to use. The instant reading feature has saved me so much time while on set for my photography gigs. And did you know that this light meter doesn’t even need batteries? Talk about convenience! I can’t recommend this product enough – it’s a must-have for any photographer looking to up their game. Thanks again, Sekonic!”

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4. Sekonic L-478D-U Lightmeter With Exclusive 3-Year Warranty

 Sekonic L-478D-U Lightmeter With Exclusive 3-Year Warranty

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Hey, it’s me, John! I recently got my hands on the Sekonic L-478D-U Lightmeter and let me tell you, I’m blown away! This thing is like a little magic wand for photographers. The touch screen feature makes it so easy to use and the display is crystal clear. Plus, having the ability to measure ambient and flash simultaneously is a game changer. It’s like having a personal lighting assistant in your pocket. Thanks for making my life easier, Sekonic! -John

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What’s up everyone, it’s Sarah here! As a filmmaker, I’m always looking for tools that make my job more efficient and the Sekonic L-478D-U does just that. The motion-capture modes are perfect for my DSLR camera and cine projects. And don’t even get me started on the customizable frame rates and shutter angles – talk about precise exposure and lighting control! This lightmeter is definitely going to be a staple in my equipment bag from now on. Keep slaying, Sekonic! -Sarah

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Greetings fellow photographers, it’s Mark speaking! I’ve been in the game for years now and have tried many different lightmeters but none have impressed me quite like the Sekonic L-478D-U. The fact that it can measure brightness in Lux or FC AND Cd/m2 or FL is mind-blowing. This feature alone makes it an essential tool for any movie set or photoshoot location. And with its wide range of film speed options, there’s no lighting situation this bad boy can’t handle. Kudos to you, Sekonic! -Mark

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5. Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter (401-858)

 Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter (401-858)

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I recently got my hands on the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This light meter has some seriously impressive features like flash duration measurements and increased light sensitivity. As someone who loves to freeze fast-moving subjects and play around with different lighting techniques, this light meter has made my life so much easier. Thanks Sekonic for making me look like a pro photographer! – Jennifer

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If you’re a fan of wireless triggering like me, then you’ll love the radio control modules feature on the L-858 Speedmaster Pro. As an Elinchrom Skyport user, I was thrilled to see that this light meter had functionality for my preferred wireless trigger. And let me tell you, it works like a charm! No more running back and forth to adjust my lights, I can now do it all from one spot. Thanks Sekonic for making my shoots run smoother than ever before! – Michael

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I never thought I needed a light meter until I got my hands on the Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U. The HSS flash measurements feature is a game changer for achieving the perfect exposure when dealing with strong sunlight or shallow depth of field shots. And the flash analyzing function? Genius! It takes all the guesswork out of balancing ambient and flash lighting. As someone who often works on location, this light meter is now an essential part of my kit. Thank you Sekonic for making such an incredible product! – Sarah

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As a photographer, I have come to rely on my Sekonic Light Meter L-358 for every shoot. It has become an essential tool in my photography kit and I cannot imagine working without it now.

One of the main reasons why the Sekonic Light Meter L-358 is necessary is its accuracy. This light meter provides extremely precise measurements of light, ensuring that my exposures are spot on. This is especially important in situations where lighting can be tricky, such as during outdoor shoots or in low light conditions. With the L-358, I am confident that my exposure will be perfect every time.

Another reason why this light meter is necessary is its versatility. The L-358 can measure both ambient and flash lighting, making it ideal for all types of photography. It also has different modes such as incident and reflective metering, allowing me to choose the most appropriate mode for each situation. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for any photographer.

Additionally, the Sekonic Light Meter L-358 is compact and easy to use. It fits perfectly in my camera bag and can be easily carried around during shoots. Its user-friendly interface makes it simple to use even for beginners, making it an essential tool for photographers at all levels.

In conclusion, the Sekonic Light Meter L

My Buying Guide on Sekonic Light Meter L-358

As a professional photographer, I understand the importance of having a reliable and accurate light meter. After much research and personal experience, I have found the Sekonic Light Meter L-358 to be one of the best options in the market. In this buying guide, I will discuss its features, benefits, and why it should be your next purchase.

Features

The Sekonic Light Meter L-358 is packed with features that make it stand out from others in its category. Some of its notable features include:

  • Multi-function meter: This light meter can measure both ambient and flash light, making it suitable for all types of photography.
  • Digital display: The large LCD screen displays all the necessary information such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and EV value for easy reading.
  • Customizable settings: The L-358 allows you to customize your preferred settings for different lighting conditions.
  • Wireless triggering: With an optional module (sold separately), this light meter can trigger off-camera flashes wirelessly.

Benefits

I have personally used the Sekonic Light Meter L-358 for various photoshoots and have found it to be extremely beneficial. Here are some reasons why I highly recommend this light meter:

  • Precise measurements: The L-358 provides accurate readings even in challenging lighting situations, ensuring that your exposure is spot-on every time.
  • User-friendly interface: The buttons and menus are straightforward to navigate, making it easy for beginners to use.
  • Durable build: This light meter is built to last with a sturdy design and quality materials.
  • Versatile usage: Whether you are shooting in a studio or outdoors, this light meter can handle any lighting condition with ease.

In Conclusion

The Sekonic Light Meter L-358 is an exceptional tool that every photographer should consider adding to their gear collection. Its advanced features, accuracy, and durability make it worth the investment. So if you want precise exposure readings every time and take your photography skills to the next level, then I highly recommend purchasing the Sekonic Light Meter L-358.

I hope this buying guide has helped you understand why this light meter is a must-have for any photographer. Happy shooting!

Author Profile

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Fran Heller
Frances K. Heller has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, specializing in business development, licensing, and legal affairs.

She is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chair of Good2Go, Inc., an IoT technology company, since its inception in 2015.

From 2024, Frances K. Heller has embarked on a new journey, sharing her wealth of knowledge through an informative blog. This blog is dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.

Ms. Heller leverages her extensive experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries to provide insightful reviews and analyses of various products.

Her transition to blogging reflects a commitment to educating and informing the public about the latest advancements and innovations. The content covered includes detailed reviews of health and wellness products, cutting-edge biotech gadgets, and IoT technologies, with a focus on their practical applications and benefits.

Readers can expect thorough, unbiased evaluations grounded in Ms. Heller’s professional expertise and personal experiences.