Sekonic L558 / L358 Light Meter

[David Hughes]

I tend to use both meter and histogram depending on how comfortable with the light set up I am using and how sure I am that I can get close to a good exposure before I even fire the lights. But when I started out it was invaluable aid in getting to understand lighting ratios and developing some rule of thumb experience.

I still use my meter occasionally - if you don't want to spring for one, see if you can borrow one from a friendly photographer at the local camera club.

[David_Buzzard]

I come from a long history of using commercial strobe equipment, and with digital I hardly ever use my light meter. It was a critical tool when you had to wait for film to come back from the lab to see what your exposures were like, but in this day and age with the ability to instantly check your exposures in the camera, they're not that critical anymore.

I'm a big fan of the automated flash set-ups that Nikon and Canon have. A couple of speed lights and a controller, and you're in business. Here's a shot I did on Saturday, with one Nikon flash held by a wedding guest, and no set up time at all.



I never bring large strobes to weddings any more now that I have this system.

David Buzzard's Technical Blog

[Pro Photo Store]

Visit the B&H Pro Photo Store for the best Gear Prices and regular specials!

Brilliant Color for any Digital SLR
White Balance Cap
The Pros Agree on ColorRight
What People Are Saying