Are you trying to find photographic light meters among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling photographic light meters on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 19 hours of research and did 60 photographic light meters tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best photographic light meters you can buy today
- Measures luminosity from 0 to 200,000 Lux and ambient temperature
- High accuracy of ±3% rdg ± 8 dgts (<10,000 Lux), ±4% rdg ±10 dgts (>10,000 Lux)
- 4 digital color LCD screen, MIN/Max readings, data hold, auto power off, and low battery indication
- Wide range of application, use lux light meter for set design, factory, office or home use
- lightweight and compact, 2 years long period warranty
- ▶【4-Range Settings】: This high-quality digital illuminance/light meter has 4-range settings, 0/200/2,000/20,000/200,000 Lux, for a dynamic metering ability.
- ▶【High Accuracy】: With auto zeroing capabilities, you can be sure you'll always get a reading with pinpoint accuracy, and it will always be fast!
- ▶【EZ-Read Display】: Clearly readable info lets you read Units and Signs easily, and stay informed with the over-range indicator.
- ▶【Convenient Switches】: Get better control over your readings with Data Hold & Peak Data hold for when you're recording information. You'll also benefit from its lower power consumption and short rise and fall times.
- ▶【Bring Anywhere】: From squeezing into tight places to keeping your load light, you can bring the Dr.Meter Digital Illuminance/light meter wherever you need to. Fits easily into a work bag or large pocket and barely adds any weight. It's the ultimate in light-metering convenience!
- Exposures accurate down to a tenth-of-a-stop for both ambient and electronic flash light readings in full-stop mode.
- At ISO 100 the ambient EV range is 0 to 19.9 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).
- Photo Mode: for still image photographers featuring shutter or aperture priority display of a full range of ambient and flash functions including cord and cordless flash measurement
- HD Cine Mode: perfect for DSLR and mirrorless videographers who need to take exposure readings and control light using shutter speeds and frame rates
- Cine Mode: designed for use with cinema grade cameras, allows users to select from the most useful frame rates and shutter angles for exposure control with one-tenth stop accuracy.
- Two dials Light Meter: one for ISO and aperture and another one for shutter speed allow settings to be made.
- Accurate light measurement： The current exposure status is displayed by the indicator light. The left and right dials can modify the parameters, which resemble the Manual mode of camera.
- Compact and lightWeights only 35g：Aluminum anodizing body , High quality metal with a weightof 35g . ( Without battery )
- Accurate light measurement： The current exposure status is displayed by the indicator light. The left and right dials can modify the parameters, which resemble the Manual mode of camera.
- Double energy savingcontinuous metering for 60 hours: 1. 10 seconds without operationthe: The light will shut down automatically, and wake up by any touch; 2. 60 seconds without operationthe: the machine switch to sleep mode , click the metering buttonto awake.
- UNI-T professional digital illuminance meter UT383. Effectively measures light intensity and display results in units of Lux or FC. Range: 0~199,900Lux / 0~18,500Fc. High accuracy of ±(4%+8).
- Compact & easy to use. Large 4 digital LCD screen with backlight. 0.5s sampling time. Overload indication. Max/Min. Data hold. Low battery indicator. Auto shutdown for power saving.
- Portable value pack. What you get: 1 x UT383 mini light meter, 1 x gift box, 1 x paper manual, 1 x e Manual (free download).
- Effective & Versatile. Widely used in lightening enterprise, agriculture and animal husbandry, mining enterprise, laboratory, office, household, street lights construction, camera & studios, photography, etc.
- Measuring lights source: LED white light and all visible light.
- Measuring intensities of illumination in Lux or footcandles.
- Many applications include: Warehouses, factories, office buildings, restaurants, schools, library, hospitals, photographic, many video, parking garages, museums, art galleries, stadiums, building security.
- UNI-T professional digital illuminance meter UT383BT. Effectively measures light intensity and display results in units of Lux or FC. Range: 0~199,900Lux / 0~18,500Fc. High accuracy of ±(4%+8).
- IOS/Android APP & Free download. Breeze through data recording, export, storage and analysis. Measurement data is transfered through Bluetooth to iENV App.
- Compact & easy to use. Large 4 digital LCD screen with backlight. 0.5s sampling time. Overload indication. Max/Min. Data hold. Low battery indicator. Auto shutdown for power saving.
- Effective & Versatile. Widely used in lightening enterprise, agriculture and animal husbandry, mining enterprise, laboratory, office, household, street lights construction, camera & studios, photography, etc.
- Portable value pack. What you get: 1 x UT383BT mini light meter, 1 x App, 1 x paper manual, 1 x e Manual (free download).
- [4-Range Settings]: 4 ranges to choose from 0-200/2,000/20,000/200,000 Lux.
- [MAX/MIN Readings]: Digital illuminance meter is equipped with maximum, minimum, and average reading settings.
- [High Precision]: Range: 0.1~200,000Lux / 0.01~20,000Fc; Resolution: 0.1Lux / 0.01Fc; Accuracy: ±4%.
- [Convenient Switches]: Get better control over your readings with Data Hold for when you're recording information.
- [Environmental Meter]: Wide range of application, use lux light meter for set design, factory, office, school or home use.
- 【High Precision】Accurate light measurement. About 30° average metering , single metering times≤5s, About 30°average metering , single metering times≤5s; Shutter Speeds Range: 32s ~1/8000S; ISO Range: ISO6400-1SO5; Exposure Compensation Range: +3EV~ -3EV.
- 【Cold Shoe Interface】The cold shoe base can be flexibly adjusted tothe position you want , no need to worry aboutthe light meter slipping off when switching between different cameras.
- 【Adiustment dial】Adjust the exposure compensation by rotating the dial The minimum adjustment is 1 / 3 EV ,positive values make the photo brighter , while negative values make it darker .
- 【0.66"OLED Display】The display screen can display exposure value, aperture, IOS, power, etc. in real time.
- 【Long Range】Built-in 120 mah lithium Battery. Continuous metering takes approximately 12 hours. Charging with U58-TYPE-C interface, charging with 5V power supply for about 40 minutes to fully charge (taking the USB interface of the computer as an example).
- 【Wide Range&Accurate】This handheld lux meter can measure light from 0.1-300,000 lux.Accuracy +/-4% of reading( below10,000 Lux);+/-5% of reading for over 10,000 lux.High measurement resolution up to 1lux,0.1℃.
- 【Record the illuminance reading】The foot candles meter can effectively store 33 sets of data for your recording,which is useful for analyzing and facilitating if the lighting is suitable for your plants, home, garden, room, photo studio,etc.
- 【Convenient Design】Lux/FC switching;Celsius/Fahrenheit switching;LCD backlight display, easy operation even in the darkness;Data hold switch;Max/ min reading;Low battery display; automatic power off to save your battery.
- 【Flexible Sensor】This digital luxmeter sensor can rotate 270 degrees!You can performs multi-angle measurement according to the light direction you want to measure. Due to handheld and compact design,the light meter is lightweight and easy to carry.
- 【365-day Warranty】2*1.5V(AAA) battery,1*protective case,1*user manual are included.INFURIDER provide 365-DAY after sale service, lifetime technical support. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns.
- ☀【HIGH ACCURACY】+/- 4% readings +/- 0.5% f.s (10,000 Lux; 1,000 FC); +/- 5% readings +/- 10 digits (300,000 Lux; 30,000FC)
- ☀【0.4 SECOND RESPONSE】2~3 times sampling per second, Instantly to measure out how much lights you’re getting
- ☀【WIDE MEASURE RANGE】 This light meter can measure luminance at 0.01~300,000 Lumens, (0.01~30,000 Foot Candles), Which is much wider than the others. Resolution 0.01
- ☀【EASY TO USE】The light sensor can be rotated 270º, so you don’t need to turn around the light meter to measure lights from different angles. Just rotate the sensor, and you can still read the measure at front
- ☀【MEMORIZE THE LIGHT READINGS】This Lux Meter can help you record 33 sets of readings,Temp Testing, The RELATIVE measuring mode will show you the difference between current / recorded data. Ideal to use at home, garden, aquarium,plants, school, office, state, LED lights, indoor and outdoor
- 💡Large Range with High Accuracy - This illuminance meter has a large measuring range of 0.1-400,000 lux (40,000 FC), Both weak and strong light can be detected acutely and quickly. Ideal for photography, plant growing, Car Headlights, set design, factory, office or home use.
- 💡Quick-response 270º Rotatable Detector - 0.4 seconds is all it takes for an accurate reading. An advanced built-in calibration sensor measures the light levels at a super fast, 3~4 per second speed. The optical detector rotates a full 270 degree for muti-directional detection, which ensures precise light measurements from multiple angles.
- 💡Multifunctional Measurement - This digital lux meter has 2 units of switching (lux &FC), MAX/MIN mode, ambient ℃/℉ temperature, backlight, low battery reminder, auto off, data hold and data storage ( 33 sets) functions, helps you to measure the light more conveniently.
- 💡Wide Applications - The Holdpeak lux meter can measure a variety of visible light sources and is ideal for detecting illuminance in homes, schools, offices, workshops, stages, farms, and factories. For example, use our light meter to detect uneven illumination from car headlights or LED bulbs in your home to ensure consistent brightness.
- 💡What's in the Box - 1x HoldPeak digital light meter with sensor cover, 1x carrying case, 3x AAA batteries, 1x screwdriver, 1x user manual. Enjoy 1-year of after-sale service and lifetime technical support. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns. (Please note that this is not a professional photography light meter. After obtaining the basic lux readings, you will need to perform some calculations to determine your shutter speed and aperture.)
- 1.Selectable light source:L0 Standard light source:1000 L2 Red LED:0.516 L4 Green LED:1.216 L6 Purple LED:1.148 L7-L9 Self-defined light:1000 (default|),the coefficient value can be adjusted. Wide measurement range Max range: 300,000LUX; Resolution:0.1 LUX.
- 2.Wide measurement range Max range: 300,000LUX; Resolution:0.1 LUX.
- 3.Ambient temperature/humidity test supported.Temperature range: 0 ~ 60°C; Accuracy: ±2°C; Humidity range: 0 ~ 99%RH; Accuracy:±8%RH.(only TA631B)
- 4.Upper/lower limit alarm:The upper and lower alarm limit is settable. The screen will emit red background light when over upper and lower limit.
- 5.Data hold: Support to hold the max value, min value, average value and real-time value during the measurement.
- Measures light intensity from white LED light sources up to 40k Foot candles (400k Lux) as well as from fluorescent, metal halide, high‐pressure sodium, and incandescent sources
- Silicon photodiode sensor and filter
- Min/Max/Avg function recalls highest, lowest and average reading
- 9,999 count LCD display with Data Hold that freezes readings on the display
- Auto power off with disable
- 【180° Rotating Probe & 2.25" Backlit LCD】TopTes TS-710 Light meter with 180-degree rotating sensor ensures precise light measurements from multiple angles. The backlit 2.25-inch LCD screen allows easy reading even in low-light conditions
- 【LUX/FC Measurement Units】TopTes TS-710 Luxmeter with Wide range: 0.1 to 200,000 lux and 0.1 to 20,000 foot candles, ±(3%rdg+5dgt) accuracy. Optimize your plant's growth with our light meter for plants to find the perfect lighting area
- 【Versatile Applications】TS-710 lumen meter measures various visible light sources like LED grow room lighting, fluorescent lamps, metal halides, high-pressure sodium lamps, and incandescent bulbs. Ideal for homes, schools, offices, workshops, stages, farms, and factories. With the TS-710 lumen meter, easily diagnose and fix issues like dim car headlights or uneven LED bulbs in your home, and ensure consistent brightness by testing and replacing bulbs with confidence
- 【Multi-Functional Design】TS-710 foot candle light meter measures ambient ℃/℉ temperature and humidity, with the temperature sensor adapting to new environments over time. Features MAX/MIN value recording and data-hold for extensive data logging. Auto shut-off after 10 minutes of inactivity. Low-battery indicator for timely battery replacement
- 【Package Contents】1x TS-710 digital light meter with sensor cover, 1x soft case, 3x AAA batteries, 1x user manual. Enjoy 36 months of customer service and lifetime technical support. Contact us anytime for any questions or concerns
- The instruction manual is in both English and Chinese versions. 【Widely used】 Measurement visible brightness, measurement range is wide.Can be widely used in such as schools, hospitals, factories, airports, families and other occasions of brightness measurement.
- 【Unit switch】llumination:200000LUX,1FC=10.76LUX;Unit:LUX、FC.Press MODE key to convert illuminance unit( LUX/FC ).
- 【Measurement time】S
- 【MAX/MIN】Press the RANGE key to measure the MAX ,MIN；
- 【Data HOLD】Press the HOLD key to enable/disable data retention；
- 【Backlight function】Press the backlight button to turn on/off the backlight;
- 【Auto Power Off】The meter will automatically shut down 5 minutes after starting to save power;
- 【Low-battery indicator】When the battery voltage decreases to a certain level, the battery symbol in the upper right corner of the display lights up, and the battery should be replaced
- AS803 Lux Light Meter is used to measure intensities of illumination in Lux or Footcandles, widely used in scenic design, research teaching, industry inspection as well as agriculture researching and illumination control.
- With the advanced built-in calibration sensor and twice per second frequency, it takes only a split second for an accurate reading. The rotatable head is beneficial to multi-directional detection.
- Large LCD display and backlight.
- Hand-held design and small size make the meter easy to carry.
- Measuring range: 0-200,000 Lux
- ✨【Wide Applications】-Measuring luminance ranging 0.1~200,000Lux(0.01~20,000FC), resolution of 1Lux, sampling time 2time/s, this Lux reader works well for various kinds of lights sources: LED, garden grow lights, aquarium fish tank lamps, fluorescent, incandescent, flashlight, bulbs in offices, schools, home.
- ✨【Par Meter for Plants】-Sufficient light is important for proper plants to live and thrive. Use this brightness tool to check lighting intensity in grow room or greenhouse, making your plants and vegetables grow better, avoiding over-lighting.
- ✨【Clear Reading Display】-Lightness tester with backlight function is easy to read in dim or bright places. Data hold function for data freezing. Comes with high quality zippered carrying case, convenient for both indoor and outdoor usage.
- ✨【Scientific Photo Detector】-Sensitive silicon photo diode with filter provides measurements in higher degree accuracy,<20,000Lux/2,000FC:±3%rdg ±0.5%f.s; >20,000Lux/2,000FC: ±5%rdg±10dgt. It is useful for photography to check camera exposure and take amazing pictures.
- ✨【Must Have Luminosity Gauge】-Keep track of illuminating intensity from light source, help you adjust optimal illumination of different locations, such as living rooms, warehouse, factories, laboratory. 12 month product quality warranty and life-time technical supports are provided.
- OPTIMIZE DESIGN: The dial has been optimized and upgraded to a clickable design, and the shutter speed has been increased from 12 to 23 gears. The IRIS gear has also been expanded simultaneously, with a simple and user-friendly design that allows for parameter adjustments based on indicator lights, resulting in more accurate exposure.
- COMPACT AND VINTAGE: Lightweight and portable, weighing only 34g. Its retro appearance design perfectly matches with old-school cameras, adding a touch of elegance to your setup.
- REPLACEABLE BATTERY DESIGN: The battery is replaceable, which avoids the product becoming unusable due to a built-in battery that cannot be charged, thus extending the product's lifespan.
- ADJUSTABLE COLD SHOE MOUNT: The cold shoe mounting position can be adjusted according to needs, making it compatible with more old-style cameras.
- TWO COLORS AVAILABLE: The TTartisan light meter II is available in silver or black colors, matching well with your camera equipment and accessories.
- ★【Professional LED Light Meter】: Whether you're a set designer, or looking to set the mood, proper lighting is a must. The Dr.meter Digital LED Light Meter measures the brightness (up to 200,000 lux) of fluorescent, metal halide, incandescent, and high-pressure sodium lights, guaranteeing the perfect luminosity every time.
- ★【Ultra Fast, Ultra Precise】: A split second is all it takes for an accurate reading. An advanced built-in calibration sensor measures the light levels at a super fast, twice per second speed.
- ★【Easy and Intuitive】: Using this digital LED light meter couldn't be easier. Just turn it on, point it at the light source, and check out the reading on the display screen. There are 4 adjustable measuring ranges (200lux, 2,000lux, 20,000lux, 200,000lux). Preprogrammed settings like auto power off, data hold, unit adjustment, and more do the hard work for you.
- ★【270 Degree Rotatable Detector】: Keep an eye on the light level anywhere in the room. The optical detector rotates a full 270 degree for muti-directional detection.
- ★【Tripod Mountable】: Have your hands full? Don't sweat it. Thanks to the screw base design, this LED light meter can be placed on a tripod for hands-free use.
How to choose a good photographic light meters
Does the idea of finding a fantastic photographic light meters make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in photographic light meters. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top photographic light meters products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top photographic light meters on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top photographic light meters brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top photographic light meters based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the photographic light meters were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good photographic light meters, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your photographic light meters.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting photographic light meters for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our photographic light meters. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what photographic light meters should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on photographic light meters.
