Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter

I have owned this product for about a month. I have found it very easy to use and right on the money for getting the best exposure. My only regret is that I didn't buy it sooner!

Not as good as its big brother, the Sekonic L-758DR. I used the 758DR at school and man I shoulda just splurged on that. The biggest complaint I have between the two is that the 358 doesn't display 1/10 f-stop readings while in 1/3-stop flash mode. You have to have the dip switches a certain way to get an either/or effect. You can get the shutter speed to read 1/2-stops and the meter will show you 1/10 f-stop number readings but if you switch to 1/3-stop shutter flash mode, you get whole f-stop numbers. Yeah, yeah, shutter doesn't affect flash blah blah blah but I like to meter as close to what I'm shooting at. something else is that the little bro to this one, the 305(?) displays 1/10th stops beautifully. It looks like you're just paying a little more for a prettier display and PocketWizard expandability. Even then, the stupid PW chip costs even more $$$.

Anyway, other than those minor annoyances, the meter works like a charm. I do also like how much smaller the meter is vs the 758. Also, the dome is retractable unlike the 305.

I purchased this item from a well known camera company based out of New York. I hear many people say they are happy with the built in camera exposure metering... or that they use their digital display screens on the camera to review a picture and make adjustments... using those "reasons" to justify why they don't go spending hundreds of dollars on a light meter such as this. Frankly, the price is a little painful. I'll give you that. But... the camera's built in metering won't meter flash, and the review screens are tiny and not always as trusty as you would think they should be! Recommendation and solution? Get a light meter. Better yet... get this light meter. Here's a couple of lists!

What's hot:
* Learning curve seems daunting when you pick it up, but is surprisingly easy to grasp within minutes.
* Weather sealed. (Us it when the weather is less than ideal... it's okay!)
* Excellent price for the what you get.
* Flash metering, EV readings (Exposure value), and ambient light readings. (useful inside, outside, flash, % flash fill, and more)
* Comes with a lumisphere AND lumigrid.
* Comes with a carrying case and cord that can be used while in the case, or not.
* Back-lit LCD is easy to read in the dark and turns on when it automatically detects the light level being low.
* Has optional accessories to add later, including Spot attachments, a "mini" lumisphere (12mm), and a wireless transmitter for pocket-wizard integration.

What's not:
* Battery is not "standard" (IE: AA, AAA, etc). You'll have to hunt one down if it runs out. (I've heard they're easy to find, however, but I've not had to look for one yet personally)
* Pocket wizard accessory isn't standard.
* Great value, but $300ish bucks is still spendy to me.
* No "real" pocket for the lumigrid when not in use (though while being stored, I can put it in the carrying case without too much worry).

Overall... I was daunted by the task of learning to use the meter when I first opened the manual but it was literally only about 5-10 minutes later that, thanks to the ingenious way everything is laid out and you can see how your changes effect everything else in real time, I felt very comfortable taking readings and understanding what the meter was telling me. My wife gave me some funny looks as I took readings by her, then in the kitchen, then by a window, then outside, then back inside by a ceiling light... I couldn't help it! I was intrigued and facinated!

If you're struggling with proper exposure using studio lights... wanting to check exposure for manual shots in any conditions (especially low light)... this unit is just too darn handy! I recommend this product.

It does the work, its easy to use and if you use PocketWizards (or you plan to do so) don't forget buying the extra RF Module for less than $50. It's really cool to use the remote features with this Sekonic plus the PW. I only wish the instructions manual where a little more extended, cause it's kind of brief.

Have used it for 8 to 10 years, have worked great for all those years. I use it with strobes mostly, sometimes with contrast light situation for ambient.