Range: Whenever you are buying any kind of measuring tool like a light meter, checking its range is quite important to get an idea of the amount of light it can detect. While most light meters are rated for a range of 0 lux to 200000 lux or 0 lux to 400000 lux, some high-end models can even offer a range of 0 lux to 2000000 lux for much higher versatility. Sensor Position: You should also check the position of the sensor of your light meter to get an idea of its possible applications and uses. Even though most light meters have an inbuilt sensor on the top, which may or may not be rotatable, a few light meters come with an external sensor which is connected via a long cable for high versatility. Accuracy: Even if your light meter offers a high light measuring range, it cannot be used for industrial usage if it is not accurate enough. Therefore, some light meters also have an accuracy rating like +/- 5% or +/- 10% accuracy where a shorter value is the better one for taking highly accurate readings.
Surely these factors can be quite handy when it comes to picking the right light meter for you. But to be on the safer side, also check out all the various features and details of all the different light meters present down below. And if you also check out the detailed “Buying Guide” for the best light meters, you can easily buy the best light meter by the end of this list.
9 Best Light Meters in 2023 List
Best Light Meters in 2023: Reviews
1. Dr.Meter Light Meter
Dr.Meter makes all kinds of measurement tools and devices that are great for industrial and scientific usage without charging a premium for the same, which is also true for its light meter stated here. The Mr.Meter 1330B-V light meter is present in the 1st position in this list since it can be a great option if you want an external sensor. With this sensor, you can easily check light of intensity from 0 lux to 200000 lux, which should be ample for most. Talking about its sensor, it is connected via a cable for easily using it at any angle since the meter itself can be placed on its inbuilt stand. A great thing about this light meter is that it is highly accurate. And this is true even though it offers a total of 4 range settings that can be adjusted via its display. The controls of this unit are also quite easy to use. While you do get a 1-year long warranty with this light meter, the build quality of this affordable unit could have been slightly better. Best Features:
Range of 0 lux to 200000 lux Uses an external light sensor Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Highly accurate light meter Easy to use display and controls Versatile external sensor with inbuilt stand
Cons:
Build quality could have been better
2. Urceri Light Meter
In comparison to most other brands of light meters out there, Urceri is fairly new, due to which most of its models are quite affordable and can be a viable option for buyers on a budget. Urceri’s light meter is present in the 2nd position in this listicle as this one of the best entry-level light meters available out there. Since you get a range of 0 lux to 200000 lux with this light meter, it can be used for most applications. But the best part about it has to be its accuracy of +/- 3%, which is on par with much more premium light meters. You will be glad to know that this light meter has a 4 color digital LCD screen that offers a lot of information despite the compact size of this light meter. Although, the smaller form factor does result in cumbersome controls. Thankfully, Urceri has not compromised with its reliability as you get a 2-year long warranty with it. Best Features:
Range of 0 lux to 200000 lux Uses an inbuilt light sensor Comes with a 2-year long warranty
Pros:
Entry-level light meter Easy to use display with multiple colors Fairly accurate and versatile for the price
Cons:
Controls are a little cumbersome
3. SmartSensor Light Meter
SmartSensor is another brand of all kinds of sensor and measuring tools that happen to be extremely affordable and offers a wide range of entry-level and budget-friendly light meter models. This SmartSensor light meter is present in the 3rd position in this article because it is the cheapest option stated here. Unlike what you would expect from such a budget-friendly light meter, it manages to offer a standard range of 0 lux to 200000 lux. And while it has an inbuilt sensor, the sensor is rotatable for slightly better versatility while taking light measurements. Even if you are using this light meter in the dark, you can easily read its LCD display since it is a backlit one. In fact, the controls of this light meter are also quite easy to use. The only issue with this light meter is that it is a bit flimsy in terms of its build quality despite having a 2-year warranty. Best Features:
Range of 0 lux to 200000 lux Uses an inbuilt light sensor Comes with a 2-year warranty
Pros:
Sensor is rotatable Backlit display for easy readings Fairly simple controls with multiple modes
Cons:
Not the sturdiest option out there
4. Extech Light Meter
Extech offers a wide range of industrial and scientific tools and measurement devices that are ideal for high-end usage, just like its light meter model present here. The Extech LT40 light meter is a high-end light meter that is perfect for checking high-power light sources. This is primarily possible thanks to its high range of 0 lux to 400000 lux, which should be ample for most users. Although, its inbuilt sensor is completely fixed, which can be a bit cumbersome for taking readings at an angle. Both the display and the controls of this light meter are fairly easy to use. Even if you are new to light meters, using this one is fairly easy. Being a higher-end light meter, its included 3-year long warranty is to be expected, making it a highly reliable option for long-term usage. Best Features:
Range of 0 lux to 400000 lux Uses an inbuilt light sensor Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
Quite a high light measurement range Easy to use controls and display Pretty long warranty period
Cons:
Sensor is completely fixed
5. BTMETER Light Meter
Even though you may not have heard about BTMeter in the past, its measuring tools like its light meter present here are certainly a highly versatile option for most users. BTMeter’s BT-881D light meter offers a high value for money to the user since you get a highly versatile light meter without paying a premium. Starting with its light measurement range, you can check light intensity from 0 lux to 400000 lux with this light meter. However, if you want a light meter for scientific usage, you should look elsewhere as its accuracy is a bit limited at +/- 10%. Thankfully, this light meter is still pretty versatile with things like a rotatable sensor on the top. You also get a fairly large display with extensive controls and menu buttons for easily changing all settings. And for the given value for money price tag, its 1-year long warranty is also pretty decent for reliability. Best Features:
Range of 0 lux to 400000 lux Uses an inbuilt light sensor Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
High value for money Pretty versatile construction Quite a high range for the given pr
Cons:
Accuracy could have been better
6. AOPUTTRIVER Light Meter
Aoputtriver is another brand of measurement tools and devices like light meters that generally offers a high value for money with its versatile light meters. This Aoputtriver AP-8801A light meter includes a wide range of handy features and high-performance numbers at a low price tag. For starters, you get a measurement range of 0 lux to 400000 lux with this light meter. And this is combined with a pretty great accuracy of +/- 5% for easily getting the right readings from this unit. The LCD screen of this light meter is fairly large and offers multiple colors allowing you to easily take readings. In fact, you also get various control options and modes, making this unit quite versatile. Unfortunately, the build quality of this light meter speaks for the lower price despite it having a 2-year warranty. Best Features:
Range of 0 lux to 400000 lux Uses an inbuilt light sensor Comes with a 2-year warranty
Pros:
Easy to read display with multiple colors Highly accurate with a wide range Multiple control and mode options
Cons:
Poor build quality
7. Sekonic Light Meter
Sekonic is a highly premium brand of light meters that primarily offers models made for photography and videography by including related features as mentioned here. The Sekonic Flashmate L-308X-U 401-305 light meter can be a great option if you want a light meter for checking the intensity of your camera flash. In comparison to all other light meters, its given range of 0 lux to 2000000 lux is much higher. Not only that, but it can directly connect to camera flashes for giving highly accurate controls. While its display might be a bit small, its controls are quite easy to use and offers modes for both still cameras and video cameras. Because Sekonic is such a premium brand of light meters, its superb build quality and a 3-year warranty are to be expected, making it a great option for long-term usage. Best Features:
Range of 0 lux to 2000000 lux Uses an inbuilt light sensor Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
Perfect for photography and videography Excellent range with highly accurate sensor Great for long term usage
Cons:
Not a budget-friendly light meter
8. Latnex Light Meter
Latnex is a fairly small brand of light meters that still manages to be a great option for many buyers, thanks to its unique light meter models like the one stated here. This Latnex LM-50KL light meter can be another great option if you want a light meter with an external sensor. Thanks to its sensor connected via a cable, you can easily place it anywhere. Talking about the sensor, it can measure from 0 lux to 200000 lux, which is on par with most other light meters out there. While you do get a fairly large display in this light meter, its controls are quite limited and basic. Fortunately, Latnex has offered a decent build quality along with a 1-year warranty for your peace of mind. Best Features:
Range of 0 lux to 200000 lux Uses an external light sensor Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Great performing sensor Highly adjustable external sensor Quite a large display
Cons:
Limited controls and buttons
9. Sekonic Light Meter
We have yet another light meter model from Sekonic in this list which can be a great premium model for making sure your photo and video lights are bright enough. Sekonic’s Speedmaster L-858D-U 401-858 light meter is the most advanced model present here. Starting with its range, you can check from 0 lux to 2000000 lux bright light sources. Accordingly, its highly accurate sensor will recommend you camera settings to use. And it can also connect with photo and video lights wirelessly to automatically adjust everything. One of the most unique things about this light meter is that it features a large touch screen for easily checking all details. Not only can you check the light intensity, but it also tells you about the quality and the color accuracy of the light around you. Similar to the previous Sekonic light meter, this one also features a 3-year warranty along with a solid build quality. Best Features:
Range of 0 lux to 2000000 lux Uses an inbuilt light sensor Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
Offers a touch screen for control Highly versatile light meter with various functions Excellent build quality with long warranty
Cons:
Extremely expensive light meter
Buying Guide for the Best Light Meters
You can find all kinds of industrial measurement tools out there that are handy for measuring all kinds of things. While some measure distance or weight, you can also find more specific tools like light meters. And in case you want to get one, consider checking the best light meters stated up above. Even though we have already stated their primary features and specifications, you might be interested in learning more. In that case, simply check out this detailed buying guide for the best light meters:
Range
If you are getting something like a light meter, it is only going to be viable for your usage if it is able to measure light sources of all kinds of intensities. Thus, it is always a great idea to go with light meters with a high measurement range. Most light meters out there offer a measurement range of 0 lux to 200000 lux or 0 lux to 400000 lux, which should be pretty high for most users. But if you want something made for industrial usage, then you can also find a few options with a measurement range of 0 lux to 2000000 lux, which is much higher.
Sensor Position
All light meters have a spherical and white color sensor that is responsible for checking the intensity of light in any given area. And to properly take readings, the position of this light sensor can be quite important. Usually, you will find light meters to have a fixed light sensor on the top. Even though some of these have rotatable and adjustable light sensors, having an external sensor is much more versatile. These external light sensors are connected via a cable so that you can easily place them in any position that you want.
Accuracy
Apart from being versatile in terms of its sensor position and being able to take high-intensity ratings, any given light meter should also be accurate. This ensures that you are getting correct readings from it, which is highly important for industrial applications. Thankfully, many light meters out there offer an accuracy rating like +/- 5% or +/- 10% out of which the former is better. With a lower number like +/- 5%, all of your readings will be as close to the actual value as possible.
Display
Since most light meters offer multiple modes and various details regarding the intensity of the light around you, they all have inbuilt displays for showing you the readings. Although, not all light meters have the same displays. While some of them might have small displays with limited information, others come with large backlit displays that allow you to check a lot of details at once.
Accessories
Many light meters also come with various kinds of handy accessories included in the box. This includes things like carrying bags, cleaning tools, batteries, stands, and more. Not only do you get a better value for money with such a light meter, but these accessories also make your light meter more versatile.
Warranty
Whenever you are buying any kind of industrial tool like a light meter, you would want it to stay functional and reliable for as long as possible. Thus, most light meters come with sturdy plastic build quality for easily using them in all kinds of environments. Other than that, you can also consider checking the included warranty of your light meter to get an idea of its longevity. In most cases, you will find either a 2 year or a 3-year warranty with any given light meter, which should be pretty good for most users.
Conclusion
There are a lot of things where having proper lighting is quite important for the best results. This includes indoor gardening, photography, videography, and all kinds of scientific and industrial applications. To ensure that you have enough lighting, you can simply consider getting one of the best light meters stated up above. For helping you in picking up the right one, all of those have their important features well explained alongside a detailed buying guide. Although, if you are still confused, consider getting one of our ideal picks for the best light meters as stated here:
Starting with one of the most affordable light meters available out there, the SmartSensor light meter can be a great option for buyers on a tight budget. Even at its given price tag, you get a standard range of 0 lux to 200000 lux with this light meter. In fact, it even offers a 2-year long warranty which is on par with most other high-end light meters. The Dr.Meter 1330B-V light meter can be another affordable option for all kinds of industrial usage. It is one of the only few options out there which offers an external sensor that has a range of 0 lux to 200000 lux along with pretty high accuracy. Other than having an easy-to-read display, it also offers multiple settings and adjustable ranges. Dr.Meter also includes a decent 1-year long warranty with this light meter for reliability. If budget is not an issue for you, and you simply want the best light meter for photography and other industrial uses, then the Sekoni Speedmaster Light Meter might be just for you. You get a superb range of 0 lux to 2000000 lux with it, which is paired along with a 3-year warranty. Since it has a touch screen, you get all kinds of functions and details, including direct details for camera settings since this light meter is primarily made for photography and videography usage.
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