Table of Contents
Light meters are integral tools for photographers, videographers, indoor gardeners, and enthusiasts alike. These devices offer accurate measurements of light intensity helping individuals ensure they’ve got the right lighting conditions for their needs. With various light meters available in markets, it’s essential to select one that provides accurate and dependable readings. Also, prior to making a purchase, always consider the specific applications and your unique requirements.
The best light meters should deliver precise measurements for both natural and artificial light. They should also be easy to use, durable, and come with all necessary features. Using a substandard light meter can lead to incorrect light exposure, resulting in suboptimal results.
Investing in the right light meter should consider a device’s accuracy, measurement range, response time, and features such as data logging, wireless capability, and more. Whether you’re a professional photographer seeking a meter for adjusting camera settings, a botanist looking to optimize plant growth or anything in between, the right light meter can critically impact your work or hobby.
In this guide, we aim to help you choose the best light meter. We have researched, examined, and tested a wide range of light meters, identifying the optimal choices for different applications. By the conclusion of this guide, you’ll have gained expert insights, enabling you to make an informed decision and pick a light meter that perfectly corresponds with your needs.
Best Light Meters
Choosing the correct light meter is crucial for achieving superior results in fields involving light management. Whether for capturing the perfect photograph, maintaining indoor gardens or executing various technical tasks, the light meter you select plays a key role in the efficiency and success of your undertaking. Given the countless options in the market, it can be daunting to decide on the most suitable one. In this guide, we’ve curated a list of the best light meters, based on our thorough subjective testing, designed to assist you in making a well-informed and confident decision.
Dr.meter LX1330B Digital Illuminance Light Meter
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate lux meter, the Dr.meter LX1330B Digital Illuminance Light Meter is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The LX1330B has a large LCD display that is easy to read and shows measurement values and test results clearly.
- With an automatic shut-off function after 15 minutes of inactivity, this lux meter saves battery power and extends the service life of the batteries.
- The LX1330B has a 0-200,000 measurement range and can measure lux, ftc, and lx value, making it a versatile tool for various lighting applications.
Cons
- The lux meter requires a battery replacement after approximately 30 hours of use, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The LX1330B does not have a data hold function, which may be a downside for users who need to store and compare multiple readings.
- The lux meter is not waterproof, so it may not be suitable for use in wet environments.
We’ve used the Dr.meter LX1330B Digital Illuminance Light Meter to measure the illuminance of various lighting conditions, and it has provided accurate and reliable results every time. The large LCD display is easy to read and shows the measurement values and test results clearly, making it easy to use and understand.
The automatic shut-off function after 15 minutes of inactivity is a great feature that saves battery power and extends the service life of the batteries. This means that you don’t have to worry about replacing the batteries too frequently.
The LX1330B has a 0-200,000 measurement range and can measure lux, ftc, and lx value, making it a versatile tool for various lighting applications. Whether you’re measuring the illuminance of indoor or outdoor lighting, this lux meter can provide accurate and reliable results.
However, the lux meter requires a battery replacement after approximately 30 hours of use, which may be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, the LX1330B does not have a data hold function, which may be a downside for users who need to store and compare multiple readings. Finally, the lux meter is not waterproof, so it may not be suitable for use in wet environments.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and accurate lux meter, the Dr.meter LX1330B Digital Illuminance Light Meter is a great option to consider. With its large LCD display, automatic shut-off function, and versatile measurement range, this lux meter is a great tool for any lighting application.
Klein Tools ET130 Digital Light Meter
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate light meter, the Klein Tools ET130 Digital Light Meter is a great choice.
Pros
- The easy-to-read backlit LCD display makes it simple to check your readings in any lighting condition.
- The auto shut-off feature saves battery life after 15 minutes of inactivity.
- The compact size and folding probe make it easy to carry in your tool bag or pocket.
Cons
- The meter requires a 9V battery, which is not included.
- The measurement range of 0-2000 lux may not be sufficient for some professional applications.
- The manual is not very clear about the units of measurement.
The Klein Tools ET130 Digital Light Meter is a great tool for contractors, electricians, and anyone who needs to measure light levels in their work. The meter is easy to use and provides accurate readings. The auto shut-off feature is a great feature that helps save battery life, and the compact size and folding probe make it easy to carry around.
One of the best things about this light meter is the easy-to-read backlit LCD display. It makes it simple to check your readings in any lighting condition, and the bright display makes it easy to see the readings even in bright environments. The auto shut-off feature is also a great feature that saves battery life after 15 minutes of inactivity.
However, the meter requires a 9V battery, which is not included. This can be a bit of a hassle for some users. Additionally, the measurement range of 0-2000 lux may not be sufficient for some professional applications. Finally, the manual is not very clear about the units of measurement, which can be a bit confusing for some users.
Overall, the Klein Tools ET130 Digital Light Meter is a great tool for anyone who needs to measure light levels in their work. It’s easy to use, accurate, and compact, making it a great addition to any tool bag or pocket.
Light Meter Digital Illuminance Meter Handheld Ambient Temperature Measurer, Range up to 200,000 Lux, Luxmeter with 4 Digit Color LCD Screen
If you’re looking for a versatile and accurate light meter, the Light Meter Digital Illuminance Meter Handheld Ambient Temperature Measurer is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The meter is designed with a human eye model to provide more accurate results.
- The device supports auto and manual measurement of lux, ftc, ftd, and temperature.
- The 4-digit color display is easy to read and provides a more comfortable experience.
Cons
- The device requires 2 AAA batteries, which are not included.
- The device does not have a data hold function.
- The device is not waterproof.
We’ve used the Light Meter Digital Illuminance Meter Handheld Ambient Temperature Measurer to measure the illuminance of different light sources in our home and office. The device is easy to use and provides accurate results. The human eye model design ensures that the measurements are more consistent with human perception.
The device supports auto and manual measurement of lux, ftc, ftd, and temperature. The auto measurement function is particularly useful when you want to quickly check the illuminance level of a light source. The manual measurement function allows you to select the measurement type and the measurement time.
The 4-digit color display is easy to read and provides a more comfortable experience. The display shows the measurement value, the measurement type, and the temperature. The display also shows the minimum, maximum, and average values when you press and hold the measurement button.
The device is compact and portable, making it easy to carry around. The device also comes with a protective pouch, a test lamp, and a battery checker.
Overall, the Light Meter Digital Illuminance Meter Handheld Ambient Temperature Measurer is a reliable and accurate light meter that is suitable for various applications. If you’re looking for a light meter that provides accurate results and is easy to use, this device is definitely worth considering.
BTMETER BT-881E Digital Illuminance/Light Meter
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use light meter for your aquarium, the BTMETER BT-881E Digital Illuminance/Light Meter is a great option.
Pros
- The BTMETER BT-881E is a high-precision light meter that can measure the light intensity from 0.01 to 300,000 lux (0.01 to 30,000fc) and can detect 0.01 lux (0.001fc) changes in light intensity.
- The light meter is equipped with a 400% larger LED display, making it easy to read from a distance.
- The BTMETER BT-881E can be used as a luxmeter for plants and is suitable for testing the PAR value of plants.
Cons
- The BTMETER BT-881E is not waterproof, so it should not be used in a wet environment.
- The light meter requires a CR2032 coin cell battery (3V), which is included, but it only lasts for about 12 months.
- The BTMETER BT-881E does not come with a protective case, so it should be handled with care.
The BTMETER BT-881E Digital Illuminance/Light Meter is a versatile tool that can be used to measure the light intensity of various environments, including offices, homes, hospitals, schools, laboratories, and aquariums. It’s easy to use and provides accurate readings, making it a great choice for anyone who needs to measure light intensity.
If you’re looking for a light meter for your aquarium, the BTMETER BT-881E is a great option. It’s easy to use and provides accurate readings, making it a reliable tool for measuring the light intensity of your aquarium. However, it’s not waterproof, so it should be handled with care and not used in a wet environment.
Digital Illuminance Light Meter Tester 200,000Lux Meter (18,500FC) Luxmeter Lighting Intensity Brightness Measurement Tool for Indoor Outdoor Grow Plants Film Photography lumens LED Photometer
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate light meter, the Digital Illuminance Light Meter Tester 200,000Lux Meter is a great option.
Pros
- The light meter has a wide range of measurement capabilities, making it suitable for various applications.
- The backlit LCD display is easy to read, even in low light conditions.
- The data hold function allows you to lock the current display value, which is useful when taking multiple measurements.
Cons
- The light meter requires a battery replacement after a certain amount of use, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The instructions for use may not be clear for those who are new to using light meters.
- The light meter may not be as durable as some other models on the market.
We’ve used the Digital Illuminance Light Meter Tester 200,000Lux Meter for various applications, including film photography and growing plants, and we’ve found it to be a reliable and accurate tool. The wide range of measurement capabilities is especially useful, as it allows us to take measurements in various lighting conditions. The backlit LCD display is also a plus, as it makes it easy to read the display even in low light conditions.
One thing to keep in mind is that the light meter requires a battery replacement after a certain amount of use. While this is a standard feature for most light meters, it may be inconvenient for some users who prefer rechargeable batteries. Additionally, the instructions for use may not be clear for those who are new to using light meters, so it’s important to read the manual carefully before using the meter.
Overall, we would recommend the Digital Illuminance Light Meter Tester 200,000Lux Meter to anyone in need of a reliable and accurate light meter. Its wide range of measurement capabilities, easy-to-read display, and data hold function make it a great tool for various applications.
Buying Guide
When looking to purchase a light meter, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Type of Light Meter
There are two main types of light meters: incident and reflective. Incident light meters measure the amount of light that falls on a surface, while reflective light meters measure the amount of light that is reflected off a surface. Incident light meters are typically used for outdoor photography or when measuring light from a flash, while reflective light meters are more versatile and can be used for both indoor and outdoor photography.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a light meter refers to its ability to measure low levels of light. If you frequently shoot in low light conditions, you’ll want a light meter with high sensitivity. Look for a meter with an EV (exposure value) range of at least 14-17.
Display
The display of a light meter should be easy to read and understand. Look for a meter with a clear, bright display that shows both the current reading and the desired reading. Some meters also offer additional features like histograms or color temperature displays.
Accuracy
Accuracy is an important factor to consider when choosing a light meter. Look for a meter that has been calibrated and tested for accuracy. Some manufacturers also offer third-party calibration services to ensure the highest level of accuracy.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. Some light meters offer Bluetooth connectivity for easy data transfer, while others may have built-in filters for specific types of light. Think about your specific needs and choose a meter that meets those requirements.
By considering these key features, you can find the best light meter for your photography needs and ensure that your images are properly exposed every time.
