Other Sellers on Amazon
95% positive over last 12 months
86% positive over last 12 months
100% positive over last 12 months
- VIDEO
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter (401-858)
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
- Flash Duration Measurements - Understanding flash duration is the first step in freezing fast-moving subjects.
- Radio Control Modules for Wireless Triggering - The L-858 Speedmaster Pro expands upon ground-breaking innovation by adding functionality for Elinchrom Skyport and Phottix Strato II/ Ares II users
- Increased Light Sensitivity - An additional 3-stops of light sensitivity for incident light, 2-stops, for reflected light (spot), and an ability to capture a reading down 0.1 lx of Illuminance
- HSS Flash Measurements - Finally, photographers now have an accurate way of measuring their lights when they want to overpower the sun or achieve a very shallow depth of field through using HSS
- Flash Analyzing Function - Measures ambient and flash simultaneously and automatically indicates the percentage of flash in the total exposure
Frequently bought together
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
- Sekonic 401-208 Twin Mate Light Meter (Black/White)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1Only 19 left in stock - order soon.
- Lux Light Meter for Photography Grow Plants Led Photometer Lighting Intensity Brightness Measurement Pocket Digital Photo Illuminance SensorAmazon's Choicein Photographic Light MetersFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Dr.meter Professional LED Light Meter, Digital Illuminance Meter with 0-200,000 Measuring Ranges and 270 Degree Rotatable DetectorFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Sekonic L-398A Light Meter Studio Deluxe III (401-399),BlackFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1Only 11 left in stock - order soon.
- Sekonic L-478D-U Lightmeter With Exclusive 3-Year WarrantyFREE ShippingOnly 2 left in stock - order soon.
Compare with similar items
This Item Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter (401-858) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | |
Price | $629.00$629.00 | $157.00$157.00 | -19% $126.50$126.50 Typical: $157.00 | $229.00$229.00 | $21.95$21.95 | $34.99$34.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Accuracy | 4.6 | — | — | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.0 |
Easy to use | 4.1 | — | — | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.1 |
Sold By | Kellards | Adorama | 7c u_tu STORE | Complete Photo & Video | KZH | Thousandshores Inc |
From the manufacturer
Flash Duration Measurements
Understanding flash duration is the first step in freezing fast-moving subjects. Since all cameras are limited to relatively low sync speeds, stopping motion in a single image is often achieved by leveraging short flash durations with the camera’s max sync speed. A long-held secret of some of the world’s most talented photographers, the key to freezing action consistently is found in being able to measure flash duration. Photographers are now able to do this easily for the first time, demystifying one of photography’s most challenging techniques.
Increased Light Sensitivity
Increased ISO capabilities in today’s cameras have created a need for light meters to increase their ability to measure light in the dimmest of settings. With an additional 3-stops of light sensitivity for incident light, 2-stops of light sensitivity for reflected light (spot), and an ability to capture a reading down to 0.1 lx of Illuminance, accurately metering scenes lit by candlelight or getting the right measurement for long-exposure night photography is now a possibility.
HSS Flash Measurements
The L-858D-U is the first meter of its kind that can measure the stroboscopic pulses fired from strobes when they are used for Hi-Speed Sync. Finally, photographers now have an accurate way of measuring their lights when they want to overpower the sun or achieve a very shallow depth of field through using HSS.
Flash Analyzing Function
The L-858D is especially useful for on-location shooting to lighten shadows or reduce background detail. That's because it measures ambient and flash simultaneously and automatically indicates the percentage of flash in the total exposure. You can easily adjust the ambient flash mix by turning the Jog Wheel. The digital display indicates the camera settings and an analog display shows the relationship between ambient and flash and the total exposure.
Product information
Product Dimensions | 10.04 x 6.42 x 3.58 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 8.8 ounces |
ASIN | B06XD9K7PC |
Item model number | 401-858 |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #36 in Photographic Light Meters |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | March 2, 2017 |
Manufacturer | MacGroup |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product guides and documents
Looking for specific info?
Videos
Videos for this product
6:17
Click to play video
Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter (401-858)
Merchant Video
What's in the box
Product Description
Sonic Speed master L-858D-U is the world's first multi-function, multi-brand wireless triggering light meter. It is the first of its kind capable of measuring flash duration and brief flash bursts like you find from HSS (High Speed Sync) for precision flash control.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the lighting capabilities of the product. For example, they say it's a great light meter that measures both flash and ambient light. They also appreciate the user-friendly design and the simple buttons. That said, some complain about the touch screen, saying it'll never register their finger movements and the sensitivity is too low. Opinions are mixed on performance.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the value of the product. They mention it's a great asset to have, works well, and is incredibly useful.
"...The 858D is the only purpose built meter for hss. And it works, quite well, I might add. Accurate to a 1/10th of a stop...." Read more
"Excellent product- highly recommend. Hopefully, Sekonic will add Godox flash remote triggering in the near future." Read more
"...What a waste of real estate...." Read more
"Great product...." Read more
Customers find the camera easy to use. They say the camera profiles are easy to set up and the touch screen is easy to work with. Customers also say that it saves time and makes it easier to recreate specific looks or match.
"...So I purchased a sekonic 208. Nice meter, for sure...easy to use. But it doesnt work with hss. Returned it. Did some research...." Read more
"...Saves me time and it is much easier to recreate specific looks or match scenes from day to day...." Read more
"...There is speed and simplicity in buttons." Read more
"...It is easy to use. Measures both flash and ambient light. The touch screen is easy to work with...." Read more
Customers like the lighting of the product. They say it is a great light meter that measures both flash and ambient light. They also love the spot meter function, cumulative flash metering, and the option to display EV or luminance information at the same time. Customers also mention that the product is bright.
"...Accurate to a 1/10th of a stop. Has a 1 degree spot meter--fantastic. I know some people don't like the design, but I love it...." Read more
"...I love the spot meter function. Btw, I use this with a number of camera systems, including the Arri Alexas, the Reds, the Sony’s, Blackmagic’s etc." Read more
"...optical scope for isolating the area to read, and a display along the bottom to read values without having to take your eye away to look at the main..." Read more
"The Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter is truly a great light meter. It is easy to use. Measures both flash and ambient light...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the light meter. They mention that it is the best and most functionally robust light metre they have ever used.
"...Don’t get a cheap meter this one is high quality." Read more
"...But at its core, this is still the best and most functionally robust light meter I've ever used. For that, it gets a good overall rating...." Read more
"Best lightmeter and does HSS!!!I love this meter but make sure to upgrade the firmware.Lots and lots of featuresOnly cons are:..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the product. Some mention that it works well, while others say that it doesn't work with their camera.
"...think I would like the touch screen functions but it actually works really well. As far longevity, we'll see...." Read more
"...Nice meter, for sure...easy to use. But it doesnt work with hss. Returned it. Did some research...." Read more
"...Works well with my Godox and Flashpoint on and off camera flashes." Read more
"...For this purpose, this meter is effectively useless. Why?The touch screen...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the touch screen of the camera. They say that it can be finicky, confusing, and does not register finger movements.
"...Fix the touchscreen issues. It needs to be more responsive, it needs to be faster, and the UI needs to be modernized, cleaner and more professional...." Read more
"...visible in daylight, and even if it is visible, the sensitivity is too low to work with...." Read more
"...I feel like the touch screen interface is overly confusing, and I wish there were more buttons. It is quite bulky which makes it difficult to pack." Read more
"The meter works great but the touch screen is a pain. I'm constantly trying to tap and slide to get it to the number I want." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Don’t get a cheap meter this one is high quality.
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2021
Don’t get a cheap meter this one is high quality.
Now, there's no way I can tell you everything that's great about the L-858. I don't do video so many of its features remain unused. And while I do use PocketWizards on rare occasion, I did not spring for the transmitter module. I may do it in the future, but so far I've managed fine without one so we'll see.
Let's start with some of the good stuff. Here's a selection of things that I love about the L-858:
- Accuracy down to 1/10 of a stop. The world doesn't exist in full EVs; this extra information lets you make more informed exposure decisions.
- Flash duration. See exactly how long a flash burst lasts, and gain new insight to help you set up for high speed shooting.
- Sensitivity. The L-858 can read incident light down to -5 EV, which is a full 3 stops lower than my L-508, and 2 stops lower than my L-428.
- Companion software for setting up profiles and the option to update firmware.
- Cumulative flash metering. Need to do multiple consecutive flash bursts on a single exposure? This will ensure that all bursts are counted toward the proper exposure calculation.
- 1 degree spot meter. A nice optical scope for isolating the area to read, and a display along the bottom to read values without having to take your eye away to look at the main panel.
- Displays the total percentage of light that is flash versus ambient.
- The ability to define filters and compensate automatically for them.
- Exposure memory with averaging and delta EV.
- The option to display EV or luminance information at the same time as everything else. On the L-508, you could display EV or shutter/aperture, but not both at the same time like you can with the L-858.
Again, those are just the things that jump out at me as really nice features. Certainly there are plenty more that I don't use. But now let's get to the not-so-good stuff.
What I don't love about the L-858:
- The display. It's bright, but that's not always a great thing. You can change the brightness but it's a couple of menus deep, making it time consuming. There is an auto brightness feature that dims the display when light levels are low, but it only works when you're actively reading (holding down the button). It also suffers in bright daylight. Under direct sun you need to find a way to shade the display in order to be able to read it.
- The touchscreen. Give me back my buttons and dials! The touchscreen interface makes selecting F/T/ISO etc. an imprecise affair, it's easy to go too far. It's easy to not go far enough. It routinely doesn't register my finger movements. The virtual scroll wheels don't feel connected to your movements like you might expect from using them on your phone.
- Startup time. If you haven't used the meter in 24 hours, it takes several seconds to start up. Subsequent startups within those 24 hours are faster, but it's still longer than the instantaneous power on for the L-508.
- The user interface. As a software engineer by trade, I've come to quickly recognize when an interface hasn't spent enough (or any) time in front of a UX expert, and that's what this feels like. For example:
--- The incident/spot meter switch. It's available on the main screen by default, a touchscreen button that lets you switch between two options. The image on the button shows you what mode you're in. But changing the modes is unnecessarily complicated - when you tap the button, you then have to select the appropriate radio button. This should absolutely just be a toggle. Tap, spot mode. Tap, incident mode. There's no need for a separate sceen and radio buttons. By default, this button is assigned to a custom function button that ensures that the option is always available on the main screen. That's fine, but why isn't that permanent? There are two custom function buttons, why waste one of them on something that's a core bit of functionality that everyone uses? If you do choose to remove it from the custom buttons because you want to use them for something else, switching modes requires tapping the Tools button, then tapping the Incident/Spot button, then choosing the correct radio button, then tapping Close.
--- You can add readings to the memory by clicking on a button on the side of the meter. But clearing or recalling the memory requires tapping on the Tools button, going down to the second page of options, tapping on the Memory Clear (or Memory Recall) button, and then performing the desired operations on the screen there. Once again, way too many steps to get to core functionality.
--- The user interface has several more issues just like these, I'll skip them so as not to sound repetitive.
- Aside from the memory and trigger buttons on either side of the meter, the only physical button is a nice, central Menu button below the touchscreen. This button is used for the type of customizations that rarely change, like setting the custom function buttons, or choosing which modes to hide (like I hide the Cine modes since I don't use them). What a waste of real estate. Something like a third of the meter's main body is devoted to this one button that is rarely needed, and after you click it? Everything you do in that menu requires the touchscreen anyway. So why is it even there?
-----------------------------
Hey Sekonic, you want to make a useful, amazing light meter that I would consider to be basically perfect? Here's what you do:
-- Get rid of that power button up top, and move the touch screen up to where it's just below the "Sekonic" label.
-- Implement all of the primary functionality as physical buttons. Just take all of the buttons (and that lovely, beautiful scroll wheel) from the L-758 and stick them in that nice big area you now have below the touchscreen, along with the power button.
-- All additional functions that aren't covered by those physical buttons can still use the touch screen. But hire a UX guy to tell you when to just use a toggle button instead of opening a 2-option menu that requires three times the effort to use.
-- Fix the touchscreen issues. It needs to be more responsive, it needs to be faster, and the UI needs to be modernized, cleaner and more professional. This is a $600 device, it should look like it.
----------------------------
Okay, I've said a lot, and a lot of it wasn't great. But at its core, this is still the best and most functionally robust light meter I've ever used. For that, it gets a good overall rating. If Sekonic takes my advice and goes back to physical controls for the most commonly used functionality, I'd buy this meter all over again. It's that good. It's just that in its current form, it's clunkier than it should be for its price point.
Top reviews from other countries
Y este modelo con su accesorio para Godox, en mi caso, te acelera mucho el flujo de trabajo.
Aunque la curva de aprendizaje con todo lo que tiene no es muy rápida para mí, sí lo vale.