The Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster is the world's first multi-function light meter that can be programmed to match and be calibrated to the sensitivity of your digital camera sensor or type of film for perfect exposure control. They have produced an incredible meter that more than meets the needs of the photographic community. This full-featured meter will definitely make everyone happy as it is loaded with every imaginable feature - and then some...
Expanding on the unqualified success of the L-558R, Sekonic has taken the next step and designed a meter that offers advanced features such as Spot/Incident measurement modes, flash/ambient measurements, flash analyzing, built-in PocketWizard wireless triggering, plus Exposure Profiling, Pre-Exposure warning, 14 selectable custom settings, and much more. This weather-resistant meter not only meets the needs of the digital community but can also serve the cinema community. The L-758Cine model will have expanded cine speed (fps) 1 thru 1000, Lux 0.63 to 190,000, Foot-Candle 0.10 to 180,000, Cd/m to 190,000, Foot-Lambert 0.07 to 190,000 and Preset filter compensation values (including Kodak Wratten filter number)
The L-758DR measures light beyond the capabilities of your camera and ensure repeatable accurate and consistent measurements. In addition, the dynamic range of a particular digital camera or film can be stored, recalled and displayed. Using the USB transfer cable (included) and the Sekonic Digital Input and Transfer software (included), a digital camera or film's exposure profile can be uploaded from a computer (Macintosh or Windows) to the L-758DR.
Up to three different digital camera or film exposure profiles can be saved and quickly retrieved with a touch of a button. With its Pre-Exposure warning indicators and adjustable mid-tone settings, the L-758DR puts the power of digital exposure control in the palm of your hands.
When you need to take a light reading - think Sekonic.
Important: To comply with local broadcast regulations, Sekonic wireless systems sold in the various markets around the world are designed to operate at different frequencies. When purchasing and/or installing a transmitter module or using the meter with a receiver, be sure that the meter, module and receiver are designed to be used in your location and use the same frequency.
The FCC designation indicates the meter and module are designed for operation in the USA/North American market. Frequencies: CH 1 to 16: 344.0 MHz; CH 17 to 32: 346.5 to 354.0MHz
The CE designation indicates the meter and module are designed for operation in European countries. Frequencies: CH 1 to 16: 433.62 MHz; CH 17 to 32: 434.22MHz
When purchasing and/or installing a transmitter module or using the meter with a receiver, be sure that the meter, module and receiver are designed to be used in your location and use the same frequency.
The wireless flash triggering system used in Sekonic meters consists of two parts that are designed to be used together and operate only at a specific frequency. Do not install a CE marked module into an FCC marked meter or FCC marked module into a CE marked meter as this will produce a unit that is not compatible with either frequency.
| Measuring System | Digital exposure meter for ambient and flash light; 2-Silicon photo diodes (incident and reflected) |
| Measuring Modes | Incident and reflected light |
| Receptor Head | Rotating; Convertible to flat diffuser (Lumisphere in down position); 3.3' to infinity (1m to infinity); 1° spot with display in finder |
| Aperture/Shutter Priority |
|
| Display Readout |
|
| ISO Range |
|
| f/Stop Display Range |
Ambient Light Flash Aperture: Analog Scale: |
| Shutter Speed - Ambient | Ambient light: 30 minutes to 1/8000 seconds (in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 stop) plus 1/200, 1/400 |
| Shutter Speed - Flash | Flash: 30 minutes to 1/1000 second (in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 stop) plus 1/75, 1/80, 1/90, 1/100, 1/200, 1/400 |
| EV Range (ISO-100) | -9.9 to 46.6EV (in 1/10 stop) |
| Cine Speeds | 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 18, 24, 25, 30, 32, 36, 40, 48, 50, 60, 64, 72, 96, 120, 128, 150, 200, 240, 256, 300, 360 frames per second (at a 180° shutter angle) |
| Exposure Memory | 9 readings on analog scale (f/stop and shutter speed) with memory recall and clear feature |
| Shadow/Highlight Calculation | Yes |
| Brightness Difference | +/- 9.9 EV (in 1/10 stop) |
| Flash to Ambient Ratio | 0 to 100% in 10% increments |
| Multiple Flash |
|
| Power Source |
|
| Weight | 9.5 oz (268 gm) with battery |
| Exposure Calibration |
|
| Specialties |
|
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 6.7 x 1.9" (90 x 170 x 48 mm) (WHD) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent Meter
I hesitated buying an incident meter because so many “vocal” digital photographers said they were obsolete. They’re wrong. Setting ratios on studio strobes with the integrated pocket wizard module eliminates gu...Read complete review
I hesitated buying an incident meter because so many “vocal” digital photographers said they were obsolete. They’re wrong. Setting ratios on studio strobes with the integrated pocket wizard module eliminates guesswork, exposures are more accurate and predictable and the workflow is more efficient. The L-758DR is well built, the Tenba case is well padded with a belt loop for easy access and includes a storage area for a backup battery. The meter & exposure profile target are expensive, but you get what you pay for.
Using the L-758DR provides me with invaluable feedback in my lighting analysis: ratios, dynamic range, percentage of flash relative to ambient in an exposure, etc. You will learn more about lighting by actively metering the scene and observing meter readings than by passively letting the camera do it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Beware if You Are a Mac User!
After spending an hour to calibrate this meter, I discovered, at the very end of the process, that Sekonic's Data Transfer software would not recognize the meter, which was plugged into my Mac ...Read complete review
After spending an hour to calibrate this meter, I discovered, at the very end of the process, that Sekonic's Data Transfer software would not recognize the meter, which was plugged into my Mac Pro running Snow Leopard. This is simply not acceptable for a pro meter. Moreover, Sekonic has no customer service. There is no number to call, and no email address that goes to customer service. Perhaps Sekonic should issue $500 rebates to those who cannot get full use out of their L-758DRs. Further, the expensive target is now useless to me. There is simply no excuse for such shoddy software and lack of customer service.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 75 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I am an amateur photographer and photography student at the local community college. This is an excellent light meter and works in both ambient and flash modes and has a pocket wizard interface with a radio trigger for strobes. The meter also has a built in one degree spot meter which is perfect for shooting landscapes.
Using the Exposure Profile Target II, up to three camera profiles can be loaded into memory and recalled which calibrates the meter to your camera and lens combination.
In the studio, this meter shines, it assists in calculating lighting ratios for proper lighting with great results. If you need to control the light for your work, this is the meter to use.
The results from using this meter are fantastic and the meter is very easy to use.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
Fast way to meter flash, strobes and ambient light.
Work great with PocketWizard.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
Measuring off camera & studio flash
Measuring for landscape photography
If you are using TTL Pocket Wizards, you will need to switch one of the channels on the Pocket Wizard to standard in the utility in order to remotely trigger the flash
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
Overall, from a design point of view, this has to be the best meter on the planet. It's reasonably easy to use, a dream to use and dead accurate too. But, there were problems for me.
I tried to calibrate the meter against my Nikon bodies. Nothing worked. I was getting error messages that were not documented in the manual they give you. I wrote Japan three times and got no help or even a reply. I wrote the Canadian distributor three times and only on the third try was there a response. The response said "we have assigned your case to someone, you'll hear from us shortly". Well I never heard from them at all. It's over a year now since I got that message.
After three frustrating months I did finally figure out how to calibrate the meter with my cameras and lenses. It's remarkably simple when you know how but until you know how you have to leap tall buildings.
Technical support from Sekonic is non existent and is really bad, they don't seem to care if they have struggling customers or not. I guess they figure they'll sell meters anyway since it is the best. Their documentation leaves a lot to be desired too.
But ... if you don't have a need to calibrate the meter with your cameras, it's an amazing piece of engineering most likely the best in the world. You simply take your chances when you get into technical problems.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
Easy to use and learn. Very effective in outside shooting.
wonderful indoors and in a studio
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I love this meter. The built in pocket wizard triggering is a huge time and hassle saver if you are using this meter with off camera flash. Its accurate and easy to use and in my oppinion a must if you are serious about controlling the light in your photos. The only feature I have not used thus far is the camera calibration software as I have been shooting more medium format film as of late than digital.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
My Sekonic L-328 has been reliable. But old. I purchased an Interfit flash meter as a cheap back-up, but it only measures flash. After 2 out of 3 Gossen Luna Pro meters have become wonky. My perfectly functional Gossen doesn't take my spot meter attachment. Time for a suitable replacement to keep with me pursuing my landscape photography that will double as back-up to my 328 in the studio.
So my 758 arrives. The meter doesn't measure moonlight like my Gossens do.
At first, using it beyond the functionality of my other meters, seemed a little over my comforability (head) level. But after reading through the manual, and going through custom functions to set it the way I want, this meter truly shines. Definately glad I made this purchase.
Button placement is a little awkward. Memory button in particular. I also think more buttons should have been included to access settings easier. Definately had to read the manual. Not that they'll be accessed often.
Larger display would be nice but it's size does have to be functional. As it is, it's pretty ergonomic, and the spot viewfinder is excellent.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I recently graduated from Hallmark Institute of Photography, and I was trained on this Light Meter. I loved it then.. and it was the best thing I have ever picked up (beside my camera!) I recently purchased beginner lights of my own, and needed to get a light meter... and I wouldn't pick any other meter ever. This product is the best thing, and it saves me from so much hassle. Again.. best thing ever.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
The L758DR Sekonic light meter is the best with multiple uses. Not only can a photographer control the light with use on the Sekonic with incidental light but also setting up flash and exposure to capture natural looking images. Simply amazing. This is a must for wedding photography along with a studio setup at the house. I would recommend this to any photographer with a need to control light.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
After spending an hour to calibrate this meter, I discovered, at the very end of the process, that Sekonic's Data Transfer software would not recognize the meter, which was plugged into my Mac Pro running Snow Leopard. This is simply not acceptable for a pro meter. Moreover, Sekonic has no customer service. There is no number to call, and no email address that goes to customer service. Perhaps Sekonic should issue $500 rebates to those who cannot get full use out of their L-758DRs. Further, the expensive target is now useless to me. There is simply no excuse for such shoddy software and lack of customer service.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
Takes all the guess work out of lighting setups. The spot meter is awesome all around great product!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
Accurate measurements and a very precise spot meter
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I mostly photograph kids. Having them stay still while a guess in the lights, has been painful for all parties. The L-758DR in short time has lessoned the stress on my shoots. I also got the Exposure Profile Target 2, to calibrate my camera and 3 most used lenses. Now with this and my color checker, post process time is cut big time. And the installed radio for the Pocket Wizards is just another bonus.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
This light meter is great I used it for my first photo shoot. It made everything very easy. this meter does alot of the ratio calculations for you. It has a transmitter and can sync with your lighting setup if it has a transmitter. what I like most about the L-758DR is how easy it was for me to learn how to use it. I strongly recommend the L-758DR for anyone who's looking for an all-in-one light meter thats easy to use
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
[...].I am using the flash meter in my studio and it is a superb product its accuracy helps me to create the lighting required for my various Photography Jobs.It is of great advantage to me that i am able to calibrate the unit and the easy switch between Incident metering and Reflective metering is valuable to me.I am disapointed that the unit is does not include the wireless trigger unit, I imagen that a product of this quality and price should include all the components to make wireless trigering possible.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
This meter is reputedly among the best. I agonized over shelling out the cash for it but am glad I did. It has ambient/incident, flash and reflected metering capabilities all in one. I'm a long time amatuer, recent convert to digital and taking classes at community college. The college uses them, my brother (also amatuer) uses one. I plan to use it for studio flash as well as reflected (spot) readings for large format photography.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
This is an amazing meter, always consistent and reliable. After buying this product, I purchased few Quantum Q flashes & then found out the Sekonik L-758DR have built in Pocket Wizard triggering system & Quantum does not work with Pocket Wizards...yet I love both Quantum & Sekonik. Well I was disappointed for a while but after spending little more money I am able to work Sekonik L-758DR with Quantum Trio's & T-5DR...and all I can say is WOW. They work flawless.
If you decide to use this meter with Quantum product, call Quantum first to understand how much you will spend & how it will work...but I guarantee you that you will see the difference in your photography...I DO.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I am a photography student and amateur photographer. This is the best light meter I have seen and used. It works with both ambient and flash light, it also has a radio trigger for strobes.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
I have relied heavily on my camera's metering and had mixed results. Now that i use this meter, I get the look I want every time with great exposure. I purchased this particular unit because it is rugged and I need to travel with it.
The only problem I had with it was syncing it with the new PocketWizard FlexTT5, but the issue is really with the PW. I had to connect the PW to the computer using the supplied USB and disable the "Use ControlTL" on one of the configurations. It was painless, but I just expected to use it all together out of the box. Everything was setup in about 10 minutes and I am really happy with box items.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster Flash Meter:
Users of DSLR cameras mistakenly think that the camera's automatic light meter functions are all they need to take excellent photographs. That's true only for "on the fly" shots when there's no time to meter. Sekonic's 758DR solves every metering challenge you face, indoors and outside. Firing strobes wirelessly with the included Pocket Wizard eliminates wires to trip over. So far, after using this meter and it's predecessor for three years, I've yet to be disappointed.
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »