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Light meter manufacturer Sekonic has announced that its new L-858D-U light meter is now available and priced at $ 599/£599.
This new meter offers a number of firsts, including the ability to measure flash duration and to work in HSS mode. It can read out the duration of a burst of light as short as 1/55500 sec and work with shutter speeds as short as 1/16000s ec, both of which will be useful for those working with high-speed photography or trying to balance bright daylight with flash.
Designed for moviemakers as well as still photographers, the meter can display frame rates or shutter speeds under continuous lighting, and with more sensitivity than previous models it can now measure down to 0.1 lx of illuminance for low-light scenes and night photography.
The L-858D-U is also compatible with the radio triggering and control systems of a range of studio and hotshoe flash units via drop-in modules for the PocketWizard, Elinchrom’s Skyport and Phottix Ares ll and Strato ll environments. This 2.7″ touchscreen meter offers reflected 1-degree spot metering as well as built-in filter factor modes, an ISO range of 3 – 13,107,200 and a shutter speed range for ambient light that runs from 30 minutes to 1/64000 sec. The wireless modules cost $ 159/£159 each – the Skyport and Phottix functionalities are combined into a single module.
For more information see the Sekonic website.
Press release:
Now Available: The Sekonic L-858D-U Speedmaster
The next generation of light measurement control
Sekonic is proud to announce their ground breaking L-858D-U Speedmaster Light Meter is now available for purchase.
As previewed at last year’s Photokina, the L-858D-U Speedmaster is the combination of Sekonic’s cutting-edge light measurement technology and 60 years of experience in the photographic and filmmaking industries. The meter has undergone significant design changes from previous models and has a feature set sure to meet and exceed the demands of today’s image-making professionals.
The First of Its Kind
The Sekonic L-858D-U Speedmaster is the first fully featured light meter to offer flash duration measurement from 1/40 to 1/55,500 sec. at t0.1 through t0.9, which can be changed in 0.1 steps. 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.
Wireless Freedom
Having pioneered wireless exposure measurement, Sekonic has expanded upon this groundbreaking innovation by creating hot-swappable radio control modules for the L-858D-U Speedmaster. With the PocketWizard module, photographers can easily trigger any PocketWizard wirelessly and control the power of their lights with any Control TL compatible unit. With the combined Elinchrom & Phottix module, Phottix users have Strato II and Ares II triggering capabilities, while Elinchrom users have access to wireless triggering and Skyport’s full range of power-control capabilities.
“The Sekonic L-858D-U Speedmaster has all the touchscreen features I love about my L-478D, with the added benefit of replacing my old spot meter. Now I only have to carry one meter, and have gained a lot of speed and convenience while on set.”
Timur Civan, Director of Photography
A Low Light Monster
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 candle-lit scenes or getting the right measurement for long-exposure night photography is now a possibility.
Master High Speed Sync
Like its name implies, the Sekonic L-858D-U Speedmaster is optimized for photographers looking to exceed the maximum sync speed of their camera. For the first time, a light meter can measure the stroboscopic pulses fired from strobes when they are used for High 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.
Multifaceted
The L-858D-U Speedmaster is an invaluable tool for image-makers of every kind. A HD Cine Mode for DSLRs and CINE Mode for Motion Picture Cameras gives filmmakers the ability to set the meter to collect the information relevant to the camera being utilized. Users can set frame rates from 1 to 1000 fps and choose to adjust either their shutter speed or change their shutter angle to acquire an accurate reading. Custom frame rates and shutter angles can also be set for an unprecedented amount of versatility. Now, a content creator can accurately measure their light regardless of the camera, or combination of cameras, they are using.
Pricing and Availability:
The Sekonic L-858D-U Speedmaster is now available for purchase at photographic retailers across the United States.
Sekonic L-858D-U Speedmaster (Cat# 401-858) – $ 599
RT-EL/PX Elinchrom & Phottix Transmitter Module (Cat# 401-626) – $ 159.95
RT-20PW PocketWizard Transmitter Module (Cat# 401-627) – $ 159.95
Additional Features:
Full Information Spot Viewfinder
The 1-degree spot meter has a broad reading range from EV 1 to EV 24.4 for ambient light and measures flash down to an amazing f/2.0
Expanded Shutter Speed Range for Ambient Light
Measure ambient light for shutter speeds between 30 min. to 1/64,000s
Expanded Shutter Speed Range for Strobe
Measure strobes for shutter speeds between 30 min. to 1/16,000s
Extended ISO Range
Additional ISO range from ISO 3 to ISO 13,107,200, with ISO 850 for cinema cameras
Filter Compensation Mode
Photographers and filmmakers using high-density ND filters now have a filter factor of up to 12EV. Save up to 30 “favorites,” to instantly know what exposure compensation needs to be considered.
2.7” Color dot-matrix touch screen
Allows users to quickly and easily change settings and read important information
Connectivity with MAC/PC DTS Software
Upgrade firmware, apply custom settings, and utilize exposure profiling
All-Weather Design
Dust-proof and Splash proof (JIS Standard Water Resistance Class 4, Splash-Proof Type) for continued reliability and durability on-set, in any location.
For a full list of specs and features please visit sekonic.com
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
