Aiming to provide for the needs of both photographers and filmmakers, the Sekonic L-858D-U Light Meterfrom Sekonic L-858D-U Light Metercomes packed with a variety of upgraded features and capabilities that make it an almost essential tool for a working professional. It is able to take incident and reflected light readings of both flash and ambient light with an expanded measuring range of -5 to 22.9 EV at ISO 100, or within an illuminance range of 0.1 to 2,000,000 lux. Users will also find it intuitive and easy-to-use thanks to the use of a 2.7" color touchscreen LCD and an all-weather design.

The meter can use either a 270° rotating and collapsible lumisphere or an integrated 1° spot viewfinder to account for varying needs of the user. Also, it offers an extensive range of cinema and video settings as well as the unique ability to measure flash duration and to take readings when using high-speed sync flash. The L-858D-U is equipped with a variety of other functions as well, including memory recall, a Flash Analyzing Function, and extended ranges on nearly every setting. Additionally, through the use of optional modules, users can add radio triggering support for PocketWizard and Elinchrom/Phottix systems.

Incident Metering for Ambient & Flash    1° Spot Metering with Viewfinder    Measuring Range: -5 to 22.9 EV (ISO 100)    Illuminance Range: 0.1 to 2,000,000 lux    Extensive Range of Cine & Video Settings    HSS Flash & Flash Duration Measurements    Flash Analyzing Function; Extended Range    2.7" Touchscreen LCD; All-Weather Design    Optional Radio Control Modules

Lumisphere receptor head rotates 90° right and 180° left and retracts for conversion to a flat diffuser.

Integrated 1° spot viewfinder with full information display provides a precise method of measuring specific parts of a scene.

Ability to measure flash duration within a range of 1/40 to 1/55,500 second using t0.1 to t0.9 settings.

Improved sensitivity of the L-858D-U allows it to record a reading at just 0.1 lux illuminance as well as use expanded range of -5 to 22.9 EV for incident readings and -1 to 22.4 EV for reflected light. Also, it features an extended ISO range of ISO 3 to ISO 13,107,200 with an option available for ISO 850.

Optional radio modules are available for PocketWizard and Elinchrom/Phottix systems for advanced wireless triggering and remote flash control.

High-Speed Sync support allows photographers to accurately take readings while using HSS with their flashes and cameras.

Flash Analyzing Function measure ambient and flash simultaneously to provide a percentage of flash in the final exposure. Users can then adjust the mix as the display shows camera settings and the relationship between the flash and ambient light in your exposure.

Users can determine the dynamic range of their camera using optional targets by taking bracketed shots with their measurement data and they using the Sekonic Data Transfer Software to graph and then save the information to the meter.

Expanded shutter speed ranges now allow for readings between 1/64,000 second to 30 minutes with ambient light and 1/16,000 second to 30 minutes for flash.

A comprehensive set of cinema modes allows for settings of 1-1000 fps as well as shutter angles of 1-358°. Twenty user determined settings are also available that provide more precise options of 0.001-360° shutter angles and 0.001-99,999.999 fps.

2.7" color touchscreen LCD provides a fast and intuitive method for viewing and changing settings.

Micro-USB port can be used for firmware updates, applying custom settings, and to use exposure profiling.

The L-858D-U features an all-weather construction that is dust and splash proof (JIS Class 4).

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What is the different between sekonic 858d and 858d u ?

A: Like the L-758DR before it, the L-858d has a radio antenna incorporated into to the body design that operates with PocketWizard products that are designed for USA operation. Internet resellers have caused meters designed for World operation with different antenna specifications to be sold in the USA as well as some USA product to be sold to customers outside the USA. Both resulting in products that do now work properly for our customers. Also, the local distributor is responsible for any warranty repair. So, if a meter designed for Europe is sold in the USA, warranty repair is available in the European country it was designed for. Sekonic worked several years to make sure you get the meter that is designed for the technology in your area. The U classification designates a meter designed for the USA. The box it comes in is also exclusive in appearance. And the USA distributor offers a 2 year extension of the warranty for a total of 3 years which is longer than any other market. All operation is otherwise the same. BTW, really nice meter.

Q: 2. Does this work with PROFOTO B10 PLUS?

A: No, you can not trigger the Profoto B10 flash head from Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U Light Meter or control the flash exposure. Sekonic only makes this lightmeter with modules for Broncolor, Godox, Elinchrom, Phottix, and PocketWizard. YOu will need the Air remote for Profoto B-10.

Q: 3. Does any light meter take into account an APS-C sensor in its readings?

A: No, it does not. A sensor's crop factor has no effect or bearing on the exposure of the image.

Q: 4. Are there any filmmaking features from the 758Cine that aren't found in the 858?

A: Short answer: No. Longer answer: the L-858D has more features and user adaptability than any meter ever created. That is because it is a computer with meter functions and has a display screen that is built on the fly. I do love my 758 but the fixed LCD display simply cannot display all the elements that a color dot matrix screen can. For Cine, the 758 and 858 both have an expanded frame rate and shutter angles. However, the 858 lets you create your own frame rates and shutter angles useful when encountering some weird discontinuous lighting that would flicker with common frame rates. Or for a special slow or fast visual. The 858 has a whole filter biasing system in it. This started in the 758 Cine. Greatly expanded with the 858 and it lets you enter your own filter factors and name them. I have both the 758 and 858 ( work on the instruction manuals) and will keep and use them both. I like what the 758 does for exposure decisions for landscape photography. For almost everything else, the 858 is starting to be my favorite. The radio triggering feature for studio lights (spell that Elinchrom) is worth the price of admission. Hope that helps.

Q: 5. Why does the manual say "Do not use at altitudes above 2,000m (6,561 feet)"?

A: It is due to cooling at high temperatures.

Q: 6. Does this have a filtration compensation mode?

A: The meter does have a filter compensation mode for exposure only. Click on the link below and see page 127 of the manual for the details of this function. https://static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/474654.pdf

Q: 7. Is there a color meter option?

A: Yes, this Sekonic color meter is excellent: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1436631-REG/sekonic_401_800_c_800_spectomaster_meter.html

Q: 8. I own the 758. Any reason to buy the 858 if high-speed sync isn't a key feature for me?

A: The 758 is certainly a great meter. The 858 is MORE of a good thing. It measures in lower light. It has higher ISO input and lets you create your own ISO setting. It has a filter factor feature. Massively extended Cine/HD Cine display. 10 memory calibration. Flash duration measurement to get just the right amount of action stopping from studio flashes. A color display. HSS measurement (had to include that one). Radio triggering for PocketWizard, Elinchrom or Phottix Strato. faster operating touch screen control. And it does it all on 2 AA batteries.

Q: 9. Will the 858 D-U work with the Broncolor Siros 800 L in HS mode?

A: Unfortunately, the HSS functions in the L858-D-U are not compatible with the RFS 2.2 HS functions in the Siros 800L. Otherwise, the meter can still take a reading using the non-corded mode or connected with a sync cable.

Q: 10. Does the screen light up for night use ?? If so, for how long ?? Jim

A: Yes and can be set for 20-60 seconds.