GLKTN Loc: TN

My local camera store has Sekonic L-478 light meters on sale for $219. I called about the L-308 and said this was a better meter at about the same price. When I got home and googled the L-478, found it is being discontinued. I also don't like the led screen. I am new to all photography especially strobe. I just bought two used Paul Buff strobes. Ultra 800 and Ultra Zap 1200. Thus the need for a light meter. I just want basic and not spend a lot. Suggestions?

CO

I have the Sekonic L-478DR. I have the version with the built-in PocketWizard module. The touch screen works great. I can make changes to the settings and PocketWizard channels quickly. I use it with two Paul C. Buff DigiBee DB800 strobes. I use PocketWizard Plus X triggers on the strobes. The ones that are discontinued are the original L-478D and L-478DR version. The new ones are the L-478D-U and L-478DR-U. The new versions are the same as the original - just some cosmetic changes. The version without a radio module is $339. The version with the built-in module is $399. They make it in versions for PocketWizard, Phottix, and Elinchron radio triggers. Don't even hesitate purchasing the L-478. They had an excellent idea with making it touch screen. Do you have radio triggers for your strobes yet? You might want to get PocketWizard Plus III, Plus IV, or Plus X (2-pack) radio triggers for your strobes and get the Sekonic L-478DR-U (PocketWizard version).

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1219220-REG/sekonic_401_477_litemaster_pro_l_478dr_u_light.html

DTran

You can buy a used one.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

I use this when needed... https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1219217-REG/sekonic_401_307_l_308s_u_flashmate_light_meter.html

Haydon

I'm using a Sekonic L-758 while a friend recently purchased a Sekonic L-478. I was glad to assist her with orientation and I found within a few minutes the 478 to be extremely easy to use. I'm more old school and was originally reluctant with touchscreen implementation. I rather enjoyed using hers for that short time and I was essentially getting identical incident readings from my overpriced dinosaur. I really don't see how the L-308 is a better light meter over the 478. Both of them essentially possess the same functionality. Neither of those two I believe camera profile nor do they have reflective spot metering.

I would keep in mind the ending of the model number with "U" defines a US model which should easily obtain warranty work if there is a problem. Some don't care about but when I bought my 758 I ensured it wasn't an import in case of an arising issue.

CO

The L-478 does have camera profiling capability. There's a spot metering attachment available for taking reflective readings with the L-478. I didn't purchase it because I mainly use the L-478 for studio work.

GLKTN Loc: TN

My wording is confusing. He said the L-478 was better than the L-308.

Haydon

CO has made it apparent with his correction to my post that the L-478 offers more than the L-308. Camera profiling is a bonus and so is the reflective spot metering if purchased.

GLKTN Loc: TN

Mine are the older White Lightening Ultra 800 and Ultra Zap 1200. They are great.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I would get the 478 over the 308, but I would strongly suggest you get the version with the built in trigger. $219 seems like a pretty good price, but the built in trigger is nive to have. Best of luck with your decision.

CO

I was on the Paul C. Buff website recently to order something. I noticed they have a photo of Paul C. Buff and the history of his company. There's an Ultra 1800 in the photo. Is it that same just a different power rating?

(Download)

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I own 4 of those flash units! VERY reliable. Have had them forever. Use my Sekonic meter(s0 with them and the Pocket Wizzard triggers. Best of luck.