Lightmeter suggestions needed

[caseydoll]

Hopefully this question hasn't been asked a bunch of times before but I searched for it and didn't come up with anything. I have seen a lot of different lightmeters for sale. Some are only $25 or so and some are $50 and up. I have no clue what the difference is other than the more expensive kinds seem to be digital? Does that make a difference? Can anyone recommend a specific one or site I should be checking out? Of course I would rather it be less expensive but I want something that actually works. I would love any help or suggestions anyone could give me. Thanks!!!

[Ray]

Before investing in a light meter, do you have a SLR camera, by any chance? If so, you can use it's meter:
Light Intensity Measurement

An editorial comment: I have been growing orchids for over 35 years, and other than experimenting a time or two with the camera, I have never used a light meter (which is pretty amazing if you consider that I'm an engineer). I tend to be conservative when I move or acquire a plant, starting shady and moving brighter as the plant will allow if it's totally new, adjusting as it "tells' me. If I already am successful with that type of plant, and I know this one isn't somehow unique in that regard, I just plop it next to it's "brothers and sisters".

[gmdiaz]

You really only need a light meter until you get a feel for it. Use your SLR camera if you have one. The built in light meter will be more accurate than one of the $25 light meters but those are OK too.

I am using a good light meter that is used for photography. It's a hand held unit that is seperate from my camera. I was using it to measure light differences in a small terrarium space. It was really helpful! Once you know you are generally in the right light range. . .you can relax a bit that you are on the right track and go by how your plants are responding to the conditions, leaf color, new growth, bloom etc.

[boxerfan]

I use a Hydrofarm light meter which I bought through Amazon. I believe it cost about 30.00 and measures up to 5000 fc. Lisa