LT40

Hard to beat this for compact, and its averaging function is helpful. Would be nice to save many averages so you can mark up a floor plan by just numbers, but you can always just mark up the readings.

The Extech LT40 LED Light Meter is easy to use and appears to provide reasonable measurements. I say reasonable as i have no good method to determine the true accuracy of the meter, and the readings i get appear within a window of what i would expect for common light sources. I typically use it for readings of 10 foot-candles and below, usually in the 0.3 to 3.0 range, and with LED lighting, induction lighting, and metal halide lights.I performed a couple of measurements in an office environment and compared the readings to a lighting print of the area, and my readings were in the general area of what one would expect for the office area, and compared favorably with architectural lighting prints.The only drawback so far for me is the display is not backlit, so using it in the darker environment I am typically in can present a challenge at times, however, worst case I use the Hold feature and then read the display. Also, since the detector is fixed to the meter and not even rotatable, at times taking readings requires using the Hold feature if the meter needs to be facing away from me.For the money and the ease of use, I would buy this again.

Great meter. Seems super accurate, and quality. The cap that covers the light sensor always reads 0 and calibrates every time you turn it on. I use it for testing light intensity from my grow lights in a grow tent. I found it would have been much easier to read the lcd screen if the sensor was separated from the main module/screen. My grow plants are very close to the grow light so I end up barely being able to view the screen and the light is blinding that close so it’s hard to even read the screen if I can view it. A separated sensor just gives you more options for reading, but I understand it would be less portable.

Easy to use, and appears accurate at normal light levels; once under 0.5 foot candles, however, does not appear to be accurate (what should have read as 0.1 to 0.2 foot candles was reading as a 0)

Received an unpleasant email from a grouchy neighbor complaining about our outdoor Christmas lights. He suggested that we might be in violation of the local light ordinance and droned on about how our lighting was ruining his ability to stargaze and night - in Seattle, in the middle of a gloomy, socked in winter. Uh-huh. Before telling the geezer to stuff it, wanted to make sure we were not in violation of said lighting ordnance, so I ordered this meter to have a look for myself. Easy to use right out of the box (batteries included), and I was pleased to learn that we were in full compliance with local ordinance. Worth every penny.

If you're a security consultant or have a limited need for a light meter without using one professionally everyday this is a great buy and works well for the price.

Really like this compact size versus my previous Extech LT300. The old meter died after 5 years and needed a replacement. This is the "LED compatible" version so I can get accurate readings no matter what type of lighting I'm measuring. The sensor is built into the unit instead of attached to a cord. I like that better because no cord to get tangled and I don't need 2 hands to do my readings (since I normally have something else in the other hand). Easy to use, easy to read - hope it lasts at least 5 years!

I purchased this light meter since it's the exact model the AHJ uses. The model I bought is slightly different than the inspectors and electricians already have, and the change was unnecessary and irritating. They added a push button to allow the battery cover to slide off, which is located in the middle of the back of the meter body, so the light meter doesn't sit flat on the ground anymore. Other than that, it's a good meter at a good price.