Best Photographic Light Meter Grey Cards of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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Photographic light meter grey cards are essential tools for photographers who want to achieve accurate and consistent lighting in their photos. These cards are made of neutral grey material that reflects an equal amount of light in all directions, allowing photographers to easily determine the correct exposure settings for their camera. By taking a reading off the grey card, photographers can accurately measure the light in a scene and adjust their camera settings accordingly. These cards come in a variety of sizes, making them suitable for use in a wide range of photography situations, from studio portraits to outdoor landscapes.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Neewer® 18% Gray Card Set for Photography Cover #TOP 1
Neewer® 18% Gray Card Set for Photography
ftb score rating icon 9.8
JJC PVC White Balance Card Set Cover #TOP 2
JJC PVC White Balance Card Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Lightdow White Balance Grey Card Cover #TOP 3
Lightdow White Balance Grey Card
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Photographic Light Meter Grey Cards

#TOP 1

Neewer® 18% Gray Card Set for Photography

10060911
Neewer® 18% Gray Card Set for Photography Cover
Neewer® Large Size 2 Card Set 8" x 10" -White Balance / Exposure Card 18% Gray Card Set for Digital and Film Photography

The Neewer® Gray Card Set includes a gray card and a white card, which can adjust color balance and measure camera exposure value in digital and film photography. The gray card can balance all mixed lights to be 18% neutral gray and measure the exposure value through a photometer or a digital camera. It works with any film and digital camera for JPEG and RAW files.

What We Like
Helps adjust color balance and measure camera exposure value
Works with any film and digital camera, for JPEG and RAW files
The gray card can balance all mixed lights to be 18% neutral gray
#TOP 2

JJC PVC White Balance Card Set

JJC
Topfoto GC-3
Black
4.0" x 5.2"
JJC PVC White Balance Card Set Cover
JJC 4" x 5.2" PVC White Balance Card Set for Achieving Perfect Color Balance in Your Photos - Including an 18% Neutral Grey Card, a White Card and a Black Card

The JJC PVC White Balance Card Set comes with an 18% neutral grey card, a white card, and a black card, made of durable PVC material. The set is sized at 4" (Height) x 5.2" (Width) and can be used with any digital camera to achieve perfect color balance. The set includes a detachable lanyard to ensure that the cards are always close at hand for quick access.

What We Like
Made of durable PVC material
Convenient size of 4" x 5.2"
Includes an 18% neutral grey, white, and black card
#TOP 3

Lightdow White Balance Grey Card

LD-FB131
Black,grey
Lightdow White Balance Grey Card Cover
Lightdow 12 x 12 Inch (30 x 30 cm) White Balance 18% Gray Reference Reflector Grey Card with Carry Bag [Folded Version]

The Lightdow 12 x 12 Inch (30 x 30 cm) White Balance 18% Gray Reference Reflector Grey Card simplifies the complex technical issues surrounding exposure and color correction when working in different lighting conditions. It provides a major benefit when working under pressure at events such as weddings or fashion shows. The grey side has a reflectance of 17.8% and density of 0.74, with a maximum deviation of reflectance of 2% and a maximum error in exposure measurements of 1/8 of F-stop. This handy double-sided pop-up card comes with a carry bag for easy transportation.

What We Like
Double-sided card simplifies exposure and color correction in different lighting conditions
Beneficial for events such as weddings and fashion shows
Maximum error in exposure measurements of 1/8 of F-stop
#TOP 4

Pixiss 12x12 Foldable White Balance Card

Pix0287
Gray,Grey,White
Pixiss 12x12 Foldable White Balance Card Cover
12x12 Foldable White Balance 18% Gray Reference Reflector Grey Card with Carry Case for Photography & Camera Color Correction White Balance Card, 4In1 Color Correction Card Set by Pixiss

Pixiss White Balance Card is a versatile tool for photographers and videographers. Its pure white surface ensures accurate color rendition and optimal white balancing, resulting in true-to-life colors in your photos and videos. The gray reference reflector, with its 18% photographic gray card surface, helps you adjust your camera to the right exposure settings, ensuring well-balanced and properly exposed shots. The dual-sided 18% grey/white card simplifies complex technical issues related to exposure and color correction, making it easier for you to achieve accurate results in various lighting conditions. The Pixiss White Balance Card is also waterproof and durable, making it suitable for outdoor use. Additionally, the set includes a microfiber camera lens cloth for convenient cleaning. With Pixiss White Balance Card, you can achieve professional-quality results and enhance your photography and videography experience.

What We Like
Accurate color rendition
Optimal white balancing
Helps adjust camera exposure settings
#TOP 5

Anwenk 18% Grey Card

Whitebalancecard-5x4
Anwenk 18% Grey Card Cover
Anwenk Grey Card White Balance Card 18% Exposure Photography Card 5X4 Custom Calibration Camera Checker Video, DSLR and Film

The Anwenk Grey Balance Card is an essential tool for photographers looking to achieve precise color accuracy in their images. Its neutral 18% grey surface is designed to help you set the perfect white balance, ensuring your photos reflect true colors. The card features a matte finish, making it scratch-resistant and non-reflective, which is ideal for various lighting conditions. Lightweight and compact, it is easy to carry around, and it comes with a premium lanyard for added convenience. This card is compatible with all digital cameras, making it a versatile accessory for DSLR, video, and film photography.

What We Like
Neutral color accuracy
Scratch-resistant matte finish
Lightweight and portable
Compatible with all cameras
#TOP 6

Andoer 24x24 Inch Grey/White Balance Card

CNO1582720096790IE
grey
24x24 inch
Andoer 24x24 Inch Grey/White Balance Card Cover
Andoer 24x24 inch Foldable Grey/White Balance Card 18% Grey Reference Reflector Grey Card with Carrying Bag

The Andoer Balance Card is an essential tool for photographers looking to achieve accurate exposure and color correction. Its dual-sided design features an 18% grey side for determining exposure and a white side for setting white balance. This means you can easily adapt to different lighting conditions, ensuring your photos come out just right every time. Compatible with both light meters and digital cameras, this card simplifies the technical aspects of photography. Plus, it comes with a convenient zippered bag, making it easy to carry and store.

What We Like
Dual-sided for exposure and balance
Easy to use with cameras
Compact carrying bag included
Helps achieve accurate colors
#TOP 7

Macolink 18% Gray Card

4331906478
Macolink 18% Gray Card Cover
Macolink White Balance Grey Cards 18% Gray Cards Custom Color Calibration DSLR/SLR/Evil Camera Checker for Digital Photography Video (3.35" X 2.2")

The Macolink Gray Card is an essential tool for achieving accurate white balance in your photography. With this 18% gray card, you can easily set the right white balance in just seconds, ensuring perfect exposure for your shots. Its durable and waterproof material features a matte finish that minimizes reflections, making it ideal for both DSLR photography and video recording. This versatile tool works seamlessly with any SLR or DSLR camera, whether you’re shooting JPEG or RAW files. Additionally, the product comes with a premium separable lanyard for added convenience when on the go.

What We Like
Quick white balance adjustment
Durable, waterproof design
Minimized reflections
Compatible with SLR/DSLR
Portable with lanyard
#TOP 8

Anwenk Grey Card for Perfect Color Balance

GreyCard-S
3 1/3*2 1/8
Small
Anwenk Grey Card for Perfect Color Balance Cover
Anwenk Grey Card White Balance Card 18% Exposure Photography Card Custom Calibration Camera Checker Video, DSLR and Film

Anwenk Grey Card is a waterproof, scratch-resistant, and non-reflective neutral 18% grey/gray card that helps you set an exact color balance for DSLR, video, film, and photography. It is compact, lightweight, and small enough to keep in your pocket or on a keychain. The package includes three color-calibrated reference cards and a premium lanyard with a detachable clip.

What We Like
Easy and perfect color balance
Compact, sturdy, and lightweight
Convenient to carry
#TOP 9

Sedremm Gray/White Balance Card for Photography

GC-30
30x30cm
Sedremm Gray/White Balance Card for Photography Cover
Sedremm Gray/White Balance Card,12x12 Inch (30x30cm) Portable Focus Board Two Sides Double Face 18% Grey/White Balance Reference Card with Carry Pouch for Canon Nikon Sony

The Sedremm Gray/White Balance Card is a 12x12 inch portable focus board that provides a standard reference object for exposure determination in photography. The double-sided card simplifies the complex technical issues surrounding exposure and color correction when working in different lighting conditions. The grey side works for exposure correction while the white side is for white balance setting. It comes with a carry bag and a one year warranty along with lifetime after-service.

What We Like
Portable and easy to use
Double-sided for exposure and color correction
Comes with carry bag for storage and transport
#TOP 10

RENIAN Grey White Balance Card Set

Grey Card -18
White,Black
RENIAN Grey White Balance Card Set Cover
Small Grey White Balance Card 18% and Grey Reference Reflector Board with Carrying Bag Photography Card Custom Calibration Camera Checker Video, DSLR and Film

The RENIAN Grey Card Kit is designed to help you achieve perfect color balance and exposure in your photography. The mini three-color reference cards feature a non-reflective and waterproof surface, making them durable for travel and outdoor shoots. The double-sided grey and white board is made from a wipe-clean fabric, ensuring it stays in top condition. With the 18% grey card, you can easily set your camera for accurate exposure, while the pure white surface allows for precise color rendition and white balance adjustments. This kit is a must-have for both digital and film photographers.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Durable, waterproof materials
Accurate exposure settings
Easy color balance adjustments
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the significance of an 18% gray card to how your camera's light meter functions?

An 18% gray card is significant because it reflects a specific amount of light that cameras and light meters interpret consistently. This allows users to manually set up exposure in RAW workflows with DSLR cameras or video cameras. By using the 18% gray card, photographers can ensure accurate exposure and consistent results.

2. How do you use a light meter with a grey card?

To use a light meter with a gray card, simply point the meter at the center of the card and use the reading directly. It is recommended to match the meter reading for the gray card with the shooting stop, typically determined by an incident meter. This ensures accurate exposure, especially when the gray card is in the key light.

3. What is the reason to meter off of a gray card for a particular scene?

Metering off a gray card is useful when you want to meter exposure independently from the colors of the subjects. This is especially important in scenes where light or dark colors dominate or when a single color dominates the scene. Using a gray card allows for accurate exposure measurements in such scenarios.

4. What are the two uses of a gray card?

Gray cards serve two main functions: setting exposure and setting white balance. They provide a reference point for photographers to adjust their exposure and white balance settings consistently, ensuring accurate and balanced photographs.

5. Should I use a white or grey card for white balance?

A gray card is recommended for setting white balance. It helps photographers adjust their exposure and white balance settings consistently by providing a reference point. The gray card sets a white balance or color balance point for a specific image set and all subsequent images captured.

6. What is a grey card used for?

A gray card is a tool used by photographers to adjust exposure and white balance settings. It provides a reference point, typically 18% gray, for setting a white balance or color balance point for a specific image set. This allows for consistent and accurate exposure and color in photographs.

7. Is a grey card necessary?

While not necessary all the time, a gray card can be useful in certain situations. It helps to achieve accurate exposure and color in photographs, particularly when the camera's metering system may struggle. A gray card can be used to correct both white balance and exposure on the spot, ensuring consistent and balanced results.

Editor's Notes

During our photographic light meter grey card research, we found 16 photographic light meter grey card products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 34,347 customer reviews through our big data system to write the photographic light meter grey cards list. We found that most customers choose photographic light meter grey cards with an average price of $11.28.

The photographic light meter grey cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of photographic light meter grey cards, including Neewer, JJC, lightdow, Pixiss, Anwenk. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 196 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.