Sky Quality Meter comparison

Model
Interface Handheld model [SQM]
Handheld / Display
Handheld model [SQM-L]
Handheld / Display
Ethernet model [SQM-LE]
Ethernet
USB model [SQM-LU]
USB
USB datalogging model [SQM-LU-DL]
USB
RS232 model [SQM-LR]
RS232
FOV

Wide

Narrow

Narrow

Narrow

Narrow

Narrow
Reach

Handheld

Handheld

Global

5m (15')

Autonomous

100m (300')
Readings
Single reading

Single reading

Single / Continuous

Single /Continuous

Single /Continuous

Single /Continuous



Field of view (FOV):

It is desirable to have a narrow field of view when determining the sky brightness in crowded areas where street lamps, buildings, trees, etc. are present. A more accurate view of a small area of the sky can be found with a narrow FOV. Here is the FOV comparison chart from experimental readings. Here is a visual FOV comparison chart.

The wide FOV meter is best suited in wide open areas where there is a clear view of the night sky.

In some wildlife studies where a creature is affected by the whole sky, the wide angle model may be more suited for single readings. Multiple readings using the narrow FOV unit can be combined for the same effect.