How to choose a spectrophotometer or colorimeter
By Grant, Inspection Tool Specialists. Reviewed November 2026.
Three things decide which optical instrument you need: what you measure (colour match, haze, gloss or tint, or a full spectrum), whether the sample is a solid, liquid or film, and whether you need portable or benchtop use. Answer those first.
Which instrument?
| Need | Instrument | Typical in our range |
|---|---|---|
| Colour matching and difference | Portable colorimeter | CR8 colour difference meter; PCE-CSM 2 |
| Haze in plastics and liquids | Haze meter | YH40 portable haze meter; YH1100 haze meter |
| Window film tint | Window tint meter | AT-172; AT-175P |
| Full spectrum analysis, benchtop | Spectrophotometer | ST700D PLUS; YS6060 benchtop |
| Antifreeze and glycol concentration | Refractometer | PCE-SG antifreeze refractometer |
| UV and visible analysis in a laboratory | UV-Vis spectrophotometer | BK-UV1900PC UV-Vis spectrophotometer |
Standards and calibration
Colour and haze results depend on the illuminant, geometry and calibration standard, so check the standard you report against before you buy. Calibrate with the reference tile or standard supplied for the instrument, and keep the record.
Price guide
As a guide to our current range, including VAT: window tint and refractometers from about R4,200 to R12,200; colorimeters from about R8,200 to R41,400; haze meters from about R24,500 to R32,800; spectrophotometers from about R55,200 to R181,400. Prices change, so check the product pages and confirm the calibration standards each quote includes.
Questions we will ask you
Tell us what you measure, the sample type and size, the standard or specification you report against, whether you need portable or benchtop use, the observer and illuminant the standard requires, and whether readings must be recorded. With that we can recommend an instrument and provide pricing.