# Photographer's Ephemeris 3D — user reviews > 50 indexed App Store user reviews of Photographer's Ephemeris 3D by Crookneck Consulting LLC, rated 4.20/5 from 245 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photographers-ephemeris-3d/id1152829925/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photographers-ephemeris-3d/id1152829925.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 166 · 4★ 30 · 3★ 12 · 2★ 13 · 1★ 24 ## What do users think of Photographer's Ephemeris 3D? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 💡 Invaluable for field planning - 💡 Helps visualize star alignment - 💡 Useful for planning night photography - 💡 Great for scouting locations - 💡 Simulates shadows accurately - 💡 Worth the price for some - 💡 Incredible for light simulation - 💡 Precise lens planning - 💡 Accurate visualization - 💡 Exceptional tool for planning - 💡 Good addition to TPE family **Cons** - 🐛 Glitchy navigation - 🐛 No satellite imagery - 🐛 Difficult to navigate - 🐛 Unclear current location - 🐛 Moonlight too dark - 🐛 Looks abandoned - 🐛 Low resolution map - 🐛 No shadows shown - 🐛 Unsuitable for cities - 🐛 Poor usability - 🐛 Blurry map on zoom - 🐛 Inaccurate map details - 🐛 Difficult to understand - 🐛 Original version easier - 🐛 Place names incorrect - 🐛 Nothing makes sense - 🐛 Doesn't work - 🐛 Mushy light simulation - 🐛 Doesn't work as advertised - 🐛 Unusable in cities - 🐛 Poor map detail - 🐛 Fiddly and difficult - 🐛 No satellite view - 🐛 Pin size scaling issues - 🐛 Search buttons broken - 🐛 Hard to use - 🐛 Missing features - 🐛 Search function broken on iPad - 🐛 Locations difficult to find - 🐛 Map material unusable - 🐛 Buggy and slow - 🐛 Tilt slider issues - 🐛 Elevation slider issues - 🐛 Map loses focus on zoom - 🐛 Not easy to use - 🐛 Confusing UI - 🐛 Unresponsive interface **Commonly reported bugs** - Crashing issues - Glitchy navigation since update - Server for map stands offline - App does not work anymore - Annoying bug reported - Unusable for iOS17.5.1 - Issues when connecting to TPE - App crashes or spins after handoff - Locating icon spins indefinitely - Search buttons bring up grey screen - Search pane rendered off-screen in portrait - Map detail too poor for precision planning - Pinching to zoom stops recognizing pinch - Map starts moving around when zooming out - App doesn't recognize specific locations - TPE 3D crashes or spins - 3D map loads then nothing, says locating **Most requested features** - Add satellite imagery - Improve navigation and scrolling - Clarify current location marker - Brighter moonlight representation - Open source the app - Add VR connection to camera - Improve map detail and labeling - Better interface and controls - Add spinner or cancel sync - Make address search sufficient - Improve user-friendliness - Allow changing map material - Improve tilt slider functionality - Improve elevation slider functionality - Add PC app version - Integrate with TPE/Photographer's Transit - Add instruction video for saving pins ## Newest reviews (16 of 50) ### 4/5 — Amazing app but currently crashing *2025-10-03* Hoping issues can be fixed as invaluable in the field. Pleased not to have an active subscription for skyfire currently **Developer response:** Hi - slightly confused by this: Skyfire is not included in TPE 3D. Are you talking about issues with another app? ### 2/5 — Glitchy since latest update *2025-09-20* Sept 2025 Update: Since the latest update, I’ve found navigation to be even more glitchy than before. Scrolling around the map in a given area, with a single finger, causes unexpected movements. This makes it difficult to use, teach, or recommend to students and colleagues. ————————- I’ve used this app for planning and teaching night photography since it came out. It helps visualize the scene in terms of alignment of stars and large landscape features, but there are major drawbacks which make this app frustrating to use: 1. No satellite imagery. Regardless of the ‘complexity settings,’ there is no access satellite imagery. This is not only a disappointment, but unrealistic for a navigational/planning app. You can access satellite imagery with TPE, but not TPE-3D. This is a dealbreaker. 2. Navigating is impossible. The app is limited to a ‘zoom-out level’ that does not allow you to scroll to areas far apart. For example, in the original TPE, you can zoom out as far as you want to scroll to different states if need be for quick and easy browsing. This app won’t allow that. The only saving grace, which is by no means a real solution, is to go back to the regular TPE, pin the location, then export to TPE-3D. 3. Your ‘current location’ is not clear. Select ‘my location’ and the app flys to a general vicinity, but there is nothing to represent where you are located. When you pair this with the illegible background map, it’s impossible to know where you are located. 4. Moonlight across the landscape is too dark to notice a difference. Sunrise or sunset light within the app is legible, but I would like to see moonlight represented much brighter. If you’re planning a shot with moonlight and you look at this app outside during the day, it’s impossible to see the change in moonlight across the landscape. With these current design issues, most of my clients try the app once, then never open it again. This app has a lot of potential, but I still prefer using Google Earth’s landscape desktop feature. **Developer response:** I suspect you're encountering the new minimum height above ground level setting coming into play. This is intended to avoid inadvertently flying so close to the terrain that the map tiles become difficult to read. If you want the previous behavior, go to settings and reduce "Minimum flying height" to its lowest setting. If you believe there are actual glitches in the movement when using a single finger gesture, please write to support@photoephemeris.com with details so I can investigate and try to address them. I've had no other reports of glitches as you describe. ### 3/5 — Looks Abandoned *2024-09-02* This is a good and useful app, but unfortunately it look’s abandoned: It was last updated years ago. When I reported an annoying bug that should be easy to fix, I first got the usual denial, but was then accepted, but I was told they had other more pressing problems. Shame, as I said: a useful app for specialist landscape photography (where exactly will the moon rise over these mountains.), but I fear it will soon be incompatible with new iOS versions. The developer should open source it for glory. ### 2/5 — Stadt architektur nicht betrachtet *2023-07-30* Nutzlos in Städten . Benutzerfreundlichkeit ist dürftig . Schade da TPE eigentlich recht gut ist. Ohne das Städtenproblem wäre auch nicht mehr als 3 Sterne. **Developer response:** Wie in der App-Beschreibung erwähnt, richtet sich diese App ausdrücklich an Landschaftsfotografen, die in bergigem Gelände arbeiten. ### 2/5 — Miserable Karte *2023-06-23* Ich komme mit der Anwendung nicht zurecht. Wenn man in die Karte hineinzoomt, wird sie so unscharf, dass man nichts mehr erkennen kann und man deshalb Nadeln nur sehr ungenau setzen kann. Die Beschriftung ist auch so rudimentär, dass man oft gar nicht weiß, ob man richtig ist (zum Beispiel fehlen Ruinen oder Aussichtspunkte). Innerhalb der Nadeln, also in der 3D-Ansicht, führen Unschärfe und mangelnde Beschriftung dazu, dass man sich eigentlich nur an den Himmelsrichtungen orientieren kann. Fazit: tolle Idee, aber in der Umsetzung wenig brauchbar. Aber vielleicht checke ich die App auch einfach nicht. ### 4/5 — Issues when connecting to TPE *2022-05-14* When TPE hands off a location and time to TPE 3D, 3D either opens then crashes, or opens but keeps spinning, never completing the location determination. You have to force quit 3D, relaunch it, then do the handoff from TPE again. Then it works. ### 2/5 — Difficult to understand *2022-03-04* Poor instructions ### 3/5 — Best planning app if imperfect *2022-01-22* Would give it 5 stars if I didn’t need a workaround to access it from the TPE app. That being said it is one of the things that put TPE above the alternatives to me. ### 2/5 — “ locating”……… *2021-09-17* This app used to be 5 stars. Now I can’t get it to work. So frustrating. The 3D map loads and then nothing just says locating with the spinning icon and NEVER LOADS. I have a brand new iPad Pro with latest updates and still won’t work. Grrrrrrrrrrr **Developer response:** This issue only occurs when using "Open in TPE 3D" from within TPE, and only if TPE 3D is not running in the background already. The workaround is to ensure you have TPE 3D running before using "Open in TPE 3D". ### 2/5 — Not as useful as I had hoped. *2020-10-14* I was hoping this app would help me predict light and shadows on a given day and at a given time. To some extent, it does. But not the level of details that I need. A bit disappointed. ### 1/5 — Grafica pessima *2020-09-03, version 1.4* 13 euro di applicazione che ha una visuale pessima , appena ingrandisci si vede tutto sfocato . Credo che non acquisterò mai più questa applicazione. Ne parlano tutti bene del sito , ma l’applicazione 3d è pessima ### 4/5 — Photoephemeris 3D *2020-05-12* Very useful app . I have discovered that the best time of year to visit one of my favourite locations is late December. Worth the price for this alone. Pity it’s not available as a PC app, rather fiddly to use On a small iPhone screen. It would be useful if you could set a certain sun position say 3 degrees above the horizon and then be able to scroll through the whole year to determine the best time of year to visit a particular location ### 1/5 — Needs better maps. *2020-04-06* On an iPad Pro 9.7, the map detail, even in enhanced mode, is too poor to use for any precision location planning. ### 4/5 — Excellent app, with only one real flaw. *2019-11-20* The app works great for visualization of how the light will fall. Honestly it’s only competitor is Google Earth Pro (desktop only) and this does a better job than that. The controls take a bit getting used to, and I still slide around sometimes, but it’s workable. The *only* reason this doesn’t get 5 stars is the amount of juice this app uses- on my iPhone 7 Plus it absolutely cranks and destroys the battery life; I pretty much can only use it plugged in if I don’t want to lose obscene percentages of battery quickly. However, newer phones may handle this better, I’m not able to test that unfortunately. Even with this issue I still love this app. ### 1/5 — Too difficult to use *2019-10-26* Fiddly and very difficult to use, I can’t get on with it at all. There’s tutorials on YouTube but apps are supposed to be simple and easy to use. Until it has a better interface and controls not worth the money ### 1/5 — Not a satellite map view *2019-09-03* Disappointing that TPE 3D uses a topo rather than a satellite map. Side streets are not named and are only marginally shown. Scaling of pin size doesn’t seem to exist. As you zoom in the pin becomes enormous blocking part of view. Using on iPad Pro. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — 환불요청합니다 *2025-09-22* 3D가 아닌 TPE Ephemeris 를 구입하고 싶습니다. **Developer response:** 안녕하세요. 잘못된 앱을 구매하셨다면 Apple 지원팀에 문의하여 환불을 받으세요. 그런 다음 원하는 앱을 구매하실 수 있습니다. ### 1/5 — Kein Support mehr *2025-06-05* Seit Jahren keine weiterentwickelte Version und die Server für die Kartenständer sind offline :( **Developer response:** Bitte sehen Sie sich die Versionshinweise zu Version 1.5 an, um technische Details zu erfahren, warum wir die App über einen längeren Zeitraum nicht aktualisieren konnten. Die Server waren jedoch nie offline. ### 1/5 — This app does not work any more *2025-03-29* Hey I bought the app in 2025 and it shows a low resolution map with no shadows. I am disappointed as I was late to the party as it seems. So don’t waste your money because the app is not serviced any more ! ### 1/5 — Scheint auf dem Grafikstand von 2018 zu sein *2024-08-27* Für iOS17.5.1 jedenfalls ungeeignet und nicht mehr bedienbar ### 1/5 — Unter iOS 16 tot! *2023-01-29* Unter iOS 16 tot! Seit 3 Jahren kein Update mehr! Nicht kaufen! ### 1/5 — TPE *2022-01-22* Used this program a lot of years ago so decided to get the new edition. Absolute rubish and have deleted from my computer. The original version was much easier to use. This so called 3d version is rubbish I will be applying for a refund ### 1/5 — Am I thick? *2021-11-03* Can’t figure this out. Place names are all wrong. Nothing makes sense. Doesn’t work. Cost me pension money! ### 1/5 — Mushy light, doesn’t work as advertised *2021-06-01* My results look nothing like the images in the App Store. Moving from sunrise to noon in the location I selected, an oceanfront bluff, you get a slight sense of shadow on the sand and then the light overall just comes up. In real light, there is absolute shadow on the sand until the sun gets up high enough to light it. Can I get a refund? Thank you **Developer response:** It sounds like you're trying to use the app in an area that doesn't have enough elevation difference to show up. The available elevation data is of limited resolution, so it works best in mountainous areas, as mentioned in the app description. If you were to use the app in a mountainous area, your results would be exactly as shown in the images in the App Store. ### 1/5 — Für mich völlig unbrauchbar *2021-05-29* Vielleicht hatte ich ja nur falsche Erwartungen. Ich wollte die App für Locations in einer Stadt verwenden, aber die Auflösung ist so bescheiden, dass nicht daran zu denken ist. Sie funktioniert sicher mit dem Fuji, wie in einem Video zu sehen ist, aber den fotografiere ich zu selten. Ich habe die App wieder gelöscht. 12 € für die Tonne. Ein Stern, statt keinem Stern, weil die Idee für die App eigentlich gut ist. ### 1/5 — Totally Unusable *2020-09-12* I must be missing something here. Can’t even zoom out enough so you can search a map easily. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Best *2024-06-11, version 1.4* Complex but exact need for professional. Good worth money . ### 5/5 — P-h-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-s-c-h! Super nützlich! *2020-01-09* Wir sind professionelle People-Fotografen und arbeiten 99,9% outdoor mit anspruchsvollen Kunden. Diese App ist extrem (!) nützlich, um einen Shoot zu planen. Leute, man kann sich sogar „an die gewünschte Stelle hin stellen und dem Sonnenuntergang/-Aufgang zuschauen“. Mit der Simulation der Schatten zu einem gegebenen Zeitpunkt kann man super Locations scouten, ohne sich von der Couch zu erheben. Das hilft, ortskundige Locationscouts im Vorhinein los zu schicken und überraschungsfrei zu arbeiten. Gäbe es so was nur mit einer perfekten Wettervorhersage und -Simulation 😜. **Developer response:** Vielen Dank! ### 5/5 — Working well on iPad Pro 11” - I use this like crazy *2019-06-12* Great app for framing landscape shots and planning for light. Was very helpful on my Iceland trip. I’m unaware of another app that does this. On my iPad Pro, the two search buttons at bottom right bring up a grey screen that I can’t exit out of. I have to force close the app. This makes it so I can’t jump from Iceland back to the sites in the US that I’m shooting. The app is basically broken for me right now. NEW UPDATE: Its not network io. It’s screen orientation. When in portrait mode, the search pane is rendered off the screen. To see it, switch to landscape mode. UPDATE: I waited about five minutes and the saved places screen finally came up. What I may be seeing is the app waiting for data that never comes. When I tap those buttons now, the saved places screen comes up fast now. Suggest adding a spinner or a way to cancel the sync. UPDATE: I was able to verify the developer’s response. Things look good now. Been using the app a lot lately, (helped out a bunch on a trip last weekend to plan a Milky Way shoot). I’m very happy with the app. Thank you for the bug fixes! **Developer response:** Hi - the search issue that affected the 11” pro model was fixed in the 1.3.5 update. Sorry for the inconvenience. ### 5/5 — It’s a yes *2019-04-05* Like being there **Developer response:** Thank you! ### 5/5 — Incredible *2018-07-06* Ok, a caveat. I have just got this app and am yet to try it in the field, but a first impression... this app is hands down one of the most incredible pieces of tech that I have ever seen. I’m currently planning a 3 week photo project in the highlands of Scotland, and the app is giving so much guidance on what times I will need to be at locations that I want to shoot. The engine showing shadow passage throughout the day is mind blowing. A bit awkward to navigate, but I’m sure I’ll get used to this. ### 5/5 — Great paired with Ephemeris and Transit *2018-02-26* I just got back from the Smoky Mountains and used 3D to fully visualize and plan shots down to the lens used and where to set up. Very accurate and just plain fun to use and even did some "arm chair" travel and photo set ups in the hotel at night to pass the time - great app and I love the integration with Ephemeris for smooth work flow. Well done! **Developer response:** Thanks! Great to hear you were able to get the shots you'd planned :) ### 5/5 — Wahnsinnig genial! *2017-10-25* Ich bin absolut sprachlos. Das habe ich noch nie gesehen. Ich hätte nicht gedacht, dass es möglich wäre das Licht zu jedem Tag von meiner Umgebung mit Erhöhungen und Niederungen simuliert zu sehen. Aber diese App kann das. Absolut genial. Ich bin hin und weg. **Developer response:** Vielen Dank. Das machte unseren Tag! ### 5/5 — Great app *2017-09-21, version 1.1* An invaluable tool for landscape photography preparation, and worth every penny. ### 5/5 — Great addition to the family *2017-07-15* The 3D sibling is a welcome addition to the family. I have used TPE and it's sibling Photographer's Transit for years to plan photographic opportunities. Still some bugs to work out, but this is/will be a great tool. ### 5/5 — Exceptional *2017-06-29* An absolutely cracking app, which will be exceptionally useful in planning early/late shoots. There are a couple of little things that aren't immediately clear, like how to save pins that you've dropped on the map. If they add another instruction video for that, it'll no doubt save people a bit of frustration while they try and figure it out (top tip, try the little pin icon bottom left of the display). In an ideal world, it'd be nice if it switched between the regular TPE and TPT apps, or if they'd integrated the whole lot into one package. Buying them all is *very* pricey, and at £20 for the 3D app you'll have to be sure that you'll get the use out of it before it makes sense. **Developer response:** Thanks for the review! I added a new tutorial video as you suggested showing how to save pins and search results to the locations list, available here: https://vimeo.com/224242500 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-27.*