Comparison

LensKit vs starCTRL

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

LensKit

This app provides professional tools for filmmakers and cinematographers, offering extensive lens specifications, camera coverage simulations, and advanced depth of field calculations. It helps plan shoots, make on-set decisions, and ensure compatibility with various cameras and lenses, including Netflix-approved formats.

Highlights
  • Extensive lens database (2000+ lenses)
  • Camera sensor coverage simulation
  • Lens matching for various configurations
  • Depth of field calculator
  • Shot preview and framing simulation
  • Netflix 4K mandate compliance tool
Features
Read full description

Professional lens tools from the developer of CameraKit and FinderKit.  Whether you’re planning a shoot or making decisions on set, LensKit has you covered. Search over 2000 lenses from Angenieux, Arri, Cooke, Hawk, Leica, Zeiss and more. SPECS Includes max aperture, lens mounts, weight, length, close focus, front diameter and more* COVERAGE Overlay a lens’ image circle on your camera sensor to make sure it’s covered. Includes over 200 cameras from Arri, Canon, Red, Sony, Blackmagic, Panasonic and more* LENS MATCH Mix and match spherical, anamorphic, speed boosters and extenders, and even factor in post-production extractions— the lens match tool can handle it all. EQUIVALENT No need to worry about crop factors or sensor sizes, just choose a focal length and a camera and get the Super35 equivalent. Or pick the S35 equivalent length you want and see the lens you’ll need. NETFLIX APPROVAL A game changer for anyone who’s struggled with the complexity of which formats and resolutions meet the Netflix "4K mandate"— especially when shooting in anamorphic. Designed in collaboration with Netflix. DEPTH OF FIELD An easy to use yet comprehensive DOF tool that allows for customizing circle of confusion with presets and manual input. PREVIEW See a simulation of your shot based on lens, camera and distance. Or pinch, zoom and reposition to get the exact frame you want, and see what lens or distance you’ll need for it. AND MORE Filter lenses to see only what fits your specific camera and needs. Save your calculations and return to them later. Group together lenses you rent or own for quick access. • Support • For support, send me an email at zak@grayhourmedia.com or message me on Instagram @_zakray. To see all supported cameras and lenses, just install the app (it's free to download!) and open the main dropdown menu. No internet connection required: all data is hard-coded into the app, so there’s no syncing process, and you’ll be able to access it even without a cell signal. • Disclaimer • The "price" feature uses affiliate links from B&H Photo Video. I receive a commission if you make a purchase from one of these links. • About • LensKit is developed by Zak Ray and the team at Gray Hour Media in NYC & LA. Gray Hour produces fresh and original content for film, episodic and the web. Head to www.grayhourmedia.com to check out our work! *Every lens in this app has complete specs, with the exception of some Panavision lenses. We’ve chosen to include these incomplete lenses in the app because of Panavision's importance in the industry. Additionally, while the large majority of lenses have exact image circle data, some—especially some vintage lenses—list only generic format coverage (e.g. Super35, Full Frame, etc) EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

starCTRL

Design custom lighting setups with this app. Connect and control compatible fixtures, adjusting color, intensity, and effects. Save presets and group lights for complex designs.

Highlights
  • Auto-discovery of compatible fixtures
  • Control lamp color and intensity
  • Adjust color temperature and green offset
  • Access built-in lighting effects
  • Group lights for larger designs
  • Save favorite colors and effects
  • Set smooth transitions with fade times
Features
Read full description

Designed for Litepanels Astra IP and Quasar Science Rainbow 2 and Double Rainbow, starCTRL is a simple-to-use app that allows users to connect wirelessly, create custom lighting designs and quickly adjust standard parameters. Unlock fast and creative lighting designs with the starCTRL app. 1. Connect instantly The starCTRL app is compatible with the following fixtures: - Quasar Science Rainbow 2 and Double Rainbow 
 - Litepanels Astra IP series Supported fixtures are automatically discovered by starCTRL for fast easy setup. Simply set your lights to starCTRL mode in the fixture menu and open the starCTRL app — it’s that simple! 2. Control simply Take full control of your lights from your fingertips. Quasar Science control parameters: Intensity, CCT (1750-10000K), ±Green, Hue, Saturation, Output Mode, and FX Litepanels Astra IP control parameters: DIM and CCT (2700-6500K) Quickly adjust color and temperature using common presets. Access the full range of Rainbow series lighting effects, with the ability to fine-tune individual effect parameters. 3. Customize Group lights for more complex designs. Apply settings to an entire group or fine-tune individual fixtures. Save your own Colors and FX settings to Favorites for quick recall onto any selected fixture or group. Enable smooth transitions by setting a fade time of up to 5 seconds. Firmware Requirements Rainbow 2 & Double Rainbow 
 - Recommended*: QS 0.9B with TimoTwo v1.1.1.5 
 - Minimum compatible: QS 0.8B with TimoTwo v1.0.7.2 *iOS26 users must update to recommended versions or later Litepanels Astra IP 
 - Firmware v1.5.0 with VLPM v1.0.2m (or later)

Screenshots

LensKit4 screens
starCTRL3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: LensKit at 70% against starCTRL's 25%. LensKit also leads on rating (4.9 vs 2.9) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months). starCTRL's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. LensKit sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. starCTRL asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

LensKit holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LensKit has 54 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of LensKit's written reviews are positive against 25% of starCTRL's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LensKit ships an update every 2 months, starCTRL every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
LensKit versus starCTRL: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLensKitstarCTRL
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (54 ratings) — better2.9 (7 ratings)
Positive reviews70.0% of reviews — better25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings54 — better7
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 6 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemiumFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size161 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperZak RayVidendum Production Solutions, Inc.

Customer experience

LensKit

All ratings54 ratings
Positive96.3%
Neutral3.7%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive70.0%
Neutral10.0%
Negative20.0%

starCTRL

All ratings5 ratings
Positive20.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative80.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

LensKit

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription$4.991 Month
  • Annual Subscription$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Access$99.99
None

starCTRL

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is LensKit free?
LensKit is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is starCTRL free?
starCTRL is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, LensKit or starCTRL?
LensKit is rated higher. LensKit averages 4.9 out of 5 from 54 ratings, while starCTRL averages 2.9 from 7 ratings.
Do LensKit or starCTRL have ads?
Neither LensKit nor starCTRL shows ads.
Which is updated more often, LensKit or starCTRL?
LensKit ships an update every 2 months, and starCTRL every 6 months. Most recently, LensKit was updated on September 21, 2026 and starCTRL on June 1, 2026.

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