Comparison

LensKit vs LightCalc.io

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

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. All specs and data sourced by hand: no AI means no hallucinations. 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

LightCalc.io

Features
Read full description

LightCalc is the on-set lighting tool built for cinematographers, gaffers and lighting professionals. Stop doing mental maths under pressure - get the right exposure, the right fixture, and the right setup in seconds. Exposure Calculator Input your camera settings - T-stop, ISO, shutter angle, frame rate, ND filters - and instantly see the illuminance your scene needs. Switch between lux and foot-candles with one tap. Ambient Light Meter Use your iPhone camera as a live lux meter. Point at any surface to get a real-time ambient reading and feed it directly into your calculations - no separate hardware needed. Fixture Comparison Compare up to four lighting fixtures side by side at any distance. Adjust count and dimming per fixture and see relative output at a glance. Power & Distance Solver Know exactly what dimming level or distance you need to hit your target exposure. Works with your chosen fixture, modifier, diffusion and gel. Full Fixture Library Access a curated library of professional fixtures and modifiers. Plus users can add their own custom fixtures and diffusion materials - synced across web and mobile. Projects Save your setups and reload them on the next shoot. Your lighting data travels with you. Built for the Set Dark UI, fast inputs, haptic feedback - designed to be used in low-light environments with one hand while holding a light meter in the other. LightCalc requires an active LightCalc Plus subscription. Manage your subscription at lightcalc.io. Privacy Policy: https://lightcalc.io/privacy-policy | Terms of Use: https://lightcalc.io/terms-conditions

Screenshots

LensKit4 screens
LightCalc.io4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: LensKit at none against LightCalc.io's shown. LensKit also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). LightCalc.io's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, in-app purchases and device support 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 and LightCalc.io sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $34.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LensKit ships an update every 2 months, LightCalc.io fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
LensKit versus LightCalc.io: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLensKitLightCalc.io
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (56 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings56 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size165 MB57 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperZak RayMatthias Streicher-Feldhofer

In-app purchases

3 purchases

LensKit

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription$4.991 Month
  • Annual Subscription$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Access$99.99
1 purchases

LightCalc.io

Subscriptions1
  • LightCalc Plus14 Days trial$34.991 Year

Questions

Is LensKit free?
LensKit is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is LightCalc.io free?
LightCalc.io is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do LensKit or LightCalc.io have ads?
LightCalc.io shows ads; LensKit does not.
Which is updated more often, LensKit or LightCalc.io?
LensKit ships an update every 2 months, and LightCalc.io fortnightly. Most recently, LensKit was updated on November 7, 2026 and LightCalc.io on October 31, 2026.

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