PolypLabs vs IceCap: Phone Camera Lens Review

[ActiveAngel]

So I just picked up 2 phone camera lenses, and I wanted to give yall a review.

Of course, this is just 1 set of photos,
at a distance of 2-4 inchesfrom the coral,
and with 1 constant setting on the lights.

I also acknowledge that PolypLab has multiple versions of their product.

So obviously, more photos are needed in order to be thorough. Nonetheless, I will keep this post updated, and intend to test more photos later.

In summary
Unboxing Impression: IceCap
It includes more.
20,000 K Lens: PolypLab
The color is slightly better.
15,000 K Lens: IceCap
Definitely IceCap provides better color, and PolypLab also has inconsistent shading due to manufacturing error.
Macro Lens: PolypLab
IceCap's Macro Lense blurs the edges within the focus area tested. It seems to be designed to require the Fish Eye Lens for regular use.


Here are the preliminary results. Judge for yourself, and feel free to check back later when I make updates.

 

[ActiveAngel]

More photos



And Macros

 

[ActiveAngel]

That's it for photos... You can make your own decisions.

Personally, I'll probably Mix and Match these to try and get the best photos.

 

[ActiveAngel]

With today’s lighting, I allowed about 5 seconds for my phone camera to adjust prior to each photo. This helped a lot with the color.

All Photos were taken with 20k K lens... but different magnifiers. The order presented will be first the PolypLab, then the IceCap magnifier. The IceCap is noticeable for having blurred edges and crisp center, and seems best when your subject is 1” from the camera... when the subject is about 3-4” from the camera, the entire photo is blurred with the IceCap (as you will notice in 1 photo). The PolypLab does not have this issue (or is less significant), but is also less crisp in center.

 

[ActiveAngel]

I think I’ve formed a preliminary recommendation.

If you’re a casual user, looking to take photos at close, medium, and distance ranges... and without putting your hands in the tank to move corals up against the glass for each macro shot (at 1-7” distance), then I recommend PolypLab.

If you’re looking for a camera to take slightly more stunning close-ups (and don’t mind getting your hands wet to take photos to move the coral to <1” from the glass), as well as good distance shots... However, sacrificing medium distance shots, then I’d recommend IceCap.

 

[hzheng33]

thank you for the great review!

 

[ActiveAngel]

Thank you! I didn’t think it would be this difficult/close. But there really are solid pro’s and con’s to each.

 

[Adam]

Thanks for doing this Andrew!
I have the polyplabs one but didn't use it before I shut down my system.

These were taken 3yrs ago with a lens set bought on Amazon, but no filters. I believe the phone was a Samsung S7 or S8.

 

[Rainblood]

This is really cool. I've got an Orphek lens kit if you want to expand your study.

 

[ActiveAngel]

This is really cool. I've got an Orphek lens kit if you want to expand your study.

Sure, that would be an interesting addition.

 

[Trizzino]

Ordered an icecap based on your tests... thanks Andrew...

 

[dball711]

Just for the record...what phone camera are you using to conduct the test?

 

[ActiveAngel]

@dball711 Great question! I should have included that.

These are taken with the iPhone 8.
And the lights on the tank are Radions and Orbit Marines.

 

[Trizzino]

I’ve got an iPhone 11 Pro. I’ll let you know how it works with the 3 lens setup.

 

[ActiveAngel]

I’ve got an iPhone 11 Pro. I’ll let you know how it works with the 3 lens setup.

So I thought about this, Because the clips aren’t conducive to 3 lens cameras. (See pic)

However, it is just plastic. One could cut a larger hole to accommodate the third lens.

 

[hzheng33]

Personally I prefer polylab.

poly lab on the left and ice cap on the right

 

[silentdeath5]

So I’m looking at the polyplab set on brs and the lens are different colors to the set that ActiveAngel has a picture of. Newer version?

Coral View Lens V2

Take professional pictures of coral and fish directly from your phone! Using a phone to take pictures of a saltwater aquarium can be difficult with the high amount of blue that is emitted from the light and the glare off the glass from external light sources. Taking a decent picture usually...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[hzheng33]

So I’m looking at the polyplab set on brs and the lens are different colors to the set that ActiveAngel has a picture of. Newer version?

Coral View Lens V2

Take professional pictures of coral and fish directly from your phone! Using a phone to take pictures of a saltwater aquarium can be difficult with the high amount of blue that is emitted from the light and the glare off the glass from external light sources. Taking a decent picture usually...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Angel has version 1, this is v2

 

[ActiveAngel]

Exactly right. This is what I was referring to when I mentioned PolypLab has a new version with different lenses.

 

[silentdeath5]

Exactly right. This is what I was referring to when I mentioned PolypLab has a new version with different lenses.

Ah, I ordered the icecap and then stopped paying attention haha. I’ll probably just order it