iPhone cases

DiffCase – practical all-in one lens and case solution review

I was delighted to receive my DiffCase, the one feature that really attracted me to it was the shade cover which, where I live, in sunny Weymouth promised to be a real help when shooting outdoors.

Apart from the lens shade (which swivels open either in a vertical or horizontal position), what I'd overlooked were the other great features this case has to offer including an accessible slot to easily clip your lenses in either magnetic or clip-on, a fisheye, wide-eye and macro lens, (all with front and back protective covers), 2 built-in tripod mounts which fit all standard tripods and monopods (using 1/4-20 threads) either in landscape or portrait mode. A nice touch was the little black pouch to store the lenses in.

The Diffcase arrived well packaged with instructions, but not in branded packaging so I am guessing regular buyers would get something a little more fancy. The main part of the case arrived in one unit which needed to be split into two in order to place my case into the base part, although this wasn't clear in the instructions. The plastic feels a little flimsy until the top part snaps on and then this case feels extremely sturdy. 

One corner of the case is thicker than the rest (to accommodate the screw threads) which although a little ugly, more importantly, it is a perfect grip for holding the camera in either position especially if you are, like me, a street photographer...whilst in dormant mode (just holding my camera down by my side), the camera feels a lot safer in my hand with this little grip, much like I imagine a gun would feel because of the curve. 

The lens adapter is perfect for adding both magnetic lenses and clip-ons. With the clip-in lenses, simply align the lens with the opening, give a quarter twist and the lens is securely fitted. These would definitely be my preference over the fiddly magnetic ones.

The screen shield worked fantastically while it lasted (1 day) allowing you to position the  cover at a variety of angles. I am not sure exactly what happened but I went to open it and the little plastic bits that slotted into the swivel mechanism had dropped off in both vertical and horizontal position. I noticed later that the small plastic bag that had housed the lens did have a "Handle with Care" warning and I had not followed the instructions as advised. However, having said this, when I am shooting, I like to be spontaneous and not worry about snapping something off every time I open the cover. Luckily 2 of these shades were sent and the second one is still intact.

All in all, this is a great little flexible and versatile light-weight case that makes the iPhone feel much sturdier and safer in your hand and excellent for swapping clip-on lenses. It would be a great buy if the sun-shield cover was a sturdy as the rest of it. It is also easy to charge without removing the case, however, removal of the case is necessary should you wish to dock your iPhone in a docking station. 

The Diff case really does have something for every iPhone occasion although there really needs to be a better solution to the screen shield for those of us who like to act quickly but would benefit from the screen shield idea. The case retails on the site at $34.95 and is available in a variety of colours. Lens kits, Screenshields and other accessories including a cinema rig are sold separately. To find out more please visit Diffcase.

For further information and prices please visit  http://www.diffcase.com/DiffCase.html