LensScape vs The Photographer’s Ephemeris

The Photographer’s Ephemeris (TPE) is a map-centric sun, moon and Milky Way calculator: you pick a place and see how the light will fall on it. LensScape helps you find the place first, with photos, golden hour, weather, routes and tonight’s aurora on one map.
Price (US)
LensScape: Free. Pro $4.99/month or $29.99/year, 7 days free for new accounts
TPE: iOS app $9.99 one-time; Skyfire sunset forecasts are a separate in-app purchase; TPE Web has its own plans
Where it runs
LensScape: iPhone and the web, one account
TPE: iPhone and iPad app; TPE Web on computers and tablets (not phones), bought separately
Find new photo spots
LensScape: Worldwide map and Explore feed of photo spots with photos
TPE: Save your own favorite locations
Golden and blue hour
LensScape: For every spot, today free; any date with Pro
TPE: Sun and moon times for any place and date
Sun, moon and Milky Way positions
LensScape: Sun position and building shadows on the Light Tracker
TPE: Yes, including Milky Way night mode and line of sight
Aurora
LensScape: Tonight’s aurora oval on the map; 3-day outlook with Pro
TPE: Not listed
Route with spots along the drive
LensScape: Yes
TPE: Not listed
AI trip planning
LensScape: Scout AI: 15 free messages, unlimited with Pro
TPE: Not listed
Offline maps
LensScape: No
TPE: Yes, on iOS
The Photographer’s Ephemeris details from its App Store listing and help pages, checked November 12, 2026. US prices. Apps change, so check the current listing.

Pick TPE for

• Exact sun and moon alignments, including when they clear nearby hills.
• Milky Way night mode and line-of-sight tools.
• Offline maps on iOS, and a one-time price for the iOS app.

Pick LensScape for

• Finding a spot you have never been to, with photos of it before you go.
• Golden hour, weather and directions on the same pin.
• A drive with photo stops lined up along the route, and tonight’s aurora on the map.
• One account on phone and web: plan at home, shoot from your phone.

Questions

Is LensScape a TPE alternative?
For finding spots and timing golden hour, yes. For exact alignments, line of sight and Milky Way planning, TPE does more. Many photographers find the spot in LensScape and check the alignment in TPE.
Which is cheaper?
TPE for iOS is $9.99 once, with Skyfire and TPE Web sold separately. LensScape is free to explore; Pro is $4.99/month or $29.99/year.
Can I plan on my computer and shoot from my phone?
Yes. LensScape runs in the browser at lensscapeapp.com and on iPhone, with the same saved spots and trips.
Sources
The Photographer’s Ephemeris on the App StoreTPE help: Photo Ephemeris Web PRO and the mobile apps
The Photographer’s Ephemeris is a trademark of its owner. LensScape is not affiliated with it.
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