
Hands-On: PolarPros new LiteChaser 16 Slim Where minimalism meets professional filters
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Image: PolarPro/Ryan CantyPolarPro has announced its new LiteChaser 16 Slim case for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. PolarPro was kind enough to send over both a case and a full set of their filters to check it out. While Im normally a no-case kind of guy, the added filter attachments might just switch me over for when Im around town and need to scratch my photography itch.If you dont know who PolarPro is, theyre best known for their professional camera filters and matte boxes. However, they have brought those filters to the iPhone, giving you all the same quality but in a small enough package to equip onto your phone.In the past, PolarPro has tailored its phone cases to the ultra video-focused users who want the ease of just using their iPhone, but the perks of a fully modular system youd find on a professional kit. The LiteChaser 16 Pro features 1/4 inch threads for tripods or other attachments, a hand grip, and the SlideLock mount for your camera filters. The Slim version of this case changes the market up a bit.What is the PolarPro LiteChaser 16 Pro Slim?Ditching the bulk of its BaseCase and ProCase siblings, the LiteChaser 16 Pro Slim removes the grip and 1/4 inch threads, slimming the case down as a whole. Rather than looking or feeling like a case designed for the harshest conditions, it feels more like a traditional MagSafe case from Apple. Perfect for walks around town or as an everyday case.If it actually werent for the SlideLock mount on the front, you would probably just think it was a normal iPhone case.However, the SlideLock is a crucial part of the case as it offers you access to PolarPros wide option of camera filters to easily slide in front of your camera. The extra locking feature and button release help ensure the filter wont come loose while youre capturing your shot.What filters are supported?PolarPro brings its filter experience to the iPhone with high quality and easy-to-use variable ND, mist, and FX filters.The most useful for my sort of content has been the large variable neutral density filter, which goes from a 2ND to a 5ND. This helps block out bright lights that could overexpose your shot. Perfect for the summer months when you might spend more days outside in the bright sun.While the FX lenses, which are fun to use, only allow use of the main camera, the VND, mist, UV, and circular polarizer filters support all three lenses at once. Below is a full list of filters you can purchase from PolarPro:Filters that support all three camerasUV FilterCircular PolarizerBlack MistGold MistShortStache Everyday Filter (Combo of the polarizer and black mist)ShortStache Mist-PLVND 2-5VND 2-5 Black MistFX Lenses that only support the main cameraWarp 1x (Adds halo rings around the edges of the photo)Warp 2xSplit WarpRefract (Adds a kaleidoscope effect)Shifty (Mirrors center of image on either side)All the filters are extremely fun to use in creative ways and are super high quality as you would expect from PolarPro. The SlideLock attachment point makes changing out filters super easy and quick.Full MagSafe support, moreThe case itself feels like a cross between a hard plastic case and soft silicone. So while it might not keep it safe in extreme circumstances, it will likely do the job for short drops and regular wear and tear.While the camera filters are the main selling point of the LiteChaser 16 Slim, it is also a full-featured iPhone case. This includes full MagSafe compatibility with added magnets for increased strength. The case fully encloses all of the buttons of the iPhone 16 but excludes the touch-sensitive Camera Control bar and the charging port.The LiteChaser 16 Slim also comes in multiple colors: Black, Ocean Blue, Seafoam Green, and Purple. I received the black option, but DroneDJs Jared Sanders received the green, and the vibrant colors look amazing.Is the PolarPro LiteChaser 16 Slim worth buying?PolarPros LiteChaser lineup of cases has always been designed for the creative iPhone owners. Those who could use a full camera but instead choose the simplicity of making their iPhone their camera. The array of filters brings the versatility you can only get with a full-size camera down to your phone.So if thats you, and you dont want or need the extra accessories that come with its BaseCase or ProCase options, then the LiteChaser 16 Slim is perfect for you. The slimmed-down design makes it pass as an everyday case, but when you need the filters, its just an easy add.The PolarPro LiteChaser 16 Slim case starts at $49.99 for both the Pro and Pro Max. You can also get the Cinematic Kit that includes the VND 2-5 for $99.99.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
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