DIPLE2 Reviews: Pocket Microscope or Just Microspeculation?

Did you back DIPLE2 Crowdfunding campaign that was launched on Kickstarter & indiegogo? The campaign was pitched as “the Revolutionary Microscope for Any Smartphone” easy to use, compact, and portable kit that transforms any smartphone and tablet into a POWERFUL microscope. Whether for research, education, or just for fun, from the observation of microorganisms or cells, with DIPLE anyone can access the microworld in an amazing detail. it aimed to make Bright-field, dark-field, polarized, and reflected-light microscopy as easy as snapping a photo on phone. The campaign claimed that Diple2 is capable of giving 1000x magnification using your smartphone or tablet as a monitor. How true can that be? Did it actually deliver? or it was all just zoomed-in hype?

Overview of the Project:

The Diple2 crowdfunding campaign raised $49,915 USD from 212 backers, later on $48,156 USD was raised by 205 backers on indiegogo. While on kickstarter raised €41,354 pledged of €10,000 funding goal by 205 backers. Diple2 wasn’t pitched as just a novelty lens, it was marketed as a professional-grade, modular microscope system for educators, researchers and hobbyists. It’s crowdfunding goals were clear:

Deliver Lab-level microscopy modes in a portable frame
Work seamlessly with smartphones and tablets
Provide an affordable alternative to traditional lab microscopes
Serve as a flexible tool for classrooms, labs and field exploration

It was a bold campaign, but did the final product live up to the buzz?

A Microscope Packed With Modes – But do they truly deliver?

One of the standout promises of the Diple2 crowdfunding pitch was it’s wide range of microscopy modes. This suggests they weren’t just marketing fluff:

Bright-field: Sharp imaging on modern phones ; works well on classic samples like onion skin, bacteria and plant cells.
Dark-field: Provides strong contrast for transparent samples.
Polarized Light: Impressive results for crystals, materials science and classroom demonstrations.
Reflected Light: Slight learning curve, but useful for coins, insects and textured surfaces once mastered.

Now that it’s out, the real question is: did this crowdfunded device deliver on it’s functionality with effectiveness?

Design & Usability: Toy or Research Tool?

Unlike many “gadget-style” microscopes, DIPLE2 doesn’t pretend to be fully plug-and-play. It’s designed for hand-on-use and tinkering.

Highlights include:

Works with most smartphones and tablets
Modular lighting and filter options for different applications
Rugged, upgraded build compared to the original Diple
Suitable for classrooms, labs, hobbyists and field work

For those who enjoy 3D printing accessories, tweaking optics, or experimenting, Diple2 feels more like a platform you grow into than a one-off gadget.

Real-World Use: Beyond Science Teachers

Crowdfunding often leans on big names, but Diple2’s partnerships turned out to be more than a pitch. Universities including Cornell, TUM, and the University of Miami have used Diple2 in classrooms and labs. Real-world applications include:

Student group demos and hands on activities
An affordable alternative to full lab microscopes
Easy snap, zoom and share functionality via smartphones
A tool for hobbyists, explorers and educators alike.

What began as a backer-funded project has proven itself as a legitimate tool for teaching and exploration.

Was Diple2 Worth Backing?

For most backers, Diple2 would feels like money well spent:

The microscopy modes functions as advertised
The design durability and modular
It seem to bridge the gap between toy microscopes and professional lab gear

It may not replace a full laboratory setup, but for classrooms, hobbyists and science communicators, Diple2 looks like a crowdfunding win.

Backers, Your Turn

If you are one of the 400+ backers, your experience matters. Did Diple2 truly open up a new microscopic world for you?

Did it spark your kids interest in science?
Did it turn desk into a pocket-sized lab ?
Have you built DIY mods or shared your discoveries online?

Final Thoughts: Did DIPLE2 Deliver?

The Diple2 modular smartphone microscope is one of those rare crowdfunded devices that seemed to have lived up to it’s claims.

Versatile microscopy modes
Durable modular design
Proven use in classrooms and labs.

It’s not a gimmick, it’s a genuine tool, and in the world of crowdfunded science gadgets, that’s no small achievement.

Drop your reviews, sample photos or microscope hacks.
Let’s crowdsource the truth about whether Diple2 was just another crowdfunding gadget or a real scientific tool.

Visit the Campaign:DIPLE2: See the microscopic world in a new light