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Best iPhone Lenses
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
If you were to take one thing out of this guide, understand that different types of camera lenses all perform differently. Why is this important to you? It is simple; you need to analyze right off the bat what kind of lens you are seeking. We all know that iPhone cameras are limited and if you do not want to invest in an additional compact camera, attachable lenses are a great option. However, only if they improve the aspects you were looking for. Let’s take three of the most popular lens types for example (fisheye, macro and telephoto). If what you are after are wider images that offer a more panoramic view of the surroundings, a fisheye lens is your best bet. As these are designed with an ultra-wide-angle that produces visual distortion, they achieve just that.
But, what if you want a camera that offers more focus? So much so that it makes the object in the image the size it actually is in real life? Well, you would be looking for a macro lens. However, it is possible that you simply want a longer focal length to provide a narrower field of view. You guessed it; you would then be seeking a telephoto lens.
Compatibility
Above all else, this is the most important deciding factor of a camera lens. What good is it going to do you if it is not compatible with your current generation of smartphone? As this guide is centered on iPhone lenses, rest assured that all the camera lenses on this guide do work with one type of iPhone. But, they will not work with each generation and that is an area that you need to desperately assess. It depends on the overall design but sometimes, manufacturers will require you to use their mounting system to properly install the camera lens on your smartphone. This will typically involve installing a case on your smartphone and this is where compatibility can be an issue as not all smartphones will fit inside.
If possible, contact the manufacturer if you are unsure if your current smartphone is compatible. But, they should provide you with a detailed list of the accepted models.
Accuracy
This is what it all comes down to, right? The main reason why you are here today is that you are sick and tired of the limitations of your current iPhone camera and want an improvement. That improvement is going to be achieved with the image and video quality, for most people. Thus, it makes assessing it for each camera lens vitally important. As image quality could be discussed in-depth for hours on end, we will try to give you the short version and inform you of some of the most important specifications to look for.
For some, the first specification they will look for in a camera lens is the megapixels. Over the years, several have begun to realize that the sensor size is more important. However, the megapixel count is still important and the higher, the better. The same applies to the sensor size as the larger the sensor, the more prone you will be to shooting high-quality images. Another key spec is the aperture. When you see something like this, “f3.3”, that is the aperture range. Without going too in-depth, a higher aperture range (which will be a lower number) can provide sharp objects and a blurred background. But, a smaller aperture range (which will be a high number) could provide a sharp background, as well.
Durability
When it comes to camera lenses, the build quality is often an underrated aspect and it is one that should not be taken lightly. First off, the lens or lenses themselves should be built-to-last. If you are going to spend a decent chunk of money on a camera lens, it should not be designed from cheap plastic. Instead, it should be crafted from premium materials such as hand-polished glass and aerospace-grade metal. However, water-resistance and dust-resistance are not bad features, either. Given it is a camera; you will probably end up using it outside eventually.
However, as some camera lenses require an additional casing system, the build quality does not end there. If you do happen to need the manufacturer’s special case with their camera lens, ensure that it is built with some hardiness to it. After all, are you immune to dropping your smartphone?
Top 10 Picks
1. Moment Superfish
Good luck finding someone who does not believe that Moment designs the best smartphone lenses on the planet. Their Superfish Lens is just one of the reasons why consumers feel comfortable when investing in their lenses.
Read moreLens Design
Included alongside the fisheye lens is also a lens cap and a microfiber bag. The lens itself is a 15mm equivalent lens and it is ideal for capturing videos and photos in tight spaces.
Compatibility
Not only is this compatible with some of the newer iPhones, it is noteworthy for being compatible with the brand-new iPhone X.
Lens Quality
Typical fisheye lens are known for their curved images but Moment designed theirs differently. Because theirs is flat, it delivers a 170-degree image and it provides edge-to-edge clarity. Overall, it can rival what a GoPro camera can capture.
Build Quality
As Moment designed their lens with hand-polished glass and aerospace-grade metal, you can rest assured that this is not a cheap plastic lens. But, it also does not add enough weight to weigh your phone down.
Installation
Now, buying this lens alone will not get the job done. As Moment clearly specifies, you must buy either their Photo Case or Battery Case in conjunction with this lens. This is the only way the lens can be mounted.
Overall
This is one of the many Moment camera lenses that make them so esteemed around the globe. Granted you invest in one of the aforementioned cases, you will uncover the wonders of Moment’s fisheye lens.
2. Moment Telephoto
Think of Moment’s fisheye lens as 1A and their telephoto lens as 1B. It should become clear to you with Moment taking the top two spots, that they have a grasp on how to design high-quality camera lenses.
Read moreLens Design
The main benefit of slapping this lens on your current smartphone is it eliminates the need for you to utilize digital zoom. This telephoto lens possesses a 60mm focal length and this accounts for an insane depth of field.
Compatibility
In order for you to use this lens, you must buy the correct mounting plate. Some models that this accounts for would be the iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 5s, and iPhone 4s.
Lens Quality
To maximize the image quality, the curved shape of the hood provides a specific visual look. In addition, the lens allows for a more natural depth of field and is much sharper in the center.
Build Quality
Much like with their fisheye lens, Moment does not skimp on the build quality of their telephoto lens. Again, it has been designed with aerospace-grade metal hand-polished glass.
Installation
Again, you need the correct mounting case to install this lens. The choice is yours from either the company’s Battery Photo case or Photo case. No matter, each makes the mounting process relatively simple.
Overall
Once you get the basic understanding of how to mount this lens with the appropriate mount, which can take a little practice, you are golden. When it comes to telephoto lenses, you are not going to find a better model than what Moment delivers.
3. Zeiss Exolens Pro
Discounting the fact that the included mount can be a hassle to fit and remove, the lenses included in the ExoLens Pro are beyond impressive. But, the anti-reflective coating puts it over the top as this ensures improved light transmission and reduced reflection.
Read moreLens Design
Besides the anti-reflective coating that was just addressed, this is notable for its design that is tailored towards smartphone optics. The field of view is changed to a telephoto range or an extremely wide-angle.
Compatibility
One of the only downsides of this lens is that it is only compatible with a few iPhones. Among these are the iPhone 7, iPhone 6/6s, and iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6s Plus.
Lens Quality
Thanks to the ingenious design, the optics are pretty-much distortion-free and do not feature chromatic aberration. The end result for you is vastly improved image quality that is almost unparalleled.
Build Quality
It is only natural to expect that you will be using your new smartphone camera lens outdoors. As such, ExoLens has designed theirs to be both dust-resistant and water-resistant (it can handle splashes of water but not submersion).
Installation
All in all, ExoLens offers three different mounting solutions for their camera lens. Their Bracket and Edge mounts are designed from premium aluminum and feature integrated shoe mounts for additional components.
Overall
For all intents and purposes, this is the best non-Moment camera lens in the world. Even when you compare it to the lenses that Moment has manufactured, it is still highly impressive.
4. Olloclip Lens Set
This is a prime example of a product that is hindered by one, pretty large design flaw. The fisheye, super-wide, and macro lenses that come with this set are all marvelous. But, it is warned that these lenses could potentially scratch your iPhone.
Read moreLens Design
Included in this lens set is a macro 15x zoom lens, a super-wide lens and also a fisheye lens. All are fantastic and provide you with different shooting elements for all sorts of desired photos.
Compatibility
While this is not compatible with the iPhone X, it is for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Of course, if you have not splurged for those smartphones it will still work with the iPhone 7/7 Plus.
Lens Quality
As a whole, the premium multi-element coated glass optics enhances the overall image quality produced by each lens. Again, each separate lens is designed to produce unreal playback quality.
Build Quality
While the lenses themselves are made from metal and highly-durable, this presents a slight issue. As this lens will slide on and off your iPhone camera lens, scratches may happen sooner rather than later.
Installation
There is no need for an additional mounting system or a bulky case as these lenses instantly attach to your smartphone. Better yet, both the front and rear cameras are covered.
Overall
Besides the issue of scratching, which takes away from the design as a whole, this is truly one of the best camera lenses in the world. It more than deserves the patents it has received; but why couldn’t the design have prevented scratches?
5. iPro Lens System
Not everyone is financially-stable enough to purchase the new iPhone model every year. As such, the iPro Lens System is ideal for those who still have an older model iPhone, such as the iPhone 6.
Read moreLens Design
Much like other kits of its kind, this comes with a super-wide, macro, and telephoto lens. While the latter adds double the focal length of your current smartphone’s camera, the super-wide lens transforms your lens into a 15mm optic.
Compatibility
This is available for both the iPhone 5 and the iPhone 5s. However, the specific product displayed for you comes with a case for both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s.
Lens Quality
Overall, all the included lenses offer superb quality. However, there is a slight issue with the super-wide lens as it introduces quite a bit of barrel distortion.
Build Quality
The case that is included with this kit is built using a type of hard plastic. Overall, it is a sleek design and it does not add too much bulkiness to your existing smartphone.
Installation
It is pretty self-explanatory to install the included case on your smartphone as it goes on in two portions. After it is installed, you will notice the specific spot where you insert the lens. In addition, you can then attach the tripod socket to the bottom.
Overall
Despite the issues of the super-wide lens causing barrel distortion and the lack of compatibility with the newer iPhones, this remains a solid option from iPro. At the end of the day, it is hard to argue against the build quality and overall performance.
6. Amir Caemra Lens
Let’s be straight-up here, does this next set of lenses possess the best image quality on the market? No, but they are compatible with a wide-range of iPhones and you get a super-wide lens, fisheye lens, and macro lens.
Read moreLens Design
Once again, the most important camera lenses are included with this kit and this includes a fisheye lens, macro lens, and super wide-angle lens.
Compatibility
Compatibility is definitely one of the strong suits of this lens as it can be used in conjunction with iPhones from the iPhone 8 all the way down to the iPhone 4.
Lens Quality
If you are in the market for the absolute best in image quality, this may not be what you are looking for. While these lenses will still improve on your current camera, they certainly are not top-of-the-line.
Build Quality
While the image quality of these lenses may not be the best, the build quality could in fact be. Thanks to the superior-grade glass and aluminum craftsmanship, durability should not be a concern.
Installation
Speaking of superior, how about the installation here? Instead of needing a bulky case or add-on, each lens has a clip and simply attaches to your smartphone; it is as simple as that.
Overall
Overall, this definitely suffers a bit because of its image quality. However, the installation process and build quality more than makeup for it. As a low-budget option, this is fantastic.
7. Camkix Kit
The last camera lens on this list is actually an entire kit. Included are not only four different camera lenses, but also a specially made case and a tripod. While the build quality could have been improved, this truly is the total package.
Read moreLens Design
Certain situations will call for different types of lenses. This is precisely why CamKix includes four different lenses (macro, wide-angle, fisheye and telephoto).
Compatibility
Because this only fits one size, the size of an iPhone 6, it makes it unusable for devices such as an iPad.
Lens Quality
At such a low price, it is impressive that the included lenses deliver the level of quality that they do. Each lens has its own dynamics but each one will enhance your image quality.
Build Quality
While the lenses do not have durability issues, the tripod does and the case does not provide much protection for your smartphone. One user noted how their tripod started to deteriorate within three months of use.
Installation
All the components are included for you and thanks to the included case, a special adhesive is not necessary for installing the lenses. In addition, a tripod is included which can be used for filming.
Overall
Is this kit foolproof? Of course not, as its placement on this list is indicative of that. What it is, however, is a solid option that provides you with everything you need to enhance your current smartphone’s camera.
8. Apexel
This 4 in 1 lens is defiantly one to check out if you love taking photos and video with your IPhone. This kit comes not only with 4 in 1 lenses, but also the tripod and wireless shutter control. This has everything you need to take come awesome photos.
Read moreLens Design
The main benefit of slapping this lens on your current smartphone is it eliminates the need for you to utilize digital zoom. This telephoto lens possesses a 18x zoom.
Compatibility
This lens comes with everything you need to start taking beautiful photos right out of the box.
Lens Quality
To maximize the image quality, the curved shape of the hood provides a specific visual look. In addition, the lens allows for a more natural depth of field and is much sharper in the center.
Build Quality
This lens and tripod is built with quality in mind and as long as you do not loose these lenses, you will have them for many years to come.
Installation
This lens is very easy to install and is simple as connecting the lens and clipping it over your camera.
Overall
Once you get the basic understanding of how to mount this lens with the appropriate mount, which can take a little practice. Overall a popular choice if your looking to get that little extra edge over your smartphone photography.
9. Arory Lens
This lens comes with a variety of pieces to ensure you get the most of your IPhones photography ability. It comes with 4 lenses , 2 clips, a tripod, and a shutter control. If you are looking to step up your photography IPhone game, this is a set of lens to check out.
Read moreLens Design
This set of lenses come with 4 lens and also a tripod and shutter control. These lens are manufactured in Japan and provide a professional feel.
Compatibility
This set of lens is compatible with a variety of phones and easily clips onto the existing camera.
Lens Quality
The quality of these lens are great and provide a professional feel when taking photos. Built to last.
Build Quality
It is only natural to expect that you will be using your new smartphone camera lens outdoors. As such, Arory has designed theirs to be both dust-resistant and water-resistant (it can handle splashes of water but not submersion).
Installation
All in all, Arory offers two different mounting solutions for their camera lens.
10. Amir Caemra Lens
Let’s be straight-up here, does this next set of lenses possess the best image quality on the market? No, but they are compatible with a wide-range of iPhones and you get a super-wide lens, fisheye lens, and macro lens.
Read moreLens Design
Once again, the most important camera lenses are included with this kit and this includes a fisheye lens, macro lens, and super wide-angle lens.
Compatibility
Compatibility is definitely one of the strong suits of this lens as it can be used in conjunction with iPhones from the iPhone 8 all the way down to the iPhone 4.
Lens Quality
If you are in the market for the absolute best in image quality, this may not be what you are looking for. While these lenses will still improve on your current camera, they certainly are not top-of-the-line.
Build Quality
While the image quality of these lenses may not be the best, the build quality could in fact be. Thanks to the superior-grade glass and aluminum craftsmanship, durability should not be a concern.
Installation
Speaking of superior, how about the installation here? Instead of needing a bulky case or add-on, each lens has a clip and simply attaches to your smartphone; it is as simple as that.
Overall
Overall, this definitely suffers a bit because of its image quality. However, the installation process and build quality more than makeup for it. As a low-budget option, this is fantastic.
Sources
- , The Best Lenses for iPhone Photography, Article