Unlike other phones, iPhones take some insanely good pictures, that can be easily mistaken for images captured by a high-end camera. However, the images captured using an iPhone can be much better with the appropriate lens kit. A lens kit facilitates the ability to capture photos whose quality level is like that of DSLR cameras or better. Below are a few of the best lens kits that can be used with a user’s iPhone to boost their mobile photography game!
Olloclip Mobile Photography Box Set
Intro
Challenging the status quo that a lot of iPhone users have regarding the photographic quality that smart phones and iPhones, in particular, can offer, the mobile photography box set by Olloclip gives users a variety of three lenses including a 180° fisheye lens, Super-Wide lens, and a 15x macro lens. The lenses depend on Olloclip’s clip-on lens systems that allows the users to effortlessly connect and interchange the different lenses.
The Olloclip mobile photography box set is easy to setup and delivers superior image quality from different vantage points regardless of whether a user is capturing an image that is far or close by. This lens can be used on multiple devices; however, anyone using an iPhone X needs to learn how to workaround the fact that the phone uses portrait mode for different zoom levels.
Pros
- It can be used with majority of the glass screen protectors up to a 0.5 mm thickness.
- Can be used with iPhones as well as other phones that have dual cameras.
Cons
- Users cannot use the lens if they are using a protective phone case (a screen protector doesn’t impede the functionality of the lens).
- It is not compatible with flash.
- It is not compatible with a lot of the older iPhone models.
Swarovski Optik PA-i6 Digiscoping Adapter
Intro
The Swarovski Optik is an extremely versatile and handy iPhone lens for individuals on the go looking for the ideal alternative for their DSLR camera and their telephoto lens. The lens allows for users to effortlessly capture videos and photos by connecting the lens to their iPhone 6 using an adapter ring.
The adapter holds onto a user’s phone allowing them to screw the PA Adaptor Ring that has a pair of high-power binoculars fastened on it. However, the binoculars, in this case, can only be Swarovski Optik binoculars, and while this means that a user has to part with a couple hundred dollars at least they are certain that they are getting the finest binoculars they can get.
Pros
- The aluminum build of the adapter makes it extremely durable and long-lasting.
- Users receive a 2-year warranty upon purchase of the adapter
- It is extremely versatile
Cons
- It is one of the more expensive lens options in the market.
- It requires for users to have a steady hand when they are shooting; otherwise, imagery appears blurry.
- The adapter ring must be purchased separately.
Sony DSC-QX 10 B
Intro
With 10X optical zoom, the improvement in the image quality offered by the Sony DSC-QX 10B is immediately noticeable. The Sony DSC-QX 10B is a compact lens which could initially only be found in the Sony WX150 camera; however Sony introduced a variant of the lens that could be attached to an iPhone using an adaptor or use by itself to capture unique shots from different catbird seats while connected through NFC or Wi-Fi.
The lens provides users with much better coverage as opposed to using an iPhone’s lens. Consisting of an 18-megapixel Exmor R quality CMOS sensor that has 25 mm wide-angle lens users will certainly not be disappointed with this lens.
Pros
- The image quality is exceptional and uncompromising.
- It allows for users to share their images in real-time on application such as Facebook and Instagram.
- It can be used either when clipped to the phone or by itself.
Cons
- In comparison to some of its competitors, it is expensive.
- The manual controls on the lens are quite limited.
- Users get less functionality when using it as a standalone camera.
DxO ONE
Intro
Using a high-speed lightning connector, the DxO ONE provides exceptional image quality thanks to its 32mm f/1.8 and 1-inch 20.2MP sensor that work hand in hand to ensure everything runs seamlessly. The DxO ONE replaces the iPhone’s lens completely as opposed to complementing it like the other lenses discussed in our list above.
Nevertheless, it does an exceptional job, and even in extremely low light, the lens is perfectly capable of capturing videos and photos. Of all the imagery we captured, the ones that stood out the most for us were portraits captured using soft bokeh which were simply stunning.
The lens has different connectivity options, including the lighting connector, and Wi-Fi, and users can opt to use one or the other. The controls on this lens are 100% manual which makes it easy for users to shoot in their preferred conditions.
Pros
- Can use it either as a standalone camera or while it is connected to their iPhone which then becomes the viewfinder.
- It has a variety of modes including full manual, shutter priority, and aperture priority, amongst others.
- Despite its small size, the DxO ONE’s sensor is one of the best sensor’s in the market.
- Its connectivity options make it extremely versatile. It was, in our opinion, the lens that impeccably integrated with the iPhone effortlessly.
Cons
- Its battery life could use some improvement as a single charge does not provide users with a lot of use time.
- It takes a bit of time to connect with the iPhone, especially if the iPhone is locked.
Conclusion
Lens kits enable users to shoot images like a pro as they increase a user’s perspective and enable them to see details they would have previously missed if they were only using their phones. Each of the lenses discussed above brings a unique perspective when capturing various subjects which is precisely why we included them in the list. When choosing the lens to complement your iPhone, we recommend that you review your needs before making the final decision.
