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As smartphone technology advances, mobile photography has become increasingly popular. With the convenience of having a camera in your pocket at all times, it’s no wonder that so many people are turning to their phones for quick snapshots. To help enhance the quality of your mobile photography, several companies have designed attachable lenses that are compatible with cell phone cameras. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best lenses for mobile photography.
How Mobile Phone Lenses Work
Most attachable lenses clip or screw onto your smartphone with a proprietary mount or phone case. To ensure compatibility and avoid the need for multiple accessories, it’s best to purchase lenses from the same manufacturer. When you attach the lens to your phone, it essentially acts as a second lens that adapts the image output. You can purchase different types of lenses, such as wide-angle and zoom lenses, to achieve various effects.
Best Lenses for Mobile Photography
Moment Wide Angle 18mm Lens
The Moment Wide Angle 18mm lens is one of the most popular and robust lenses available. Compatible with the latest Apple, Google, Samsung, and OnePlus phones, this lens is perfect for landscape, portrait, and sports photography. The lens is sharp and free of fisheye distortion, providing a wider portion of any scene. You’ll need to purchase a Moment case for your phone to use this lens.
Moment Fisheye 14mm Lens
For ultrawide fisheye shots, the Moment Fisheye 14mm lens is the perfect accessory. With an incredible 170-degree field of view and vignette-free images, it’s ideal for real estate photography and stylized landscapes. It allows 15% more light than previous models (Fisheye 15mm), making it suitable for use in Night mode. You can use this lens with your phone’s native camera app or Moment’s camera app.
Moment Tele 58mm Lens
The Moment Tele 58mm lens is perfect for capturing tighter shots without relying on your smartphone’s digital zoom. With a 58mm lens, you can get closer to far-away objects or people. Pair it with your iPhone’s built-in telephoto lens to reach up to 4x optical zoom (when mounted over the iPhone telephoto lens) or 2x optical zoom (when mounted over the main camera).
Moment M-Series 1.33x Anamorphic Lens
For those looking to achieve a cinematic look, the Moment M-Series 1.33x Anamorphic Lens is the perfect accessory. With premium glass and a 2.40:1 ratio, you can capture Hollywood-style footage with horizontal flares and gorgeous bokeh. It’s perfect for mobile videographers looking to elevate their content.
FLIR ONE Pro Pro-Grade Thermal Camera
The FLIR ONE Pro Pro-Grade Thermal Camera is a high-performance thermal imaging camera that attaches to your smartphone. It offers a resolution of 1440 x 1080 pixels and can detect temperatures ranging from -4°F to 248°F (-20°C to 120°C). It also features FLIR’s patented MSX technology, which adds visible light details to thermal images, making them easier to interpret.
One advantage of this camera is that it is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, and it comes with a free app that allows you to capture and edit thermal images. The app also provides features such as spot metering, temperature boxes, and multiple temperature regions of interest.
The FLIR ONE Pro Pro-Grade Thermal Camera is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used in a variety of applications, including home inspections, HVAC diagnostics, and electrical repairs. It is a great option for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
- FLIR ONE Pro Pro-Grade Thermal Camera ($349.99) — Amazon (available for both iOS and Android) / Adorama
Kase 3X Telephoto Lens II
If you’re looking to get closer to your subjects, the Kase 3X Telephoto Lens II is a perfect choice. With its powerful optics and durable build, it’s a great option for capturing sports and other fast-moving subjects from a distance. The solid aluminum and glass construction ensures it can handle even the toughest adventures.
Pictar Smart 18mm Wide Angle Lens
The Pictar Smart 18mm Wide Angle Lens is a universal clip-on connector that works with any smartphone. It features a 160-degree coverage angle, making it a great option for expanding your scene, from landscape to portrait to selfies. With five elements in four groups and seven coatings, you’ll get low flare and reflection in any setting.
If you’re looking to take your mobile photography to the next level, investing in a high-quality lens is a great option. The Moment Wide Angle 18mm Lens and Fisheye 14mm Lens are excellent choices for those looking for premium quality and great results. The Kase 3X Telephoto Lens II is perfect for sports and action shots, while the Pictar Smart 18mm Wide Angle Lens is a great all-purpose option. For videographers, the Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens can help you achieve a cinematic look, and the RhinoShield Wide + Macro Lens is perfect for those who want a variety of lenses in one kit.
No matter which lens you choose, it’s important to make sure it is compatible with your smartphone and that it is made from high-quality materials. With the right lens, you can take your mobile photography to the next level and capture stunning images that rival those taken with a dedicated camera.
