5 Best External Lenses for iPhone Photography in UAE for Eid 2023

For serious and casual photographers alike, keeping a lens kit handy is a worthwhile investment. The lens uses the phone’s native sensor to produce interesting effects. Image quality comes down to the quality of glass used by the lens manufacturer. That’s why the cheaper ones are usually made of plastic.

“Converter lenses are made with better and bigger glasses, so even if you use a lens with the same focal length as the native camera, the image quality will be better,” said Anas Thacharpadikkal, senior visual reporter for Gulf News.

Most iPhone models come with a telephoto lens and an ultra-wide-angle lens. Still, optical lenses can add to your existing zoom capabilities. Raz Hansrod, general manager of Gulf Photo Plus (GPP), a photography studio, exhibition and art print center in Dubai, explains: “A lens with 3x optical zoom will give you a long-range zoom compared to a native 3x camera lens.”

In addition to zoom, the two experts also highlighted the iPhone’s popular anamorphic lens. Think of it as a very wide-angle or panoramic shot. The lens squeezes more peripheral vision into a cinematic field of vision with a soft glow, just like in the movies. Hansrod recommends using an anamorphic lens for Eid photos with family and friends.

A solid set should last for years. Our photography experts agree on the irrefutable quality of the glass. Photographers are always willing to spend more money on lenses than the camera itself. Thacharpadikkal says he has had his trusty 50mm prime for 10 years, so paying the premium is a long-term investment.

But do you need the latest? iPhone 14 Pro For best results? unnecessary. “You can buy an iPhone Mini, which has only two rear cameras, no optical zoom, and put these small, portable lenses. I don’t have to spend double the money on a new phone – these expand the field of view , adding zoom and anamorphic shots,” Hansrode said.

The first choice for both is the highly regarded iPhone Moment lens, which has a variety of lenses such as wide-angle, macro, and anamorphic. Thacharpadikkal also highlights mounting options, some of which require you to add a special phone case for the lens to stick on.

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Get ready to shoot your best Eid vlogs yet. Moment’s popular anamorphic lenses are compatible with all of your Apple device cameras, from iPhones to iPads. This square lens packs more detail into a cinematic 2.40:1 aspect ratio. In other words, your video will have classic film black bars at the top and bottom of the clip without additional editing. This is a true anamorphic lens with horizontal lens flares and a blue vintage finish. Unlike plastic accessories, this phone accessory has a noticeable heft and is made of aerospace-grade metal and hand-polished glass. To get started, you need two more things in your arsenal: the Moment phone case and the Moment app. In addition to the iPhone, the lens is also designed for Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and One Plus mobile phone cameras.

bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh84.62 for 12 months at designated banks.

Warranty: The manufacturer provides a two-year warranty.

According to Thacharpadikkal, Sandmarc is another glassmaking brand to watch. Its lenses are categorized by iPhone model, so you’ll have to buy a kit that’s compatible with your phone. Our pick is the 16mm wide-angle lens built for the iPhone XS models, which comes with a 12MP wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens. With this feature enabled, you get a 2x wider capture range, perfect for nature shots. Sandmarc uses premium multi-coated glass to deliver crystal clear results. The best part is that you can use it right out of the box – Sandmarc includes a case mount and a clip-on mount for caseless shooting.

Apexel’s 5-in-1 lens kit is a beginner’s experiment kit that can be your first foray into iPhone photography. Please note that the mounting clip is not compatible with the iPhone 14 series. All five lenses are housed in a waterproof hard case for easy portability. In this great value pack, you can try a 2x telephoto lens, a 10x macro lens, a 195-degree fisheye lens, and two wide-angle lenses. Reviewers love the way it comes in handy for special occasions and saves them from lugging around a heavier DSLR. They noticed improved iPhone camera quality, especially when they used the telephoto lens for close-up shots at crowded events. Since glass can’t hold a candle to Moment and Sandmarc, you should expect some distortion with wide-angle lenses.

Warranty: Manufacturer offers a one-year warranty. Amazon is offering a one-year extended warranty for Dh12 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh19.

The Sirui VD-01 is an entry-level 1.33x anamorphic lens and a good alternative to our Moment pick. It clips onto your iPhone camera and captures cinematic widescreen 2.4:1 ratio photos. SIRUI puts the German Schott glass on the dining table, with multiple retro coatings to create a Hollywood bokeh effect. The reviewers used their iPhone XS, iPhone 11 Pro and even an iPad to shoot thanks to the universal smartphone clip that comes with the lens. As some buyers have experienced, getting the lens to line up perfectly with the phone’s sensor is tricky. Any misalignment will result in distortion or dark edges. Still, many consider it a more economical option than the Moment anamorphic lenses.

Warranty: Amazon is offering a one-year extended warranty for Dh29 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh47.

Another option you might consider for casual photography is the Xenvo Pro lens kit. There are only two in this kit: a 0.45x wide-angle lens that captures 45% more from your peripheral vision, and a 15x macro lens that captures detailed photos. Clip the Lens to the Front or Rear Camera – If you’re taking selfies in a dimly lit room, get the GlowClip LED light from the kit and clip it on. Photography instructors, botanists, and even eyelash technicians vouch for macro lenses, which help them capture subjects in great detail. Newer iPhone models will find this kit less useful, but take note of the reviews. The triple rear camera system also renders the wide-angle lens useless, so it’s a better fit overall for older phones like the iPhone 8.

Warranty: Amazon is offering a one-year extended warranty for Dh18 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh29.

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