Best iPhone camera lens kits of 2019
If you just want a telephoto lens for your iPhone, Shiftcam is the best option.
Smartphone cameras are getting better and better, but they still have limitations. Add-on lenses for the iPhone—as well as other smartphones—can expand its capabilities by letting you take fisheye, wide-angle, macro, and telephoto pictures, opening up new possibilities with smartphone photography.
After testing dozens of models, the best iPhone camera lenses are Moment's lenses, which can not only be used with Apple's devices, but a wide variety of Android phones (including Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and OnePlus). They're pricey, but the image quality you get from Moment's lenses is simply the best around.
iPhone owners looking for a more affordable lens kit should check out Olloclip, which has multiple lens kits under $100, such as the Mobile Photography Box Set, the standard three lens Core Set, the Active Set which includes an ultra-wide angle and 2x telephoto lenses, or the Macro Pro Lens Set which features lenses with 7x, 14x and 21x magnification.
When you use a telephoto lens, your photos will be more susceptible to shaky hands, so you might want to invest in a tripod. Here are the best iPhone tripods, based on our research.
Not Just for iPhones
You don't have to own one of Apple's smartphones to use add-on lenses: Moment sells cases from $24 to $30 that fit all Pixel smartphones, as well as the Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+, Note 8, and Note 9.
Olloclip has a universal adapter for its new lenses so that they'll work with most smartphones up to 12mm in thickness. The Olloclip Multi-Device Clip works with the company's Connect X lenses, and will be available on its own for $19; you can also purchase it with a lens, ranging in price from $59.99 to $119.99.
1. Moment Lens
The Best Quality Add-On Lenses
Lenses: Wide, Telephoto, Fish-eye, macro | Weight: 1.6 ounces (Wide), 1.7 ounces (Telephoto) | Compatibility: iPhone 6 and higher, Samsung Galaxy S8 and higher, Note 8, Google Pixel XL, 2/XL
While expensive—each lens costs between $90 to $100—the images from Moment's lenses (telephoto, wide angle, macro, and fish-eye) are some of the best we've seen from any smartphone camera lens attachment. They have a solid build quality, work with a range of smartphones and are compatible with a wide variety of cases. You really get what you pay for.
2. Olloclip Mobile Photography Box Set
Best for iPhone X
Lenses: Fisheye, Super-wide, 15X Macro | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Compatibility: iPhone X
Like Olloclip's older kits, the Mobile Photography Box Set contains three lenses, which can be used interchangeably with all three of the iPhone X's cameras. The lenses were easy to swap, and the clip that connects the lenses to the iPhone was the easiest to use of all the lens kits we've tested. While not as sharp as premium lenses from Moment and others, Olloclip's lenses offer the greatest combination of performance and price.
3. Shiftcam 2.0 Telephoto ProLens
Excellent quality
In a shootout with three other premium telephoto lenses, Shiftcam's came out on top for its value, ease of use, and performance. However, the company only makes cases for iPhones; if you have an Android phone, take a look at Moment's or Sandmarc's lenses instead.
