iPhone Lens Systems – A Top 5 List
There’s never been a better time to be an iPhone photographer. On board cameras are capable of capturing images we never thought possible, and they continue to improve as new phones come on the market. Cases and add-on lens systems also continue to improve, allowing photographers to push their creative boundaries even further. Here are a few of our favorite iPhone lens systems.
#5 | Hitcase PRO+ Action Pack
Want to shoot POV on your iPhone? Need unmatched protection, including waterproof up to 10 meters? This is your lens system. Ultra wide lenses, protective case, and a wide array of mounts make this the unrivaled action case and lens system for iPhones.
| COMPATIBILITY | iPhone 5/5c/5s, 6/6+ |
| LENSES | Wide Angle, Super Wide Angle |
| PRICE | $99.99-149.99 |
| BEST FOR | Action! |
BEST PROTECTION
$99.99-149.99 | hitcase.com
#4 | Olloclip 4-in-1 and Ollocase
The Olloclip 4-in-1 lens was the first iPhone lens system I purchased, and for a long time they were one of only a few players in the game. They’ve continued to lead the way in iPhone lens systems as new phones come on the market. Tried and true, with the most iPhone and iPad compatibility.
| COMPATIBILITY | iPhone 4/4s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5/5s, iPhone 6/6+, iPad, Samsung Galaxy S |
| LENSES | Fisheye, Wide Angle, 10x Macro, 15x Macro (Telephoto, Macro, and Circular Polarizer lenses also available) |
| PRICE | Lens: $79.99 Case: $29.99 |
| BEST FOR | Compatibility |
From $79.99 | olloclip.com
#3 | Squidcam
File Squidcam under “WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT!” I really like the simplicity of this design based on the same concept as Lego® blocks. The lightweight case is slim (still fits in your pocket with lenses attached) but isn’t the most protective on the list, so if that’s a priority, you might want to look elsewhere. But from macros to concert fisheye shots, I really enjoy the Squidcam.
Read my full Squidcam review here.
| COMPATIBILITY | iPhone 4/4s, iPhone 5/5s, iPhone 6/6+, iPhone 6s/6s+ |
| LENSES | Fisheye, Wide Angle, 10x Macro, 15x Macro |
| PRICE | $54.95-69.95 |
| BEST FOR | iPhoneographers on a budget |
BEST BUY
$54.95-69.95 | squidc.am
#2 | Moment Case and Lens
It should go without saying, image quality should be one of the most important factors when it comes to lenses, And all of the lenses in this list have commendable optics, but nobody matches the quality of Moment lenses. And if you’re looking for SLR-style shooting, via an actual shutter button (connects via BlueTooth to their Moment app) the Moment case is your answer.
| COMPATIBILITY | iPhone 6/6+ (lenses alone are widely compatible via mounting plate) |
| LENSES | Wide Angle, Telephoto, Macro |
| PRICE | Lenses: $99/ea, Case: $69.99-99.99 |
| BEST FOR | Landscapes, Street |
BEST OPTICS
$99-170 | momentlens.co
#1 | Ztylus Metal Series Case and Revolver 4-in-1 Lens
My favorite all-around lens system from the company you’ve never heard of. From Red Rocks to mountain camping trips, the Metal Series case and Revolver Lens have been on my phone all summer. The enclosed Revolver case keeps lenses protected and allows for quick and easy switching between lenses. It’s definitely heavier than other cases, but I like the additional weight when I’m shooting (a Lite Series case is also available). And don’t even question whether you should spring for their Rosewood Hand Grip.
If you’re looking to use your iPhone for portraits, Ztylus also makes a ring light attachment that attaches to their case.
Ztylus hits the mark with almost everything I’m looking for in an iPhone lens system. Look for more great products from this company in the future.
| COMPATIBILITY | iPhone 5/5s, iPhone 6/6+ |
| LENSES | Fisheye, Wide Angle, Macro, Circular Polarizer |
| PRICE | $114.95 (case/lens combo) |
| BEST FOR | Everything! |
EDITOR’S PICK
$114.95 | ztylus.com