These days, it’s more common to see people taking pictures or shooting video using their phones instead of having a full-size camera. The problem is that the cameras on your average smartphone aren’t made to handle all of the different types of photos you might want to take. Thankfully, some manufacturers realized this and started making lenses to provide people with better options for taking quality photos.
With that in mind, we wanted to provide those who may use their smartphones as part of their creative repertoire the best smartphone lenses out there. But before we get started, you should ask yourself some questions before buying a smartphone lens.
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Let’s begin there shall we?
Questions you should ask before you buy a smartphone lens
It can be really easy for anyone looking for a smartphone lens to just buy the first one that they find online through their search results but like anything else, buying the best products for your work requires some research and knowing exactly what you are looking for. To help, we thought we’d share some common questions you should ask when considering a smartphone lens.
What are you planning to shoot?
This has to be the first question you ask yourself when you start shopping around. Are you hoping to take some pictures of something in particular? Whether it’s landscapes or extreme closeups, knowing which lens to use is key because many lens kits contain prime lenses where each one is built to be good at capturing certain types of photos. Spending a little extra on a specific lens accessory system is a better idea than buying one lens in particular especially if you are looking for some variety in what you shoot.
Are you looking for something convenient and portable?
With many lens options that are on the more affordable side, these can be carried in a bag and clipped to your phone when you want to take a photo with them. This can be a great option for those who just want to take photos quickly and easily without getting too complicated. The downside is that these lenses don’t offer the same level of quality as some larger options which might require a specific mounting or case system.
However, these specialized systems for higher-end options can add extra weight to your phone. This can take some of the fun out of taking amazing photos with your phone. While they can also be expensive, the special mounting system that they use may be phone model specific so that the lens is in the correct place on your phone.
Is improved versatility and quality important to you?
Having a budget in place before you start shopping can make a huge difference in terms of the quality of the lens that you choose for your smartphone. Spending anywhere between $20 and hundreds of dollars will provide you with a quality lens but may leave you with a lens that feels cheap and easily replaceable. Setting a budget will help you choose the best option for your needs.
Best Smartphone Lenses for Creatives
- Bitplay AllClip and Premium HD Wide Angle Lens – $113
- Olloclip Multi-Device Clip – $99
- Moment M-Series Macro Lens – $99
- Mactrem Phone Camera Lens Kit – $29
- Apexel 1.33x Mobile Anamorphic Lens – $79
- ExoLens with Optics by Zeiss Wide-Angle – $29
- Sony QX10 – $319
- Nelomo Universal – $27
- Xenvo Pro Lens Kit – $39
- Aukey Ora Lens – $29
Best Smartphone Lenses for Creatives Compared
Bitplay AllClip and Premium HD Wide Angle Lens
The most versatile smartphone lens
Phone compatibility: Any with a width between 58 and 80mm | Included lenses: wide-angle
The biggest benefit that the AllClip from Bitplay comes with is its universal adjustability. With an adjustable width between 58 and 80mm, the phones it can be used with are staggering. From every iPhone and a majority of Android phones. This is due to the spring-loaded sliding clamp that helps you fit it to your phone perfectly. While you can purchase the clip on its own, this package provides you with the clip with Bitplay’s HD Wide Angle lens that is built from quality aluminum, the lens barrel and glass includes an aspheric element. The overall build of the lens has a solid feel and the image quality is impressive with its HD presentation and if used on a rear-facing camera, it increases the field of view, providing a much wider perspective.
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- 【 A Widely Compatible Accessory 】AllClip is compatible with smartphones that have a width ranging from 58mm - 80mm (2.3" to 3.2"). It can be installed on both the front and back camera of most...
- 【 An Intuitive Sliding Mechanism for Perfect Alignment 】The intuitive sliding design of the AllClip allows it to work seamlessly with most smartphones regardless of their camera position. Perfect...
- 【 The Freedom to Explore Professional Mobile Photography 】Your phone's screen is not blocked by bitplay's AllClip when used in conjunction with your smartphone’s rear camera. This means anyone...
- 【 Multifunctional Clip Holder and Stand Included 】The AllClip comes with a clip holder that doubles as a kickstand for taking selfies or viewing sessions on your phone. The clip holder also has a...
- 【 Built with a Scratch Proof Material and Construction 】The outer surface of the AllClip is made with a durable and scratch-proof design. Combined with a soft, silicon inner linings the AllClip is...
Olloclip Multi-Device Clip
A versatile and expandable smartphone lens
Phone compatibility: iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XR | Included lenses: Fisheye, super-wide, macro
Olloclip is a well-known name in the world of smartphone lens manufacturing and with its triple-lens set, they offer professionals a fisheye lens that provides a huge, spherical 180-degree field of view although it does have the typical bulging distortion. If you switch to the Super-Wide lens, you can minimize this and increase your field of view to a whopping 120-degrees. While there can still be some distortion, it’s only noticeable when shooting geometric subjects. Finally, there is the macro lens that provides a magnification of 15x which can reveal microscopic details that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. These lenses connect to your phone using Olloclip’s Connect X clip which slides over the top of your phone and works with both rear and front-facing cameras. While the design is for use with the iPhone, Android users can also be used if you attach the lenses using Olloclip’s Multi-Device Clip which is sold separately.
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- Works with all camera apps and is even great for video, live broadcasting, time-lapse, panoramas and 360° VR.
- Great for video, time-lapse, panoramas and 360° VR photos.
- Multi-element coated glass optics deliver premium image quality
- Swap with other Connect X Lenses (for iPhone X or Multi-Device Clip)
- Clip expands to work with screen protectors
Moment M-Series Macro Lens
The best smartphone lens overall
Phone compatibility: iPhone 6-XS Max, Pixel-3 XL, Galaxy Note 8, 9, S8-S10+, OnePlus 6, 6T (all require separate case) | Included lenses: Macro
In the world of smartphone lenses, Moment is a company known for its quality products and it’s clear to see why that is. Surrounding hand-polished glass, the macro lens is made from aircraft-grade aluminum while it’s 1-inch length can be a helpful guide for how close you can get to your subject while maintaining focus. All of this detail to build quality results in some amazing close-ups that just simply aren’t available using a standard phone camera. Though to get a sharp shot, you’ll need to have a steady hand and accurate focusing because, with any macro lens, the depth of field that you have is tight. The only real drawback is that to use this lens, you would need to use one of Moment’s M-Series phone cases but outside of that, there is no better smartphone lens option.
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- The Moment M-series Macro Lens works with iPhone, Pixel, Galaxy and OnePlus Phones. Compatible with the new Iphone11 (cases coming to Amazon soon). This product includes a lens, lens cap, and...
- This product REQUIRES you to purchase a Moment Photo Case OR Battery Photo Case to attach the lens to your phone. Mounts over either lens on dual lens phones enabling nearly limitless creativity.
- The Moment M-series Macro lens captures life sized images of the smallest objects at the highest quality. It’s removable light diffuser enables images without shadows while providing the perfect...
- Moment makes the highest quality attachment lenses on the market. Made with aerospace grade metal and the same hand-polished glass used for high-end 4K film lenses.
- We backup our products with a lifetime warranty, great customer service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee with free shipping and returns. Ask us how to get set up with a Moment gear guide.
Mactrem Phone Camera Lens Kit
A great, affordable smartphone lens kit for beginners
Phone compatibility: Extensive | Included lenses: Macro, wide-angle, fisheye, telephoto
With four separate lenses plus extras that include an eyecup, carrying case, cleaning cloth, basic phone holder, and a micro tripod. The Lens Kit from Mactrem comes with all of this along with the ever-important clamp so you can attach the lens to your phone. These lenses include a macro, a wide-angle, fisheye, and a telephoto lens that can provide up to 20x magnification. For comparison, the iPhone XS comes with a 2x telephoto lens. While the lenses have plastic internal components this can lead to poor corner sharpness. However, the number of different lenses that come with the kit at such an affordable price makes it worth considering.
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- [HD DSLR Camera & Telescope 2 in 1] MACTREM Phone Camera Lens Kit includes a 20X telephoto lens, 205° fisheye lens, 0.5X ultra wide angle lens, 25X super macro lens, universal clip, tripod, eyecup...
- [10-10 Multi-layer Coating Lens Ensures High Definition] 10-layer green coating on both sides of phone lens greatly increase 390-760nm band visible light transmission, realizing color accuracy in the...
- [No More Blurry or Dark Photos] 25X super macro lens can realize 25 times magnification target, shooting fantastic close-up pictures. 0.5X ultra wide angle lens adds more to your shots, perfect for...
- [Super Wide Compatibility] The phone lens is compatible for 99% popular cell phones on the market, like iPhone X, XS, XS Max, XR, iPhone 8, 8 Plus iPhone 7, 7 Plus, iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, iPhone 6, 6...
- [100% meet your satisfaction on both products and service] MACTREM devotes itself to provide the best in class products and services to our customers. If you have any problems or you need any help,...
Apexel 1.33x Mobile Anamorphic Lens
A must-have lens for professional-looking videos
Phone compatibility: iPhone 6-XS Max, Huawei Mate 10-20 Pro, P20-P30 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S8-S10+ | Included lenses: 1.33x anamorphic
Do you fancy yourself as an amateur filmmaker but can’t afford a high-priced camera? The Anamorphic Lens from Apexel provides you with that opportunity but the footage that you shoot doesn’t just have the top and bottom cut off, the lens is anamorphic meaning that it optically compresses the perspective of the camera along its horizontal axis. Once the footage is re-stretched out to a 21:9 aspect ratio, the distortion-free video is amazing. Built with an aluminum barrel and also maintains good image sharpness by using German Shott glass on its lens and the metal clip is compatible with many of the phones available now.
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- 【Universal Compatibility】The movie video lens kit includes universal metal clip works with most popular types and models of smartphones and tablets, including iPhone XR,XS Max, X, 8, 7, 6S, 6...
- 【Less Image Distortion】 Apexel phone filmmaking lens is designed with aspherical lens, effectively correcting the spherical aberration and axial chromatic aberration in the imaging process,...
- 【Higher Cost Performance】 Phone vlog lens is made of German SCHOTT optical glass and multi-layer coating technology to control the imaging quality. the frames use the advanced aviation aluminum,...
- 【Used with the Camera App】 Moblie anamorphic lens is the holy grail of filmmaking. Sweet horizontal flares and that wide screen, letterboxes look. It's 1.33x design brings the organic look and...
- 【100% Satisfaction Customer Guarantee】 We provide 60 days money back, 12-month warranty and friendly lifetime customer service. If any question, you can reach us at service(at)apexellens.com. Have...
ExoLens with Optics by Zeiss Wide-Angle
The most affordable smartphone lens
Phone compatibility: Samsung Galaxy S6/S6 Edge, iPhone 6 | Included lenses: 18mm equivalent
Made from black anodized aluminum along with a detachable lens, Fellows along with renowned lens maker Zeiss have teamed up to provide a high-quality lens option for taking amazing looking photos with your smartphone. Inside the lens, there are aspherical elements that are made to combat distortion along with an anti-reflective coating that minimizes reflections as well as improving light transmission. The biggest selling point is its price. At such an affordable price, its more than worth checking out even if it’s not your favorite lens or your smartphone.
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- Precision-machined aluminum bracket with Integrated standard tripod Mount (1/4”-20)
- Telephoto lens
- Telephoto lens hood
- Macro lens and Macro lens diffusor
- Lens caps and microfiber lens bag included
Sony QX10
The best high-end lens for your smartphone
Phone compatibility: Compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones | Included lenses: 28-100mm, f/2.8-4.9
Sony is one of the best digital camera manufacturers in the world, always developing new technology to make the best photos possible. Now with the QX10, they have taken the guts from their compact cameras and made them available for use with your smartphone or on its own through Wi-Fi or NFC. The image quality that the QX10 is a noticeable improvement over the standard image that’s captured with your smartphone. The lens’ 10x zoom offers much better coverage as well. While it may be beyond the budget of many creatives, its versatility and quality are worth the cost.
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- Attach to turn your smartphone1 into a 10x zoom camera. Phone sold seperately.
- NFC/Wi-Fi allows simple, one-touch connection with Smartphone
- Use Apps to edit and share photos instantly online
- Compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones
Nelomo Universal
A great lens option for taking nature pictures
Phone compatibility: iPhone XR XS X/8/7Plus/7/6sPlus/6s, Samsung S9 Plus | Included lenses: 0.65x super-wide-angle, 15x macro, and 230° fisheye
Smartphone lenses that attached using a clip-on attachment system can be very handy and work with just about every phone available. The Nelomo is a great kit with various lenses that attach using a clip. Three lenses that come with the kit cover all of the bases you are looking for. These include a 0.65x super-wide-angle lens, a 15x macro lens as well as an impressive 230-degree fisheye lens. This is all wrapped up in a small case that can be used to store the lenses and the clip plus the carabiner lets you attach it to your belt loop for handy accessibility out in the field.
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- 3 IN 1 DETACHABLE LENS: 0.65x Super wide Angle Lens + Update 15x MACRO Lens + 230 degree fisheye lens, show you an wide angle view & a clear photo in detail from the target object. Meet all you...
- UPDATED 15X MACRO LENS: Designed with knurling circled around for convenient removing. With it, you can capture clear photos that are in greater detail at a distance within 2-5cm, target object....
- 0.65X WIDEANGLE CAPTURES BIGGER AREA: This lens is perfect for photographing a group of people, or to take some of the most beautiful landscapes.
- 230° SURPER FISHEYE LENS: 230 degree Fisheye Lens provides you incredible and dramatic rounded images, which takes you into the stunning and fantastic world.
- WHAT YOU GET : 1 x Fisheye iPhone Camera lens, 1 x Wide Angle lens, 1 x Macro lens, 1 x lens Clip, 1 x Luxury Protective Carrying Case, 1 x Luxury Cleaning Cloth, 1 x User Guide, and Worry-free...
Xenvo Pro Lens Kit
Best travel smartphone lens
Phone compatibility: All iPhone models, Samsung Galaxy and Note, Google Pixel, Huawei | Included lenses: TruView 0.45x Wide Angle Lens, Clarus 15x Macro Lens
Unlike some of the other options out there that require you to have a special phone case to use a lens, the Pro Lens Kit from Xenvo uses a clip-on mechanism instead and includes a macro and wide-angle lens. The kit includes a travel case for easy transportation plus a clip-on LED light that you can attach to your phone, helping ensure that you can film is almost any situation.
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- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL SINGLE AND DUAL-CAMERA PHONES including ALL iPhone models, Samsung Galaxy and Note, Google Pixel, Huawei and more. CONTENTS INCLUDE: TruView 0.45x Wide Angle Lens, Clarus 15x...
- TRUVIEW 0.45x WIDE ANGLE LENS - CAPTURE 45% MORE PICTURE WITH EVERY SNAP: Shoot stunning photos of people, pets, travel scenery, landscapes, architecture, selfies and more. NO DARK CORNERS...
- CLARUS 15x MACRO LENS - MARVEL YOUR SENSES. MAGNIFY NEARBY SUBJECTS FOR BREATHTAKING, SUPER CLOSE-UP PHOTOS: Capture all the intricacies and details with precision-focus for razor crisp macro photos...
- GLOWCLIP RECHARGEABLE LED FILL LIGHT - The GlowClip LED light clips ANYWHERE on your phone to instantly illuminate your subject and surroundings with warm continuous light. The warm and natural LED...
- QUICK-RELEASE LANYARD AND TRAVEL CASE - TRANSPORT AND PROTECT YOUR LENS KIT: Perfect for taking your Xenvo lenses with you on the fly. The travel case stores and protects all lens kit components...
Aukey Ora Lens
The best two-in-one smartphone lens
Phone compatibility: iPhone 8, 7, 6, Samsung, Other Android Smartphones | Included lenses: 120° Wide Angle Lens + a 15x Macro Lens
Sometimes having a little as possible to carry around is a blessing. With the Ora Lens from Aukey, you get a convenient two-in-one solution with a 15x macro lens plus a 120-degree wide-angle lens that screws onto it. This setup makes switching back and forth quick and easy. Included with the lens is a convenient carrying case with detachable carabiner for easy portability along with a cleaning cloth and lens cap to protect the lens when not in use. At a very affordable price, the Ora Lens could be a good backup that you didn’t know you were looking for.
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- Ora 2-in-1 Lens Set includes a 120° Wide Angle Lens + a 15x Macro Lens - Ideal for a variety of photography scenarios.
- Macro Lens gets you 15x closer to your subject for extremely detailed close-ups textures and objects (Position lens 0.4" - 1" from the subject to get clearer pictures). For better performance and fit,...
- Wide Angle Lens opens up your field of view for breathtaking landscape photos or wide format selfies, (Includes the combination of two lenses: screw the wide-angle attachment to the macro lens to get...
- Each lens is crafted with aluminum alloy and multi-element coated glass to minimize reflections and lens glare. Detachable soft rubber clip is easy to adjust and won’t leave any scratches or marks...
- Package contents: AUKEY PL-WD06 Ora 2-in-1 Lens Set, Lens Clip, Carrying Pouch, Cleaning Cloth, 45-Day Money Back Guarantee and 24-Month Product Replacement Warranty Card
Best Smartphone Lenses for Creatives
While smartphone cameras continue to improve with each subsequent release, it can be very hard for them to match the quality and the angles that a full camera lens can achieve. With the right smartphone lens, you can get as close as possible while still using your smartphone. We hope our list of the best smartphone lenses for creatives has piqued your curiosity about what these lenses can do to provide you with amazing photos.
Do you have a lens for your smartphone that is a go-to option for you? Let us know about it in the comments below!!
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