Image via Complex Original
Every day, over 300 million photos are uploaded on Facebook, with 40 million archived on Instagram. These statistics alone show how the most utilized feature on the smartphone is by far the camera. Granted the optimized efforts from mobile manufacturers such as Apple, HTC, and Samsung have made us ditch the traditional point-and-shoot camera in exchange for the shooter found on our handsets—the seasoned photographer still demands a premium lens to capture more stable and vibrant images. With accessories becoming such an integral part of the smartphone landscape, a number of companies have gone on to produce high-quality optics to help shutterbugs achieve the best-looking visuals that can be shared amongst the social media faithful. So for those looking to step up their Instagram game, set your scope on the Best Lenses For Your Smartphone.
Izzi Orbit
Price: $240
Built for the blogger or self-shooter, the Orbit boats a two-layer armor composed of aircraft-grade aluminum that comes fitted with a three-lens solution consiting of a 180-degree fish eye, 67x wide angle, and 2x Telephoto optics. Izzi’s patented Sure Hand Stabilizing Grip design helps jittery photogs minimize shudder in their photos, while offering full smartphone protection. Choose from five different colors for the iPhone 5 or 5S.
Olloclip
Price: $100
The easy-to-slide-on accessory provides iPhone users with enhanced focal length and a stronger color palette. A 2x telephoto lens magnifies levels to capture the finest detail at close range, where as the Telephoto’s circular polarizer lens reduces glare to produce vibrant images. Best part is it works with all your favorite photography apps like Instagram and Camera+.
Kogeto
Price: $49
No matter how easy Apple’s TV spots might make capturing panoramic shots look, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s an easy task. Those who thrive on capturing full environments need to look into the Kogeto Dot Panoramic attachment, which lets you take full 360-degree photos and videos. How so? Place the iPhone facedown on a surface and let the iConic lens record your surroundings. Dope!
Schneider Optics iPro Lens System
Price: $230
Schneider Optics optimized its new lens system to accommodate the iPhone 5 camera’s higher resolution, enhancing the lens and sensor in the process. The full package comes loaded with five interchangeable lenses including all new macro, super wide, wide angle, fisheye, and telephoto options. Using the super-wide angle lens doubles the iPhone 5’s field view and the 2x telephoto optic accommodates the phone’s hi-res output. You can also cop each one separately starting at $40.
Easy-Macro Universal Lens Band
Price: $15
The universal smartphone attachment is a basic optics band that elimates the bulk of most add-on lenses and promotes sharp close-up photos thanks to 4X magnification. It even fits any 10-inch iPad or Android tablet. How's that for versatility.
Mophie Outride
Price: $100
Mophie’s offering transforms the iPhone 4/4S into a solid wide-angle action sports camera that costs less than half the price of a GoPro and generates high-quality footage. The Outride’s quick-release mechanism makes it easy to switch mounts and use on the go when in engaging in prompt shooting modes. Record your X Games audition through the 170-degree lens and share it with followers through the device’s accompanying iOS app.
iPhone Lens Dial
Price: $250
Shutterbugs looking to bless their iPhone with a new pair of spectacles should set their scope on the Lens Dial. The photo-enhancing tool flaunts a wheel that houses “optical-quality coated glass lenses” around a slim aircraft-grade aluminum case. Utilize the 0.7 wide-angle lens for landscape views, rotate over to the 1.5x Telephoto optic to achieve double the magnification on a subject, or switch to the 0.33 fisheye lens for abstract shots.
Photojojo Lens Set
Price: $50 (four-lens package)
Compatible with any smartphone, tablet, or computer, Photojojo’s four-in-one set bundles a series of lenses (Fisheye, Marco, Telephoto, Wide Angle) that magnetically snap onto the camera of any device. So whether it’s hemispherical or zoomed-in/out images, photgraphers have the luxury of easily swapping out lenses to snag the perfect shot.
Holga 5-Lens Filter & Case
Price: $26
Instagram mongers with an affinity for filters have a case-and-lens solution to call their very own. The Holga adds special effects to shots through a variety of different image lenses and nine colored special effects to produce uniquely abstract portraits. Covers are also available in Blue, Black, White, and Yellow.
Sony QX100 Smartphone Lens
Price: $500
Technically a camera for the smartphone, Sony’s massive smart lens morphs your Android device into a full-fledged camera—supporting an image sensor, 1-inch 20.2-megapixel Exmor R sensor, and a f/1.8-4.9 Carl Zeiss lens. The QX100 comes NFC and WiFi-enabled, plus features a microSD and Memory Stick slots, along with tripod mounts and optional clips that lock onto the back of most handsets. In other words, kiss your point-and-shot goodbye.
