Sandmarc launches 10x optical zoom lens for iPhones, ignoring Android fans who are busy cry-laughing away
Trigger warning: this article is marked “not safe for Apple worshippers”, but it’s probably handy for users who want to make the most of their iPhones’ main camera. #apple #iphone
Sandmarc Telephoto 10x Lens for iPhone. Image: Sandmarc.
Apple’s smartphone, the iPhone, has wonderful cameras, but it’s not perfect.
In our recent smartphone camera shootouts (here and here), we know that iPhones don’t have natural 10x optical zoom, and they sometimes can’t compete against flagship Android phones that either come with in-built 10x optical zoom or pack a ton of tricks to make it look better than what iPhones typically achieve.
Sandmarc, a company that specialises in making equipment for professional photographers and videographers, was probably sick and tired of the iPhone’s 10x optical zoom falling behind.
The company took matters into its own hands by launching the Sandmarc Telephoto 10x Lens for iPhone.
This accessory is an attachable optical zoom lens with a 240mm range. It sticks to the iPhone via its Sandmarc phone case (included) or clip-on mount. The lens' true purpose is to use the iPhone’s impressive main camera for 10x optical zoom shots.
Sandmarc Telephoto 10x Lens for iPhone. Image: Sandmarc.
Additional perks include an adjustable focus wheel for the lens, true bokeh effect (not artificial, digitally recreated bokeh), and compatibility with filters design to cut glare, boost colours, soften harsh lighting, and more (although you need to get Sandmarc’s ones to fit on the lens).
Photo sample (before): shooting without the 10x lens. Photo: Sandmarc.
Photo sample (after): With the Sandmarc 10x lens attached. Photo: Sandmarc.
Also, because it’s an optical zoom lens, the performance isn’t worse in low-light shooting conditions — the iPhone won’t have to degrade the image quality by introducing more noise just because you decided to zoom in.
Another imaging sample taken using Sandmarc Telephoto 10x Lens for iPhone. Photo: Sandmarc.
While Sandmarc said the accessory is compatible with all versions of iPhones, note that the accessory is heavier (310g) than the Pro Max versions of Apple’s handsets (iPhone 16 Pro Max at 227g). You’ll still need both hands to handle all that girth properly.
Sandmarc Telephoto 10x Lens for iPhone. Image: Sandmarc.
The Sandmarc Telephoto 10x Lens for iPhone retails at US$299.99 (~S$398.74) on its official online website.
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