This iPhone accessory gave my standard model a Pro camera system – here’s how it works

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Sandmarc Telephoto 2x lens is available now for $155.
• The lens attaches to your iPhone and makes images more vivid, adding a professional quality to your shots (and is cheaper than a DSLR).
• It is not available for Android and occasionally warps close-up images.

Since I could hold a camera, I’ve been working on improving my photography skills. Now that I need to take product photos for work, I’ve dedicated more time to figuring out how to capture the best photos I can. Because, if I’m being honest, I often struggle with it. 

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While researching how to up my game, I stumbled upon the Sandmarc Telephoto 2x Lens. It came up on my TikTok search, and I was immediately intrigued. In the video, the content creator said the lens was a must-have for creators, and it makes your footage have DSLR quality. After seeing this, I knew I had to give it a try. If you’re a budding photographer with an iPhone and on a budget, you’ll want to know how my experience went.

The lens has two application options. You can either screw the lens into an included clip or into the phone case, which is also included in the purchase. Unfortunately for Android users, this product is only compatible with the iPhone 14 and beyond.

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I first tried it out on some product photos. It was an overcast day, and hardly any natural light came through my window, so I had difficulty getting the shot I envisioned. I did get some good shots after playing with the lighting, though. I experimented with it again during a trip to an Indiana State park. Once I got the hang of it, it felt extremely natural. Plus, it’s way less bulky than a camera. When I didn’t need it, I could just slip it back into my purse. 

The photos turned out beautiful. Because it’s a 2x lens, it works great for nature and outdoor shots. However, this lens needs a lot of light to do its best work, so I wouldn’t recommend it for those who shoot at night or indoor events with poor lighting. The zoom from the 2x lens was so much cleaner than the native camera. 

My friends were curious about the big lens sticking out of my phone, but after I showed them the clean shots I got with it, they all wanted pictures with the lens. These also came out gorgeous. The color is a lot more saturated than the iPhone camera, and objects pop in the frame. The lens is advertised as being great for portraits, and I agree. When I compared shots that my iPhone took with and without the lens, the lens shots were the clear winner. 

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Video also looks amazing with this camera. I filmed water flowing over rocks at the state park, and the resulting image was dynamic and alive. I compared it to my iPhone, and it really was better and added so much crispness to the shot. 

The biggest qualm I had with the lens is that it did not work with the native camera app on my iPhone. Instead, I had to pay $10 to download an app called Procam. The iPhone’s camera doesn’t allow for much manual control. 

When I put the lens on, it would shift between cameras, and the lens would block the shot. With the ProCam app, you can control almost any setting with your camera, enabling you to use the Sandmarc lens properly. 

It is a little frustrating to spend extra money when you have already spent $150 on the lens, and it’s nice to have access to a professional app, but it would be even better if it could be used with the native camera. However, that may be Apple’s issue, not Sandmarc’s.

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The lens also tends to warp close objects if you’re not careful. There were also times when bad lighting yielded below-average photos and some minimal warping, but I can chalk that up to user error.

There has always been an element of crispness that I have lacked in my previous photos. With the Sandmarc 2x lens, I can easily improve my photography game without having to spend hundreds of dollars on a DSLR. 

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Sandmarc Telephoto 2x lens is a great accessory for beginner photographers with an iPhone 14 and beyond. Using the ProCam app with the lens gives you the feel of a DSLR without actually having one, down to the manual controls. However, $150 can be a hefty price tag for some who feel their iPhone camera is enough. Due to how small and accessible it is, I can see this accessory being very convenient for professionals who need to be ready to take pictures on the fly. 

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