What a clip-on lens adds to a phone
A clip-on lens is a small lens in a sprung clip. The clip goes over the edge of the phone and holds the lens in front of one of the phone's own cameras, and the phone focuses and takes the picture as normal. It gives views the phone cannot reach alone: wider on a phone without an ultra-wide camera, much closer than the phone's own close-up mode, round and bent like a fisheye, or far away without the blur of digital zoom.
The kinds of clip-on lens
- Wide-angle phone lenses fit more into the picture: a whole room, a group in a small space, a building from across the street.
- Macro phone lenses focus very close, so an insect, a flower, a coin or the weave of a fabric fills the picture.
- Fisheye phone lenses give a very wide, round view in which straight lines curve strongly.
- Telephoto phone lenses bring far things closer, for wildlife, sport and the stage.
- Phone lens kits put several of these in one set with a shared clip and a pouch.
Filters, which change the light rather than the view, are under phone lens filters.
Fitting one to a phone with several cameras
A phone with several cameras on the back needs the clip-on lens over the one in use. Open the camera at 1x and cover each lens in turn with a fingertip: the one that darkens the screen is where the clip-on goes. If dark corners show, slide the clip until they clear. A thick case or a camera lens protector can hold the lens off the glass, so most clips work best with the case off.
What to expect
A clip-on is extra glass in front of a camera designed to work alone, so expect a little softness at the edges, some bending of straight lines on wide lenses, and a little less light. Lenses with glass elements and a coating do better than plain plastic. Put what matters in the middle of the frame, clean both lenses before you start, and keep the caps on in the pouch.
Questions people ask about clip-on phone lenses
Will a clip-on lens fit my phone?
Most clips fit any phone, as long as they open wide enough and reach the camera. Very large camera bumps and thick cases are the usual problems, so check the clip's opening on each product page.
Why will my iPhone not focus with a lens fitted?
Close up, it may switch to another camera. Turn on Macro Control under Settings, Camera, and use the button on screen to stop the switch. The guide to clip-on lenses and filters has more.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.
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