Macro Clip-On Phone Lenses for Close-Ups

Close-ups the phone cannot take alone

A macro lens lets the phone focus very close, so small things fill the picture: an insect, the inside of a flower, the grain of wood, the weave of a fabric, a coin, a watch face, or jewellery and crafts for a listing. Many phones have a close-up mode of their own, but a strong clip-on macro goes much further, showing detail you cannot see with the naked eye.

The macro lenses here

Strong clip-on macros of 10x, with a universal clip and a choice of colours.
Long macro lenses that focus a few centimetres away rather than right against the subject, which leaves room for light to reach it. One is sold on its own or with a polarising filter, a star filter, or both, and comes with a bag with a slot for each piece.

The wide-angle lenses in wide-angle phone lenses and many phone lens kits have a macro built in as well, which is a good start if you want to try close-ups among other things.

How to get sharp close-ups

A clip-on macro works at one short distance from the subject, often much closer than you expect, and each product page gives it. Hold the phone still, and move it slowly towards or away from the subject until it comes sharp, rather than relying on tapping the screen. Because the lens magnifies shake as well as the subject, brace your elbows, lean on something, or put the phone on a mini tripod. Let in plenty of light, since the phone and its own shadow are so close: a window, daylight outside, or a small clip-on light.

The lens must sit dead centre over the camera in use. Cover each of the phone's lenses with a fingertip at 1x: the one that darkens the screen is where the macro goes.

Questions people ask about macro phone lenses

Why will my iPhone not focus with a macro fitted?

On iPhones that take macro photos, the camera switches to the Ultra Wide camera close up, away from the clip-on. Turn on Macro Control under Settings, Camera, and use the button on screen to stop the switch.

Can I use a macro lens for product photos?

Yes. Jewellery, watches, stamps and craft work all suit one. Use soft daylight from a window and a plain background, and keep the phone on a tripod.

Is a macro lens the same as a zoom?

No. A macro is for very close things and cannot focus on anything far away. For distance, look at telephoto phone lenses.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

Macro Phone Lenses

Shop Macro Phone Lenses

Clip-On Macro Phone Lens 30-120mm with CPL and Star Filter Options