It’s well known that the iPhone is a really great camera phone, but one thing it lacks is an optical zoom or extra wide-angle facility. Luckily iPhones have always been well supported with third-party lenses which overcome this limitation. However, with the release of the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, these lenses need to be redesigned to fit the new phone profiles. In this article we’ll take a look at a couple of different lens systems which are now compatible with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
With the introduction of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, Apple have proved they weren’t prepared to sacrifice imaging quality by shrinking the camera components to fit inside the new slimmer body.
This would have resulted in poorer quality photos as the sensor would have had to be smaller and/or the lens even more wide-angle. Consequently the camera’s lens on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus stands proud of the body by a few millimeters.
This is a brave move from a company that loves clean, uninterrupted lines in their designs – but a sensible move to keep us iPhone photographers happy.
Interestingly the protruding lens may help manufacturers of third-party lenses as it should be simpler to make lenses which attach magnetically to the lens ring.
What To Consider When Buying iPhone Lenses
The most important aspect to consider when choosing a third-party lens is the quality of the glass. Cheaper lenses will use inferior untreated glass, or worse, be made of plastic! There is no escaping the fact that poor quality lenses result in poor quality images.
Next you’ll want to think about what kind of photography you’re trying to achieve. Do you need to bring far away subjects closer? Then pick a telephoto (tele) lens.
Do you want to make small close-up subjects appear larger? Then go for a macro lens. Do you want to cram all your family and friends into one shot or photograph a wide landscape? If so, it’s got to be a wide-angle lens.
Another important consideration when choosing a third-party lens is how the lens attaches to your iPhone. Lens manufacturers employ different techniques for attaching their lenses to the iPhone.
Some require you to attach a metal ring with a sticky back around the lens, and the lens then attaches magnetically. Others require a special purpose-built case (full or partial) which has a locking mechanism for the lens to fit into.
Lastly, the size of the lens is important. If it’s too bulky you might not bother to carry it with you everywhere you go. If it’s too small, you might lose it.
Some kind of carry-case should be considered in order to keep the lens free of dust and scratches. This leather case from Moment is stylish and practical.
So, let’s take a look at two different lens systems compatible with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
Moment Lenses
Moment are the first to market lenses that are compatible with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. They offer two lenses – Moment Wide and Moment Tele. Both cost $99.99 each and come with a mounting plate (also available separately for $9.99 if you want a spare).
Each lens weighs 275g and claims “edge-to-edge clarity.” The lenses come with a lens mount of your choice (to suit your iPhone 6 or 6 Plus), a cloth carry-case, extra adhesive for the lens mount and 12 months warranty in the US (24 months in the EU).
The Moment Wide has a 0.63x magnification, effectively meaning you get 37% more of your subject into the frame. This is comparable to an 18mm lens in conventional cameras. The lens has 5 glass elements in 4 groups.
The Moment Tele has a 2x magnification, making your subject seem twice as close. It has 4 glass elements in 4 groups and claims to have zero pin-cushion distortion.
All Moment lenses are attached with a Moment mounting plate. Each lens comes with your choice of mounting plate, so make sure you order the correct one.
The mounting plate features a bayonet connection which allows you to rotate the lens, locking it into place securely. You can find out more and order your lenses on the Moment website.
Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens
Olloclip have been producing lenses for iPhones for a good while now. They were a bit slow off the mark with releasing lenses for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, but they now have several options available.
The most popular Olloclip lens system is the 4-in-1 lens, It’s an innovative design that allows the lenses to be used on either the front or back camera of your iPhone. The lens module can be easily clipped on and off the iPhone.
The lenses are offset and mounted on a special wrap-around partial casing. Each side of the case has a built in lens to which an additional (included) lens can be attached to produce a different effect.
Unscrewing the included wide-angle lens reveals the integrated 10x macro lens built into the case. Unscrewing the included fisheye lens reveals the integrated 15x macro lens, also built into the case.
The 4-in-1 lens is priced at $79.99 and is available in a range of color combinations. You can purchase it from the Olloclip website as well as other retailers.
In addition to the 4-in-1 lens, Olloclip also have two other lens options available for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
There is the Telephoto + CPL Lens module which costs $99.99. The telephoto lens delivers a 2x optical magnification, allowing you to get twice as close to your subject, while the removable CPL (circular polarizing lens) reduces glare and reflections and makes colors look rich and true to life.
And finally there is the Macro 3-in-1 Lens module which costs $69.99. It offers three different magnifications (7x, 14x and 21x) to choose from, and is a must-have for anyone who wants to take close-up photos of small subjects such as flowers and insects. Olloclip claim that these Macro lenses have edge-to-edge clarity, designed to easily capture crisp and clean close-up shots.
Please note, while Moment and Olloclip are two of the most popular brands of iPhone lens, there are also other lenses on the market which are likely to be upgraded for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus over the coming months.
Thanks for the update Rob! 🙂
Curious to know if the lenses: 1- must be used without a protective iPhone case and 2-if they cause damage.
like the mount of moment lenses, if will decide to change the iphone when next generation will come, just get the mounting plate and cantinue to use yours lenses. olloclip you have to buy new set
Yes, that’s right – the Moment mounting system is a great idea.
Does the mount glue to your phone?
I bought the Aduro 3 pak (Groupon) … and it will not work on my new iPhone 6+.
Quivers and shakes badly.
I want to take a convient portable wide angle and telephoto lens on vacation in Feb. I’m considering the Olloclip 4 way. One piece seems easier to keep safe and clean than several. I’m assuming the case has to come off the phone to fit the lens…correct?
I like the idea of not having to remove the case on my iPhone to fit the lens. The magnetic ring does not bother me….does anyone have any suggestions as to a brand/model that will mag-mount and still work with the iPhone 6+ ?
I’m an amateur, just capturing moments. Any advice?
Kit doesn’t work if you have a screen protector and the case. Phone has to be naked of anything interfering with the kit mounting.
Regarding the Olloclip kit…sorry, forgot to mention this on my above post ;P
I just got the Olloclip set for my iPhone 6+. The second time I went to use it, i realized it had cracked/shattered my Zagg Glass Screen protector! The process of having to slide the clip down over the phone caused enough pressure on the screen protector to crack it.
I have ordered a replacement screen protector (thankfully, I will only pay shipping), and am considering returning the Olloclip 🙁
I like the idea of the Moment mounting system being completely back mounted as to not interfere with the screen protector.
hi,
Can anyone help where can I procure these in India (Mumbai) from? Does Surplus Shed like suppliers exist in India to order from?
Thanks.
Rgds,
Gopal
Carrying the lens isn’t ideal. I picked up a Ztylus from the site below:
http://phonelenscases.com/ztylus-iphone-6-case-lens-adapter-kit-metal.html
I love the utility and the cool look, it’s a lot of fun!
That’s an interesting design. How do you find the quality of the different lenses? Do you get much distortion/blurring around the edges? Would love to hear your first-hand experience with this lens 🙂
Kate (Editor)
yea there is a bit of barrel distortion but ive experienced similar results with other lenses. I use a bit of blurring around the distortion to hide it, nothing too difficult to deal with. The convenience is more attractive to me. I didn’t like all the little pieces that come in other kits, especially when I’m hiking or something like that. Worth a try IMHO.
Unfortunately the Olloclip kit can not be used with a screen protector. I had to return mine because there’s no way I’m going to be peeling it off every time I’m taking a picture. I really hope technology will catch up with the need for iPhone lenses using a case and a screen protector!
Are the designers/creators even considering these things for their creations??? I think I just got the answer with the Olloclip.
Greetings, again!
I have delayed purchasing Olloclip lenses because to me it makes no sense to remove a protective case and screen protector. In the manipulating of the lenses, snapping on and off, I can’t see how the case would not be vulnerable to damage, not only from all the lens action but the possibility of a fall when outside. Believe me, I want these lenses! I have seen Karin Taylor’s macro work and it is fabulous.
A couple of months ago I heard that Olloclip was coming out with something new for the iPhone 6 and I think the 6+ as well:(perhaps enough people complained or suggested an upgraded system to the company and they listened). a full phone CASE onto which the lenses would clip, I believe the lenses were to be redesigned to go with the case: now THIS makes sense. I wrote to customer service and they told me this was true and that I should subscribe to their newsletter to get alerts. All this was allegedly due out in March and I haven’t heard a thing, nor have I received a newsletter.
I don’t quite understand the reason why a screen protector can’t be used if one is not using the front facing camera…if one is using the screen as a range finder of sorts, the Ollo lens should not interfere. Does that make sense?
Anyway, I am still awaiting the news for the new system.
I just tested the olloclip “Active Lens” with my iPhone 6, and it’s going back to the Apple store — not only did I have to remove my non-olloclip case to use the lenses, I just wasn’t impressed with the range of either the 2x telephoto or wide-angle lens.
It did work with my Zagg screen protector, so I think it just depends what brand you have installed on your phone. Too finicky for my tastes and the quality/value proposition is not there.
I’ve been very happy with the PocketLens iPhone kit. It is super easy to use and carry in a pocket as the name implies. 😉
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Is there any manufacturer that supplies case and lenses for Iphone 6S plus I m not going to take case off and risk dropping my phone I need a case that allows for lens change and has a facility for securing wrist strap or lanyard
Hi Chris. Olloclip have a really great case that works with all of their lenses. You can find our review of it here: http://iphonephotographyschool.com/olloclip-lens-and-case/
I looked but couldn’t tell if it has facility for wrist strap or lanyard. Do you know ?
I’m afraid it doesn’t, but it does have rubber sides around the case which makes it quite easy to grip onto.