Has anyone used the external macro lens of the mobile phone?

[JaniceWee]

I want to learn photography, but I don't have enough budget to buy a professional camera lens.

 

[koraks]

Welcome to Photrio, Janice!
I haven't tried anything of sorts, but I understand there are many auxiliary lenses that you can put onto phone cameras to either get a more wide angle view, a longer focal length (more 'zoom') and macro. I generally hear favorable things about these, so I'd suggest picking up one of the cheaper options and just giving it a go.

It may also help to share what phone you're using so if anyone here as concrete experiences to share, they might tailor their advice to your situation. You mention 'macro' - what kind of subjects would you like to photograph?

 

[Nitroplait]

My old phone (iPhone8) didn't have wide and macro mode.
I found a cheap no-name clip-on combined Wide/Macro lens in a Japanese 100 yen shop (dollar store).
It is a 0.67% wide lens. With the front element removed it becomes a macro lens.
It obvious wasn't well corrected but was fun to play with regardless.
I think there are loads of similar devices on amazon, ebay etc.

 

[JaniceWee]

Welcome to Photrio, Janice!
I haven't tried anything of sorts, but I understand there are many auxiliary lenses that you can put onto phone cameras to either get a more wide angle view, a longer focal length (more 'zoom') and macro. I generally hear favorable things about these, so I'd suggest picking up one of the cheaper options and just giving it a go.

It may also help to share what phone you're using so if anyone here as concrete experiences to share, they might tailor their advice to your situation. You mention 'macro' - what kind of subjects would you like to photograph?

Thanks for your reply, this is my first time speaking. I want to shoot small things like insects or water droplets, I think that would be interesting

 

[JaniceWee]

My old phone (iPhone8) didn't have wide and macro mode.
I found a cheap no-name clip-on combined Wide/Macro lens in a Japanese 100 yen shop (dollar store).
It is a 0.67% wide lens. With the front element removed it becomes a macro lens.
It obvious wasn't well corrected but was fun to play with regardless.
I think there are loads of similar devices on amazon, ebay etc.
View attachment 331585

Grateful! A friend recommended Apexel 100mm macro lens to me, what do you think of that product?

 

[Molli]

Hi Janice, welcome to Photrio!
I've no experience of lenses on mobile phones, but the three reviews I just skimmed through gave particularly high praise to the one you mentioned. At any rate, it seems like an addition you could have a lot of fun with, learning as you go.
Best of luck with your new hobby; it's a rabbit warren of experiments, discoveries, revelations, disappointments (also known as teaching moments ) and a possible gateway to Gear Acquisition Syndrome! Enjoy!

 

[JaniceWee]

Hi Janice, welcome to Photrio!
I've no experience of lenses on mobile phones, but the three reviews I just skimmed through gave particularly high praise to the one you mentioned. At any rate, it seems like an addition you could have a lot of fun with, learning as you go.
Best of luck with your new hobby; it's a rabbit warren of experiments, discoveries, revelations, disappointments (also known as teaching moments ) and a possible gateway to Gear Acquisition Syndrome! Enjoy!

Thank you, I bought it with your encouragement, looking forward to my new lens

 

[Pieter12]

I have the Schneider iPro lens kit for the older iPhone 5/6 and older iPad. It has a 2.5x macro lens that focuses down to about 1” plus a wide angle and tele lens. I don’t know if it will work with the newer phones, but it works quite well for the iPhone 6.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I want to learn photography, but I don't have enough budget to buy a professional camera lens.

Welcome to APUG Photrio!!​