Rating of the best attachment lenses for a smartphone for 2022

The modern digital technology market is constantly updated with new types of smart devices and devices for them. One of these can be called an attached lens for a smartphone, which is in great demand today. The popularity of models of such devices is explained by convenient functionality and attractive price. But how do you choose the right lens among the huge range of brands and models? To help resolve this issue, this article provides an overview of the types and features of optical technology, as well as a rating of the best attached lenses for a smartphone for 2022 based on quality characteristics and positive customer reviews.

Features of attachment lenses for the phone

It's no secret that many popular smartphones are renowned for their high quality built-in cameras. Therefore, undoubtedly, most users will have a question, then why do we need an attached lens? And here it should be understood that even the best photographic devices in mobile gadgets cannot be compared with the quality of cameras of modern digital cameras. To solve this problem, additional nozzles have been developed.

Attached lenses for smartphones are represented by a number of options:

• a properly selected device automatically makes the phone more functional and practical, as it allows you to take high-quality pictures that do not differ from the frames of a professional camera;
• many models provide their own magnifiers;
• the design of the equipment includes reliable fasteners that allow it to be firmly held on the smartphone and at the same time not interfere with normal use;
• provides not only a variety of characteristics, but also different price categories.

Additional optical devices provide a wide classification and are marketed by many well-known brands. As a result, even the most demanding consumer will be able to choose the best option for himself.

What are attachment lenses for smartphones

Attached lenses differ not only in brand and price, but also in quality characteristics, which include the following types of devices:

1. Wide-angle, which allow you to increase the angle of view of the camera, expand its capture area and thereby add additional faces and objects to the frame. The viewing angle interval of such a technique varies from 110 to 140 degrees. Scope of application: for creating beautiful photo landscapes in which a wide panorama is needed, they are no less relevant for shooting video and conferences.
2. Fish Eye (the so-called "fish eye"), which are, as it were, a subspecies of the previous group, but at the same time allows you to get an interesting spherical (barrel-like) frame distortion. The viewing angle of the device varies between 180-235 degrees. Used for shooting in tight small spaces or as a DVR.
3. Telephoto lenses that provide 8x magnification and thereby significantly improve the quality of images. Recommended for portrait shooting, as unlike wide-angle devices, it does not distort the proportions of the face.
4. Macro lenses, with a 10x zoom function and highly detailed shots.Designed for macro photography in good lighting conditions.
5. Microscopes that are similar to a powerful magnifying loupe, as they are able to provide a sixty-fold increase in unsurpassed detail in photographs. Indispensable devices for use by watchmakers, jewelers and other professionals working with small objects.

There is also a classification of additional optics for mobile phones according to the method of attachment. So, most models are universal devices, the mount of which is a clip or a clothespin-clip. On the modern market, optics with a magnetic mount are also offered. The well-known brand Apple releases a double accessory for the front and selfie - a camera with a mount in the form of a slot in the center where the gadget is inserted.

What to look for when choosing an attachment lens

Despite the fact that each consumer has his own personal selection criteria, there are general recommendations that you should heed when buying an additional optical accessory:

1. Before buying, you need to be sure that the equipment is fully suitable for a specific smartphone model (synchronizes with the OS, matches the shape of the camera, etc.).
2. In addition to the structure of the accessory, it is important to study its technical characteristics based on the manufacturer's documents and choose only the one whose functionality meets the stated requirements.
3. Equally important is the stage of inspecting the external condition of the device, regardless of its price category. If there are the slightest defects, it is better not to buy additional optics.
4. It is best to buy an exclusively branded product, which gives a guarantee of quality, service, and at the same time does not always mean an expensive budget.
5. You should purchase a removable device for your mobile device in a specialized store or in an online store on the official website of the manufacturer.

In addition, in order not to make mistakes when choosing an attached lens for a smartphone and finally decide which one is better to buy, before making a decision, you should study real consumer reviews and, if available, a rating of quality devices based on them.

The best manufacturers of optical equipment and where to buy it

As already mentioned, today there are many varieties of additional nozzles for mobile equipment of well-known brands on the market today. In turn, their products are distinguished by impeccable quality and attractive design. And if the question arises of a device, which company is better to buy, then you should take a closer look at the following popular brands:

• A well-known manufacturer of digital equipment from Japan, among which there are telephones, digital cameras, but also, of course, attached optics. The brand's products are famous for their high quality, excellent assembly, interesting design and long service life. According to experts, today Sony lenses with full confidence can be classified as the best devices, and therefore they are not cheap pleasure for the price.
• An equally popular South Korean manufacturer that produces a wide range of additional lenses: from single to kit, from miniature to large. All models of the brand are of decent quality, some of which even provide budget prices.
• It is also a popular brand, in the production of which high-quality, but inexpensive additional optical devices. Offers a wide range of lenses from microscopes to general purpose fisheye lenses.A distinctive feature of Mixberry products are device cases made of aluminum and guaranteeing durability and wear resistance to devices.

The products of Olloclip and Moment, HAMA Uni, GETIHU, APEXEL, MOUSEMI and many other brands are not inferior in terms of quality and demand. You can buy additional optics for smartphones in specialized digital equipment markets. It can also be ordered online in the branded online store. On the site, each client can read the description of the product, see its photo, find out the type and how much it costs. Many models, even well-known trusted manufacturers, are sold on AliExpress and other similar services. The most important thing to understand is that the best lenses are not always novelties or expensive multifunctional devices - they can also be not very popular budget models.

Review of the best attachment lenses for a smartphone in 2022

Top 5 budget models of additional optics

5th place DigiCare PHL-MWL12

The Lens Digicare PHL-MWL12 is a versatile optical attachment compatible with many smartphones, tablets and even laptops. In fact, it is a set of two lenses with macro, wide-angle and fisheye functions, which allows you to use the model to take original shots with various creative effects.

Each lens is easily installed in the clip included in the kit, after which it is fixed in it using a special thread. To the digital device Digicare PHL-MWL12 is attached through a reliable lens. The whole set weighs only 270 grams and takes up little space, which allows you to take it with you on walks or on a trip, for corporate parties and other holidays.

Main parameters Lens Digicare PHL-MWL12:

Options	Characteristics
Purpose	universal lens for smartphone
Series	PHL
Number of lenses in the set	3
macro photography	there is
Wide angle shooting	yes with 0.67x magnification (by 30%)
fisheye effect	Available with viewing angle up to 180 degrees
Minimum Shooting Distance	from 1 cm
Fastening	universal clip
Housing material	plastic
Lens material	glass
Color	black
The weight	270 g
Country of Origin	China

The average cost of Lens Digicare PHL-MWL12: 600 rubles.

• compact and lightweight nozzle;
• universal accessory for three types of shooting;
• budget price;
• compatible with many mobile and portable devices, as well as laptops.

• hard to find for sale.

4th place Mixberry MSMLS180F

The universal optical accessory MSMLS180F from the Chinese brand Mixberry, which produces it in the SELFIEMANIA series, is designed for shooting Fish Eye with a viewing angle of up to 180 degrees. The set also includes a second lens with a zoom effect (approximation 50 times) for macro photography. The device is made of aluminum and optical glass and is characterized by high light sensitivity.

A feature of the optics is the ability to fix it not only on the rear, but also on the front camera, which allows you to take self-portraits. The glass with a wide-angle effect is fixed to the smartphone with a special clip. A macro lens is mounted on top of it.

 

Main parameters of Mixberry MSMLS180F:

Options	Characteristics
Purpose	universal lens for smartphone
Series	SELFIEMANIA
Number of lenses in the set	1
macro photography	No
Wide angle shooting	No
fisheye effect	Available with viewing angle up to 180 degrees
Compatibility	with main and selfie camera
Fastening	clip
Housing material	aluminum / plastic
Lens material	glass
Color	black
The weight	51 g
Equipment	storage case
Country of Origin	China

The average cost of Mixberry MSMLS180F: 2000 rubles.

• the possibility of three types of shooting: wide-angle, fisheye and macro;
• good quality lenses;
• simple fastening;
• compatibility with many models of mobile equipment;
• the ability to install not only on the main, but also on the selfie camera;
• light and compact model;
• high wear resistance;
• includes a storage case;
• optimal cost.

• No obvious deficiencies were identified.

3rd place BlackEye HD Wide Angle

Black Eye HD Wide Angle is a universal wide angle lens for smartphones. According to buyers, it allows you to take breathtaking widescreen shots. Features a 160-degree field of view for great landscape shots. The device can be used with both rear and front cameras. Black Eye HD Wide Angle is great for travel, video and selfies.

The device is equipped with a universal mount, thanks to which it is able to synchronize with most phones and tablets. The clip-nozzle provides a silicone pad, thanks to which the body of the main equipment is not threatened by scratches and abrasions. The lens itself is made of high-quality glass with a three-layer AR coating, polished by hand, so it accurately reproduces colors and prevents unwanted reflections.

Main parameters of Black Eye HD Wide Angle:

Options	Characteristics
Purpose	universal lens for smartphone
Number of lenses in the set	1
macro photography	No
Wide angle shooting	available with 0.4x magnification and viewing angle up to 160 degrees
fisheye effect	No
Compatibility	with main and selfie camera
Fastening	clothespin holder
Housing material	plastic
Lens material	high quality hand polished glass
Color	black
Equipment	lens cap
Country of Origin	Germany

The average cost of Black Eye HD Wide Angle: 3000 rubles.

• high quality;
• anti-reflective coating;
• universal mount for many gadgets;
• silicone pad to protect your mobile device from scratches;
• the price matches the quality.

• limited wide-angle shooting;
• not always available in online stores.

2nd Place Baseus Short Videos Magic Camera Professional

Baseus Short Videos Magic Camera Professional is a set of removable lenses designed to enhance the creative effects of photos taken with a smartphone camera. The product is represented by three types of optics: macro lens 15x zoom, Fish Eye and wide angle lens 120 degrees. All of them are characterized by a simple and convenient design that is easy to use with a smartphone and fixed with a clothespin.

The Baseus Short Videos case is made of polycarbonate and has an attractive appearance that looks high quality and expensive, while being a budget option. The lenses are twisted and unscrewed into each other and into a reliable clothespin, the clothespin holders are covered with a rubberized material that does not allow the clothespin to slip off and damage the phone case.

Basic parameters of Baseus Short Videos:

Options	Characteristics
Purpose	universal lens for smartphone
Number of lenses in the set	3
macro photography	have 15x
Wide angle shooting	Available with viewing angle up to 180 degrees
fisheye effect	there is
Peculiarities	zoom
Fastening	pin
Housing material	polycarbonate
Lens material	glass
Color	black
Country of Origin	China

The average cost of Baseus Short Videos: 2500 rubles.

• a set of lenses for three types of shooting;
• wide viewing angle - 120 degrees;
• suitable for selfie photos - cameras without a special stick;
• convenient clothespin-mount;
• the presence of a protective rubber gasket on the mount;
• body made of durable polycarbonate;
• optimal price.

• insufficient zoom for shots of small objects at a distance;
• decrease in photo quality at maximum expansion.

1st Apexel APL-T18X

Based on the high rating of users, the products of the famous Chinese brand Apexel should undoubtedly be ranked first among the budget options for nozzles. In a specific case, one of the latest popular Apexel APL-T18X models will be considered. The accessory package includes: a telescopic device with an 18x zoom for shooting various moving and stationary objects and a convenient tripod tripod for stable fixation. To adjust the focal length, there is a rotary mechanism, and to fix the gaze on the selected object, an elastic spoiler is provided.

Apexel APL-T18X are made in Japan from high-quality laminated glass, which is used in optical equipment of leading world brands. The body is made of aluminum alloy and covered with anti-allergic silicone. The lens is securely protected from contamination by a screw-on cap during transportation.The product package includes a universal clip for fixing the monocular on the cameras of various gadgets.

Main parameters of Apexel APL-T18X:

Options	Characteristics
Purpose	universal lens for smartphone
Number of lenses in the set	3
macro photography	there is
Wide angle shooting	yes with 0.63X magnification
fisheye effect	up to 198 degrees
Peculiarities	zoom 18x
Fastening	universal clip
Housing material	aluminum alloy with anti-allergic silicone.
Lens material	multilayer optics
Color	black
The weight	155 g
Equipment	rubber spoiler for monocular tripod universal smartphone holder
Country of Origin	Japan

The average cost of Apexel APL-T18X: 1900 rubles.

• the presence of a fixing tripod tripod;
• high quality multilayer lenses;
• durable and wear-resistant body;
• good 18x magnification;
• user recommendations;
• compatibility with almost all gadgets;
• great price for the quality shown.

No obvious deficiencies were identified.

Top 5 External Premium Lenses

5th place Moment Lens

Moment Lens is one of the expensive premium lenses for the iPhone from the American brand of the same name, which has proven itself in the domestic market. The set includes four optical glasses: a wide-angle effect with a focus of 18 mm, a portrait accessory for 60 mm, a macro lens with a 10x magnification and a porcelain lens hood, and a fisheye lens. The manufacturer offers a choice of buying both a set of optics and each accessory separately.

The lenses are attached using a native case with a special platform, which is equipped with a camera shutter button that works via bluetooth through a native application.Durable rubber mount provides a special threshold for a comfortable grip during shooting and a soft lining for the safety of the iPhone. In the assortment for sale there are cases for the iPhone 6/6s, 6 plus/6s plus, iPhone 7 and 7 plus.

Moment are powered by their own Camera app in the AppStore. Each lens in the application has different settings (photo format, resolution, focus, etc.). The body of Moment Lens is made of steel and covered with matte black paint, and the optics are made of high-quality glass of our own production.

The main parameters of Moment Lens:

Options	Characteristics
Purpose	lens suitable for iPhone, Pixel and Galaxy S
Number of lenses in the set	5
macro photography	available with removable hood
Minimum Shooting Distance	2.5 cm
Wide angle shooting	available with 18 mm focal length
fisheye effect	available with 170 degree coverage
telephoto lens	available with a focal length of 58 mm
Anamorphic lens	available with anti-reflective coating and compression ratio 1.33
Fastening	cases of own production with bayonet
Peculiarities	runs on its own Camera app in the AppStore.
Additionally	tilt/shift function
Housing material	matte painted steel
Lens material	high-quality glass of own production
Color	black
Equipment	case and covers for lenses
Country of Origin	USA

The average cost of Moment Lens: 7000 rubles per lens.

• high quality photo and video;
• unique optical glass of own production;
• durable, reliable body;
• suitable not only for iPhones, but also for some models of Android smartphones;
• case-lens working via bluetooth;
• control through a personal application.

• Moment Lens has no significant disadvantages, except for the high price.

4th place Sirui 400mm

No less high-quality and popular brand of premium optical equipment is Sirui. The featured telephoto from a leading Chinese manufacturer has a 400mm focal length, which is especially useful for shooting animals or recording performances when it is not possible to get closer. Sirui 400mm is a professional set of a massive (for mobile measurements) lens with a special holder with a bayonet on the “hand” and a desktop tripod. Optics works via bluetooth and with the help of a remote control that allows you to remotely start recording and take pictures without touching the gadget.

The body of the nozzle is machined from aerospace aluminum alloy, which is light but incredibly strong. The lenses are made of Schott optical glass supplied from Germany, and also have a special multi-layer coating that increases light transmission and contrast. The device comes with a storage case.

Main parameters Sirui 400 mm:

Options	Characteristics
Purpose	universal lens for smartphone
Number of lenses in the set	1
macro photography	No
Wide angle shooting	No
fisheye effect	No
telephoto lens	main, single
Minimum focal length	400 mm
Peculiarities	works via bluetooth, mount
Housing material	aluminum alloy
Lens material	Schott optical glass with multilayer coating
Color	black with blue
Equipment	table tripod remote control case
Country of Origin	China

The average cost of Sirui 400 mm: 11,500 rubles.

• premium build quality;
• strong and reliable case;
• high light transmission of lenses;
• high image quality regardless of the choice of focus;
• the presence of a convenient bayonet holder and a table tripod;
• compactness and lightness of the lens;
• control via bluetooth and remote control.

• significant weight of the tripod, especially when carrying;
• average compass quality;
• high price, although, of course, it fully corresponds to the quality.

3rd Apexel APL-HDAN 1.33X

Apexel APL-HDAN 1.33X is new in the second half of 2020, introducing an anamorphic lens for a 4K HD smartphone camera. The model has a horizontal aspect ratio of 1.33x and 2% distortion. The set includes two multi-coated glass lenses. The weight of the accessory is 175 grams, while its body is made of aluminum alloy.

Apexel APL-HDAN 1.33X is the most expensive optical electronics of the famous Chinese brand Apexel, designed for large-format shooting of photos and videos. To attach it to the phone, a special bumper is used here, presented in versions for iPhone and Huawei models. In addition, the user is provided with several color options for the back wall.

Main parameters of Apexel APL-HDAN 1.33X:

Options	Characteristics
Purpose	lens suitable for iPhone, Pixel and Galaxy S
Number of lenses in the set	2
macro photography	No
Wide angle shooting	No
fisheye effect	No
telephoto lens	No
Anamorphic lens	yes with 2% distortion and 1.33 compression ratio
Fastening	cases of own production with bayonet
Peculiarities	compatible with phones with a thickness of 6 to 10mm and a camera position no further than 28mm and no closer than 6mm from the edge.
Additionally	supports installation of additional filters
Fastening	special bumper, aluminum clip
Housing material	Aluminium alloy
Lens material	multi-coated glass
Color	black
The weight	175 g
Country of Origin	China

The average cost of Apexel APL-HDAN 1.33X: 6000 rubles.

• quite good build quality for such a model;
• understandable and multifunctional software;
• allows you to get resolution up to 21:9;
• convenient lens for transportation;
• multilayer lenses;
• durable body.
• one of the low prices for this type and quality of optics.

• not an easy accessory;
• clip covers part of the screen;
• It takes a long time to install optics.

2nd place Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30

Cyber-shot DSC-QX30 is a new product from the famous Japanese brand Sony, released in the fall of 2020. External lens with optical zoom, and suitable for most modern "androids" and iOS. The model is equipped with a weighted cylindrical body, for the connection of which special fasteners are supplied with the accessory. The connection is carried out using synchronization via Wi-Fi.

The novelty provides the possibility of 30x optical zoom. The focal length range is 24-720mm, and the maximum aperture is F3.5-6.3. The lens is equipped with a 20-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Exmor R sensor. The Cyber-shot DSC-QX30 is designed for taking snapshots, but allows you to record short videos. The resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels and the frame rate is 60 fps. With the built-in PlayMemories Mobile 5.0 application, you can easily and quickly edit your photos.

Main parameters of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30:

Options	Characteristics
Purpose	universal lens for smartphones
Series	Sony G series lens
Number of lenses in the set	1
Matrix	Exmor R™ CMOS type 1/2.3" (7.82 mm)
macro photography	there is
Focal length	129 mm
Maximum extension	width 5 184 px, height 3 456 px
Light sensitivity	100-12800
Minimum Shooting Distance	0.05 m
Tele	F6.3
Wide	F3.5
Fastening	special, synchronization via Wi-Fi
Additionally	software: PlayMemories main page
Peculiarities	optical Zoom 30x Digital Zoom 60x
Housing material	plastic
Color	black
The weight	193 g
Equipment	accumulator NP-BN Micro USB cable strap
Country of Origin	Japan

The average cost of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30: 25900 rubles.

• reliable case material;
• expanding the functionality of any smartphone;
• long-range zoom;
• synchronization via Wi-Fi;
• Full HD video recording at 60 fps;
• built-in PlayMemories Mobile5.0 for photo editing;
• the ability to adjust the aperture or shutter speed.

• heavy construction;
• average photo quality;
• noise at high ISOs;
• low battery capacity;
• expensive for the price.

1st place Olloclip Ultra-Wide

For a long time, the world-famous company from the USA, Olloclip, has occupied the championship among manufacturers of high-quality attachments for mobile equipment. Smart lenses Olloclip Ultra-Wide + Telephoto Lens open up advanced shooting possibilities with your smartphone.

The set contains two lenses for two types of shooting: wide-angle (360 degrees) and telephoto effect. The accessory is equipped with auto focus. The optics is attached to the body of the gadget using the clip supplied in the kit. The electronics are designed to be used with Apple branded smartphones, supported models include iPhone 7/8, iPhone 7/8 Plus and other newer devices. Olloclip Ultra-Wide syncs with both front and rear cameras.In addition to high-quality lenses, the device package includes protective covers.

The Olloclip interchangeable optic fits quickly and easily around the corner of the iPhone camera and won't damage its special Gorilla Glass coating. The lenses are made of high-quality black (red) aluminum and look very stylish.

Main parameters of Olloclip Ultra-Wide:

Options	Characteristics
Purpose	lens for Apple iPhone 7/8 Plus, Apple iPhone 7/8 and above
Number of lenses in the set	2
macro photography	No
Wide angle shooting	available with a viewing angle of up to 360 degrees
fisheye effect	No
telephoto lens	there is
Fastening	special clip included
Peculiarities	front camera, rear camera
Housing material	metal
Zoom ratio	2
Color	black red
The weight	54 g
Equipment	protective covers
Country of Origin	USA

The average cost of Olloclip Ultra-Wide: 7000 rubles.

• excellent workmanship;
• decent quality of pictures and videos;
• two types of shooting;
• special strict design;
• strong and durable metal case;
• does not leave scratches on the smartphone;
• compatibility with any software;
• Best price for the offered quality.

• limited compatible iPhone models;
• incompatibility with covers;
• does not allow flash.

Results

Which optical attachment to choose depends on the personal preferences of each smartphone user. But it is worth noting that good, high-quality optics is not always an expensive commodity. Many budget options, with an average price ranging from 500 to 3000 rubles, are accessories with excellent build quality and excellent final shooting results.As a rule, these are lightweight and compact devices that can diversify the photographic material obtained using a smartphone with various creative effects. But, if the question becomes in obtaining professional pictures and videos using your phone, then it is better to look at premium-class devices, which are significantly more expensive in price, but also fully meet the requirements for shooting quality. Of course, they are expensive for the price, their cost starts from 5,000-6,000 rubles and more (there are models that are more expensive than 20,000 rubles). In any case, before buying, it is recommended to decide on the type of lens you need, familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the lens, and, just as important, study the tips and reviews about it from real users.