Phone add-on lenses anyone?
p.2 #1Phone add-on lenses anyone?
gheller wrote:
ok, thanks for the update. if you don't mind updating the thread when it ships / arrives, really anxious to hear your thoughts on if it is a worthy purchase
g
Lens shipped this morning via USPS to Anchorage, Alaska. I'm happy to share some thoughts after it arrives and I've had a chance to take it out, cheers
ok, thanks for the update. if you don't mind updating the thread when it ships / arrives, really anxious to hear your thoughts on if it is a worthy purchase
g
Lens shipped this morning via USPS to Anchorage, Alaska. I'm happy to share some thoughts after it arrives and I've had a chance to take it out, cheers
Apr 09, 2026 at 02:41 PM
p.2 #2Phone add-on lenses anyone?
kalani_kane wrote:
gLens shipped this morning via USPS to Anchorage, Alaska. I'm happy to share some thoughts after it arrives and I've had a chance to take it out, cheers
Awesome! I see 2 different 72mm lenses on their site. The cheaper one (295) is listed as "tetraprism" while the 299 one does not.
Do you know the difference?
G
gheller wrote
ok, thanks for the update. if you don't mind updating the thread when it ships / arrives, really anxious to hear your thoughts on if it is a worthy purchaseg
Awesome! I see 2 different 72mm lenses on their site. The cheaper one (295) is listed as "tetraprism" while the 299 one does not.
Do you know the difference?
G
Apr 10, 2026 at 01:42 AM
p.2 #3Phone add-on lenses anyone?
gheller wrote:
Awesome! I see 2 different 72mm lenses on their site. The cheaper one (295) is listed as "tetraprism" while the 299 one does not.
Do you know the difference?
G
Honestly not sure besides the compatibility for the new 72mm is listed exclusively designed for the 17 pro/pro max, while the "cheaper" option, as you pointed out, is branded "tetraprism" and available to models including 15 and 16. Even more confusing, the link I shared earlier in the thread lists the "tetraprism lens edition - 17 pro max" 48mm option, but clicking the 72mm version drops the "tetraprism" branding, and is the version I selected. There seems to be minimal marketing around this launch outside of Sandmarc's own materials. I'll treat it as a fun addition like my Holga and think the 3x magnification range is pretty enticing, while the 42mm 2x mag made me hesitate.
Expected delivery: April 14th
Here's the link for convenience:
https://www.sandmarc.com/products/telephoto-72mm-lens-edition-iphone-17-pro-max
Awesome! I see 2 different 72mm lenses on their site. The cheaper one (295) is listed as "tetraprism" while the 299 one does not.
Do you know the difference?
G
Honestly not sure besides the compatibility for the new 72mm is listed exclusively designed for the 17 pro/pro max, while the "cheaper" option, as you pointed out, is branded "tetraprism" and available to models including 15 and 16. Even more confusing, the link I shared earlier in the thread lists the "tetraprism lens edition - 17 pro max" 48mm option, but clicking the 72mm version drops the "tetraprism" branding, and is the version I selected. There seems to be minimal marketing around this launch outside of Sandmarc's own materials. I'll treat it as a fun addition like my Holga and think the 3x magnification range is pretty enticing, while the 42mm 2x mag made me hesitate.
Expected delivery: April 14th
Here's the link for convenience:
https://www.sandmarc.com/products/telephoto-72mm-lens-edition-iphone-17-pro-max
Apr 10, 2026 at 10:24 AM
p.2 #4Phone add-on lenses anyone?
kalani_kane wrote:
Do you know the difference?
GHonestly not sure besides the compatibility for the new 72mm is listed exclusively designed for the 17 pro/pro max, while the "cheaper" option, as you pointed out, is branded "tetraprism" and available to models including 15 and 16. Even more confusing, the link I shared earlier in the thread lists the "tetraprism lens edition - 17 pro max" 48mm option, but clicking the 72mm version drops the "tetraprism" branding, and is the version I selected. There seems to be minimal marketing around this launch outside of Sandmarc's own materials. I'll treat it as a fun addition like my Holga and...Show more →
Thanks so much for the follow up. Anxious to hear your thoughts once you receive / test
gheller wrote
Awesome! I see 2 different 72mm lenses on their site. The cheaper one (295) is listed as "tetraprism" while the 299 one does not.Do you know the difference?
G
Thanks so much for the follow up. Anxious to hear your thoughts once you receive / test
Apr 10, 2026 at 12:08 PM
p.2 #5Phone add-on lenses anyone?
Sandmarc 72mm for iPhone 17/17pro max arrived early last night and I had a quick test if this is helpful.
* build quality feel solid, comes with a nice pouch that is easily pocketable, and soft zipper case that is jacket-pocketable. Portability is great.
* iPhone 17pro max case fits well, is able to MagSafe charge, but downside is there are no tripod mount points (like my SmallRig), and this may be important for video or low light stability
* Very small rear lens cap is guaranteed to be dropped or lost, so I'm already looking in to a back-up replacement
* relies solely on iPhone AF (no manual focus ring) per an earlier question on this thread
* makes iPhone + 72mm lens front heavy, of course, but not overly so compared to longer lenses, so I think it's acceptable.
The initial frustration point is that I was aware the built-in camera app does not allow you to chose lenses, so a 3rd party app is necessary. I have Blackmagic Camera for video, so needed a photo-specific one. Tried the Sandmarc-recommended "ProCamera" app which supposedly allows choosing the telephoto lens, but it is *very* spotty and even when choosing telephoto option seems to default to main lens when min-focus distance isn't achieved (so there is a partially blocked view), then jumps to telephoto lens, then quickly jumps back even if AF is locked. I liked that this app allows for local, not cloud, storage via an internal Lightroom option, however, I found it unusable for now. It also requires a yearly subscription for $29.99/yr with a 1-week free trial.
Another Sandmarc recommended app is "ProCam" which seems stripped down and oversimplified, does not allow local storage, but choosing the 4x or 8x telephoto options is persistent. I used this for now with all auto settings. Required a 1-time purchase for $9.99, no subscription nonsense but no free trial.
Immediate usability takeaways are the obvious limitations of minimal stabilization, especially in poor light, is a bit tricky and minimum focus distance requires fiddling with lens on/lens off decisions, but internal iPhone AF is very snappy and when it hits it seems acceptable. The "ProCam" app itself I don't believe has subject tracking or anything beyond single point AF, but I need to explore this further but not a surprise.
For now, cautiously pleased with IQ, especially compared to zooming in with built-in iPhone camera, but it's early early thoughts. Zooming in on the built-in 8x camera vs. Sandmarc 4x optical, for example, has much greater and pleasing subject separation with Sandmarc, imho, that I had not initially expected. I'm equally interested in video, so having optical magnification with fairly acceptable sharpness is already a win, as long as iPhone can be mounted or braced. For once-in-a-lifetime shots that would have been missed without an add-on tele lens, I think it fits my use case and I could see traveling exclusively with this iPhone/tele lens setup with these initial tests. ymmv.
Below are 4 shots showing relative field of view and relative IQ with default "ProCam" app rendering. It's snowing now, (yay mid-April in Anchorage, Alaska!) so lighting is poor, and I'm braced against a bar chair for stability. First shot is iPhone 17 Pro Max built-in telephoto 4x optical magnification, followed by 8x zoom option. Next is Sandmarc 72mm field of view at 4x optical mag selection, then 8x zoom.
iPhone17pm_4x-builtin by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm_8x-builtin by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm_4x-sandmarc by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm_8x-sandmarc by Kalani Kāne
* build quality feel solid, comes with a nice pouch that is easily pocketable, and soft zipper case that is jacket-pocketable. Portability is great.
* iPhone 17pro max case fits well, is able to MagSafe charge, but downside is there are no tripod mount points (like my SmallRig), and this may be important for video or low light stability
* Very small rear lens cap is guaranteed to be dropped or lost, so I'm already looking in to a back-up replacement
* relies solely on iPhone AF (no manual focus ring) per an earlier question on this thread
* makes iPhone + 72mm lens front heavy, of course, but not overly so compared to longer lenses, so I think it's acceptable.
The initial frustration point is that I was aware the built-in camera app does not allow you to chose lenses, so a 3rd party app is necessary. I have Blackmagic Camera for video, so needed a photo-specific one. Tried the Sandmarc-recommended "ProCamera" app which supposedly allows choosing the telephoto lens, but it is *very* spotty and even when choosing telephoto option seems to default to main lens when min-focus distance isn't achieved (so there is a partially blocked view), then jumps to telephoto lens, then quickly jumps back even if AF is locked. I liked that this app allows for local, not cloud, storage via an internal Lightroom option, however, I found it unusable for now. It also requires a yearly subscription for $29.99/yr with a 1-week free trial.
Another Sandmarc recommended app is "ProCam" which seems stripped down and oversimplified, does not allow local storage, but choosing the 4x or 8x telephoto options is persistent. I used this for now with all auto settings. Required a 1-time purchase for $9.99, no subscription nonsense but no free trial.
Immediate usability takeaways are the obvious limitations of minimal stabilization, especially in poor light, is a bit tricky and minimum focus distance requires fiddling with lens on/lens off decisions, but internal iPhone AF is very snappy and when it hits it seems acceptable. The "ProCam" app itself I don't believe has subject tracking or anything beyond single point AF, but I need to explore this further but not a surprise.
For now, cautiously pleased with IQ, especially compared to zooming in with built-in iPhone camera, but it's early early thoughts. Zooming in on the built-in 8x camera vs. Sandmarc 4x optical, for example, has much greater and pleasing subject separation with Sandmarc, imho, that I had not initially expected. I'm equally interested in video, so having optical magnification with fairly acceptable sharpness is already a win, as long as iPhone can be mounted or braced. For once-in-a-lifetime shots that would have been missed without an add-on tele lens, I think it fits my use case and I could see traveling exclusively with this iPhone/tele lens setup with these initial tests. ymmv.
Below are 4 shots showing relative field of view and relative IQ with default "ProCam" app rendering. It's snowing now, (yay mid-April in Anchorage, Alaska!) so lighting is poor, and I'm braced against a bar chair for stability. First shot is iPhone 17 Pro Max built-in telephoto 4x optical magnification, followed by 8x zoom option. Next is Sandmarc 72mm field of view at 4x optical mag selection, then 8x zoom.
iPhone17pm_4x-builtin by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm_8x-builtin by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm_4x-sandmarc by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm_8x-sandmarc by Kalani Kāne
Apr 12, 2026 at 10:56 AM
p.2 #6Phone add-on lenses anyone?
Wonderful initial review, I really appreciate the honest feedback and sample images.
I asked Sandmarc what the difference was in the 2 listed 72mm lenses ~ the one that is $5 more includes a case...I guess that is the one you received.
Initial quality looks quite good. Sucks that you have to "pay-to-play" as far as a camera app.
Have you tried the clip-on mount? Just curious if it is difficult to center the lens with a non dedicated case.
(by the way, are you from Hawaii? I assume so based on your name). That is where I am. Traveling to Alaska next month and may pick this up for the trip.
Mahalo!
I asked Sandmarc what the difference was in the 2 listed 72mm lenses ~ the one that is $5 more includes a case...I guess that is the one you received.
Initial quality looks quite good. Sucks that you have to "pay-to-play" as far as a camera app.
Have you tried the clip-on mount? Just curious if it is difficult to center the lens with a non dedicated case.
(by the way, are you from Hawaii? I assume so based on your name). That is where I am. Traveling to Alaska next month and may pick this up for the trip.
Mahalo!
Apr 12, 2026 at 02:39 PM
p.2 #7Phone add-on lenses anyone?
I sent Sandmarc an inquire about free apps that I could use with the lens, and they said either VSCO: Capture or Lightroom would work.
Have you tried either of these? Also contemplating the 100mm macro. Did you ever consider this lens as well as the 72mm tele? Seems to give nicer results that the native macro lens (better bokeh)
Have you tried either of these? Also contemplating the 100mm macro. Did you ever consider this lens as well as the 72mm tele? Seems to give nicer results that the native macro lens (better bokeh)
Apr 13, 2026 at 10:48 AM
p.2 #8Phone add-on lenses anyone?
Well, decided to pull the trigger on the 72mm as well as the 100mm macro. The lens was in my cart so long that they sent me a 10% off coupon (haha).
Once I receive, I will post sample pix from both lenses.
BTW, the app Halide supposedly works, so I will try that one as well and report back.
Once I receive, I will post sample pix from both lenses.
BTW, the app Halide supposedly works, so I will try that one as well and report back.
Apr 13, 2026 at 04:05 PM
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p.2 #9Phone add-on lenses anyone?
the Sandmarc 72mm tele is proving to be a fun, pocketable, lightweight telephoto setup for non-dedicated photo trips, like today picking up pizza downtown and stopping by Potter Marsh and a 5-story parking garage for some quick test shots.
Cons:
* ergonomics are pretty atrocious, or I need more practice. I end up holding the lens in my left hand and try to spot focus and shoot with my right thumb or pointer, resulting in shaky and missed shots
* finding subject and stability are biggest issues with moving subjects and longer focal length
* tried Bird-in-Flight shots at a distance and missed all, partly getting used to "ProCam" app settings for higher Shutter Speed and zoom settings. Pretty difficult to center BIF shots since shooting position is so awkward.
* with Sandmarc lens mounted to telephoto, it blocks all other camera views, so wider and more standard shots I would take require unscrewing, then replacing ultra-tiny back lens cap on. With gloves, this is basically impossible (for me) so I left the lens on and only took teles until back to the car.
Pros:
* opens up a lot of shots that would simply not be possible with base iPhone settings, especially when braced against a railing or tree for stability.
* portability is awesome
Still learning, but so far this is a fun addition. @gheller - I haven't gotten into Macro much yet, so I look forward to your posts, and I haven't tried other apps after uninstalling the "Pro Camera" and cancelling subscription before free trial ended. If you spend some time in Anchorage, please shoot me a PM if you like shoot, us kama'aina need stick together, yeah? mahalo nui loa
iPhone-sandmarc_Workers by Kalani Kāne
iPhone-sandmarc_PotterMarsh by Kalani Kāne
iPhone-sandmarc_Turnagain by Kalani Kāne
Cons:
* ergonomics are pretty atrocious, or I need more practice. I end up holding the lens in my left hand and try to spot focus and shoot with my right thumb or pointer, resulting in shaky and missed shots
* finding subject and stability are biggest issues with moving subjects and longer focal length
* tried Bird-in-Flight shots at a distance and missed all, partly getting used to "ProCam" app settings for higher Shutter Speed and zoom settings. Pretty difficult to center BIF shots since shooting position is so awkward.
* with Sandmarc lens mounted to telephoto, it blocks all other camera views, so wider and more standard shots I would take require unscrewing, then replacing ultra-tiny back lens cap on. With gloves, this is basically impossible (for me) so I left the lens on and only took teles until back to the car.
Pros:
* opens up a lot of shots that would simply not be possible with base iPhone settings, especially when braced against a railing or tree for stability.
* portability is awesome
Still learning, but so far this is a fun addition. @gheller - I haven't gotten into Macro much yet, so I look forward to your posts, and I haven't tried other apps after uninstalling the "Pro Camera" and cancelling subscription before free trial ended. If you spend some time in Anchorage, please shoot me a PM if you like shoot, us kama'aina need stick together, yeah? mahalo nui loa
iPhone-sandmarc_Workers by Kalani Kāne
iPhone-sandmarc_PotterMarsh by Kalani Kāne
iPhone-sandmarc_Turnagain by Kalani Kāne
Apr 15, 2026 at 06:49 PM
p.2 #10Phone add-on lenses anyone?
Really nice shots (and pro / con) review. I like the compression that the tele gives.
Making me excited to receive mine.
I think we will be in Anchorage for a bit. I will let you know. Mahalo, brah!
Making me excited to receive mine.
I think we will be in Anchorage for a bit. I will let you know. Mahalo, brah!
Apr 15, 2026 at 10:25 PM
p.2 #11Phone add-on lenses anyone?
Shucks. I guess since I didn't pre-order, my tele won't ship for another month or so. But I asked them to ship the macro strait away and (supposedly) they are.
Apr 19, 2026 at 06:20 PM
p.2 #12Phone add-on lenses anyone?
Since you're coming through Anchorage, no worries if the tele lens doesn't arrive in time, you're welcome to borrow mine for the duration of your cruise and just mail it back if you like.
Here's the use case in action: driving back from the bike shop after switching out fat bike rims for gravel rims, a mother and juvenile moose on the side of the road popped up, so I pulled over and attached the Sandmarc 72mm for this one (uncropped, 8x). I'll need to practice handholding positions as this has some camera shake, and shutter speed was too slow for some action shots so ProCam app familiarity is needed, but it continues to be a fun lens nonetheless. Mahalos cuz, shoot me a PM if you like borrow.
iPhone-sandmarc_AbbottMoose by Kalani Kāne
Here's the use case in action: driving back from the bike shop after switching out fat bike rims for gravel rims, a mother and juvenile moose on the side of the road popped up, so I pulled over and attached the Sandmarc 72mm for this one (uncropped, 8x). I'll need to practice handholding positions as this has some camera shake, and shutter speed was too slow for some action shots so ProCam app familiarity is needed, but it continues to be a fun lens nonetheless. Mahalos cuz, shoot me a PM if you like borrow.
iPhone-sandmarc_AbbottMoose by Kalani Kāne
Apr 19, 2026 at 06:40 PM
p.2 #13Phone add-on lenses anyone?
Was that off center or why is the one side softer?
EBH
EBH
Apr 20, 2026 at 08:21 PM
p.2 #14Phone add-on lenses anyone?
kalani_kane wrote:
Since you're coming through Anchorage, no worries if the tele lens doesn't arrive in time, you're welcome to borrow mine for the duration of your cruise and just mail it back if you like.
Mahalos cuz, shoot me a PM if you like borrow.
Shoots, that is *incredibly* generous of you, but I would not impose, but true aloha spirit on display here, brother.
Mahalos!
g
Since you're coming through Anchorage, no worries if the tele lens doesn't arrive in time, you're welcome to borrow mine for the duration of your cruise and just mail it back if you like.
Mahalos cuz, shoot me a PM if you like borrow.
Shoots, that is *incredibly* generous of you, but I would not impose, but true aloha spirit on display here, brother.
Mahalos!
g
Apr 20, 2026 at 10:49 PM
p.2 #15Phone add-on lenses anyone?
EB-1 wrote:
Was that off center or why is the one side softer?
EBH
I believe it's iPhone OIS interacting mid-panning motion with the Sandmarc. The image has a "wobble" while panning, and this shot seems to capture that action. I think the internal Camera app interacts better with the built-in telephoto lens and seems to lock on focus, while the "ProCam" app doesn't seem to lock OIS when focus is set. These were all quick shots on the side of the road, and it shows stability is a pretty big issue with the lens. I'll need to practice more.
Here are more FOV examples from a hike today using built-in 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x followed by Sandmarc 72 4x and 8x. Cropping into the bult-in 4x and 8x shots definitely do not match the relative quality of the Sandmarc views. (all RAW, uncropped, auto edit in C1, hot day so some atmospheric distortion on the buildings).
iPhone17pm_Anchorage-1x by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm_Anchorage-2x by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm_Anchorage-4x by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm_Anchorage-8x by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm-Sandmarc72_Anc-4x by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm-Sandmarc72_Anc-8x by Kalani Kāne
Was that off center or why is the one side softer?
EBH
I believe it's iPhone OIS interacting mid-panning motion with the Sandmarc. The image has a "wobble" while panning, and this shot seems to capture that action. I think the internal Camera app interacts better with the built-in telephoto lens and seems to lock on focus, while the "ProCam" app doesn't seem to lock OIS when focus is set. These were all quick shots on the side of the road, and it shows stability is a pretty big issue with the lens. I'll need to practice more.
Here are more FOV examples from a hike today using built-in 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x followed by Sandmarc 72 4x and 8x. Cropping into the bult-in 4x and 8x shots definitely do not match the relative quality of the Sandmarc views. (all RAW, uncropped, auto edit in C1, hot day so some atmospheric distortion on the buildings).
iPhone17pm_Anchorage-1x by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm_Anchorage-2x by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm_Anchorage-4x by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm_Anchorage-8x by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm-Sandmarc72_Anc-4x by Kalani Kāne
iPhone17pm-Sandmarc72_Anc-8x by Kalani Kāne
Apr 21, 2026 at 09:31 PM
p.2 #16Phone add-on lenses anyone?
So, based on my (albeit preliminary and rudimentary) tests, the 100mm macro is *significantly* better than my iPhone 17 ProMax's macro in terms of bokeh and overall pleasing image quality. The 72mm tetraprism lens, however, seems only marginally better ~ perhaps not worth the hassle of the awkwardness in holding it steady, using their case, etc. Especially at a $300 price point. It is, however, a significant piece of glass, obviously well-made and optically refined. Here are some sample shots comparing both lenses to the phone's native glass:
Apr 26, 2026 at 05:18 PM