These days, it’s more common to see people taking pictures or shooting videos using their phones instead of having a full-size camera.

The problem is that the cameras on your average smartphone aren’t made to handle all of the different types of photos you might want to take. Thankfully, some manufacturers realized this and started making smartphone lenses to provide people with better options for taking quality photos.

With that in mind, we wanted to provide those who may use their smartphones as part of their creative repertoire with the best smartphone lenses out there. But before we get started, you should ask yourself some questions before buying a smartphone lens. Have a look at the guide just below the comparison table.

Let’s dive in!

Also, see our list of the best smartphones for creatives.

 

What is the best smartphone lens for photography?

We’ve picked Xenvo Pro Lens Kit as the best smartphone lens overall. However, besides this, we’ve also listed some impressive smartphone lens alternatives below.

 

Questions you should ask before you buy your smartphone lens

It can be really easy for anyone looking for a smartphone lens to just buy the first one that they find online through their search results but like anything else, buying the best products for your work requires some research and knowing exactly what you are looking for. To help, we thought we’d share some common questions you should ask when considering a smartphone lens.

What are you planning to shoot?

This has to be the first question you ask yourself when you start shopping around. Are you hoping to take some pictures of something in particular? Whether it’s landscapes or extreme closeups, knowing which lens to use is key because many lens kits contain prime lenses where each one is built to be good at capturing certain types of photos. Spending a little extra on a specific lens accessory system is a better idea than buying one lens in particular especially if you are looking for some variety in what you shoot.

Are you looking for something convenient and portable?

With many lens options that are on the more affordable side, these can be carried in a bag and clipped to your phone when you want to take a photo with them. This can be a great option for those who just want to take photos quickly and easily without getting too complicated. The downside is that these lenses don’t offer the same level of quality as some larger options which might require a specific mounting or case system.

However, these specialized systems for higher-end options can add extra weight to your phone. This can take some of the fun out of taking amazing photos with your phone. While they can also be expensive, the special mounting system that they use may be phone model specific so that the lens is in the correct place on your phone.

Is improved versatility and quality important to you?

Having a budget in place before you start shopping can make a huge difference in terms of the quality of the lens that you choose for your smartphone. Spending anywhere between $20 and hundreds of dollars will provide you with a quality lens but may leave you with a lens that feels cheap and easily replaceable. Setting a budget will help you choose the best option for your needs.

 

15 Best Smartphone Lenses for Amazing Photography in 2022

 

1. Shuttermoon Camera Lens Kit (Editor’s Choice)

The most versatile smartphone lens kit

Compatible with: Most smartphones | Lens types: Fisheye, macro, ultra-wide-angle, telephoto, kaleidoscope, circular polarized red filter, Star filter, and wide-angle blue filter

If you want a smartphone lens kit with the most variety of lenses to play around with, the strong>Shuttermoon Camera Lens Kit is the best choice for you. This lens kit comes with Fisheye, Macro, Ultra wide-angle, Telephoto, Macro Kaleidoscope, Circular Polarized Red Filter, and Wide-Angle Blue Filter Lenses.

Even if you’re not too familiar with some of them, these lenses can be fun to experiment with for making the most of your images. This kit has 11 different lenses and is available in sets of 5 and 3 as well. And the best part is that it’s quite affordable.
Each set has its own combination of lenses so be sure to check out which one suits you best!

Pros	Cons
➕ Good variety	➖ Getting a good shot takes a bit of effort
➕ Good price	➖Focus may be a problem with some of the lenses
➕ Different price options	➖ Unable to operate with certain phone cases

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

2. Xenvo Pro Lens Kit

The best smartphone lens overall

Phone compatibility: All iPhone models, Samsung Galaxy and Note, Google Pixel, Huawei | Included lenses: TruView 0.45x Wide Angle Lens, Clarus 15x Macro Lens

Unlike some of the other options out there that require you to have a special phone case to use a lens, the Pro Lens Kit from Xenvo uses a clip-on mechanism instead and includes a macro and wide-angle lens. The kit includes a travel case for easy transportation plus a clip-on LED light that you can attach to your phone, helping ensure that you can film in almost any situation. It is the best smartphone lens for travel and overall.

Pros	Cons
➕ Crisp and amazing image quality	➖ Some close-up shots might require a phone stand or tripod to avoid blurring
➕ Good value for money	➖ The wide angle lens is slightly bulky
➕ Solid build
➕ Comes with lens covers

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

3. Mactrem Phone Camera Lens Kit

The best smartphone lens for beginners

Phone compatibility: Extensive | Included lenses: Macro, wide-angle, fisheye, telephoto

With four separate lenses plus extras that include an eyecup, carrying case, cleaning cloth, basic phone holder, and a micro tripod. The Lens Kit from Mactrem comes with all of this along with the ever-important clamp so you can attach the lens to your phone.

These lenses include a macro, a wide-angle, fisheye, and a telephoto lens that can provide up to 20x magnification. For comparison, the iPhone XS comes with a 2x telephoto lens. While the lenses have plastic internal components this can lead to poor corner sharpness. However, the number of different lenses that come with the kit at such an affordable price makes it worth considering.

Pros	Cons
➕ Good quality for price range	➖ Not compatible with some phones
➕ Easy to use	➖ Tripod is not very sturdy
➕ Sturdy carrying case	➖ Clip feels delicate

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

 

 

4. Olloclip Multi-Device Clip

The best expandable smartphone lens

Phone compatibility: iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XR | Included lenses: Fisheye, super-wide, macro

Olloclip is a well-known name in the world of smartphone lens manufacturing and with its triple-lens set, they offer professionals a fisheye lens that provides a huge, spherical 180-degree field of view although it does have the typical bulging distortion. If you switch to the Super-Wide lens, you can minimize this and increase your field of view to a whopping 120-degrees.

While there can still be some distortion, it’s only noticeable when shooting geometric subjects. Finally, there is the macro lens that provides a magnification of 15x which can reveal microscopic details that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye.

These lenses connect to your phone using Olloclip’s Connect X clip which slides over the top of your phone and works with both rear and front-facing cameras. While the design is for use with the iPhone, Android users can also be used if you attach the lenses using Olloclip’s Multi-Device Clip which is sold separately.

Pros	Cons
➕ Works for both cameras – front and back	➖ Can have some degree of distortion
➕ Easy to use	➖ Might require removal of phone case
➕ Great for field view and close up details

Latest Price on Amazon:

No products found.

 

5. KEYWING Phone Camera Lens Kit

The Best smartphone lens kit for crisp and professional quality

Compatible with: Most smartphones Lens Included : 198 Fisheye Lens, 120 Super Wide Angle Lens, 20x Macro Lens for iPhone Samsung Android Smartphone.

The Keywing 3 in 1 Phone Camera Lens Kit is a collection of super professional HD lenses. This smartphone lens kit contains high-quality lenses with advanced lanthanide optical glass that reduces any usual reflection and allows for crisp photography

Besides this, this kit is also easy to use. Using this smartphone lens is quite straightforward with the help of a clip. The clip comes with a  rubber build helps ensure your phone doesn’t get scratched. Besides this, its features include the universal design which is 3.6 cm that fits almost every smartphone.

The KEYWING Phone Camera Lens Kit comes with a wide-angle lens,  Fisheye lens, Macro Lens,  a Universal Clip, and even a storage bag to keep things convenient. 

Pros	Cons
➕ handy and fits easily	➖ no proper lens grip
➕high quality	➖ Not compatible with certain Samsung models
➕ Work best on iPhone

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

6. Sony DSC-QX10

The best professional smartphone lens

Phone compatibility: Compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones | Included lenses: 28-100mm, f/2.8-4.9

Sony is one of the best digital camera manufacturers in the world, always developing new technology to make the best photos possible. Now with the DSC-QX10, they have taken the guts from their compact cameras and made them available for use with your smartphone or on its own through Wi-Fi or NFC.

The image quality that the QX10 is a noticeable improvement over the standard image that’s captured with your smartphone. The lens’s 10x zoom offers much better coverage as well. While it may be beyond the budget of many creatives, its versatility and quality are worth the cost. This make it our top pick for the best smartphone lens for professional photographers.

Pros	Cons
➕ Great for close-ups, landscapes and low-light shots	➖ Delicate build — it’s recommended you get a case
➕ Good design	➖ Zooming needs improvement
➕ Amazing picture quality

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

7. Nelomo Universal

The best budget-friendly smartphone lens for nature

Phone compatibility: iPhone XR XS X/8/7Plus/7/6sPlus/6s, Samsung S9 Plus | Included lenses: 0.65x super-wide-angle, 15x macro, and 230° fisheye

Smartphone lenses that are attached using a clip-on attachment system can be very handy and work with just about every phone available. The Nelomo is a great kit with various lenses that attach using a clip. Three lenses that come with the kit cover all of the bases you are looking for.

These include a 0.65x super-wide-angle lens, a 15x macro lens as well as an impressive 230-degree fisheye lens. This is all wrapped up in a small case that can be used to store the lenses and the clip plus the carabiner lets you attach it to your belt loop for handy accessibility out in the field.

Pros	Cons
➕ Great for quality images and capturing details	➖ Difficult to fit on some phones
➕ Inexpensive	➖ Can be difficult to focus
➕ Comes with a mini case for lenses

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

8. Moment Tele Lens 58mm

The best telephoto lens for smartphones

Compatible with: Pro Max |  Lens types: Telephoto 2x, Fisheye 180, Macro 15x

While many smartphone cameras are excellent at providing you with a wide-angle view that you can use to get amazing photos, one of the best things you can do for your camera is to add a telephoto lens and the 58mm from Moment is an excellent choice.

Made from high-end glass, the lens does a great job of providing you with a new perspective from the camera of your regular smartphone. While you’ll need to purchase a case that is required to use the lens, the case also gives you access the Moment’s entire range of smartphone cameras.

Pros	Cons
➕ Good price	➖ Requires case which is an additional purchase
➕ Sharp image quality
➕ Deepens depth of field

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

9. Moment Anamorphic Lens

The best anamorphic lens for smartphones

Compatible with: iPhone 7 and up, Android with universal adapter  Lens types: Anamorphic

Speaking of lenses from Moment, the Anamorphic lens is a great choice if you plan on using your smartphone to create films. Compared to other options, the lens from Moment is relatively inexpensive and can give you that classic film look you’re searching for. Once you lock the lens into place with the case, the lens creates impressive images and should be a required tool for any filmmaker using a smartphone.

Pros	Cons
➕ Great picture quality and tint	➖ Small amount of corner distortion
➕ Solid build	➖ Requires case which is an additional purchase
➕ Adds a cinematic effect to photos and videos	➖ Comes without proper mounting instructions

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

10. Moment Wide Lens

The best high-quality smartphone lens

Compatible with: iPhone 6, 6s, 6 Plus, 6s Plus 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max; Samsung Galaxy S8, S9, S9+, S10; Samsung Galaxy Note 8, 9 ,10; Google Pixel 1, 2, 3, 3a, 4, 4a, 4a 5G, 4XL, 5 | Lens type: 0.63x wide angle

As we said, once you buy the required case for Moment smartphone lenses, you have a plethora of lens options, including the wide lens option. With edge-to-edge clarity, the 18mm lens provides incredible quality while not adding a ton of weight to your smartphone. Made from the same high-grade glass that goes into high-end 4K film lenses, the Wide Lens is a great choice for everyday photography or filmmaking.

Pros	Cons
➕ Can fit different types of phones	➖ Requires a case to mount the camera which is not included
➕ No distortion	➖ Edges can be a bit blurred
➕ Amazing camera quality

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

11. Moment Fisheye Lens

The best fisheye lens for smartphones

Compatible with: iPhone 6, 6s, 6 Plus, 6s Plus 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max; Samsung Galaxy S8, S9, S9+, S10; Samsung Galaxy Note 8, 9 ,10; Google Pixel 1, 2, 3, 3a, 4, 4a, 4a 5G, 4XL, 5 | Lens type: 170° fisheye

While the wide and anamorphic lenses from Moment work in much the same way as the Fisheye lens, the latter gives a much wider view. In fact, the fisheye lens provides a 50% wider view than you would receive from the ultrawide lens on the iPhone 11. While it already provides the coverage that a 14mm fisheye lens would provide, it is also a great option for taking pictures in tight areas. If you’re taking interior photos or something similar, the ultra-wide 170-degree image will interest you.

Pros	Cons
➕ Great image quality and for capturing tight areas	➖ Easy to lose track of the lens cap
➕ Value for money	➖ Some iPhones can achieve similar wide-angle shots
➕ Solid build
➕ Can be used along with the moment app for better utility

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

12. Apexel 36x telephoto lens

The best smartphone lens for extra reach

Compatible with: Most smartphones | Lens types: 36x telephoto

Sometimes, when you’re telephoto shooting, you need a little bit more reach and the 36x telephoto lens is the epitome of reach for your smartphone. Turning your phone into a long-distance camera, it also comes with a mini-tripod to help you keep the camera stable.

The lens comes with a remote shutter that can help you capture images at a distance. While it’s not necessary, it’s not a hindrance, and while it’s not the highest-quality lens, the combination of price and uniqueness keeps it as a great option.

Pros	Cons
➕ Amazing for details and image quality	➖ A bit difficult to use
➕ Comes with a sturdy mini tripod	➖ Lens makes the phone and mini tripod feel unbalanced
➕ Great for bright and sharp night sky shots	➖ not useable with a phone case

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

13. Olloclip Multi-Device Filmer’s Kit

The best one-stop-shop for smartphones lenses

Compatible with: iPhone 7, 8, 7+, 8+ | Lens types: Fisheye (180-degree), super-wide, ultra-wide, macro and 2x telephoto

No one really likes having to buy multiple lenses for their smartphone and Olloclip heard your complaints and created the Multi-Device Filmer’s Kit. Containing a macro, 2x telephoto lens, fisheye, super-wide, and ultra-wide lenses, this collection will be able to cover most of your needs. The kit also includes Olloclip’s universal clip system to fit the lenses to your smartphone as well as a grip mount to securely hold your camera. While it’s not cheap, the complete package is more than worth the price.

Pros	Cons
➕ Great lenses for macro shots	➖ Edges of pictures can have some blurring
➕ Good carrying case	➖ Unable to operate with certain phone cases
➕ Comes with convenient grip	➖ Covers part of the screen

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

14. CamKix Universal 3-in-1 Lens kit

The best affordable multi-lens kit

Compatible with: Most smartphones and tablets |  Lens types: Fisheye, macro, and wide-angle

If you’re looking for a smartphone lens that not only provides great images but value as well, the Universal 3-in-1 Lens kit from CamKix is a great choice. Packed with a fisheye lens, macro lens, as well as a wide-angle lens, the kit is a steal for the great lenses you get. As part of their convenience, the lenses screw on top of one another, which makes it quick and easy to switch from one to the other.

Pros	Cons
➕ Great price	➖ Does not work well for cameras with multiple lenses
➕ Produces good quality pictures	➖ Newer alternatives available
➕ Easy to use clip

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

 

15. ShiftCam Macro ProLens Kit

The best phone camera lens kit for magnification photography

Compatible with: iPhone and Android, Lens included: Anamorphic, Fisheye, Macro, Telephoto, Wide-angle

Macro lenses kit are great for capturing close-up shots. When working with macro lenses, you can get crisp and clear images that capture even minute detail. This lens kit is perfect for any photography that requires a bit of a close-up. 

The ShiftCam Macro Pro Lens Kit is compatible with Android and iPhone. However, the Universal Mount V2.0 works well on almost all smartphones including even the iPhone 13 series. When it comes to professional quality photography done using a smartphone, the ShiftCam Macro ProLens Kit does a great job when used effectively with your smartphone’s existing features.

The ShiftCam ProLens Kit contains 25mm Traditional Macro Lens, 75mm Long Range Macro Lens, Universal Mount, and Travel Pouch making it the best smartphone lens for macro photography on the go.

Pros	Cons
➕ Cost-effective	➖ Not suitable for Samsung S9+
➕ Great for covering close-up shots	➖ The image edges tend to blur

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Best Smartphone Lenses for Graphic Designers, Creatives, Photographers in 2022

While smartphone cameras continue to improve with each subsequent release, it can be very hard for them to match the quality and the angles that a full camera lens can achieve. With the right smartphone lens, you can get as close as possible while still using your smartphone. We hope our list of the best smartphone lenses for creatives has piqued your curiosity about what these lenses can do to provide you with amazing photos.

Finding the best lens for mobile photography can be easy with the wide range of products mentioned above. Do you have a lens for your smartphone that is a go-to option for you? Let us know about it in the comments below!!

 

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