How to Easily Use Smart Phone Lenses
Do you prefer the convenience of taking pictures with your smart phone instead of lugging around a separate camera? Check out these easy to use external lenses that will have you snapping epic travel photos like a pro this summer!
I’ve been photographing DIY/Crafts & Recipe posts for Hip2Save over the last few years, but when I am out with my kiddos and husband on family adventures, I mostly end up using my iPhone to capture pictures. For this reason, I am a huge fan of clip-on lenses for your smartphone as they are super easy to use and can take your images to the next level. They work by fitting over your phone’s built in lens so you can just take photos as you normally would.
If you’re looking for a great basic beginner set to keep in your purse or bag, consider this 3 in 1 Wide Angle, Fish Eye, & Macro Lens Kit! It comes with three separate HD quality lenses that screw onto a non slip clip-on mount plus lens covers and a little microfiber bag to store them in. This highly rated set of lenses fits practically ALL smart phones and devices. Depending on your phone cover size, the mount may clip right over it. I have a Case-Mate brand iPhone cover and am able to use it with the cover on which is very convenient.
The Super Wide Angle lens works great to showcase a wide view such as a shoreline or city skyline – it expands the viewing angle by four times! Above is an example of where I have used the Amir Wide Angle lens with my iPhone 6S to capture the entire baseball stadium in the photo. The top photo is the same view without the lens.
The Macro lens is fun to use for extremely close-up and detailed sharp images. Above is a photo capturing the inside of a tiny flower in my backyard.
The Fish Eye lens will give your images a really fun round fish bowl effect, while also acting like a wide 180 degree angle lens. To use, screw Fish Eye lens to the Macro and then screw to the mount.
These little portable lenses are such a great value and would make a fun and unique gift idea for anyone who is interested in taking creative images with their phone. Enjoy!
Learn even more about your lenses!
Head over to Craftsy.com to watch this video entitled “Get to Know Your Lenses – Portrait, Macro & More.” This online class features 6 HD video lessons that you can access anytime and anywhere, class materials including a gear list, hours of close-up instruction and more.
Ohhhh…interesting!
Oh!! I needed this post. I had purchased the 3 lens set off amazon when H2S had posted it a few weeks ago and have no idea how to use it. Thank you for the deal post and this how to post. 😊
I haven’t watched the video so maybe it is answered there, but are their any external phone lenses that you don’t have to take off your case to use? I have considered some, but the hassle of having to take off my case nixed the idea.
I agree—With these I was able to keep my case on!
Thanks. I have a Shutterfly iphone case. Do you think it would work with these lenses?
It looks similar to my case, so my best guess is yes 😀
Thank you very much for the post!!!! I had heard of the lenses but wasn’t sure they would work. Now I am more confident to get them 🙂
Yes – they are fun and easy to play with!! 😀
Sounds really interesting but when I clicked on the link for the suggested 3-in-1 to see pricing there were multiple lenses but all of them said “currently unavailable” (sad face)
Awesome post! I’ve been looking at these for a long time (since selfie sticks became hot). I’ve always wanted a “nice” camera and now so does my 13yo. Thinking this would be a great and cheap way to begin. Loved the top on the videos! Think this is going on our summer learning list! I saw a few under $10 as well w higher mag ect. I’ll be purchasing one of the sets soon! Thanks again “Hip Martha” 😉
Does anyone have experience with or know of a particular lens that would be compatible with an otterbox defender case? With two small children I cannot risk the chance of not having a protective case on my phone.. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!