Sandmarc 6x Iphone lens! - Is this the future?

[@098Xzibit]

I had this lens for over a month, and the most important thing to get consistent good quality pics with it, is the right MAIN camera focus. Best to use an app like lightroom to set your focus at 50% which is best, then use the physical wheel on the lens to find focus AND THEN use autofocus to narrow it down. Basically if you use the wheel from the start, the main sensor compensates for the lense's focus. So let's say it focuses at 90%, with this lens you'll get major distortion around the edges, and overall blurriness even though things are in focus. You can "change" the main camera's focus with the lens, bringing it down to ~50% results in much better quality. Basically if 2 lenses are fighting for focus you get crap quality.

[@sesinhosantos5047]

I have a really good phone, but the other day I was trying to get it to focus on a spider, and the focus would always go past it no matter what. After many tries I tried manual and then used auto which didnt make sense to me. But it worked, and it is pretty much what you are explaining in your comment. Thank you for confirming this weird advanced trick.

[@konradc12]

I did carry one of my many Lumix TZ cameras until I lost one while out cycling. The belt strap undid, so I lost the camera last year. Lucky it was a very old TZ30 (I also have newer TZ cameras in my collection). I got the S23 Ultra with big discount, which everyone knows has the 10x telephoto lens. I have always been a Samsung user, so was upgrading from my trusty S20FE 5G. The point for me was to carry less and have instant access to telephoto. I saw these add-on lens many years ago, but thought of the issues mentioned in the video.

[@russandloz]

How is the Samsung zoom?

[@jeffrey3498]

Wow, that’s crazy! Might be a nice assessory though for the photo enthusiast who doesn’t want to invest in mirrorless or dslr camera gear. The iPhone 14 and 15 have IS for video in action mode.

[@russandloz]

Yes this is future proof. A bit tricky to use at times but with future cameras it’ll be even better

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

It would be great for some people, but I'll stick with 'real' photography with a dedicated camera and lens.

[@russandloz]

Yeah I guess it’s for people without a proper camera. Interesting future though

[@KauaiianTunda]

What’s considered “real” photography?

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@KauaiianTunda For me, the line between 'real' photography and digital art is in how much is done by the optics and how much is done by the computer after the initial capture. One situation where this was particularly apparent to me was cosplay photography. Taking photos of performers is great for IG. But turning that into a movie poster style image, truly representing the character, is digital art. I say that with complete appreciate for what is created. And 'computational bokeh' is one of the aspects of smartphone photography that takes it out of the 'real' photography category.

[@KauaiianTunda]

The optics is there. Just weird because it’s like using two lenses. But what’s the difference between that and adding a teleconverter on a camera? Also photography is not just getting bokeh in the picture. And you can get natural bokeh using a iPhone and not using the native app. Any good photographer can create images with their smartphone if you know what you’re doing. Smartphones are limited because of the sensor size and inability to mount different lenses. But come on. 48 mp is way more than enough to make huge posters. Once they make smartphones with the ability to mount lenses half the camera market will be gone.

[@russandloz]

@@KauaiianTunda Though maybe most people upgrade for a better camera therefore phone makers won’t design them interchangeable? They’ll lose profit?

[@speedracer47]

What solar filter would you use with this for the Solar Eclipse coming on April 8?

[@russandloz]

Good question, maybe just sunglasses?

[@speedracer47]

@@russandloz Sunglasses? Why would you not need a solar filter? Thanks

[@russandloz]

@@speedracer47 If you don’t have a solar filter or polarising filter.

[@civicvv]

Hey, Which camera do you recommend so that the telephoto lens works well?

[@russandloz]

Which phone I’m not sure. The better camera specs the better

[@csc-photo]

Somehow this makes me dislike my phone camera even more 😆 Jokes aside, maybe this is a fun option for cell phone folks. Looks to be well made / better than others I've seen.

[@russandloz]

Yes it has potential. For those who don’t have a dedicated camera

[@dannyschmidt1681]

Is the lens a T-mount?

[@davidcassoday5932]

My understanding is that it is a 17mm thread.

[@musiqueetmontagne]

All these "gadgets" are total waste of time. You can buy a pocketable camera with real zoom, 1 inch sensor great image stabilisation so no tripod needed... 🙈

[@russandloz]

They can be, but do they make those cheap digital cameras anymore? Apparently Nikon coolpix are highly sought after again 🤷‍♂️

[@KPAki1Ler]

A lens in front of a lens..if you want a small setup just go Fuji or om system.