Why do you need a clip-on camera lens for smartphones?

Most smartphones, even mid-range models, now have great cameras. Because of their popularity, many people are introduced to photography, with some wanting to improve their skills from smartphones to cameras.

But many people realize that they need to upgrade not to the camera but to the camera lens(s) on their smartphone. While a mirrorless or digital SLR camera will allow for that, you can also buy high-quality lenses for your smartphone. This is why the first step to improving your photography is to buy a clip-on camera lens for your phone.

You don't need a specialized camera

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If you're planning to buy a camera, you should ask yourself why you want to do so. If the answer is because professionals use cameras full-time to take photos or videos, then you should know that smartphone cameras have become so good that some professionals even use them for work. their.

Most new photographers also want to buy a camera because they will get great image quality, but this is something that smartphones can also do. Another reason is that dedicated cameras provide more precise manual control, but some smartphones and camera apps also offer that.

As professional photographer Chase Jarvis says, the best camera is the one you can carry with you. So, instead of focusing on finding the best camera to take photos, why not make the most of your smartphone camera?

Master the art of photography first

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Before digital photography achieved the quality it has today, extensive technical knowledge was needed to avoid wasting film and missing moments. However, computational photography has advanced to the point where you don't need to be a technical expert to get beautiful photos.

What's more, you can now see how your image will look before you take it, adjust shutter speed, ISO and aperture, and see what the final image will look like in real time.

While knowing the correct exposure settings is important to get the desired photos, it is more important to practice your skills as a photographer, i.e. knowing the basics of exposure. texture, design, etc. After all, even if the photos have perfect exposure, they won't be interesting if they can't tell a story.

As you educate yourself on how to compose a great photo, you'll want to learn more about the technical aspects of photography. And when you reach these limits, it's time to consider expanding your equipment. But in the meantime, the camera on a smartphone is more than enough for your needs.

Expand the limits of smartphone cameras

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When you find that the camera on your smartphone is limited, you should consider upgrading your device. After all, most smartphones don't have variable optical zoom lenses. And when zooming in using the phone's optical zoom feature, it can switch to the less effective camera sensor - the main reason why phones have multiple cameras.

If this is a problem you often encounter when taking photos, don't buy a low-end camera. Instead, buy a high-quality clip-on camera lens. That's because most entry-level cameras have average-quality kit lenses that offer a similar zoom range as phone lenses. And image quality will not be far superior to smartphones, especially if using the included kit lens.

A high-quality clip-on lens on a smartphone will give you much more freedom when taking photos and can be much cheaper. An entry-level Canon EOS R100 mirrorless camera with the RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens will cost $600 on Amazon. For that price, you can get some lenses and phone mounts from Moment, maker of one of the best smartphone lenses.

Lenses will last a long time

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Another reason to invest in lenses first is that they tend to last longer than cameras. If you preserve them well, you can use them for 10 or even 20 years.

In fact, Canon EF lenses manufactured in the early 2000s will still work with cameras today if you have a compatible Canon EOS camera or even a mirrorless camera with the appropriate adapter. You can also buy Nikon lenses from the 1980s and make them work with today's modern Nikon DSLRs.

Therefore, it is wise to invest more in excellent lenses and take care of them because you will likely use them for many years to come. Photography enthusiasts have this saying: 'You date the camera but marry the lens'. This means you'll be replacing your camera (or smartphone) body often, due to the need for better processing, faster autofocus, or higher pixel count, but will likely stick with the lens. are there for the rest of your life.

Only upgrade to a camera when the hardware limits your creativity

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This article isn't saying you shouldn't buy a camera, but if you want to get the most out of it, you should master your photography skills before upgrading. When limited by your smartphone and purchased lenses, you should consider buying a dedicated camera.

But if you're happy with the photos you take on your iPhone or Android, you don't need a camera. Smartphones will beat cameras when it comes to taking everyday and general photos. Only professionals, enthusiasts or hobbyists with deep pockets should consider purchasing a dedicated camera and the lenses needed to get the most out of it.

But even before spending money on smartphone lenses, you should take your smartphone photography to the next level by improving your skills first. After all, an experienced photographer can take better photos than someone who has all the most expensive equipment but doesn't know how to get the most out of it.

Lesley Montoya

Update 16 May 2024