While apps like Instagram, Hipstamatic, CameraBag, and iDarkroom will suck you into the world that is “iPhoneography,” truly kicking up your game calls for the introduction of hardware — external attachments that actually change the shape of your phone’s camera lens. These “add-ons” will give you more advanced shooting features, tempting you to leave that SLR behind.
Start first with the Olloclip ($70), which is incredibly easy to use. The attachment is about the size of a nickel in diameter and slips snuggly over your iPhone (4 or 4S) lens. Three different effects — fish-eye, wide-angle, and macro — are produced by two interchangeable lenses that come inside a micro-fiber bag, small enough to throw in your pocket. The macro lens produces the most impressive results, though the wide-angle and fish-eye are great for shooting city-scapes and panoramas. If you’re looking to boost your zoom, Photojojo’s telephoto lens kit ($35) gets you eight times as close as a regular iPhone with very little compromise in image quality. The lens also comes with a miniature collapsible tripod to help steady your shots. And for the most serious of iPhoneographers, Photojojo also makes a lens dial ($249), an attachment that embraces retro roots. Turn the wheel to produce either a fish-eye, wide-angle, or telephoto lens. Compared to other add-ons, the price is steep, but the materials are high quality — lenses are made with glass, not plastic, and the case with aircraft grade aluminum.
Watch out Nikon, Apple’s at your back.
