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10 Best Telephoto Lens For Iphones 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

APEXEL 50x Telephoto Lens for iPhone & Android Phones | Wildlife Moon Photography Monocular Telescope | with Universal Clip & Tripod | High-Definition Optical Zoom Lens for Landscapes Target Viewing

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,356
Optical Quality
Build Quality
Ease of Use

Most important from
4 reviews

Optical Quality
The lens produces exceptionally sharp images, delivering clear and detailed photos even at high magnification.
Build Quality
Using the tripod is essential to minimize shaking and securely hold the phone due to the lens's considerable weight.
Ease of Use
Mounting the lens onto the phone requires patience but is well worth the effort for the image quality achieved.

The APEXEL 50x Telephoto Lens offers an impressive 50x magnification, making it a strong choice for iPhone users interested in capturing distant subjects such as wildlife or the moon. Its 1200mm equivalent focal length and high-definition optical system with multi-coated glass help deliver sharp and vibrant images with minimal distortion and good light transmission, even in low-light conditions.

The lens is crafted from durable aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring solid build quality for outdoor use. It comes with a universal clip that fits most smartphones, including all recent iPhone models except a few older versions, and includes a stable, portable tripod with a versatile ball head for steady shots and easy adjustment. The setup supports both smartphone photography and naked-eye viewing through the eyecup, adding versatility for users who want a monocular experience as well.

This lens is relatively bulky and adds some weight (about 2 pounds), which might feel less convenient for casual or quick photography sessions. Since the universal clip does not fit all phone models, it is important to check compatibility before purchase. The lens is well suited for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts who want a powerful zoom for their iPhones and are comfortable carrying a slightly heavier setup for quality images.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,356
Optical Quality
Build Quality
Ease of Use

Most important from
4 reviews

Optical Quality
The lens produces exceptionally sharp images, delivering clear and detailed photos even at high magnification.
Build Quality
Using the tripod is essential to minimize shaking and securely hold the phone due to the lens's considerable weight.
Ease of Use
Mounting the lens onto the phone requires patience but is well worth the effort for the image quality achieved.
#2

MIAO LAB 20-60X Zoom Telephoto Lens, High Power Telephoto Mobile Cell Phone Lens with Tripod & Universal Phone Clip, for iPhone 16/15/14/13 Series, Samsung, Android Phone and Most Smartphone

Rating
10.0
Focal Length
Optical Quality
Build Quality

Most important from
5 reviews

Focal Length
The lens offers an impressive long-range zoom, capturing subjects as far as 1.5 miles away with remarkable detail.
Optical Quality
The zoom lens delivers fantastic clarity and sharpness, making it perfect for detailed shots like photographing the moon both day and night.
Build Quality
The durable aircraft-grade aluminum build and multilayer-coated glass ensure high-quality images with reduced glare and distortion.
Ease of Use
Setup is straightforward with a secure clamp and a high-quality tripod that provides excellent stability without tipping over.

The MIAO LAB 20-60X Zoom Telephoto Lens is a versatile and powerful option for iPhone users and many other smartphones who want to capture distant subjects with impressive detail. Its broad 20-60X zoom range allows you to switch from wide views to close-ups easily, making it great for activities like bird watching, sports, concerts, or even moon photography. The optical quality is strong, thanks to a multilayer-coated, high-definition glass lens that reduces glare and distortion, delivering sharp, vibrant pictures.

The lens body is built from durable aircraft-grade aluminum and comes with a sturdy tripod, which adds stability for clearer shots, especially at high zoom levels. Compatibility-wise, it fits nearly all recent iPhones (except smaller or much older models) as well as many Android phones, thanks to a universal clamp that securely attaches to your device. Additionally, it can function as a standalone monocular, which is a nice bonus for real-time viewing without using your phone.

The setup weighs about 3.7 pounds and may feel a bit bulky to carry around casually. Also, the zooming and focusing require manual adjustment, so it might take some practice to get perfect shots quickly. While its expandable filter thread adds creative options, beginners may find the learning curve a bit steep at first. This lens is a solid choice for smartphone photographers wanting serious telephoto capability with good build quality, especially for those willing to handle some manual controls and carry extra equipment like the tripod.

Rating
10.0
Focal Length
Optical Quality
Build Quality

Most important from
5 reviews

Focal Length
The lens offers an impressive long-range zoom, capturing subjects as far as 1.5 miles away with remarkable detail.
Optical Quality
The zoom lens delivers fantastic clarity and sharpness, making it perfect for detailed shots like photographing the moon both day and night.
Build Quality
The durable aircraft-grade aluminum build and multilayer-coated glass ensure high-quality images with reduced glare and distortion.
Ease of Use
Setup is straightforward with a secure clamp and a high-quality tripod that provides excellent stability without tipping over.
#3

Freewell 1.7X Telephoto Lens for iPhone & Samsung – 17mm Threaded Premium Portrait & Wildlife Lens

Rating
9.7
Build Quality
Portability

Most important from
186 reviews

Build Quality
Very well built, but its usability is limited without additional equipment.
Portability
Highly impractical without a tripod; manual focus makes it hard to use on the go.

The Freewell 1.7X Telephoto Lens for iPhone and Samsung offers a robust option for those looking to enhance their smartphone photography, particularly for portraits and wildlife shots. With a focal length designed to bring distant subjects closer and an aperture that helps capture clear images, this lens is well-suited for detailed and vibrant photography. The advanced multi-layer coating is a significant feature, reducing glare and improving contrast, which is essential for high-quality images.

Its compatibility with both iPhone and Samsung via a 17mm threaded mount ensures a secure and stable connection. This makes installation quick and straightforward, which is a plus for those not wanting to spend much time on setup. Build quality is impressive with durable aluminum alloy construction, making it reliable for outdoor use. However, at 3.53 ounces, it might add noticeable weight to your phone, which could affect portability slightly.

Users looking for a reliable telephoto lens with good optical quality and sturdy build will find this product a strong contender, though it may not be the best fit for those prioritizing ultra-lightweight gear.

Rating
9.7
Build Quality
Portability

Most important from
186 reviews

Build Quality
Very well built, but its usability is limited without additional equipment.
Portability
Highly impractical without a tripod; manual focus makes it hard to use on the go.

Buying Guide for the Best Telephoto Lens For Iphones

Choosing the right telephoto lens for your iPhone can significantly enhance your photography experience, allowing you to capture distant subjects with clarity and detail. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a telephoto lens for your iPhone.
Focal LengthFocal length determines how much magnification the lens provides. A longer focal length means greater magnification, allowing you to capture distant subjects more closely. Telephoto lenses typically range from 2x to 10x magnification. If you need a lens for everyday use, a 2x to 3x magnification might be sufficient. For wildlife or sports photography, where subjects are often far away, a higher magnification like 5x to 10x would be more appropriate.
ApertureAperture refers to the size of the lens opening that allows light to enter. It is usually represented by an f-number (e.g., f/2.8). A lower f-number means a larger aperture, which allows more light to enter and is beneficial for low-light conditions. If you plan to shoot in various lighting conditions, look for a lens with a lower f-number (e.g., f/2.8 to f/4). For well-lit environments, a higher f-number (e.g., f/5.6 and above) will suffice.
Optical QualityOptical quality refers to the clarity and sharpness of the images produced by the lens. High-quality optics reduce distortions and aberrations, resulting in clearer images. Look for lenses made with high-grade glass and multi-coating to minimize reflections and glare. If you are a professional or serious hobbyist, investing in a lens with superior optical quality is crucial. For casual photography, a mid-range lens with decent optical quality will be adequate.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures that the lens can be easily attached to your specific iPhone model. Some lenses are designed to fit a wide range of iPhone models, while others are model-specific. Check the product specifications to ensure the lens is compatible with your iPhone. If you plan to upgrade your iPhone in the near future, consider a lens with broader compatibility to avoid the need for a new lens.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the durability and construction of the lens. A well-built lens will last longer and withstand regular use. Look for lenses made from robust materials like aluminum or high-quality plastic. If you frequently travel or use your lens outdoors, a lens with weather-sealing features will provide added protection against dust and moisture. For occasional use, a standard build quality should be sufficient.
Ease of UseEase of use includes how simple it is to attach, detach, and operate the lens. Some lenses come with clip-on mechanisms, while others use magnetic mounts. Choose a lens that offers a secure fit and is easy to handle. If you are new to using telephoto lenses, a lens with straightforward attachment and minimal setup will be more user-friendly. For more experienced users, additional features like manual focus adjustment might be desirable.

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