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10 Best Telephoto Lens For Iphones 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Freewell 6X Telephoto Lens for Smartphones – 17mm Thread Professional Zoom Lens for iPhone & Samsung

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,365
Focal Length
Optical Quality
Build Quality

Most important from
130 reviews

Focal Length
Delivers impressive zoom quality that feels comparable to more expensive, professional lenses.
Optical Quality
Maintains sharpness and reduces glare effectively, enhancing overall image quality.
Build Quality
Build quality feels sturdy and reliable, ideal for outdoor and active use.
Ease of Use
Perfect for recording special moments, providing exactly the framing and focus needed.

The Freewell 6X Telephoto Lens is a strong choice if you're looking to capture distant subjects like wildlife or sports with your iPhone or Samsung smartphone. Its 6x optical zoom allows for impressive magnification while maintaining image sharpness, thanks to dual-sided, multi-layer anti-reflective coatings that reduce glare. The lens attaches securely via a 17mm threaded mount on compatible smartphone cases, which means it fits well and stays stable during use.

It's built from durable aluminum alloy, making it sturdy enough for outdoor adventures. The narrow 15.7° field of view means you’ll need to be precise with your framing, and the lens works best with a tripod to avoid blurry images from hand shake, especially in lower light. Some users might find installation and compatibility limited to cases with the specific 17mm thread mount, so double-check your phone setup before buying.

The lens’s strength lies in its optical quality and build rather than low-light performance. This makes it a solid option for smartphone photographers wanting professional-level zoom and clarity, provided they are comfortable using extra gear like a tripod for best results.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,365
Focal Length
Optical Quality
Build Quality

Most important from
130 reviews

Focal Length
Delivers impressive zoom quality that feels comparable to more expensive, professional lenses.
Optical Quality
Maintains sharpness and reduces glare effectively, enhancing overall image quality.
Build Quality
Build quality feels sturdy and reliable, ideal for outdoor and active use.
Ease of Use
Perfect for recording special moments, providing exactly the framing and focus needed.
#2

NEEWER HD 65mm Telephoto Phone Camera Lens with Lens Hood Only for 17mm Thread Lens Backplate Cell Phone Cage Case, 1.7X Zoom Lens Attachment Compatible with iPhone 16 15 S25 S24 Ultra Android, LS-66

Rating
10.0
Optical Quality
Build Quality
Ease of Use

Most important from
56 reviews

Optical Quality
The lens delivers exceptional optics with impressive light gathering, even in low light conditions, thanks to a large primary lens and effective anti-glare coating.
Build Quality
Build quality is solid, accompanied by thoughtful extras like a dust cap and carry case, enhancing the overall value.
Ease of Use
The lens is notably large and heavy, making mounting it a real challenge without proper accessories.
Compatibility
Using the lens requires purchasing a compatible lens backplate, which can be difficult to find for older phone models and feels like a missed opportunity for including a generic holder.

The NEEWER HD 65mm Telephoto Lens offers a solid option for iPhone users who want to capture distant subjects like wildlife or cityscapes with more detail. Its 65mm focal length and 1.7x zoom provide a noticeable magnification that helps get closer shots without losing much clarity. The lens uses multicoated HD optical glass with 7 elements in 5 groups, which helps deliver sharp and clear images while reducing unwanted glare thanks to its included lens hood.

The build quality is impressive for the price, featuring a robust aluminum alloy shell that resists scratches and minor impacts, making it suitable for outdoor use. However, this lens is designed to work only with specific 17mm threaded lens backplates, phone cages, or cases offered by NEEWER, primarily compatible with newer iPhone models like iPhone 15 and 16 Pro series, as well as some Android phones. This limits its ease of use since the lens is not standalone and requires additional accessories that are sold separately. Also, it’s not meant for clip-on use, which might be inconvenient for casual users.

The front 58mm thread allows for attaching various filters, adding versatility for creative photography. While the lens is well-built and optically solid, potential buyers should be prepared for some extra setup and compatible parts to use it effectively. It suits photography enthusiasts or content creators who already use or plan to invest in NEEWER's accessory system, rather than casual users looking for a quick and easy telephoto upgrade for their phone.

Rating
10.0
Optical Quality
Build Quality
Ease of Use

Most important from
56 reviews

Optical Quality
The lens delivers exceptional optics with impressive light gathering, even in low light conditions, thanks to a large primary lens and effective anti-glare coating.
Build Quality
Build quality is solid, accompanied by thoughtful extras like a dust cap and carry case, enhancing the overall value.
Ease of Use
The lens is notably large and heavy, making mounting it a real challenge without proper accessories.
Compatibility
Using the lens requires purchasing a compatible lens backplate, which can be difficult to find for older phone models and feels like a missed opportunity for including a generic holder.
#3

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

Rating
9.9
Build Quality
Portability

Most important from
130 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
9.9
Build Quality
Portability

Most important from
130 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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