Like A Pro

Let us introduce you to a few new gadgets that promise to elevate amateur iPhoneographers to new heights.


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 right at your back.

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