3 Best Clip On Macro Lenses for Smartphones
Do you want to take super close-up photos of things on-the-go with your smartphone? I love taking macro photographs of tiny organisms, and I have a clip-on macro lens with me every time I go out hiking in the mountains of Colorado. If you’re looking for a lens for your next close-up photo journey, this post is for you. I’ll tell you my top choices for clip-on macro lenses for just about any smartphone.
I’ve been doing macro photography of lichen, slime molds, and other Colorado fungi and plants as reference material for my art projects for years. I recently went on a trip to the Seattle area just to photograph close-up shots of beautiful sea-critters and fantastic textures in tide pools, and I used my clip-on macro lens with my iPhone the whole time. Right now I’m using an iPhone 12 Mini, so the resolution could be better, but it does what I need. If you have a newer phone, you’ll get even better-quality images.
Example Photos
Here are some photos I took recently on my iPhone 12 Mini with the Xenvo macro lens that comes in their Pro Kit
At a Glance
Here are my 3 top picks for clip-on macro lenses.
And here, in more detail, are my picks for clip-on macro lenses for any smartphone in 2023.
Now, let’s get this out of the way before we get to far into it. If you are expecting to get the same quality photos you might get from a DSLR with an expensive hight-end macro lens, you’re going to be disappointed. But, if you’re looking for a way to make GOOD quality macro shots without having to lug around all that photo gear, then I think you’ll be happy with the clip-on macro lenses. I mean, that is the best thing about them! You can take them with you anywhere you go and have the ability to get the shots you want.
While you’re here, don’t miss the two bonus tech suggestions at the end of this post. They are sure to up you’re mobile macro-photo game and help keep your images as clear and sharp as they can be.
Xenvo Pro Lens Kit for iPhone and Android, Macro and Wide Angle Lens with LED Light and Travel Case
Overview
The Xenvo Pro Lens Kit is my go-to choice for on-the-go macro photography. I take it with me every time I go on a hike or know I’ll be in nature for any reason. It comes with a sturdy clip, two lenses (macro and wide-angle), a rechargeable LED clip-on-light, and a zip-up hard clam-shell carry case.
I keep it all in the case until I get to the trail (or beach) and then, I only take the macro lens and the lens clip with me. I’ve really enjoyed using this lens on-the-go when I don’t want to deal with packing up my digital SLR kit.
Key Benefits
- Relatively inexpensive – at just $39, this lens is a workhorse that will help you get extremely close to your subject.
- Easy to attach – the clip is easy to use and wide enough to fit on most phone cases.
- Firm grip – the clip clamps on firmly, but is easy enough to remove if you need it off quickly.
- Portable – I only use the macro lens component, and I keep it clipped over the front strap of my day pack when I’m hiking for quick access.
Here’s the Cost and What’s Included
The Xenvo Pro Lens Kit lists for $39.00 on Amazon. For that, you get:
- CLARUS 15x MACRO LENS
- TRUVIEW 0.45x WIDE ANGLE LENS
- GLOWCLIP RECHARGEABLE LED FILL LIGHT
- QUICK-RELEASE LANYARD AND TRAVEL CASE
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It has over 19,000 reviews, a 4.2 star rating, and its a best-seller on Amazon. That’s hard to argue with!
- While you’re hiking or out and about, you can easily clip it to your pack or your pants so you don’t have to carry the case around.
- There is very little lens distortion – only around the edges, which can be fixed by using the digital zoom on your camera (just a touch)
- It’s inexpensive, so if you loose it or something awful happens, you won’t be risking much financially.
- The clip is just strong enough. It holds its place and is easy to remove when you want it off.
Cons
- With any clip-on lens, the clip itself can sometimes get in the way. You have to get pretty close to objects for this to work, and if you’re in a tight space, the clip might need to be adjusted to a different position.
- The carry case is sturdy, but a bit big to bring it with you on a trek. I mainly use it to keep everything organized and dust-free when not in use.
- The LED light is nice, but it could be brighter. It can be good in low-light conditions, but I rarely use it. Still, it can come in handy sometimes when you want to get a shot of something in shadow or in low light levels.
The Takeaway
I love this lens and have been using it personally for all of my on-the-go macro shots for more than two years now. I highly recommend it!
Xenvo Pro Lens Kit for iPhone and Android
$39.00 List Price
CLARUS 15x MACRO LENS
TRUVIEW 0.45x WIDE ANGLE LENS
GLOWCLIP RECHARGEABLE LED FILL LIGHT
QUICK-RELEASE LANYARD AND TRAVEL CASE
APEXEL Professional Macro Photography Lens for Smartphone
Overview
The APEXEL Professional Macro Photo Lens is really similar to the Xenvo lens listed above, but there are a few differences. For one, this one costs less by a few bucks. It is also a solo lens – meaning it isn’t part of a set. You basically get the lens and the clip and thats it – but what more do you need. Oh, there is a draw-string soft pouch to put it in too.
This lens is adjustable, so that could be seen as a benefit because you can set the lens up specifically to fit your camera so clipping it on is quick and easy.
The picture quality through this lens looks terrific, but the enlargement power is a little less than the Xenvo at 10x vs 12x. I still think its a great lens that you’ll be happy with.
Key Benefits
- Adjustable clip so you can customize it for your phone and case to make putting it on fast and easy.
- 10x macro enlargement for really close-up images
Here’s the Cost and What’s Included
The APEXEL Macro Lens lists for $36.98 on Amazon. For that you get:
- PROFESSIONAL OPTICAL 10X LENS
- ADJUSTABLE LENS MOUNT ON THE CLIP
- SOFT PULL-STRING CARRY POUCH
- CLEANING CLOTH
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lower cost than other options – and it is often on sale for even lower than list price
- Over a thousand positive reviews on Amazon with an average 4.0 rating
- Customizable lens position so you can custom fit it to your phone and case
- Soft carry pouch with a draw-string to keep out the dust.
Cons
- Because the lens position is adjustable, it has more moving parts than other options making it a little more complicated to work with at the get-go.
- It doesn’t come with any additional lenses or lights. If all you need is a good quality macro lens attachment, this shouldn’t steer you away.
- Fewer reviews than other brands on Amazon. That may just mean its a newer product – I’m not sure.
The Takeaway
This is a good-quality lens that has everything you’ll need to start taking great macro photo shots with your smartphone camera.
APEXEL Professional Macro Photography Lens for Smartphone
$36.98 List Price
PROFESSIONAL OPTICAL 10X LENS
ADJUSTABLE LENS MOUNT ON THE CLIP
SOFT PULL-STRING CARRY POUCH
CLEANING CLOTH
Sirui Mc-02 Macro Lens 10X with Clip, Constructed with German Schott Glass and Aluminum Housing, for Most Smartphones
Overview
This is the most expensive option I’m going to suggest in this list. It’s also the highest quality. The lens is phenomenal and constructed from high-grade German Schott Glass so you know you are going to get an incredibly clear and sharp image. My favorite feature is the transparent diffuse light surround that can be removed, but it allows light in around the edges to improve the image quality.
Key Benefits
- 10x enlargement for very close-up images
- High-grade German Schott Glass for clear, sharp images.
- Removable transparent diffuse light surround to let more light in when you get close to your subject
- Hard plastic carry case for the lens – to keep that glass in good condition.
Here’s the Cost and What’s Included
The Sirui Mc-02 Macro Lens with Clip lists for $69 on Amazon. For that, you get:
- 10X GERMAN SCHOTT GLASS LENS
- AIRCRAFT-GRADE ALUMINUM CLIP
- PROTECTIVE CASE FOR THE LENS
- TRANSPARENT LENS SURROUND FOR DIFFUSE LIGHTING
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great quality lens at an affordable price
- Fits the Moment-brand phone cases (to use without the clip)
- Screw off-light modifier allows diffuse light to come in for more ambient lighting.
Cons
- It’s more expensive than other options
- Not many reviews on Amazon, but it does have a 4.1-star rating
- Carry case only fits the lens, not the clip
The Takeaway
If you don’t mind spending a little bit more money on your lens, this is a really good option that’s made from high-quality glass and gives you pretty amazing image quality.
Sirui Mc-02 Macro Lens 10X with Clip
$69.00 List Price
10X GERMAN SCHOTT GLASS LENS
AIRCRAFT-GRADE ALUMINUM CLIP
PROTECTIVE CASE FOR THE LENS
TRANSPARENT LENS SURROUND FOR DIFFUSE LIGHTING
Bonus 1 – Xenvo SquidGrip Flexible Tripod
Overview
If you’re shooting macro shots, the camera has to be as still as possible to keep motion blur out of your images. A tripod is the best way to do this and the Xenvo Squidgrip Flexible Tripod is a terrific product. I’ve tried other brands before and I’ve never really been happy. This tripod is flexible but also sturdy so it’ll actually hold the weight of your phone/phablet. It’s well-made and has a lifetime warranty.
Key Benefits
- Sturdy construction to hold up your phone, case, and clip-on macro lenses with ease
- Incredibly flexible to get your shot in the tightest places
- Adjustable swivel-head for even more flexibility getting the shot you want
- Good price for a great-quality tripod
Here’s the Cost and What’s Included
The Xenvo SquidGrip Flexible Tripod lists for $59.99, but you can often find it on sale at Amazon.
The Takeaway
This is an incredibly well-made tripod with a lifetime warranty and great product reviews on Amazon. It has a 4.7 star rating and over 1000 reviews. I absolutely love using mine when I’m out in the Colorado mountains.
Xenvo SquidGrip Flexible Tripod
$59.99 List Price
Bonus 2 – Xenvo Shutterbug Bluetooth Wireless Shutter
Overview
If you’re using a tripod to frame up your macro photo shots, touching your phone is the last thing you want to do! You’ll just risk getting a blurry image! This bluetooth wireless shutter from Xenvo is so helpful and an absolute must-have if you want to get the best shot you can. I love mine so much!
Key Benefits
- Wirelessly snap your photos without having to touch your phone – keeps you from getting blurry images from movement
- Easy Bluetooth pairing with a 30ft range
- Lifetime Warranty
- Key ring hole so you can always have it with you
- Compatible with iPhone, Android, Samsung, and Google devices.
- It comes in three different colors
Here’s the Cost
The Xenvo Shutterbug lists for $25.99, but it is on sale often. (I got mine for $15.19!).
The Takeaway
If you’re serious about getting the best quality macro shots with your phone, this is an absolute must-have. Hands-free photo snapping is the way to go and you’ll find yourself using it in all sorts of situation that aren’t macro-photo shots.
Xenvo Pro Lens Kit for iPhone and Android
$25.99 List Price
How Can Clip-On Macro Lenses Benefit You?
Clip-on macro lenses are a terrific way to turn your smartphone camera into a close-up photo taking machine. Most of them range from 10x to 15x enlargement capability so you can really get in tight and see details and textures you can’t see with your eyes.
How I Make Decisions About the Lenses and Products I Recommend Here
I’ve been taking macro photographs of lichen, slimemolds, and other tiny organisms for years now, and I’ve tried many ways of doing it including modifying my NiKon lens setup for my DSLR. I’ve owned three different clip-on macro lenses for my phone, and I’ve been the most happy with my Xenvo lens. Other recommendations are based on hours of research online and reading customer reviews for the best products out there.
I only ever recommend products I believe in. When doing research I considered:
- Pricing: How much does each product cost, and is it worth the money.
- Lens quality and clarity: Particularly when you are enlarging your subject at close range, you really need to have good quality glass for crisp, sharp images.
- Clip quality and complexity: cheaper products tend to have less sturdy construction or lower quality material construction. I looked for the best quality and sturdiest construction I could find.
- Quality and number of reviews: What are others saying about their experience with the lens? How many people have purchased this product and are they happy with it?
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re just getting into macro photography or you’re a seasoned professional looking for lightweight simple options on the go, a clip-on macro lens is a great way to turn your smartphone camera into a macro photography super machine. I use mine all the time because its so portable and I always have it with me when I’m hiking. I know you will get a ton of use out of yours!
One Comment