ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: Options, Specs, Worth

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate

The ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment consists of seven lenses, three filters, and the ProGrip holder. It additionally comes with a common clip-on lens mount, however an iPhone 15 case might be ordered individually if desired.

This evaluate will deal with detailing every product that comes within the Deluxe Equipment and the way they work to boost iPhone photographs. The lenses and filters might be bought individually, so you may discover hyperlinks to particular person merchandise on the finish of every part.

ShiftCam is an fascinating firm that gives a spread of equipment for everybody, from the informal vlogger to the skilled photographer. I’ve beforehand reviewed the corporate’s SnapGrip, which is suitable with the lens mount case as an alternative choice to the ProGrip.

It is a expensive system at simply over $1,700 when not on sale, however that is should you purchase the complete package. Some customers might solely want one or two lenses for his or her anticipated use case.

Apple mentioned proudly owning the iPhone 15 Professional Max was like having seven cameras in your pocket. With the seven ShiftCam lenses, you possibly can multiply the iPhone’s digicam capabilities, however not one-to-one.

iPhone 15 Professional Max has a number of built-in digicam choices

We might like to say that seven lenses for seven cameras means 49 digicam mixtures, excluding filters, on iPhone. Nonetheless, not each lens will provide usable outcomes with each iPhone digicam.

Actually, by way of most of our testing, it appears the Foremost Digital camera is the most suitable choice for attaching a lens regardless of there being connect factors on each the Foremost and Telephoto cameras. Particularly for the reason that telephoto is 120mm, which renders many of the attachments ineffective.

We’re unable to check the lenses with an iPhone 15 Professional with a 3x lens, but it surely additionally is not nice with low gentle, and including an exterior lens compounds that. So, whereas we won’t take a look at it, we’re sure we would see comparable outcomes.

Testing every lens confirmed consistency intimately seize, saturation, and an absence of undesirable distortion. We used a easy crimson and white Pokeball prop to check the lenses for simple white stability and saturation comparisons.

We have additionally included a ruler in most pictures to offer a body of reference for distortion.

The 16mm Broad Angle lens is a 0.5x magnification that lets the person match extra within the picture. The result’s just like the built-in 0.5x Extremely Broad Digital camera on iPhone, however lacks edge distortion and will get the benefit of thee giant Foremost Digital camera sensor.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: 16mm Broad Angle Lens

Being able to drag again from Apple’s default 24mm focal size could be a savior in a number of conditions. It will be helpful in tight areas near a topic, when capturing group photographs, or when trying to suit a very giant piece of structure in a shot.

There wasn’t any noticeable loss in colour saturation, and the digicam centered wonderful. A minimal improve in noise precipitated some element loss within the texture of the black strip within the center, however the distinction is minimal.

The take a look at topic is in a reasonably vivid room with a darkish background, so it is not probably the most optimum taking pictures location. Distance from the topic will assist remove any notable variations between utilizing the iPhone lens and the hooked up ShiftCam lens.

This will likely be true for the entire hooked up lenses. The slight discount in light-gathering functionality because of including layers of glass will imply extra noise in most conditions, but it surely ought to be negligible.

The shortage of edge distortion means the complete picture is usable. Additionally, in contrast to some lens attachments, there is no vignetting across the edges.

The 16mm lens would not work with the 120mm Telephoto digicam on the iPhone. It causes the picture to be foggy and out of focus.

The 75mm Lengthy Vary Macro Lens is not a lens kind I’ve had expertise with earlier than. It permits the person to get further shut with out bodily shoving the lens into the topic’s house.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: 75mm Lengthy Vary Macro Lens

In contrast to the iPhone’s built-in macro mode, the 75mm Macro Lens opens up the chance to zoom near a topic with out shedding decision.

The iPhone’s macro mode might be zoomed, so we examined framing the shot equally between the software program macro and bodily ShiftCam lens. The result’s strikingly completely different.

The iPhone’s picture is nicely executed, even when the noise precipitated artifacts across the edges of the ball. This is because of a slight digital zoom at 2.5x in macro mode to attain an equal 75mm focal size.

Examine that to the crisp picture with nice bokeh captured by the ShiftCam 75mm Macro Lens. The feel of the black plastic is seen, whereas the sting of the ball fades because it exits the main target vary.

Surprisingly, the 75mm Macro Lens carried out nicely when paired with the 120mm Telephoto Digital camera too. The Pokeball would not have a lot fascinating element on the macro vary, so we snapped a picture of a close-by cleansing material.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: 120mm digicam with 75mm Macro Lens

At this vary, it’s simpler to focus by bodily transferring the digicam into place moderately than making an attempt to faucet and focus. The small stripe of focus operating diagonally shifts dramatically at this zoom stage, but it surely is not exhausting to seize a picture handheld.

The normal 10x Macro Lens performs equally to Apple’s built-in macro mode, however once more, with all the advantages of the Foremost Digital camera. Nonetheless, you are going to have to be almost touching the topic to seize picture due to the 10mm to 15mm minimal focus distance.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: 10x Conventional Macro Lens

The pure bokeh of the Macro Lens will likely be the very first thing you discover. Backgrounds disappear in a blur of colour, however components of the topic too, relying on its dimension.

For the reason that iPhone’s macro mode is a software program trick utilizing the Foremost and Extremely Broad Digital camera, extra of the picture is in focus. The ensuing picture might not pop as a lot because of an absence of pure bokeh.

The 120mm Telephoto Digital camera would not work nicely with the 10x Macro Lens. It ends in blown-out highlights and an lack of ability to focus.

Apple’s software program trick is a wonderful instance of computational images that turns out to be useful in a pinch. Nonetheless, for extra detailed, deliberate photographs, the 10x Macro Lens will win out virtually each time.

The lens hood is detachable if it will get in the way in which of a shot, but it surely additionally serves as an excellent judgment for locating the minimal focus distance.

The 60mm Telephoto Lens acts as a bodily lens various to the digital 2x 48mm zoom. Like the opposite lenses within the set, it permits the person to benefit from the Foremost Digital camera sensor with none software program tips or cropping.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: 60mm Telephoto Lens

The portrait vary in images is between 35mm and 75mm, and the perfect lens for which shot is extremely debatable amongst photographers. The 60mm size is somewhat longer than the go-to 50mm portrait lens, so the topic will likely be somewhat nearer with extra background bokeh.

When in comparison with the 2x mode on the iPhone 15 Professional Max, the 60mm Telephoto Lens wins out simply. It solely works when paired with the Foremost Digital camera, however the impact is price it.

Those that like Apple’s software program Portrait Mode will just like the 60mm lens higher for extra pure bokeh. In fact, the software program model permits for adjustable depth, however that is not a problem when topics have clear outlines and delicate backgrounds, due to the lens.

Optical zoom additionally helps when photographing distant topics. It’d permit a unique perspective for a distant little bit of nature or allow a greater probability to seize an elusive pet.

The 120mm 5x zoom on iPhone 15 Professional Max goes additional however at a sacrifice in high quality and light-weight gathering. Once more, the Foremost Digital camera paired with an exterior lens just like the 60mm Telephoto will win out simply, at the very least in decision and noise.

One in every of my favourite issues about fisheye lenses is the flexibility to see common areas in fully new methods. The 200-degree Fisheye Lens from ShiftCam is one other high quality piece of glass that may amplify your taking pictures capacity.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: 200-degree Fisheye Lens

Distance from a topic means much less distortion whereas retaining that large 200-degree area of view. The nearer to the sting of the lenses an object is, the extra distorted.

Transfer in shut, and the whole lot will warp across the heart sphere. It permits extremely large pictures of towering buildings or large selfie pictures with a gaggle of pals.

In contrast to different Fisheye adapters, the 200-degree Fisheye Lens can seize a picture and not using a vignette. Meaning much less cropping and extra high quality photographs for each shot.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: A fisheye lens gives a large perspective

Apple has an Extremely Broad Digital camera on the iPhone at 0.5x magnification which may obtain a delicate fisheye impact when near a topic. Like with the macro mode or Portrait Mode, it is nice in a pinch, however a bodily lens will at all times be higher.

Capturing photographs and movies with anamorphic lenses can present a novel perspective and results. It simply requires apply and modifying to get it proper.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: Anamorphic Lenses

I haven’t got expertise with anamorphic lenses, however it’s truly a easy impact that have to be edited in software program to attain the specified outcome. The instance photographs right here present how the picture appears to be like when captured and what it appears to be like like after you compensate for the distortion within the software program.

The tip result’s a extra panoramic view of the topic in some pictures. All of it actually depends upon what your finish objective is. Some use anamorphic lenses to attain a unique bokeh type.

Gentle captured inside the bokeh will tackle a unique form based mostly on the path and energy of the anamorphic lens. The lenses we examined have a 1.33x and 1.55x multiplier.

Gentle flares additionally find yourself extra pronounced when considered by way of anamorphic lenses. Photographs and movies will seem way more cinematic, although it does take some ability to attain the specified finish outcome.

For instance, video captured with both anamorphic lens might be exported in a cinematic 21:9 side ratio. It is like having panoramic mode while not having software program to sew items collectively.

The ShiftCam filter set consists of three filters with adapters for the anamorphic lenses and digicam mount — they connect to the usual lenses with out an adapter. There is a Round Polarizing (CPL) filter, Variable Impartial Density (VND) filter with the 2-5 cease vary, and a VND filter with 6-9 cease vary.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: VND and CPL filters

The VND filters provide publicity management throughout a spread of stops. In the event you’ve ever been in extremely vivid outside settings and see the whole lot getting washed out by the solar, VND filters can assist.

Somewhat than artificially decreasing publicity utilizing the software program publicity slider, a VND filter can assist obtain a desired publicity stage. And so they assist in extra conditions than simply vivid ones.

For instance, if you wish to seize a protracted publicity of a stream by leaving the shutter open, you are prone to overexpose the picture. A VND filter will maintain publicity down whereas capturing the transferring stream.

The CPL filter serves as a glare filter utilizing polarization. A digicam captures what it might see, however reflective surfaces and water vapor within the air could cause a type of fog or glare or happen.

Polarization eliminates this concern. In the event you’ve ever worn polarized sun shades, the impact already.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: Get extra dramatic pictures with ND filters

These filters are helpful in creating extra dramatic pictures than straight glass can provide. The included adapters permit them for use with any lens or immediately with the telephone digicam.

The ProGrip is included within the LensUltra Deluxe Equipment, but it surely may simply fill out its personal evaluate. The grip acts as an influence financial institution, Bluetooth shutter, free-standing charging dock, and iPhone tripod mount.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: ProGrip charger and shutter button

The symmetrical clamp design ensures that any iPhone mannequin will match, which makes it extra future proof than some equipment. It is not so simple as the SnapGrip for including and eradicating the iPhone, however it’s extra sturdy.

For the reason that lenses add some weight to the iPhone, I’ve discovered utilizing the ProGrip feels extra sturdy. There is not any hazard of the iPhone falling out of the grip because of a MagSafe magnet failing to carry on.

Notice within the earlier photographs that the iPhone was hooked up to a MagSafe mount on a tripod. It’s sooner to depend on magnets than a screw-in mount if the iPhone stays stationary.

The ProGrip works finest when away from the studio.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: ProGrip may use a SnapGrip-like improve

The deal with has a 6,400 mAh battery that powers the mounted iPhone by way of Qi wi-fi charging — no MagSafe right here. Additionally, the USB-C port within the base can cost gadgets like AirPods.

The bottom of the grip is large sufficient to carry the iPhone upright in a makeshift stand. The iPhone mount can rotate to be used in portrait or panorama.

There’s even a button that may be paired to the iPhone to be used as a Bluetooth shutter. It recreates the quantity up press to activate the shutter when in a digicam app.

The LensUltra Deluxe Equipment comes with a Common Lens Mount that is mainly a easy clamp. It permits lenses for use with many smartphone varieties by aligning the lens over the digicam.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: iPhone Digital camera Case

It’s a much less elegant resolution than the iPhone Digital camera Case, but it surely will get the job accomplished. Having the Common Mount additionally means guaranteeing compatibility with the newest iPhone launch whereas ready for ShiftCam to replace its case lineup.

The iPhone Digital camera Case has mounts over the Foremost Digital camera and Telephoto Digital camera. Augmenting the Extremely Broad Digital camera is not attainable with the lens system.

If you are going to spend money on any ShiftCam lenses or the Deluxe Equipment, I extremely suggest getting the iPhone Digital camera Case. It’s cheap in comparison with some instances and might be simply swapped out when not utilizing the lenses.

Get the iPhone 15 ShiftCam Digital camera Case for $39.99. Be sure that to pick the proper case dimension and whether or not you need a display screen protector added.

There are two methods to move the ShiftCam lenses — an included aluminum suitcase or lens zip up pouches. Each are included within the Deluxe Equipment.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: Aluminum Suitcase

The aluminum suitcase is only a stellar approach to transport the lenses, however it’s giant and hulking. Fortunately the lens zip up pouches will let you carry solely what is critical for a given shoot.

The case weighs about 5 kilos absolutely loaded. It measures 1 foot lengthy by 9 inches large by 3.5 inches deep.

The Aluminum LensUltra Suitcase cannot be ordered individually. It’s included within the Full and Deluxe kits.

The iPhone is an unbelievable digicam that’s at all times with you. The mixture of {hardware} and software program makes it able to capturing photographs beforehand solely attainable with a big sensor digicam.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: Add professional-grade lenses to improve your iPhoneography

Including {hardware} instruments to your iPhone digicam setup can assist enhance what’s attainable. Nonetheless, not all digicam instruments are created equally and might find yourself making the ensuing picture worse, not higher.

The ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment supplies loads of tools choices that may improve your iPhone images. The ProGrip coupled with lenses and filters gives a large number of attainable mixtures that may meet almost each want.

Whether or not you buy a number of particular person lenses or the complete Deluxe Equipment, I am certain it will present some distinctive alternatives in your photographs.

• Nicely-made glass that does not distort photographs
• Number of lens choices will meet any photographer’s wants
• Included Common Lens Mount ensures compatibility throughout iPhone generations
• Easy mounting system for lenses and filters
• Distinctive aluminum carrying case that makes the Deluxe Equipment bundle really feel extra premium

• ProGrip feels outdated with clamps and Qi charging
• iPhone Digital camera Case not included

The ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment is a wonderful system, although not with out some minor quibbles. We might prefer it higher if this already costly package enabled the person to decide on their wanted iPhone case at checkout moderately than including a $40 premium.

Additionally, the ProGrip is nice for the utility it gives, however the clamp is troublesome to take care of, and the product is dying for a MagSafe improve. Marrying the SnapGrip with the ProGrip may create a very intelligent product.

In the event you’ve been maintaining with costs all through the evaluate, you will have come to the conclusion that the entire package will likely be very expensive. You are not mistaken, however shopping for the total set on the present discounted costs would prevent at the very least $200 over shopping for every merchandise individually, to not point out bonus equipment just like the aluminum case.

The ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment is often priced at $1,720 however is discounted by 30% to $1,199. The package is in excessive demand, so orders made in mid to late March will not be fulfilled till late April restock, however these placed on backorder will get a free ProLED Bi-Colour Gentle Panel.