ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment: Options, Specs, Value

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ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment

The iPhone already gives the most effective digital camera you will at all times have in your pocket, however ShiftCam’s vary of lenses makes the most effective even higher most often.

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

This assessment will give attention to detailing every product that comes within the Deluxe Equipment and the way they work to reinforce iPhone pictures. The lenses and filters will be bought individually, so you will discover hyperlinks to particular person merchandise on the finish of every part.

ShiftCam is an fascinating firm that provides a variety 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 a substitute for the ProGrip.

It is a dear system at simply over $1,700 when not on sale, however that is in case you purchase the whole equipment. Some customers could solely want one or two lenses for his or her anticipated use case.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment — seven lenses on your iPhone

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 digital camera capabilities, however not one-to-one.

A black iPhone 15 Pro Max with the large camera bump visible against a white background

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

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

In actual fact, by means of most of our testing, it appears the Primary Digital camera is the most suitable choice for attaching a lens regardless of there being connect factors on each the Primary 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 will not take a look at it, we’re sure we might see related outcomes.

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

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

16mm Vast Angle Lens

The 16mm Vast 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 Vast Digital camera on iPhone, however lacks edge distortion and will get the benefit of thee giant Primary Digital camera sensor.

A large lens is attached to the side of an iPhone in a black case

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment: 16mm Vast Angle Lens

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

There wasn’t any noticeable loss in shade saturation, and the digital camera centered nice. A minimal enhance in noise prompted 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 vibrant room with a darkish background, so it is not essentially 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 might 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 needs to be negligible.

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

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

75mm Lengthy Vary Macro Lens

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

An iPhone with a large lens attached taking a photo of a Pokeball

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

Not like 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 will 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 effectively executed, even when the noise prompted artifacts across the edges of the ball. This is because of a slight digital zoom at 2.5x in macro mode to realize an equal 75mm focal size.

Evaluate 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 focus vary.

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

A close up shot of an orange cleaning cloth shows intricate details of the cloths' fabric

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment: 120mm digital camera with 75mm Macro Lens

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

10x Conventional Macro Lens

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

An iPhone with a macro lens attached set on top of a Pokeball for a close up shot

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment: 10x Conventional Macro Lens

The pure bokeh of the Macro Lens might be the very first thing you discover. Backgrounds disappear in a blur of shade, however elements of the topic too, relying on its measurement.

Because the iPhone’s macro mode is a software program trick utilizing the Primary and Extremely Vast Digital camera, extra of the picture is in focus. The ensuing picture could not pop as a lot because of a scarcity of pure bokeh.

The 120mm Telephoto Digital camera does not work effectively with the 10x Macro Lens. It ends in blown-out highlights and an incapability to focus.

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

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

60mm Telephoto Lens

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 Primary Digital camera sensor with none software program methods or cropping.

An iPhone on a tripod with a large lens attached. A Pokeball is visible in the viewfinder.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment: 60mm Telephoto Lens

The portrait vary in pictures is between 35mm and 75mm, and the most effective lens for which shot is very debatable amongst photographers. The 60mm size is a little bit longer than the go-to 50mm portrait lens, so the topic might be a little bit 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 Primary Digital camera, however the impact is value 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 difficulty when topics have clear outlines and delicate backgrounds, because of 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 Primary Digital camera paired with an exterior lens just like the 60mm Telephoto will win out simply, at the least in decision and noise.

200-degree Fisheye Lens

One in all 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.

A warped fisheye perspective of a Pokeball

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment: 200-degree Fisheye Lens

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

Transfer in shut, and all the things will warp across the heart sphere. It allows extremely vast pictures of towering buildings or vast selfie pictures with a bunch of buddies.

Not like different Fisheye adapters, the 200-degree Fisheye Lens can seize a picture and not using a vignette. Which means much less cropping and extra high quality pictures for each shot.

An ultra wide fisheye perspective of a Sony camera on a table. Photo equipment and a bookshelf are visible.

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

Apple has an Extremely Vast Digital camera on the iPhone at 0.5x magnification which might obtain a refined 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.

1.33x Anamorphic and 1.55x Anamorphic

Capturing pictures and movies with anamorphic lenses can present a singular perspective and results. It simply requires apply and enhancing to get it proper.

An iPhone on a tripod mount with an anamorphic lens attached

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment: Anamorphic Lenses

I haven’t got expertise with anamorphic lenses, however it’s really a easy impact that have to be edited in software program to realize the specified outcome. The instance pictures right here present how the picture seems when captured and what it seems 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 relies on what your finish aim is. Some use anamorphic lenses to realize a unique bokeh fashion.

Gentle captured throughout the bokeh will tackle a unique form primarily based 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 seen by means of anamorphic lenses. Images and movies will seem far more cinematic, although it does take some talent to realize the specified finish outcome.

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

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment — three filters, two adapters, limitless mixtures

The ShiftCam filter set contains three filters with adapters for the anamorphic lenses and digital camera 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.

Three filters sit in front of a light showing different filtering capabilities

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment: VND and CPL filters

The VND filters provide publicity management throughout a variety of stops. Should you’ve ever been in extremely vibrant out of doors settings and spot all the things getting washed out by the solar, VND filters will help.

Reasonably than artificially reducing publicity utilizing the software program publicity slider, a VND filter will help obtain a desired publicity degree. They usually assist in extra conditions than simply vibrant ones.

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

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

Polarization eliminates this challenge. Should you’ve ever worn polarized sun shades, you already know the impact already.

A bright light shines on a Pokeball while an iPhone with an ND filter takes a photo

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment: 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 digital camera.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment — ProGrip

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

An iPhone holder shaped like a camera grip sits next to an iPhone on a desk

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment: 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.

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

Be aware within the earlier pictures that the iPhone was hooked up to a MagSafe mount on a tripod. It’s quicker to depend on magnets than a screw-in mount if the iPhone stays stationary.

The ProGrip works finest when away from the studio.

ProGrip on a desk next to SnapGrip, a MagSafe iPhone camera grip

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment: ProGrip might use a SnapGrip-like improve

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

The bottom of the grip is vast 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 digital camera app.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment — Common Lens Mount vs the iPhone Digital camera Case Mount (not included)

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 digital camera.

An iPhone in a tripod mount with a black case

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment: iPhone Digital camera Case

It’s a much less elegant answer 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 Primary Digital camera and Telephoto Digital camera. Augmenting the Extremely Vast Digital camera is not potential with the lens system.

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

Get the iPhone 15 ShiftCam Digital camera Case for $39.99. Be certain that to pick out the right case measurement and whether or not you need a display protector added.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment — Aluminum LensUltra Suitcase

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.

A black metal suitcase sits on a wooden desk with two small lens cases in front.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment: Aluminum Suitcase

The aluminum suitcase is only a stellar solution to transport the lenses, however it’s giant and ponderous. Fortunately the lens zip up pouches permit you to carry solely what is important for a given shoot.

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

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

Upgrading the iPhone digital camera

The iPhone is an unbelievable digital camera that’s at all times with you. The mix of {hardware} and software program makes it able to capturing pictures beforehand solely potential with a big sensor digital camera.

A photo table strewn with photography equipment like lenses, a light meter, and an iPhone on a tripod.

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

Including {hardware} instruments to your iPhone digital camera setup will help enhance what’s potential. Nevertheless, not all digital camera instruments are created equally and might find yourself making the ensuing picture worse, not higher.

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

Whether or not you buy a number of particular person lenses or the whole Deluxe Equipment, I am certain it’s going to present some distinctive alternatives on your pictures.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment – Professionals


Nicely-made glass that does not distort pictures
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

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment assessment – Cons


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

Score: 4 out of 5

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 equipment enabled the person to decide on their wanted iPhone case at checkout relatively than including a $40 premium.

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

The place to purchase the ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment

Should you’ve been maintaining with costs all through the assessment, you will have come to the conclusion that the entire equipment might be very dear. You are not unsuitable, however shopping for the total set on the present discounted costs would prevent at the 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 generally priced at $1,720 however is discounted by 30% to $1,199. The equipment 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-Coloration Gentle Panel.

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