ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package evaluate: Options, Specs, Value

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package evaluate

The ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package contains 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 concentrate on detailing every product that comes within the Deluxe Package and the way they work to boost iPhone pictures. The lenses and filters might 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 appropriate 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 for those who purchase the whole package. Some customers could solely want one or two lenses for his or her anticipated use case.

Apple stated proudly owning the iPhone 15 Professional Max was like having seven cameras in your pocket. With the seven ShiftCam lenses, you’ll be able to multiply the iPhone’s digital camera capabilities, however not one-to-one.

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 combos, 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 Predominant Digital camera is the best choice for attaching a lens regardless of there being connect factors on each the Predominant and Telephoto cameras. Particularly because the 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, nevertheless it additionally is not nice with low mild, and including an exterior lens compounds that. So, whereas we will not take a look at it, we’re sure we would see related outcomes.

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

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

The 16mm Broad Angle lens is a 0.5x magnification that lets the consumer 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 massive Predominant Digital camera sensor.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package 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 useful in tight areas near a topic, when capturing group pictures, or when trying to suit a very massive piece of structure in a shot.

There wasn’t any noticeable loss in shade saturation, and the digital camera centered positive. A minimal improve in noise induced 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 connected ShiftCam lens.

This will probably be true for the entire connected lenses. The slight discount in light-gathering functionality on account of including layers of glass will imply extra noise in most conditions, nevertheless it ought to be negligible.

The dearth of edge distortion means the whole picture is usable. Additionally, in contrast to some lens attachments, there’s 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.

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

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package 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 dropping 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 properly executed, even when the noise induced 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 focus vary.

Surprisingly, the 75mm Macro Lens carried out properly 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.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package evaluate: 120mm digital camera with 75mm Macro Lens

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

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

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package evaluate: 10x Conventional Macro Lens

The pure bokeh of the Macro Lens will probably 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 Predominant and Extremely Broad Digital camera, extra of the picture is in focus. The ensuing picture could not pop as a lot on account of an absence of pure bokeh.

The 120mm Telephoto Digital camera does not work properly with the 10x Macro Lens. It ends in blown-out highlights and an incapacity 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 photographs, 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, nevertheless it 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 consumer to make the most of the Predominant Digital camera sensor with none software program tips or cropping.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package evaluate: 60mm Telephoto Lens

The portrait vary in pictures is between 35mm and 75mm, and one of the best lens for which shot is extremely debatable amongst photographers. The 60mm size is a little bit longer than the go-to 50mm portrait lens, so the topic will probably 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 Predominant 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. After all, the software program model permits for adjustable depth, however that is not a difficulty when topics have clear outlines and gentle backgrounds, due to the lens.

Optical zoom additionally helps when photographing distant topics. It would permit a special 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 Predominant 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 solely 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 Package evaluate: 200-degree Fisheye Lens

Distance from a topic means much less distortion whereas retaining that broad 200-degree discipline 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 middle sphere. It permits extremely broad pictures of towering buildings or broad selfie pictures with a bunch of pals.

In contrast to 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 photographs for each shot.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package evaluate: A fisheye lens presents a large perspective

Apple has an Extremely Broad Digital camera on the iPhone at 0.5x magnification which may 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 all the time be higher.

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

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package evaluate: 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 attain the specified outcome. The instance photographs right here present how the picture appears when captured and what it appears 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 is dependent upon what your finish purpose is. Some use anamorphic lenses to attain a special bokeh type.

Gentle captured throughout the bokeh will tackle a special 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. Pictures and movies will seem rather more cinematic, although it does take some talent 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 without having software program to sew items collectively.

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.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package evaluate: VND and CPL filters

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

Reasonably than artificially decreasing publicity utilizing the software program publicity slider, a VND filter will help obtain a desired publicity degree. And so they assist in extra conditions than simply vibrant 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 shifting stream.

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

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

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package 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 instantly with the cellphone digital camera.

The ProGrip is included within the LensUltra Deluxe Package, nevertheless it might 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 Package 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.

Because the lenses add some weight to the iPhone, I’ve discovered utilizing the ProGrip feels extra sturdy. There is no hazard of the iPhone falling out of the grip on account of a MagSafe magnet failing to carry on.

Notice within the earlier pictures that the iPhone was connected 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 greatest when away from the studio.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package evaluate: 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 gadgets like AirPods.

The bottom of the grip is broad 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 amount up press to activate the shutter when in a digital camera app.

The LensUltra Deluxe Package comes with a Common Lens Mount that is mainly a easy clamp. It permits lenses for use with many smartphone sorts by aligning the lens over the digital camera.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package evaluate: iPhone Digital camera Case

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

The iPhone Digital camera Case has mounts over the Predominant 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 Package, I extremely advocate getting the iPhone Digital camera Case. It’s cheap in comparison with some circumstances and might be simply swapped out when not utilizing the lenses.

Get the iPhone 15 ShiftCam Digital camera Case for $39.99. Make certain to pick out the proper case measurement and whether or not you need a display 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 Package.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package evaluate: Aluminum Suitcase

The aluminum suitcase is only a stellar option to transport the lenses, however it’s massive and ponderous. 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 broad 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 digital camera that’s all the time with you. The mix of {hardware} and software program makes it able to capturing pictures beforehand solely attainable with a big sensor digital camera.

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

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

The ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Package offers loads of gear choices that may improve your iPhone pictures. The ProGrip coupled with lenses and filters presents a large number of attainable combos that may meet almost each want.

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

• Properly-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 Package bundle really feel extra premium

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

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

Additionally, the ProGrip is nice for the utility it presents, 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.

When you’ve been maintaining with costs all through the evaluate, you will have come to the conclusion that the whole package will probably be very dear. You are not improper, 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 Package 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-Shade Gentle Panel.