SANDMARC has just launched a new Microscope Lens which takes the iPhone’s macro mode and dials it up to…well, 40x magnification. The add-on lens is remarkably compact, being a neat disk 42 mm in diameter and 12.8 mm thick. It is compatible with all iPhone models 12 onwards, as it comes with a case for the selected model and simply screws onto the rear camera openings.
The 40x magnification (which becomes 120x on the Pro phones’ 3x telephoto lens, and a staggering 200x on the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 5x tele lens) is well beyond typical macro add-on lenses on the market, and as you can see below, the results well and truly justify the ‘microscope’ moniker.
SANDMARC’s own lineup already includes the Macro Lens for iPhone in 10x and 12x versions: however, the latter is considerably larger, while the former can be difficult to shoot with since the subject has to be extremely close to the lens, blocking out light in the process. The new Microscope Lens solves both issues: it’s not only compact, but also has an in-built LED ring-light to ensure the subject is evenly illuminated, no matter how close to the lens it is. The internal battery is charged via a USB-C port on the lens itself.
Photos and videos at this scale reveal textures, hues and shapes that appear quite other-worldly, almost like in a scene from an Ant Man movie. The Microscope Lens opens up a new dimension in everyday objects and in that sense, it captures that joy of using one's first microscope in school, only minus the bulkiness, focussing hassles and annoying lab partners.
The Microscope Lens is available for various iPhone models on SANDMARC's website for US$130. While reputed competitors on the market don't offer such high magnification, Moment does have a wide range of well-reviewed lenses (including macro) that are also compatible with Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones. You can buy Moment's 58mm tele lens, 10x macro lens, cinematic anamorphic lens and 14 mm fisheye lens on Amazon.