ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: Options, Specs, Value

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate

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 evaluate will concentrate on detailing every product that comes within the Deluxe Equipment and the way they work to boost 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 attention-grabbing firm that provides 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 for those who purchase all the equipment. 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 would like to say that seven lenses for seven cameras means 49 digicam combos, excluding filters, on iPhone. Nonetheless, not each lens will provide usable outcomes with each iPhone digicam.

Actually, via most of our testing, it appears the Fundamental Digicam is the most suitable choice for attaching a lens regardless of there being connect factors on each the Fundamental 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 mild, and including an exterior lens compounds that. So, whereas we won’t check it, we’re sure we might see comparable outcomes.

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

We have additionally included a ruler in most photographs 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 much like the built-in 0.5x Extremely Broad Digicam on iPhone, however lacks edge distortion and will get the benefit of thee massive Fundamental Digicam sensor.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: 16mm Broad Angle Lens

Being able to tug 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 pictures, or when making an attempt to suit a very massive piece of structure in a shot.

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

The check topic is in a reasonably vivid room with a darkish background, so it is not essentially the most optimum capturing location. Distance from the topic will assist get rid of any notable variations between utilizing the iPhone lens and the connected ShiftCam lens.

This shall be true for the entire connected lenses. The slight discount in light-gathering functionality as a result of including layers of glass will imply extra noise in most conditions, but it surely ought to be negligible.

The dearth of edge distortion means all the picture is usable. Additionally, in contrast to some lens attachments, there’s 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 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 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 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 properly executed, even when the noise triggered 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 properly when paired with the 120mm Telephoto Digicam too. The Pokeball would not have a lot attention-grabbing element on the macro vary, so we snapped a picture of a close-by cleansing fabric.

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

At this vary, it’s simpler to focus by bodily shifting the digicam into place reasonably than making an attempt to faucet and focus. The small stripe of focus working diagonally shifts dramatically at this zoom degree, but it surely is not laborious 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 Fundamental Digicam. Nevertheless, you are going to have to be almost touching the topic to seize picture because of the 10mm to 15mm minimal focus distance.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: 10x Conventional Macro Lens

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

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

The 120mm Telephoto Digicam would not work properly with the 10x Macro Lens. It leads to blown-out highlights and an incapacity to focus.

Apple’s software program trick is a superb instance of computational pictures that is useful in a pinch. Nevertheless, for extra detailed, deliberate photos, the 10x Macro Lens will win out nearly 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 very good judgment for locating the minimal focus distance.

The 60mm Telephoto Lens acts as a bodily lens different to the digital 2x 48mm zoom. Like the opposite lenses within the set, it permits the person to reap the benefits of the Fundamental Digicam sensor with none software program tips or cropping.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: 60mm Telephoto Lens

The portrait vary in pictures is between 35mm and 75mm, and the perfect lens for which shot is very debatable amongst photographers. The 60mm size is slightly longer than the go-to 50mm portrait lens, so the topic shall be slightly 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 Fundamental Digicam, 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 problem when topics have clear outlines and smooth backgrounds, because of the lens.

Optical zoom additionally helps when photographing distant topics. It would enable a distinct 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 Fundamental Digicam paired with an exterior lens just like the 60mm Telephoto will win out simply, not less than in decision and noise.

One among 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 capturing potential.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: 200-degree Fisheye Lens

Distance from a topic means much less distortion whereas retaining that extensive 200-degree discipline 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 middle sphere. It allows extremely extensive photographs of towering buildings or extensive selfie photographs with a bunch of associates.

In contrast to different Fisheye adapters, the 200-degree Fisheye Lens can seize a picture with no vignette. Which means much less cropping and extra high quality photos for each shot.

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

Apple has an Extremely Broad Digicam 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 all the time be higher.

Taking pictures pictures and movies with anamorphic lenses can present a novel perspective and results. It simply requires follow and enhancing 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 should be edited in software program to realize the specified end result. The instance photos 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 top result’s a extra panoramic view of the topic in some photographs. All of it actually depends upon what your finish aim is. Some use anamorphic lenses to realize a distinct bokeh type.

Gentle captured throughout the bokeh will tackle a distinct form primarily based on the route and power 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 via anamorphic lenses. Photographs and movies will seem way more cinematic, although it does take some ability to realize the specified finish end result.

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

The ShiftCam filter set contains 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. When you’ve ever been in extremely vivid out of doors settings and see the whole lot getting washed out by the solar, VND filters may also help.

Moderately than artificially reducing publicity utilizing the software program publicity slider, a VND filter may also help obtain a desired publicity degree. 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 hold publicity down whereas capturing the shifting stream.

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

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

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

These filters are helpful in creating extra dramatic photographs than straight glass can provide. The included adapters enable them for use with any lens or immediately with the cellphone 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 isn’t any hazard of the iPhone falling out of the grip as a result 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 quicker 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 via 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 extensive 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 principally a easy clamp. It permits lenses for use with many smartphone sorts by aligning the lens over the digicam.

ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment evaluate: iPhone Digicam Case

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

The iPhone Digicam Case has mounts over the Fundamental Digicam and Telephoto Digicam. Augmenting the Extremely Broad Digicam is not doable with the lens system.

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

Get the iPhone 15 ShiftCam Digicam Case for $39.99. Be certain to pick out the proper case measurement and whether or not you want 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 method to transport the lenses, however it’s massive and ponderous. Fortunately the lens zip up pouches help you carry solely what is critical for a given shoot.

The case weighs about 5 kilos totally loaded. It measures 1 foot lengthy by 9 inches extensive 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 all the time with you. The mix of {hardware} and software program makes it able to capturing pictures beforehand solely doable 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 may also help enhance what’s doable. Nevertheless, not all digicam 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 presents a mess of doable combos that may meet almost each want.

Whether or not you buy a number of particular person lenses or all the Deluxe Equipment, I am positive it’s going to present some distinctive alternatives on 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 Equipment bundle really feel extra premium

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

The ShiftCam LensUltra Deluxe Equipment is a superb system, although not with out some minor quibbles. We would prefer it higher if this already costly equipment enabled the person 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 may create a extremely intelligent product.

When you’ve been maintaining with costs all through the evaluate, you’ll have come to the conclusion that the entire equipment shall be very expensive. You are not fallacious, however shopping for the total set on the present discounted costs would prevent not less than $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 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-Colour Gentle Panel.