Sandmarc’s iPhone Microscope Puts 40x Magnification In Your Palm
Mobile photography specialist Sandmarc has announced the Microscope Lens Edition for iPhone, an optical add-on for iPhone that offers 40x magnification to smartphone shooters.
“Go from macro, micro, to micro 3x in seconds and see the world in finer detail,” says Sandmarc. Lighting is a significant roadblock to fine macro detail, so the Sandmarc Microscope Lens sports an integrated light, ensuring photographers can capture sharp, bright subjects, even at 40x magnification.
The Microscope Lens for iPhone attaches to an included iPhone case and covers the smartphone’s rear camera module. While not necessarily thick, users may be unable to keep the microscope connected when putting their iPhone in a typical pants pocket. However, the 12.8mm-thick lens should be very easy to tuck away somewhere when not in use.
The Microscope Lens Edition is also much smaller than the 100mm Macro Lens for iPhone that Sandmarc released earlier this year.
The lens is compatible with many recent iPhone models, including the iPhone 12 and up, and Apple’s larger smartphones, like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus. It is worth noting that Sandmarc does not list the iPhone SE on its compatibility list despite the third-generation SE model launching last year.
Concerning the iPhone 15 Pro Max in particular, Apple’s newest flagship device offers 5x optical zoom (120mm equivalent) on its telephoto camera. When used alongside the Sandmarc Microscope Lens Edition, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 5x camera can deliver a whopping 200x magnification.
The Microscope Lens Edition for iPhone is available to preorder for $130, with shipping expected to begin by the end of November. The lens ships with a case (so users must order the correct version for their iPhone model), the microscope lens itself, a clip-on mount, a lens pouch, and front and back lens caps. The light charges via USB-C but does not come with a separate USB-C cable. Users should be able to charge the microscope lens using any USB-C cable.
Sandmarc points out that macro lens control must be enabled. A step-by-step video guide is available on Sandmarc’s YouTube channel. iPhone 15 Pro Max owners will not be able to use the 5x mode alongside the Microscope Lens Edition with the iPhone’s native camera app. However, it will work with some third-party apps. Sandmarc recommends ProCamera.
Image credits: Sandmarc
