Olloclip Releases New 3-in-1 Macro Photo Lens for iPhone 5s and iPhone 5

Interesting. I wasn't expecting this. Olloclip just released a new 4 in 1 lens kit and I assumed this article was referring to it and made the mistake of saying 3 in 1 instead of 4 in 1. When I had the 3 in 1 lens kit for my iPhone 4/4S, the Macro was the most used lens. These lenses are fun to use, unfortunately they only work on a bare iPhone (unless you use their expensive case). Thankfully that isn't an issue with my SPIGEN case which is easy to remove. With iPhone model designs historically changing every 2 years you have to consider the fact that this will probably not work on the next iPhone. I ended up selling my 4/4S Olloclip on eBay after I upgraded to an iPhone 5s.

darkfiber said:

These lenses are fun to use, unfortunately they only work on a bare iPhone

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I used to have them for the 4S also. I agree, they are cool but the fact that they get obsolete on every iPhone form factor change, makes me give up on it. Someone needs to create an universal version of it...

I had the original Olloclip and it was great. I've attached macro images from the new 4in1 Olloclip and the 5s which I'm very happy with.

This specialized macro clip may be good for my stocking!

Good product IMO.

These should be designed to work on a bare phone and with an Apple iPhone case at minimum. I understand it can't work with just any case, but at least the one Apple provides would meet the needs of many people right there. I didn't like using this on my 4S with a naked phone so I quickly returned it.

The other downside is this becomes obsolete quickly. The lens should be universal. Just buy an adapter that fits with your current model phone. I wouldn't mind paying $10 for each new hardware change. But to spend 70 bucks every 2 years is a lot.

unplugme71 said:

These should be designed to work on a bare phone and with an Apple iPhone case at minimum. I understand it can't work with just any case, but at least the one Apple provides would meet the needs of many people right there. I didn't like using this on my 4S with a naked phone so I quickly returned it.

The other downside is this becomes obsolete quickly. The lens should be universal. Just buy an adapter that fits with your current model phone. I wouldn't mind paying $10 for each new hardware change. But to spend 70 bucks every 2 years is a lot.

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Why buy a new adapter each year... All apple has to do is make a magnetic ring around the lens and allow attachments to magnetically stick to them, wouldn't matter which model iphone you had then.

I'm going to assume that this blocks the flash? If so, it's going to prove difficult to get close macro shots with normal indoor light.

UnionVGF said:

I'm going to assume that this blocks the flash? If so, it's going to prove difficult to get close macro shots with normal indoor light.

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You assume correctly:

http://www.olloclip.com/about-us/tips-and-tricks/
The olloclip lens covers the flash and if you have the flash on you will see bright spots in your picture. The iPhone flash is not powerful enough to cover the wider angles that the olloclip provides.

Makes sense to me. Besides, I'd rather use other lighting to achieve the best possible macro shots anyway.

Will this be able to replace my point and shoot?

$70 is ridiculous. There are knock-offs and alternatives (some with even better designs in my opinion) that cost $10-$20 per kit on ebay.

Yes I know it's from China, and quality-control will be slightly inferior, but QC doesn't legitimize such a huge markup when there are such alternatives readily available.

I'd buy from Olloclip rather than a random grey-market seller if it was $30, but $70 is simply too much.

In fact, this kit looks really nice and I like the magnetic attachment design much better. Look at everything it comes with! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnetic-De...er_Cell_Phone_Accessories&hash=item3a88430386

mrgraff said:

You assume correctly:

http://www.olloclip.com/about-us/tips-and-tricks/
The olloclip lens covers the flash and if you have the flash on you will see bright spots in your picture. The iPhone flash is not powerful enough to cover the wider angles that the olloclip provides.

Makes sense to me. Besides, I'd rather use other lighting to achieve the best possible macro shots anyway.

Click to expand...

The past thing I'm thinking about when taking any photo with my phone is lugging around strobes or other lighting.

UnionVGF said:

The past thing I'm thinking about when taking any photo with my phone is lugging around strobes or other lighting.

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Fair point. I've managed to take some pretty decent macro shots with my 4S without any extra equipment or apps:
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/mrgraff/misc/fly.jpg

I probably won't buy the Olloclip or even use my phone for macros anyway. I think that blocking the flash makes this particular accessory a bad idea.

unplugme71 said:

These should be designed to work on a bare phone and with an Apple iPhone case at minimum. I understand it can't work with just any case, but at least the one Apple provides would meet the needs of many people right there.

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Which provided Apple case?

Gary

Here is a DIY solution http://simonhowes.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/macro-lens-using-an-iphone-camera-and-a-laser-pointer/

Examples:

iAshley said:

Why buy a new adapter each year... All apple has to do is make a magnetic ring around the lens and allow attachments to magnetically stick to them, wouldn't matter which model iphone you had then.

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Because the mag ring would attract metal particles.

This is a very interesting proposal by olloclip.

unplugme71 said:

I wouldn't mind paying $10 for each new hardware change. But to spend 70 bucks every 2 years is a lot.

Click to expand...

iAshley said:

Why buy a new adapter each year... All apple has to do is make a magnetic ring around the lens and allow attachments to magnetically stick to them, wouldn't matter which model iphone you had then.

Click to expand...

Agree with you both, a universal adapter would make much more sense and justify the cost!

oneMadRssn said:

In fact, this kit looks really nice and I like the magnetic attachment design much better. Look at everything it comes with! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnetic-De...er_Cell_Phone_Accessories&hash=item3a88430386

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But for £299 ($475) you could get this beauty:


Lol- poor will-iam-not creative, innovative or realistic!

garylapointe said:

Which provided Apple case?

Gary

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I meant the one that Apple makes or labels as 'theirs'

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iAshley said:

Why buy a new adapter each year... All apple has to do is make a magnetic ring around the lens and allow attachments to magnetically stick to them, wouldn't matter which model iphone you had then.

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because I don't want my phone sticking to certain things

close up shots of eyes creep me out lol. I start flinching. Quality looks amazing.

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johnnyturbouk said:

This is a very interesting proposal by olloclip.





Agree with you both, a universal adapter would make much more sense and justify the cost!



But for £299 ($475) you could get this beauty:
Image

Lol- poor will-iam-not creative, innovative or realistic!

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No doubt will be a major hit with African warlords.

Better Macro for $10

The Olloclip price was way too high for me, and their macro is a bit overdone, so I designed one myself that can be printed on Shapeways. The whole thing is about $10, has a glass lens, and looks pretty slick if I do say so myself. Help yourself: http://shpws.me/q26I

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because I don't want my phone sticking to certain things[/QUOTE]

Ok so make the Macro lens with the magnet and apple just has to make the metal ring around the lens bigger or include a hidden one inside the case.

Ollo - Schneider - ALPA

Hi,

You may find it interesting: http://www.laszlopusztai.net/2014/01/20/thoughts-on-idevice-wide-converters/

It's a comparison of the Ollo, Schneider and ALPA wide converters.

Cheers,
Agnes