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iPhone 17 Pro Gets 24x Zoom With Sandmarc's New Tetraprism Lens

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California-based accessory maker Sandmarc has launched a new Tetraprism 72mm Lens for iPhone that adds 3x optical magnification on top of the iPhone 17 Pro's built-in tetraprism telephoto camera.

iphone-sandmarc-lens-72mm@2x.jpg

The iPhone 17 Pro's 48 MP Fusion Telephoto offers a true 4× optical zoom at a 100mm equivalent focal length. When combined with Sandmarc's 72mm lens, which adds genuine optical magnification on top, it can extend effective zoom up to 24x on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. According to Sandmarc, users get 12x optical zoom at full 48MP resolution, or up to 24x at 24MP.

Sandmarc claims the multi-element, multi-coated glass construction preserves sharpness and color accuracy at a distance while reducing flare. The company also says the optical compression effect is perfect for landscapes, cityscapes, and wildlife, or the sort of tight, layered look you'd normally need a dedicated camera to achieve.

The 72mm lens sits alongside Sandmarc's existing 48mm model, which offers 2x magnification. Both mount directly to the tetraprism camera, but they do require a third-party pro camera app like Halide or Blackmagic Camera, since Apple's stock Camera app may automatically switch lenses.

The lens is also compatible with the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, with zoom reach topping out at 15x on those models. The lens itself weighs 180 grams and integrates with Sandmarc's case and filter mount system. The 72mm lens costs $299, while the 48mm model is priced at $249. Both can be ordered from Sandmarc's website.

Article Link: iPhone 17 Pro Gets 24x Zoom With Sandmarc's New Tetraprism Lens
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/25/iphone-17-pro-gets-24x-zoom/
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Astuces iOS said:
HAHAHA people really want to make their iPhone like a camera, mate at this point just buy a camera because it will give you way better quality !
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The best camera is the one you have, but if I have to remember to carry around a giant lens for my phone case, then I could remember to grab a better camera. The only advantage to these is if you need to take a photo and share it right now and you don’t have to worry about plugging a camera into the phone. I think id understand more if it was cheap, but $250 to $300 is small digital camera money.
 
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Astuces iOS said:
HAHAHA people really want to make their iPhone like a camera, mate at this point just buy a camera because it will give you way better quality !
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You don't always need better quality than you'll use. And it's more convenient to have the photo you're going to use straight in the same device as the app that you'll use to upload/post/share it.

So what's with the "hahaha" just because other people use their devices differently than you?
 
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svanstrom said:
You don't always need better quality than you'll use. And it's more convenient to have the photo you're going to use straight in the same device as the app that you'll use to upload/post/share it.

So what's with the "hahaha" just because other people use their devices differently than you?
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Well look you are paying for a pro phone + a lens to share just after... Those photos will look bad... You better just buy a base iPhone and deal with the camera because it's not worth to pay this extra...
 
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Cool site. I didn't know this company existed, thanks for posting. I take a lot of outdoor professional photos for work that have to be geotagged. I tried Moment Lenses and ShiftCam grips; these seem higher quality, closer to Hollywood-grade. Nice to see someone still making leather cases too.
 
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Artemiz said:
Sure bud. I’ll just lug around a 2.5 lb brick around my neck everywhere I go.

People looking for that DSLR quality already have one and carry it when needed. These are for those who prefer portability and getting the best picture isn’t a priority.
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If you prefer portability just keep your iPhone
 
Astuces iOS said:
I'm going to say, if you already have the pro... keep it that's ok but just don't buy this lens... Save your money for the future...
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I do agree with the second half of your statement. At $249 a piece, it’s quite expensive, and unless you’re absolutely sure you can get your money’s worth out of it, that’s $249 you could put elsewhere.
 
This is great for the backcountry hiker or backpacker who loves photography but doesn’t want to carry the DSLR. Great compromise for the size, weight, and cost.

I think most people will fall into iPhone-only or DSLR-only territory, but to me this is a fantastic option.
 
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If I were to get a lens accessory, I’d choose a macro lens for the main camera on my iPhone 15 Pro Max, since it’s the only 48-megapixel sensor. Some people carry cases with multiple lenses that can be quite expensive, but if I’m going to bring a lot of gear, I’d rather just take my old DSLR.
 
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Adoniram said:
This is great for the backcountry hiker or backpacker who loves photography but doesn’t want to carry the DSLR. Great compromise for the size, weight, and cost.

I think most people will fall into iPhone-only or DSLR-only territory, but to me this is a fantastic option.
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I agree - if it's truly high-quality, it would be great to carry in your pocket for (say) an impromptu trip to local attractions where you'd like to have the zoom capability (e.g. ,a zoo or amusement park) but don't want to carry a DSLR or MILC with an enormous zoom lens.

I might buy one to keep in my car for such occasions.
 
joshwithachance said:
The iPhone, especially when it comes to the Pro, IS many people's primary (and often only) camera. Deservedly so.
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It’s one reason a Pro Max costs over $1000 while the new A based laptop can be priced hundreds less despite the bigger screen, keyboard, case, trackpad, battery, etc.

The cameras in phones are EXPENSIVE.
 
jhwalker said:
That's a good point. Like many others, I upgrade to the latest phone EACH YEAR. So buying any sort of expensive accessories for the CURRENT model is likely NOT a good investment :/

Pity.
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I assume that they have different cases as adaptors and it can be used again?

But Felix Unger would tell me not to assume.
 
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