Other Size vs Telephoto: help!

[applefanb0y]

Considering downsizing from the 16 Pro Max to the 17 base model and wanted to hear from anyone who's actually done it before I commit.

My reasoning: the 17 base in hand feels like the right size for how I actually use my phone. Day-to-day, I don't notice I'm "missing" anything on the Pro Max except weight and pocket real estate. Display, performance, battery on the 17 all seem more than enough for my usage. The ProMotion addition on the base this year basically closed the last real gap for me. Just feels like I am not carrying a brick in my pocket.

The one thing I keep circling back to is the telephoto. I use it more than I thought I did - mostly for kid photos at playgrounds, the occasional zoom at events, and just the framing flexibility of having 5x in the pocket. Losing that feels like the real trade-off.

So, for anyone who's switched:

• How often do you reach for the zoom and then remember it's gone?
• Is the 17's main camera crop good enough that telephoto feels like a luxury rather than a loss?
• Any regrets after the honeymoon period wore off?

Not looking for "just get the 17 Pro" - I've made peace with the Pro trade-offs. Specifically interested in people who went from a Pro Max to a base and how that shook out over a few months.

 

[Cobold]

I've made peace with the Pro trade-offs.

Just out of curiosity: what are those "trade-offs" in your opinion?

I feel like - what you described - loosing the telephoto lens is a massive trade off for your usecases!

I personally would not be happy with my primary phone not having a telephoto lens! I use it every single day, definitely a must have for me.
I have an iPhone Air as my work phone besides my 17 Pro Max and often enough find my self like "aaah, damn, no zoom here!" - putting the Air away and taking the picture with my Pro Max.

I'd really go for a 17 Pro if I was you or maybe a 16 Pro without the Max, if size is really what matters.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I have a 15 Pro Max, because it has 5x telephoto vs 3x in the 15 Pro. I’m not super-fond of the large size but using it caseless mitigates the issue a little.

I’m holding out for the Fold, to replace my iPhone and iPad mini with one device. I’m “assuming” the fold will include telephoto. If it doesn’t, I’ll be going back to a Pro (presumably 18 Pro).

For me, telephoto is a must-have. Digital zoom (even at 48mp) isn’t adequate.

 

[applefanb0y]

Genuinely curious when was the last time you used telephoto?

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I got the 15 Pro Max as an Apple refurb right before a trip to Egypt. LOTS of opportunities there.

I also use my phone as a video camera for a local-access TV program; I used it quite a bit just today shooting for that.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Screenshot

 

[applefanb0y]

I hear ya guys. I have both the 16PM and 17 with me right now and I cant make up my mind.

 

[subjonas]

I relate to this a lot. I had a 16PM and it was way too big and heavy and drove me to get the iPhone Air. For frequent daily use, the Air a humongous relief. The telephoto is the only thing I miss, but only very occasionally. It's definitely not often enough to be worth using a thick/heavy phone for me, so it was a trade off I was willing to make. To mitigate the trade off though, I bought a compact super zoom travel camera to bring with me in a fanny pack on occasions where I might need it. This configuration works well for me, but it probably wouldn't work well for someone who needs the telephoto often. Everyone has different needs and tolerances.