I have always been jealous of those Instagram influencers with tens of thousands of followers who say that they take all their photos with their smartphones. How easy does that sound? Instead of lugging around 20 pounds of camera equipment, like myself, they simply tote a lightweight smartphone.
The problem is I really like to be prepared for any shooting location and knowing that my Canon 6D has a plethora of lenses for any occasion keeps me carrying heavy baggage for every trip.
But, Pixter smartphone lenses have given me other options.
I found an easier way to get a variety of shots when my back starts to ache or when I just need to be a little more discreet with my photo taking instead of pulling out a ginormous body and lens.
Or simply for some really fun selfies.
Smartphone Lens Review: Pixter Clip-On Lenses for My Iphone
Who is Pixter?
Pixter makes an assortment of lenses that clip right onto any smartphone — easy peasy. Plus, they are small enough to put in the pocket of your jacket (that’s what I did!). Each one weighs around an ounce and is about the length of my index finger. Even if I could replace just carrying one of my extra Canon lenses, it would seriously lighten my load.
I was delivered two different lenses to test, the Super Fisheye and the Wide Angle Pro. As they say, “the proof is in the pudding”, so I went on a short road trip from my Northern California home in search of a photogenic landscape. It wasn’t hard to find.
San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge is just a hop, skip and jump from my home.
Pixter Wide Angle Pro Lens
Though I have a wide-angle lens for my DSLR, I have to admit that it is the last one to be packed in my travel day-bag. Mostly because my second go-to lens is a zoom, and there hardly is ever room (or desire) to add more weight to my backpack for a third lens to be packed.
So. I was pretty darn excited when Pixter sent me their Wide Angle Pro lens that clips right onto the lens of my Iphone. It was super easy to use: remove the protective cap of the lens, screw it into the clip and then wiggle it onto the lens of the smartphone.
The Results:
I traipsed through San Francisco finding the coolest Golden Gate views to put the lenses to the test. And the difference of coverage between the normal Iphone camera and Pixter’s Wide Angle Pro was significant:
Photo Without Pixter Lens
Photo With Pixter Wide Angle Pro Lens
Photo Without Pixter Lens
Photo With Pixter Wide Angle Pro Lens
Photo Without Pixter Lens
Photo With Pixter Wide Angle Pro Lens
I have to admit, I was super impressed by the Pixter lens’ range. But, there was something else too.
I quickly learned that the wide angle could also be a very practical selfie lens (it’s all about the selfie!). Instead of getting my face close-up, it was a little further back (Apple, why have you never thought of this?).
Sometimes my arm will just not go back far enough for my face not to be half the photo.
Photo Without Pixter Lens
Photo With Pixter Wide Angle Pro Lens
Pixter Super Fisheye Lens
The same selfie benefit was true with the Fisheye lens as well, but it put a funner twist on it with its capture angle of up to 235°. This is the lens that I want to take to a party and squeeze all my friends in for the ultimate BFF selfie.
Can’t you just imagine a dozen friends fitting on these stairs…FUN!!
In the end, Pixter lenses won’t replace my beloved DSLR, but they will be a great addition to my camera bag (they are already packed for my next trip to northern Italy!) — easy to use and fun.
- Purchase the Super Fisheye Lens here.
- Purchase the Wide Angle Pro Lens here.
- Purchase the 3-Lens Starter Kit here.
This post was provided in a partnership with Pixter. All opinions my own. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.
You Might Also Enjoy
Tips to Bike or Walk Across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco Bucket List: 60 Best Things to Do in the Fun City of SF
Nice photographs these are that you have taken from smartphone but i want to ask a question really these are taken by a smartphone .?
Yes. Really taken with a smartphone. Iphone 7 Plus.
Wow! great experience smartphone lens for the lgolden gate bridge views which you have taken thanks for lovely post.
Nice photography and the picture at the end is really scary….!
Great experience with the smartphone lens you have used for golden gate bridge so nice view thanks.
wow, I love your photograph. Pixter is really amazing.
Excellent! Its so handy to have things like this lens whilst travelling – often digital SLR cameras are heavy and bulky, its nice to know that there is an alternative that allows you to take photos that really reflect the beauty of the place you visited.
Had to smile when I saw they have both “starter” and “pro” versions of their lenses. Like you, I’ve discovered how heavy a 6D becomes after a few hours. Now use an Olympus em10 but it’s not quite pocket-sized. The Pixter lens may be a nice compromise.
They definitely come in handy when you don’t have all your lenses with you!
Wow! I’ve always been a little curious about the quality of these.
Great shots! I hope I can also try taking a picture of golden gate with my roadeavour lens.