Moment’s smartphone lenses are a game-changer for amateur photographers like me. As someone who loves taking pictures and has always been interested in exploring more professional photography, I have often been deterred by the high cost, bulky size, and complicated nature of DSLR cameras. However, with the recent launch of Moment’s T-Series lenses, I may have found the perfect solution to enhance my photography skills without investing in expensive camera gear.
Although Moment’s lenses are not cheap, ranging from $120 to $150 each, they are a more affordable option compared to full-sized camera equipment. Furthermore, these lenses are lightweight and easy to carry around, making them a convenient choice for photography enthusiasts on the go. The best part is that they can be easily attached to your smartphone, utilizing the camera UI you are already familiar with.
I was fortunate enough to test out four of Moment’s lenses: the 58mm telephoto, the 18mm wide lens, the 14mm fisheye lens, and the 10x macro. All of these lenses offer unique capabilities that allow your smartphone camera to capture stunning photos that would otherwise be impossible. In addition to these lenses, Moment also offers two anamorphic lenses, the Anamorphic 1.33x and the Anamorphic 1.55x, which add a blue or gold-tinted lens flare effect to your photos.
To use the lenses, you need to attach them to your phone using a mount that goes over your camera lens. In the case of my iPhone, I used the bayonet-style attachment piece that Moment sells separately from its camera mount cases. For Android phones, Moment provides bespoke Pixel and Galaxy cases or a universal clip-on mount if they don’t make a specific case for your phone.
Attaching the lenses to my iPhone was quick and easy, and I was able to start snapping photos in no time. The telephoto lens, in particular, stood out to me. While the iPhone 13 Pro has a decent main camera and a solid ultrawide lens, it falls short when it comes to telephoto capabilities. Moment’s telephoto lens allows for closer zoom and captured details that the iPhone’s telephoto camera couldn’t achieve on its own.
Comparing photos taken with and without Moment’s lenses, it became clear that these lenses offer significant improvements in image quality and depth of field. For example, the wide lens captured more in-focus details and a wider scene compared to the iPhone’s main camera alone. The fisheye lens provided a wider, more detailed shot with fun perspective warping. The macro lens delivered sharper details and a shallower depth of field, creating stunning close-up shots.
However, it’s worth noting that the native iOS camera app doesn’t fully support Moment’s lenses. It constantly refocuses, and it won’t utilize the iPhone’s telephoto camera when the Moment lens is attached, resulting in a digitally zoomed main camera partially blocked by the lens body. Fortunately, third-party apps like Halide and Moment Pro Camera allow manual focus and eliminate the forced digital zoom issue.
One of the biggest advantages of Moment’s lenses is their compact size, making them an ideal kit for travel photography. I would absolutely take these lenses, especially the telephoto and fisheye, with me on trips or special events. The lenses are also perfect for capturing unexpected moments on a beautiful summer day. However, their small size does raise some concerns about misplacing them.
Overall, my experience with Moment’s lenses was incredibly enjoyable, and they truly transformed my phone into a powerful photography tool. While I don’t know if I would personally purchase them due to my own tendency to misplace things, I would highly recommend Moment’s lenses for anyone looking to enhance their smartphone photography and experience the capabilities of a DSLR camera. To give you a glimpse of the incredible photos you can capture with Moment’s T-Series lenses, I have included an unedited gallery of some of my favorite shots below.
In conclusion, Moment’s smartphone lenses provide an affordable, portable, and user-friendly alternative to traditional DSLR cameras. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a hobbyist looking to elevate your photography game, these lenses offer unmatched versatility and image quality. With Moment’s lenses, anyone can capture stunning, professional-grade photos and unlock their true creative potential.