SANDMARC has just released a new lens specifically designed for iPhone shooters: a 48mm telephoto tetraprism. When using this telephoto lens with the latest iPhone 17 Pro’s 8x zoom lens, you’ll get up to 16x (384mm) optical zoom. So, let’s take a closer look at it!
SANDMARC is an American manufacturer specializing in high-quality accessories for creators looking to improve the quality of their smartphone footage. The company recently launched a Star Filter for iPhone/smartphone, but if you follow our news coverage, you probably remember their Telephoto 6x or 58mm telephoto lens for iPhone. So, why release a new telephoto lens?
SANDMARC Telephoto Tetraprism lens – features
The main difference between the SANDMARC 58mm telephoto lens and this new 48mm telephoto tetraprism is that the latter is designed to be used in front of the iPhone’s 8x telephoto sensor. In contrast, the 58mm telephoto lens is made to extend the main 1x sensor. So, in short, this new lens is not compatible with the iPhone’s 1x camera, and the 58mm telephoto lens is not compatible with the iPhone 17 Pro’s 8x telephoto camera.
For iPhone 17 Pro users, this 2x optical lens doubles your reach and provides 8x optical zoom at full 48MP resolution, or up to 16x zoom at 24MP. If you use older iPhone models, you’ll get 10x optical zoom on the iPhone 16/15 Pro Max. Please note that this lens is only compatible with the iPhone 17 Pro Max/17 Pro/16 Pro Max/16 Pro, and 15 Pro Max.
The 48mm telephoto tetraprism can attach directly in front of your iPhone’s telephoto camera with the included clip-on mount, or you can screw it to the included SANDMARC iPhone case. The lens weighs 143g/5.04oz, it has a height of 57.3mm/2.25in and a diameter of 40.5mm/1.59in. Lastly, the front filter thread is 17mm, but the lens comes with a 43mm lens filter adapter, compatible with SANDMARC’s filters and others.
Price and availability
The SANDMARC Telephoto Tetraprism lens is available to preorder now for $269.99, and it should start shipping at the end of November. The lens comes with a case, a filter mount, a clip-on mount, a lens pouch, and front/back lens caps.
What do you think about this telephoto tetraprism lens? Did you upgrade to the new iPhone 17 Pro? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
by Jeff Loch
