Thank you for visiting mybeloved.camera!!! Today's post has to do with the iPhone set up for photographers. As a photo geek, the only reason I started using iPhone back in the day was my desire to use Gizmon iCA case. However, Gizmon has not produced cases since iPhone 5, I was using "ugly" cases just to protect my iPhone. However, I finally came across a set up I was interested in last year. As I enjoy taking photographs with my iPhone as well, I would like to share my set up this time.
First and foremost, what I look for in iPhone cases is to make taking photographs more enjoyable. This may seem like a good reason for selecting a case. However, my main purpose/use is taking photographs, this was the most critical factor in selection of cases. To make iPhone photography more enjoyable, there are few things that are important:
As I wrote previously, my reasons for using Gizmon iCA case had to do with expanding photography experience through attachable lenses in addition to the cool camera-like look. Yes, there are clip-on lenses I can (and I have) use to expand the types of lenses to take photographs with. Nevertheless, I wanted to use Moment Lens. My main reasons are:
I have used many different types of lenses for smartphones; however, the quality of Moment Lens is by far the best I have seen. Yes, it is big, heavy, and more expensive than others; however, the quality is well worth the price. As you can see from the comparison pictures below, Moment Lenses look like "camera lens" rather than cheap toy lenses. Yes, I agree and understand what kind of gears we use or how they look do not make any differences in the skills of the photographers. But Moment Lens simply looks great.
Next, the ability to attach/switch lenses easily and securely was important. With Moment Lens, we can attach by inserting the back of the lens to the designated "hole" and twisting 90 degrees to attach lens securely. As this method of attachment is much better than clip-on lenses because there is no need to manually align the attached lens to iPhone lens. Also, this is a much secure way of attachment compared to the magnetic lens attachment like Gizmon iCA. Once attached securely, it takes more than accident to knock off Moment Lens.
Only one thing I do not like about Moment Lens is rear caps cost $9.99 each. Given the price point for each lens from Moment Lens series, I really wish rear caps are included.
I believe there are a lot of people who would choose a smart phone cases based on the looks or the convenience of use (stand, wireless charging capabilities); however, a solid built and actual protection of iPhone was important. The reason as you can guess is I have dropped phones a lot. While I was using Gizmon iCA case made out of polycarbonate/plastic, I have broken bits and pieces of the case and I had to order parts separately several times. Also, when I was using a "slim" case, I have cracked the screen. I hoped the case would actually protect iPhone from dings and drops.
We usually do not see people attaching a strap to their iPhones, especially in US. However, I wanted to use a strap given my history of breaking/dropping phones. Also, a strap on a phone can be highly convenient as I tend to take photography with iPhone even while I am carrying a bigger camera. I can simply dangle my phone with a strap attached to my wrist while taking a photograph with a bigger camera.
After identifying what is important for my iPhone case, I did some research. I read reviews on dedicated cases manufactured by Moment Lens. In the end, my research was pretty short as I came across Smallrig iPhone Cage. As it is named a "cage," it somewhat looks and built like a cage. This Smallrig iPhone Case is:
While this case is bulky and little on the heavy side, this case protects the phone and expands the photo taking experience. Smallrig manufactures and sells rigs other than iPhones and smartphone.
Once I had a clearer idea on what I am looking for in an iPhone case, I started the actual search. Of course, I considered the line of genuine Moment Lens cases. However, I reached to my conclusion of Smallrig iPhone Cage fairly quickly, mainly because there are limited number of cases that are Moment Lens compatible. As this is named "Cage," it looks and feels like a cage. This case is:
Its size and weight definitely are on the negative side. However, its expandability outweighs its cons. Smallrig actually manufactures and sells cages and other accessories like handles for DSLR/Mirrorless cameras or GoPro.
I reached to my current set up not all at once because Moment Lenses are expensive. My set up is listed below. While I do not carry around every single item or lens, this whole set up would be much less bulky or heavy compared to my full frame Canon R5 set up.
Smallrig iPhone Cage for iPhone 11 Pro
Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap
Moment Lens 58mm
Moment Lens 18mm Wide
Moment Lens 14mm Fisheye
Moment Lens 10x Macro
Moment Anamorphic Lens - Blue Flare
SmallRig Aluminum Side Handle for Smartphone Cage
For now, I am satisfied with my current set up. I will probably keep this set up simply upgrading to a newer cage as I upgrade my iPhones in the future. Only addition I am thinking of and actually waiting for is Fjorden (https://shop.fjorden.co/) which will be shipped later in 2022. I am currently using Fjorden app, and I do like the control/UI/features over the default camera app. I will be sure to make an update once I receive Fjorden.
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