This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:20:11
The video provides an in-depth evaluation of several brands that manufacture telephoto lenses for iPhones, including B Script, Sandmarc, ShiftCam, Reflex, Freewell, and Moment. The presenter assesses the compatibility of these lenses with the iPhone 15 Pro, noting that some models exhibit aberrations and compatibility issues not observed with previous iPhone versions. The review covers the size, weight, and mounting systems of the lenses, emphasizing the importance of sticking with one ecosystem due to proprietary mounts. The B-script system is highlighted for its sharpness and color accuracy but is noted for its bulkiness and higher cost. Reflex lenses are praised for their portability and universal 17mm mount compatibility, while Sandmarc is recognized for offering a balanced combination of sharpness and portability. ShiftCam, though lighter, comes with proprietary limitations. Freewell lenses perform poorly in edge sharpness, despite otherwise solid offerings. Accessories and filter compatibility are also analyzed, with BeeGrip noted for using a versatile 62mm mount while others have restrictive proprietary systems. The presenter ranks the lenses, placing B-script at the top for image quality despite its drawbacks, and Reflex as an excellent portable alternative.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter evaluates multiple brands that manufacture lenses for iPhones, such as B Script, Sandmarc, ShiftCam, Reflex, Freewell, and Moment, with a focus on telephoto lenses. They explain that telephoto lenses, though frequently used, have shown compatibility issues with the iPhone 15 Pro, unlike previous models. Sample test footage is shown, highlighting that although some lenses exhibit aberrations visible when zoomed in closely, they generally perform adequately in everyday shooting. The presenter discusses the benefits of using external lenses, including improved quality, better low light performance, and shallower depth of field. They then delve into the specifications of the lenses, particularly their size and weight, comparing larger models like Reflex, B Script, and Freewell, noting their similarities and differences. A notable point is made about handling the Reflex lens carefully due to potential damage if it touches the ground when flipped.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses various camera lenses, focusing on their sizes and weights. The lenses compared include the Moment T-Series, ShiftCam, Sandmarc, and Beastgrip. While the Sandmarc is noted as the smallest, all lenses are hefty compared to previous generations. It’s highlighted that smaller lenses might be more suitable for run-and-gun or travel shooting due to their less bulky nature. The Beastgrip lens is cited as being significantly larger and heavier than smaller lenses. The video also emphasizes that each lens has a different mounting system, making it essential to choose and stick with one ecosystem, as many mounts are proprietary. The Beastgrip, for example, uses a 37mm mount, which was once universal but is now less common.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses various lens mounts for mobile photography and their compatibility with different cases and cages. The B-scrip mount is highlighted as the main one currently in use, requiring a specific cage. The Freewell 1.7x telephoto lens has a proprietary mount similar to Moment but unique to Freewell. The Reflex telephoto lens uses the more universal 17mm mount, which is compatible with multiple brands. Sandmarc also uses the 17mm mount for its cases and cages. The Shiftcam telephoto lens has a proprietary mount only compatible with Shiftcam cases. Moment’s new T Series mount, which replaces the quasi-universal M Series, requires Moment cases or specific compatible cages. The speaker briefly mentions filters, noting that most are proprietary, with Reflex using a magnetic system and Moment having its own filter mount.
00:09:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses various lens filter systems and their compatibility with different mounts. They explain that proprietary mounts like those from ShiftCam, Sandmarc, and Freewell restrict the use of non-proprietary filters. ShiftCam and Sandmarc filters screw on like traditional lenses but are proprietary and incompatible with other brands. Freewell lenses come with a UV filter but also use proprietary sizes, limiting filter options.
The speaker highlights that the BeeGrip lens is more versatile, sporting a 62mm mount that can accommodate any traditional filter or step-up ring. They point out the limitations and advantages of each system, emphasizing the importance of knowing the proprietary nature of the filters when choosing a brand.
Finally, the segment covers the included accessories with each lens: Sandmarc provides a lens cap, rear cap, bag, and lens cleaning cloth; ShiftCam offers a molded lens case but no caps; Moment includes a lens cap and a bag but no rear cap.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the lens accessories for various camera lenses. They cover details about traditional B grip lenses, which include front and rear lens caps, a soft carry pouch, and a familiar feel due to its size and weight. Reflex lenses come with a unique magnetic lens cap and a lens hood that helps eliminate flares. The Freewell system features rubber caps and connects imperfectly but includes a protective pouch. The presenter evaluates the performance of these lenses, noting the solid image quality of the Reflex lens, slight edge softness in the Sand Mark lens, and the sharpness and wider angle of the B script lens. They also mention using an adapter to switch between different lens mounts efficiently.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the reviewer examines various camera lenses for smartphones, testing their performance. He evaluates the ShiftCam, Freewell, Moment, and Sandmarc lenses, noting softness and chromatic aberration, particularly at the edges of the images. The reviewer highlights that the Freewell telephoto lens performs the worst, with significant edge softness, which is surprising given the company’s other solid lenses. The B Script lens is praised for its sharpness and color accuracy, closely resembling the iPhone’s native lens. The Sandmarc lens is described as slightly better than the ShiftCam in terms of sharpness and overall image quality. Despite some minor aberrations, the reviewer emphasizes that these flaws might not be noticeable in real-world usage. The tests were conducted under controlled conditions, but the reviewer notes some variability due to manual lens switching.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, the presenter discusses various lenses, particularly highlighting the quality and portability of each. The Reflex lenses are described as nearly as good as the B-script lenses, which are noted for their superior color reproduction and sharpness. The presenter ranks six lenses from worst to best, placing B-script at the top for image quality. While the B-script lenses are preferred for their optical performance, they are also more expensive and bulky, requiring additional equipment like a cage. The Reflex lenses offer high image quality and are more portable, fitting cases or cages. Sandmark and Shiftcam are recommended for portability, with Sandmark having slightly better image quality, and Shiftcam being the lightest. Moment and Freewell lenses did not perform as well in tests for the 15 Pro or Pro Max models but work better with earlier phones. The presenter has reviewed several of these lenses individually and provides links in the description for more information.