Iphone 15 Pro Freewell
Dec 18, 2023In this blog post, I will be discussing the Freewell lens systems for the iPhone 15 Pro. While they do offer this system for Samsung, I will be focusing on the shots I took using an iPhone 15 Pro.
I tested the Freewell lenses in various lighting conditions, including at a wedding, an action sequence, and as my main camera for everyday use. To determine if these lenses are worth purchasing, In the video above I will be showing you side-by-side shots with and without the lenses, so you can see the difference in quality and artistic expression.
It's important to note that you don't need to spend extra money on lenses for your phone unless you notice a significant difference in quality or artistic expression. While phones are compact and convenient, a semi-professional camera and lens setup may offer better image quality.
Freewell provided me with lenses, but they did not influence my review, nor did they ask to review my videos before posting them. I recommend these lenses due to the high-quality images I was able to capture.
One issue with the iPhone is its fixed aperture. When shooting in bright environments, the shutter speed increases to compensate for the light, which can make your videos look artificial. Adding a variable ND filter, like the one provided by Freewell, can keep the shutter speeds under control and help preserve the colors.
I recommend downloading the Black Magic camera app for iPhone users, as it allows you to select which camera to use and provides anamorphic squeeze for the anamorphic lens.
Freewell sent me a phone case that is compatible with MagSafe and has a magnetic housing for quick filter attachment. They also sent me a Bluetooth selfie grip, which is well-built and has a telescopic extendable handle, six 1/4 mount threads for accessories, a mounting plate, a hotshot mount, and Bluetooth for one-press recording.
My favorite lens was the gold anamorphic 1.55x lens, which provides subtle light flares and a cinematic effect. The 18mm wide-angle lens and the macro lens both have filter threads for additional ND filters. The diffusion snow mist 1/4 filter adds halos to highlights, reduces contrast, and softens skin details to enhance the filmic look of pictures or videos.
The Variable ND filter with 1-5 stops kept my colors consistent, and the ND filters with the 1/4 snow mist filter and the CPL for the 18mm wide lens and the anamorphic lens reduced glare from reflected surfaces.
The filters screw-on and attach to the filter threads on the end of the lenses. You install the anamorphic and wide lens by lining up the slots, pressing in, and twisting, and I only installed the lenses on the main camera.
Freewell also offers a 1.33x anamorphic lens, which provides a less wide shot than the 1.55x lens. It is available in blue as well.
Usability
I will share my experience with the iPhone 15 Pro camera and the importance of using a handgrip and camera app to enhance the filming experience.
At first, I started shooting with the camera without putting the handgrip on, and I almost dropped the phone because it made the phone front heavy. Once I added the handle, it solved that issue. If you decide to get this set, I recommend getting the handgrip or a handgrip from somewhere else that gives you a better grip than just holding onto the iPhone body.
The handgrip was helpful in a number of different ways, including unfolding to provide an actual handle grip and attaching right to my tripods arc Swiss mount plate system. Additionally, having a camera app is necessary to control the lenses and exposure, focus, and white balance, which helps achieve filmic-looking shots.
Don't be afraid of manual exposure. It's fun, especially once you get the hang of it. The aperture is fixed, so you only have to worry about shutter speed and ISO on the phone. Once you get a little more advanced, you can start working the white balance.
I noticed that when I switch the native camera over to the native wide lens, the camera loses image quality, especially in low light. If you leave the phone on its native 24mm camera and then throw in this 18mm wide lens, you won't be compromising any image quality. Additionally, you'll be able to shoot in low light with a lot less noise because you're using that main camera.
I threw the phone on a gimbal to enhance the stabilization. I noticed with the anamorphic footage I was getting wobbly corners and edges and believe that was due to the digital stabilization in the iPhone's body. It's for this reason I would shut off stabilization when using anamorphic and either put the camera on a gimbal or don't walk with it.
The VND and the magnetic design were amazing because they kept the form factor still small but helped with image quality in bright environments. If I could only get one, I would get the variable ND because of its ease of use. The macro lens was cool, but because it's attached to an iPhone, those super close shots will make shaky footage if you're going handheld. Therefore, I recommend using it only if you have a slider or are on a tripod.
Conclusion
Are you someone who loves to capture moments and memories through your smartphone but feels like the photos or videos aren't always up to the mark? If yes, then you might be interested in exploring different lenses that can be attached to your phone to enhance the photography experience.
While professional lenses and high-end phones like ZVE10 can offer great image quality, they might not be affordable for everyone. That's where these lenses come in handy - they are perfect for people who already own an iPhone and want more lens options without compromising on image quality.
However, if you don't own an iPhone, investing in these lenses along with the phone might be more expensive than buying a semi-professional camera and lens setup. But the convenience of having a compact device to carry around makes the phone a great option for capturing moments on-the-go.
It's important to note that while using these lenses, protecting the lens from dirt and scratches is crucial, especially when you put your phone into your pocket. One of the areas for improvement in these lenses is the phone case - it would be great if it had a camera cover to protect the lens.
Lastly, while experimenting with filters or combinations of filters can be fun, it's important to keep in mind that in low light conditions, some filters might not work as well as expected. For instance, adding a snow mist filter to an anamorphic lens can result in washed-out images that are not suitable for use.
Overall, these lenses can be a great addition to your photography gear if you're looking for affordable ways to enhance your iPhone camera's capabilities. With the right care and usage, they can help you capture stunning photos and videos that you'll cherish for a lifetime.
