I am always looking for ways to augment my iPhone photography, ever since it became the “camera” I carry with me every day. And since olloclip came on the scene a few years ago, I have been looking forward to testing one of their lens attachments. I recently got that opportunity with the olloclip Active Lens.
olloclip Active Lens/Images by David Goodspeed
The Active Lens is a 2-in-1 clip-on device with a 2x telephoto convertor on one side and an ultra-wide angle lens convertor on the other. It is like carrying two spare lenses in your pocket for your iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. The olloclip Active Lens attaches directly to your bare iPhone but it does work with the new OLLOCASE offered by the company. olloclip with not work with any other cases on your iPhone.
I am not sure how olloclip came up with the name Active for this lens kit as I would equate that term with a device that can be used in a variety of activities that might be detrimental to the iPhone, especially since it may not have any case on it whatsoever. Perhaps the name came from the images produced when the ultra-wide lens is used that simulate the view of certain popular action cameras that are all the rage these days in sports and other outdoor activities.
I am impressed with the ultra-wide angle lens and would have this device just for that. I discovered the 2x telephoto causes the iPhone lens to experience the same phenomena that telephoto lenses give traditional cameras in the form of shallow depth of field but once you become familiar with this you adapt your shooting style to it. In all honesty I will probably not use the 2x very much at all (it is a good portrait lens but I don’t shoot those that much) but instead would have opted for a 3x were one offered paired with this ultra-wide angle. olloclip, you went to an extreme on one lens on the Active, why not the other one?
Auto interior shot with ultra-wide lens
The ultra-wide lens offers a super wide, full-frame view. Vertical and horizontal lines bend at the edges but it does not go to the extreme of a fisheye making for images with the Active Lens more acceptable. I love using it for shooting car interiors to capture everything from headrest to dashboard. Not to mention it works great for getting everything into one frame when you simply cannot back up any further with your feet.
Bridge normal view…
…Same bridge from same spot with ultra-wide lens attached.
The olloclip Active Lens kit works on iPhone 6 or 6 Plus (via supplied clip), has lens covers for both ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, and includes three wearable pendants, neckstrap, and lens bag. It is available at www.olloclip.com for $99.99 and Active Lens aligns with both front- and rear-facing lenses of your iPhone when clipped in place.
Source: olloclip Active Lens for iPhone 6 or 6 Plus review sample provided by manufacturer.
What I Like: The ultra-wide angle lens is sharp edge-to-edge; lightweight and portable with neckstrap and clips.
What Needs Improvement: I would love to see a 3x telephoto with this ultra-wide lens.
Jade “olloclipped” 2x
Jade “olloclipped” ultra-wide