Apexel 36x Telephoto Lens Kit - Best Extreme Telephoto for Wildlife and Distant Subjects
An affordable, high-magnification telephoto kit that brings distant subjects dramatically closer, ideal for birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts, though it requires stable support.
- +Offers a powerful 36x optical magnification for capturing distant subjects like birds in detail
- +Includes a universal spring clip mount for broad compatibility without needing a special phone case
- +Comes with an essential metal mini-tripod to combat camera shake at high magnification
- -Exhibits noticeable chromatic aberration (blue color fringes) around high-contrast edges
- -Image quality can degrade when combined with a phone's built-in digital zoom
- -Absolutely requires the included tripod for usable stills or video due to extreme shake magnification
The Apexel 36x Telephoto Lens Kit provides an accessible entry point into extreme telephoto photography for smartphones. Its standout feature is the 36x optical magnification, which allows users to capture detailed shots of subjects that are far beyond the reach of any built-in phone lens, such as wildlife, sporting events, or architectural details. The kit's practicality is enhanced by its universal spring clip mount, which attaches securely over most smartphones and even many cases, eliminating the need for a proprietary mounting system. A critical inclusion is the sturdy metal mini-tripod, as handheld use at this magnification is virtually impossible without introducing severe motion blur. When mounted on this tripod, the lens can capture sharp, compelling images with a pronounced compression effect, flattening the perspective between foreground, midground, and background for a cinematic look.
The lens also creates a pleasing, soft background bokeh for isolating subjects. However, optical compromises are evident at this price point. Users should expect some chromatic aberration, visible as color fringing on edges, and a potential drop in overall sharpness, especially when used in conjunction with a phone's digital zoom. For videographers, the telephoto compression can yield professional-looking shots, but again, stability is non-negotiable. It represents exceptional value for a specific use case, offering capabilities that far exceed a phone's native hardware, provided its limitations regarding stability and optical imperfections are understood and managed.