Gallery: iPhonography Accessories: Which Gadgets Are Best?
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*By Alexander George. This article was originally published on [The Wirecutter](http://thewirecutter.com//), a "list of great technology" curated by Wired alum Brian Lam.* The iPhone's camera is good, but we spent a good amount of time searching for the best gear to make it better. On top of the homework, we also spoke to some friends from [Instagram](http://instagram.com), like [Jessica Zollman](http://about.me/jayzombie), one of the original members of Instagram's community team. And photographer [Cole Rise](http://colerise.com), a designer of some of the filters (including the "rise" filter) and the Instagram app icon itself. We started out with a list of a few dozen accessories, but since most of the value of the iPhone comes from its apps, there are very few accessories that will really improve your shots, and honestly, only the Olloclip -- first up in our gallery, and described below -- is the must-have device in this list. The rest are good, useful and novel, and if you have a specific need in mind, proven technology. Best iPhone Wide Lens: Olloclip ------------------------------- The [Olloclip](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JTDFOA/?tag=thewire06-20) slips on over the iPhone’s corner and, depending on which direction it’s turned, gives a fish-eye, macro, or wide-angle effect to your shots. The simplicity and sturdiness of its design trumps other lens options that are obtrusive, flimsy and inconvenient by comparison. *Wired magazine*’s [iPhone lens round-up test](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/12/reviews_iphonelense_roundup/) bullet-points its qualities: “A must-have for Instagram addicts. Attaches in seconds. The most versatile lens set in the test.” [Jessica Zollman](http://about.me/jayzombie), a member of the community team at Instagram, attests: "It's my favorite for amazing macro photos and I carry it around with me everywhere I go. You never know when some beautiful bug is gonna pose long enough for you to snap its picture. There are some pretty incredible photographs on Instagram tagged with #[olloclipmacro](http://www.gramfeed.com/instagram/tags#olloclipmacro) too." [*Laptop Magazine*](http://www.laptopmag.com/review/accessories/olloclip.aspx) agreed, and expounded on the potential the device unlocks. They noted that a dedicated point-and-shoot couldn't swap a fish-eye for a macro as quickly as the Olloclip can. [Macworld](http://www.macworld.com/article/1161283/olloclip_camera_lens_iphone4.html) likes that "the fisheye and wide-angle lenses also have secure, plastic lens caps, so you don’t need to worry about the glass getting scratched while bouncing around in a bag with sharp items.” Engadget held lenses to professional standards, and only found “[minor barrel distortion](http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/olloclip-three-in-one-lens-for-iphone-4-review/)” compared to that of a DSLR’s wide-angle lens. The one grievance reviewers agreed on is that the Olloclip can’t attach over an iPhone case. This was a deciding point for [iLounge](http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/olloclip-3-in-one-photo-lens-for-iphone-4-4s/), with its staff of iPhone case advocates. They said, “In short, despite its capabilities, the 3-in-One Photo Lens wasn’t something any of us would actually use, and mounting was as much to blame as anything else.” But if you’re anything like our own [Kyle VanHemert](https://twitter.com/#!/kvanhemert) or Instagram superstar [Doctor Popular](http://www.objectivescenes.com/), both of whom carry their phones au naturel, this isn’t a problem. The Olloclip has few competitors, but the devices that perform a similar function are complicated and expensive. Still, The Tech Block found that Schneider Optic’s iPro Lens System, which attaches its lenses to a metal iPhone casing, is great. Its image quality, especially with the fish eye, is much better. They said, “The [Olloclip](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JTDFOA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=techblock-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005JTDFOA), you see, goes for $69, while the [iPro Len System](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00667SZTE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=techblock-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00667SZTE) will set you back almost three times that, at $199." They added: "for casual users who’d like to spice up their phone’s camera without breaking the bank or toting around extra hardware, the Olloclip’s just fine.” Is the Schneider Optics system worth the extra $130? We don’t think so, but the coated glass on the lenses is, as [Wired explains](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/12/reviews_iphonelense_roundup/?pid=2073), the same quality as low-distortion SLR hardware. Reviewer [Grayson Schaffer](https://twitter.com/#!/graysonschaffer) says, “When the whole rig is on, the iPhone feels like a serious camera, even though the mount means that some quality is lost between lens and sensor." Another option is something like Photojojo’s Dial. The case, while intriguing, hasn’t had any evaluative coverage. For us, at $70, (the dial will run you $250) the Olloclip still wins. Other companies have figured out how to attach a true SLR lens on the iPhone, but no one seems to think the rigging is worth the effort. One example is the Turtleback TurtleJacket SLR Mount, which isn’t responsible for the problems involved with DLSR-ing an iPhone. Since the phone doesn’t have a correcting mirror, you’re [shooting all images upside-down while manual focusing](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/12/reviews_iphonelense_roundup/?pid=2071). For the money, [the Olloclip can't be beat](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JTDFOA/?tag=thewire06-20).
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Best Waterproof iPhone Case: Lifeproof Case ------------------------------------------- If your nervous system can survive giving your iPhone a voluntary trip into the drink, then you can get some underwater shots by using the [LifeProof Case for the iPhone 4/4S](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005E52BGC/?tag=thewire06-20). It adds little bulk, keeps out water to a depth of six feet, and preserves all of the iPhone's functionality. Waterproof cases have had mixed reception, but they've started coming into form since the iPhone 4S's camera debuted and supplanted point-and-shoot cameras. Of those available, the LifeProof has received the most recognition and praise. [Photographer Cole Rise](http://colerise.com/index.html), who designed a lot of the Instagram filters in between shooting waves and mist, thinks it's the best. As [CNET noticed](http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-6448_7-10004905.html?tag=txt;post.gallery), the LifePoof strikes "an excellent balance between sleek looks and toughness (yes, it totally waterproofs your phone)." [CNET Asia](http://asia.cnet.com/hands-on-lifeproof-iphone-case-62214027.htm) took the testing even further to determine if this claim was true: "The LifeProof case is said to offer full IP-68 protection, which means it is tested to withstand powerful water jets and being immersed in water that's more than 1m deep." No one argues the veracity of the case's waterproof claim, but how does it compare to other cases out there? It works as well, but with less bulk. [CNET Asia says](http://asia.cnet.com/hands-on-lifeproof-iphone-case-62214027.htm), "Most protective cases are either shockproof or waterproof, but rarely both. When they fulfill both criteria, most cases end up being bulky. For example, the [Otterbox Defender-series of cases](http://asia.cnet.com/crave/hands-on-otterbox-defender-commuter-and-impact-cases-62208498.htm) may be highly shockproof and crushproof, but they aren't waterproof or dustproof. Even compared with the Joy Factory's rugged and waterproof [RainBallet](http://asia.cnet.com/crave/rainballet-keeps-your-iphone-4-dry-62208540.htm), the LifeProof is slimmer and sleeker." [GigaOm thought the same](http://gigaom.com/apple/review-lifeproof-iphone-case-is-waterproof-without-big-trade-offs/), and lauded it as one of the best rugged cases on the market. In dangerous environments, critics unanimously loved the LifeProof, but most recommend it with the caveat that, for everyday use, some of the functionality impairment, like the recessed headphone jack, are a slight inconvenience. [iLounge's review](http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/lifeproof-cases-lifeproof-for-iphone-4/) explains this in some detail, though its assesment applies to the previous generation of the case -- see its note at the bottom. All of that isn't enough to dissuade us from recommending the [LifeProof](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005E52BGC/?tag=thewire06-20). If you snorkel, spearfish, or surf, this is how you shoot photos and listen to tunes while in the water.
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Best Panoramic Lens: GoPano Micro --------------------------------- Nobody wins this one! The [GoPano Micro](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005LAFL30/?tag=thewire06-20) slightly edges out the [Kogeto Dot](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NFINYC/?tag=thewire06-20), but that's not an accomplishment. Reviewers of both complained about blurry footage and awkward ergonomics. Even though the Apple Store has anointed the Kogeto Dot by putting it on [the store's shelves](http://store.apple.com/us/product/H7771VC/A), it is really [awkward to hold](http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2402696,00.asp?tab=Reviews). This technology hasn't hit its stride yet, and we wouldn't recommend buying right now. At $80, the GoPano isn't cheap, so pass for now. Instead, we recommend an app that can capture and stitch together many photos to make a panoramic. You won't be able to capture panoramic videos, but that's OK. We, and [Wired](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/11/camera-app/), like Camera+ for its timer and high-quality capture, but most for its postproduction options. At $2, it's a bargain compared to the lens options.
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Best iPhone Steadicam: Steadicam Smoothee ----------------------------------------- Even with the iPhone 4S’s image stabilization, its video suffers whenever there's hand shake. The [Steadicam Smoothee](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CJ8CS2/?tag=thewire06-20) is $200 but it's a solid physical stabilizer. The Smoothee fits an iPhone 4S, a GoPro, and others without requiring major installation. [Pocket Lint](http://www.pocket-lint.com/review/5693/steadicam-smoothee-gopro-iphone-camera-stabiliser-review) found it worked comparably well to more spendy rigs, but it comes with the same problems involved in any steadicam: “It all makes for a tricky process. But the fluidity of this video proves that, used in the right way, the Steadicam Smoothee can produce some really impressive results.” [Macworld thought so too](http://www.macworld.com/article/1145695/steadicam_smoothee.html). Their review’s only complaint is that the iPhone 3GS they used to test couldn’t quite keep up with the Smoothee’s potential.
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Best iPhone Tripod Mount: Studio Neat Glif ------------------------------------------ You need something to marry the iPhone’s 8 megapixels with a fancy tripod, and [Studio Neat's Glif](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052G679K/?tag=thewire06-20) is the best option. We, [like Macworld](http://www.macworld.com/article/1156704/glifreview.html), recommend using this with the small, portable [GorillaPod](http://joby.com/gorillapod/focus) tripod. [Joe Brown](https://twitter.com/#!/joemfbrown) of [Gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com) says, "I travel with a Glif tripod mount and the smallest Gorillapod. That combination is small enough to fit in any daypack and lets you have a super-easy on-the-fly tripod for composing shots on the iPhone." The Glif comes as either the Glif, or the Glif+. Get the basic Glif. It’s $10 cheaper, and you don’t need the extra piece that holds the phone in place for extra stability. A cool extra feature: The Glif can be used as an iPhone stand.
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Best iPhone Dolly: Pico Dolly ----------------------------- The [Pico Dolly](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005V7D1LW/?tag=thewire06-20) is how to get those Kubrickian pan shots without blowing thousands on a professional rail system. The Pico’s metal frame sits on four rollerblade wheels, which you can turn for an arced or straight path. The arm holding the iPhone flexes like a desktop lamp with two sections joined by a bolt. The iPhone sits in a spring-loaded clamp, but the Pico can be used with DSLR and other cameras, too. At $90, it’s cheaper than the [CineSkates](http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jj1/cineskates-camera-sliders), which attaches wheels to a GorillaPod tripod. Two-hundred dollars for that system is steep, and the advantage of the GorillaPod's articulating arms, as [GadgetReview](http://www.gadgetreview.com/2011/11/pico-flex-table-dolly.html) explains, aren't worth the extra expense. If you’ve never made a smooth panning shot, this is a good excuse to try it. Just make sure you have a smooth surface to run it on.
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Best iPhone Shutter Grip: Popa Grip ----------------------------------- If you want your iPhone to feel more like a real camera and be less slippery to hold when shooting, the [Beep Industries POPA](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006O71E6C/?tag=thewire06-20) grip is a good tool. Apple’s making the volume up button into a shutter release was a great idea, but holding the iPhone that way still can’t match the feeling of a full-bodied camera grip. Slip on a shutter mount, and shooting feels natural, like on a more substantial camera. [Macworld explains](http://www.macworld.com.au/blogs/photographic-evidence-43060/) the appeal as holding the iPhone like it’s a real camera instead of a “slippery $300 glass sandwich.” The two major players for this are the Belkin LiveAction Camera Grip and the Beep Industries POPA. iLounge, like other reviewers, liked the Belkin’s feel, but the photo app on which the grip ran (it can’t be used with Apple’s camera or third-party apps) underutilized the iPhone’s horsepower. The POPA, unfortunately, also requires that you use a proprietary app to shoot, but theirs is more capable than Belkin’s.
