10 Best Telephoto Lenses For iPhone 2025 in the United States

The Evil Eye 20-60X Zoom Telephoto Lens is a strong choice for iPhone users looking to capture distant subjects with impressive detail. Its adjustable magnification from 20X to 60X allows flexibility—from wider views to tight close-ups—making it great for activities like bird watching, hiking, or sports. The lens features high-quality HD optical glass with multilayer coatings that reduce glare and color distortion, which helps produce sharp, clear images with good color accuracy. Compatibility is broad, working not only with iPhone 13 to 16 series but also many Android phones using the included universal clip.

Build quality stands out with a durable aluminum alloy body that is both scratch-resistant and relatively lightweight considering its zoom capability, though it weighs around 741 grams, which might feel a bit heavy for casual everyday use. A 58mm filter thread adds versatility, letting users attach extra filters for creative photography effects. Portability is helped by the compact design and included storage bag, but the lens size and attached tripod mean it’s better suited for planned outings rather than quick snapshots.

The included tripod is sturdy with smooth 360-degree rotation and adjustable height, offering stable support for sharper photos at high zoom levels. Two modes—direct phone camera use and monocular viewing—add flexibility, although attaching and aligning the lens might take a little practice. This telephoto lens is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts and hobbyist photographers who want to explore distant scenes with their iPhones. Its powerful zoom and quality optics deliver impressive results, but the lens’s weight and setup complexity might be a bit much if you’re after a simple, lightweight phone lens for casual use.

The Freewell 6X Telephoto Lens offers a strong 6x optical zoom, ideal for capturing distant subjects like wildlife or sports with detailed clarity. It attaches securely via a 17mm threaded mount, requiring a compatible smartphone case or rig, mainly designed for iPhone and some Samsung phones. The lens features a dual-sided multi-layer anti-reflective coating, which helps reduce glare and maintain sharp image quality even in challenging lighting conditions. Its robust aluminum alloy construction makes it durable for outdoor use and long-lasting.

With a very narrow 15.7° field of view, the lens is perfect for isolating subjects but requires steady hands or, preferably, a tripod to avoid blurry photos, especially in low-light situations. Although compact and weighing just over 3.5 ounces, the screw mount attachment means it is not as quick to snap on and off as clip-on lenses. This lens suits users seeking significant zoom capability who don’t mind using a tripod or carrying a compatible case. It is a solid choice for hobbyists and smartphone photographers interested in telephoto shots without investing in bulky equipment, though beginners might find the setup less straightforward.

The NEEWER HD 85mm Telephoto Lens offers 2.5x magnification, making it a solid choice for those wanting to capture distant subjects like wildlife, portraits, or sports on their iPhone or Samsung phones. Its 8-element, 6-group glass design with multiple coatings helps produce clear, sharp images by reducing glare and improving clarity. This lens is designed to screw onto phone cages or cases with a 17mm threaded backplate, which means you'll need specific accessories (sold separately) to use it.

It’s compatible with many recent iPhone models (14, 15, 16 series) and Samsung Galaxy S23 and S24 Ultra, but it requires you to disable certain phone features like macro or focus enhancement for best results. The robust aluminum alloy body gives it good durability while keeping it lightweight and portable at just over 12 ounces. The front threading allows attaching additional filters, adding creative options for your photography.

If you don’t already own or plan to buy a compatible phone cage or case, this lens won’t be easy to use since it doesn’t come with clips or adapters. The fixed 85mm focal length means it’s specialized for telephoto shots, so it’s less versatile if you want wide-angle or macro capabilities. This lens is suitable for iPhone and Samsung users looking for a quality telephoto upgrade who are comfortable using phone cages and want a durable, sharp lens for zoomed-in photography.