Investing in the best smartphone photography gear is a great way to boost your results. Smartphone cameras are one of the most accessible entry points into the wonderful world of photography. And with a couple of smartphone camera accessories, you capture pro-level photos.
This article covers all the essential smartphone photography gear. Looking at everything from macro lenses to tripods, this is the perfect introduction into camera phone accessories.
Keep reading to find exactly what you need to take your smartphone photography to the next level.
Best Smartphone Photography Gear
You might be surprised at the amount of smartphone photography gear you can find. Phone camera photography has exploded in popularity, and we’re not just talking about selfies and social media.
There are serious photographers doing incredible work with smartphones. But a few extra gadgets will help you master smartphone photography.
We start by looking at smartphone cameras, helping you find the best camera phone for your needs. We cover Android and iOS phones, so you can choose which system suits you best.
We move to smartphone camera accessories further into the article, with lenses, tripods, and gimbals all listed. We even look at the best tablets for photography.
The sections below serve as an introduction to each topic. There’s a link to a full article in the text, so click the links to find out more on each subject.
Camera Phones
The camera phone has all but killed the compact camera market by producing fantastic quality cameras. Almost all of them are probably the best cameras we’ve ever owned.
We’ve put together eight of the best camera phones for you to choose from. Some are bigger than others, some are more complex, and some are expensive enough to make your eyes water. But all of the cameras on our list will serve you very well.
You’ll find iPhone and Android options, so you can take your pick.
If you’d like to learn more about camera phones, we have a detailed guide that covers the most important features to look for.
iPhone Cameras
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the best iPhone camera available. It has a 48 MP main sensor, up to 5x telephoto zoom, and can shoot 4K video at 60 fps. The iPhone 15 Pro is a close second, with most of the same features except for the 5x zoom.
For those on a tighter budget, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is still an excellent choice. It has a 48 MP main sensor, sensor-shift image stabilization, and can also shoot 4K video at 60 fps.
All of these iPhones have incredible low-light performance and can take stunning photos in almost any situation.
To learn more about iPhone cameras, check out our in-depth guide.
Smartphone Camera Accessories
The best iPhone camera accessories can take your smartphone photography to the next level. A portable printer like the HP Sprocket is perfect for printing physical photos on the go.
It’s small, lightweight, and uses zero-ink technology to produce water and smudge-resistant prints with unique filters and frames.
Supplementary lenses are another great accessory. The Selvim 4-in-1 Phone Lens Kit includes telephoto, fisheye, wide angle, and macro lenses, giving you more shooting flexibility. The multi-resistant coating ensures sharp, vivid images.
iPhone camera accessories can help you capture and share your memories in new and exciting ways.
Macro Lenses for iPhone
If you’re looking for the best macro lens for your iPhone, the APEXEL 2-in-1 Cell Phone Camera Lens is a great choice. This affordable lens offers 12.5x magnification, allowing you to capture stunning close-up details.
The high-quality optical glass and multi-layer coating improve image clarity while reducing glare and ghosting.
The APEXEL lens features a simple clip-on design that works with both front and rear cameras on any smartphone. Its compact size makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
Whether you want to photograph insects, flowers, or intricate textures, the APEXEL 2-in-1 Cell Phone Camera Lens delivers impressive results.
To learn more about macro lens for iPhone, check out our in-depth guide.
Zoom Lenses for iPhone
If you’re looking to improve your iPhone photography, a zoom lens is a great option. Zoom lenses let you get closer to your subject without losing quality. They’re perfect for capturing distant landscapes, wildlife, and more.
Our top pick is the Selvim 4-in-1 Phone Lens Kit. It includes four lenses: a 22x telephoto, fisheye, macro, and wide angle. The kit also comes with a tripod and carrying case, making it easy to take on the go.
Another great option is the ShiftCam Videography ProLens Kit. It features an anamorphic lens for capturing cinematic video, as well as a 60mm telephoto lens. The kit is well-constructed and comes with a travel pouch.
Zoom lenses for iPhone can greatly expand your photography capabilities. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or wildlife, a good zoom lens is an essential tool for any mobile photographer.
External Microphone
The PQRQP Wireless Lavalier Microphone is an excellent choice for iPhone users looking to record high-quality audio. This affordable two-mic set delivers clear sound, even outdoors. It’s easy to use with a simple wireless connection to your iPhone via Bluetooth.
You get an impressive 65 ft (20 m) wireless range, giving you plenty of room to move around while recording. The built-in mufflers reduce wind noise for better audio in any environment.
With a quick 1.5-hour charge time, you’ll have up to six hours of uninterrupted recording. The sleek design ensures the mics are unobtrusive when attached to clothing.
If you want to learn more about the best microphone for iPhone, we have a detailed guide to help you find the perfect mic for your needs.
Flash Drives for iPhone
The best flash drive for iPhone should have ample storage space and be MFI certified. It may also offer password protection for added security.
Our top pick is the iDiskk photo stick. It connects to almost any iPhone and has up to 1 TB of storage. The iDiskk makes file transfers a breeze.
If you’re looking for a flash drive that automatically backs up your photos and videos to the cloud, consider the SanDisk iXpand. It’s slim, portable, and comes with 64 to 256 GB of storage.
For those who want to learn more about the best flash drives for iPhone, there are many great options available to suit your needs and budget.
iPhone Photo Printers
Owning an iPhone photo printer makes printing your favorite snaps easy. They’re small, user-friendly, and work with Android too.
Our top pick is the Kodak Mini Shot 2. This compact printer has a retro style and doubles as an instant-print camera. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to print high-quality 2×3″ photos.
The Polaroid Hi-Print is another great portable option. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket and prints vibrant, detailed photos instantly from your iOS or Android device.
For those who love the classic Polaroid look, the Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2 uses Instax mini-film to turn your digital iPhone images into incredible instant prints.
It’s the perfect way to get the convenience of smartphone photography with the nostalgia of analog prints.
Photo printers for iPhone come in many styles to suit your needs, from ultra-portable to larger sizes for printing at home.
DIY Projector
Making your own smartphone projector is a fun and affordable DIY project. You’ll need a shoe box, black paper or paint, a magnifying glass, and a mirror.
Start by cutting out one end of the box and covering the inside with black paper or paint to improve image quality.
Next, trace the magnifying glass on the cut-out end and make an opening for it to fit snugly. Create an inner box with black paper to hold the lens, allowing you to adjust the focus.
Install the mirror at a 45° angle opposite the lens, and cut a window in the lid for your phone.
Place your projector in front of a white wall, turn off the lights, and adjust the focus by sliding the lens. You can even build it without a mirror, though the image will be inverted.
Making a DIY smartphone projector is a great way to learn about optics and get creative with recycled materials.
To find step-by-step instructions for this project, check out this DIY smartphone projector guide.
Smartphone Stabilization Accessories
Smartphone tripods are one of the best accessories for photography. The extra stability allows you to shoot a wide range of styles, like long-exposure and time-lapse photography. They also leave your hands free, so you can record yourself or do other things while the camera does its work.
Gimbals are another useful stabilization device, especially if you shoot video with your smartphone. We look at all the best smartphone gimbals and review some specific models.
Remember to click the links for more information.
iPhone Tripods
A simple way to improve your iPhone photography is with a tripod. Even a small tripod will make a big difference by freeing your hands and stabilizing the camera for long exposures and videos.
Our top choice is the Joby GripTight Tripod. It takes the top spot thanks to its great build quality, functionality, and versatility. The flexible legs add stability on uneven ground and can wrap around objects.
The Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod is another excellent choice. It’s incredibly light and portable, and doubles as an ergonomic grip. This tripod is compatible with most smartphones and even entry-level DSLR cameras.
To learn more about the best iPhone tripods, check out our in-depth guide. It covers a range of options to suit different needs and budgets.
iPhone Tripod Mount
A phone tripod mount is a must-have accessory for any smartphone photographer. It allows you to securely attach your phone to a tripod, giving you the stability needed for sharp photos and smooth videos.
There are many different types of phone tripod mounts available, from simple clamps to more advanced models with built-in stands and 360-degree rotation.
Some popular options include the Joby GripTight Mount, which has a spring-loaded mechanism for a quick and secure grip, and the Manfrotto Universal Smartphone Clamp, which comes with two attachments for added flexibility.
When choosing a phone tripod mount, look for one that is compatible with your specific phone model and has a sturdy build quality.
A phone tripod mount can open up new creative possibilities for your smartphone photography, so it’s worth investing in a good one.
Mini Tripods
Mini tripods are a must-have for any photographer. They’re small and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your camera bag. Despite their size, they provide a stable platform for your camera.
The Manfrotto PIXI Evo is the best mini tripod. It has adjustable legs and a quick-release plate, so you can set it up quickly. The ball head gives you a wide range of movement, helping you get the perfect angle.
Mini tripods are very useful. You can use them for food and product photography. They’re also great for vlogging and live streaming.
If you want to learn more about mini tripods, check out this article on the best mini tripods.
Phone Gimbals
A phone gimbal is a must-have for anyone making videos with their smartphone. It gives you smooth, professional-looking footage by eliminating camera shake. The best phone gimbals have three-axis stabilization motors that keep your phone steady as you move.
Our top choice is the DJI OM 6 Smartphone Gimbal. It’s easy to use, compatible with most phones, and packed with useful shooting modes like time-lapse and panorama. The innovative, extendable pole design lets you capture unique angles for more creative videos.
The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus and Zhiyun Smooth 5 are also great options. They provide ultra-stable footage without jerks or lags. And they offer helpful features like 360-degree rotation and long battery life.
Phone gimbals are the key to taking your mobile videography to the next level. If you want to learn more about the best gimbals for iPhone and Android, check out the full article.
Zhiyun Smooth Q3
The Zhiyun Smooth Q3 is a powerful 3-axis gimbal for smartphones. It offers advanced features and a heavy payload capacity, making it perfect for vloggers and cinematographers.
The Q3 has a rotatable fill light to illuminate shadows during selfies and close-ups. The ZY Cami app provides creative shooting modes like Smart Follow, Gesture Control, Panorama, Hyperlapse, and Livestream.
Special features include the Magiclone Pano for cloning yourself in panoramic shots and the Instant Dolly Zoom effect. The Q3’s controls are intuitive, and the battery lasts an impressive 15 hours.
To learn more about the Zhiyun Smooth G3, check out our in-depth review.
Zhiyun Smooth X
The Zhiyun Smooth X is a compact, foldable smartphone gimbal designed for beginners. It has a two-axis stabilizer that controls pan and tilt, producing smooth footage when walking at a normal pace.
The sturdy, telescopic selfie stick lets you control the angle and orientation of your phone without touching it.
The Smooth X works with both iPhone and Android phones, fitting even larger devices in its spring-loaded holder.
You can easily switch between horizontal and vertical orientation for different social media platforms. The ergonomic handle has just two buttons and a joystick, making it simple to use.
The companion ZY Cami app offers various shooting modes, including Smart Mode with pre-set templates for fancy gimbal moves, Pano Mode for automatic panoramas, and Time-lapse Mode with customizable intervals and durations.
It also features Gesture Control for hands-free operation and Glamour Effects to enhance your appearance in real-time.
If you want to learn more about the Zhiyun Smooth X, check out our full detailed review.
Tablets
While not strictly smartphones, tablets can be useful tools for photographers of all kinds. You can use them for photo editing, and you can even use them as a smartphone photography thanks to their built-in cameras.
Tablets for Photo Editing
Tablets have become powerful tools for photo editing on the go. The latest models offer high-resolution screens, fast processors, and access to popular editing apps like Photoshop and Lightroom.
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9 inch is a top choice, with its large screen and speedy M2 chip. For Windows users, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a great 2-in-1 option that supports external displays.
Android fans will appreciate the Lenovo Tablet P11 Pro Gen 2’s OLED screen and 120 Hz refresh rate.
When choosing a tablet for photo editing, consider the screen size and quality, processing power, and available apps. With the right device, you can easily improve your photos anywhere.
To learn more about the best tablets for photo editing, check out our list of the best tablets for photo editing.
Tablet Camera
Tablets have quickly transformed from glorified phones to small, portable cameras and computers. The development of these devices has created tiny but powerful camera sensors, with some tablets now having just as many megapixels as DSLRs from the early 2000s.
Tablets can perform powerful image editing functions, making them a great all-in-one device for photographers who want to travel light. Look for a tablet with a high-resolution screen to clearly view your photos.
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is a top choice, with a 13 MP rear camera, 8 MP front camera, and an affordable price. It’s ideal for photographers who want a great tablet camera without breaking the bank.
To learn more about the best tablet cameras, check out our in-depth guide.
