Lenses let camera phones zoom in
Life is unpredictable, which is why camera phones are so wonderful. They allow amateur photographers like you and me to capture special memories at a moment's notice without having to tote a digital camera around. We've just accepted the fact that we'd have to sacrifice photo quality for convenience.
The new Mobile Phone Telescopes from Brando WorkShop are a step in the right direction.
According to Brando's Web site, the new 6x lenses, which are currently compatible with a number of Nokia models, finally equip cell phone cameras with some zooming capabilities for those too-frequent occasions when picturesque moments occur at a distance greater than 2 to 3 feet away. Also, the wide-angle design of the lens allows for more light and higher visual accuracy. In addition, it will help to eliminate the bizarre image contortions associated with cell phone photos.
And they are cheap (relatively speaking), with a price tag of only $19.
However, there are two major things holding this lens back.
1. You have to take your phone apart to use it.
In order to take a photo with the lens, you have to remove your phone's usual back cover and replace it with the specialized battery cover that comes with the lens. If you happen to be in a less-than-opportune situation, this could prove to be a challenge. Plus, the constant deconstruction of your phone's outer shell could cause some permanent damage, especially since you'll have to do this each time you want to use the lens.
2. It's not that convenient.
You'll have to carry the telescope kit, which consists of a 6x lens attachment and a special battery cover, with you wherever you go. If you don't like toting clunky attachments, you might want to just wait to see what's in store for the next generation of 6x telephone lenses.
For women who carry purses, this might not be such a big deal, especially since huge pillow-case size bags are in vogue. For men, I have two words: "Man Bag."