Adding zoom lenses to an iPhone 15 pro?

I added them when I had the iPhoneX and they worked well. I have the 13 now, but have not used the extra lenses on this one though.

You might look at this current post:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/camera-vs-mobile-phone-and-expectations

@markcw, I saw that, but it seemed to be focused on using a "real" camera vs. phone camera, and being asked to share semi-professional/professional photos. although perhaps more has been added to it. I'll check again. Was hoping for some recommendations specifically for adding a better zoom lens to an iPhone, if it's even possible...

Adding a clip-on zoom lens is definitely possible. They have a clever clip on them which clips them on over the standard lens of an Apple or Android phone. They work. I've bought several on Ebay for about $10 - $20 for a set of lenses (wide angle, fisheye, telephoto). I also bought a pretty large (3" long) telephoto clip-on. The wide angle and fisheye worked well, but my current phone (Galaxy S10) has a better wide angle lens so I don't need that anymore.

One problem was that it was very fussy centering the lens over the center of the phone lens. But the main problem with the telephoto was that the quality was very poor. Very sensitive to centering, but even if I got it right, the lens quality was very poor, especially around the outside edges.

They are so cheap you could try one out, see if it works well enough for you. Take photos with and without, and zoom in on the photos on a laptop to compare.

Personally, for Africa I would bring a good DSLR with a good zoom telephoto lens.

I cannot understand that people spend thousands of budget to travel and not one buck for a real good camera.

As user of a DSLR with high-end lenses I deeply recommend to rent a camera with exchangeable lenses - and of course 2-3 lenses. Especially for such use cases like safaris good camera equilment makes a difference that lasts a lifetime.

Agree with MarkK …. You would be better served to buy or rent a MILC or DSLR. There are multiple online photo shops that rent equipment and a good dealer would help you select one. A safari would be a once-in-a-lifetime event for me and I would want the best result possible.

Even the optical 5x zoom of the iPhone 15 max pro (you mentioned your regular pro is digital) only gets you to 120mm on the reach end, and I’m afraid that likely won't cut it in the bush. Anything digitally enhanced will be affected by algorithms and will more than likely get you fuzzy shots of “see that speckled blob in the shadows there …. That’s a cheetah!” I’ve seen some phone zoom kits that end up looking clumsy, are clumsy to set up and the good ones end up almost as big as a smaller DX (crop sensor) camera.

Minimum recommended reach for safari would be 400mm all the way up to 800mm (tripod needed) to get animals up close. You could maybe make a 200mm lens work if your guide had you up close. But that has a whole different set of issues associated with it.

Your iPhone will work great around camp at night and for candid shots of villagers, but do yourself a favor and get a camera-first device with optically solid long zoom lenses. For size, weight and cost considerations, you could look at DX (crop sensor) cameras. They are typically smaller and lighter than their FX (full frame) cousins.

For more detail and a wealth of knowledge, check out dpreview.com

Happy (photo) hunting.

I don't want to bad mouth phone cameras. They have merit. But they aren't great fir wildlife unless the wildlife is close to you.

Some people on my Borneo trip were trying to use those zooms with their phones and had a lot of trouble getting it to centre. They are very finicky. The people ended up deciding they were missing seeing the animals by fiddling so much with the lens trying to get it to work.

If you decide to go with a non phone camera, you don't have to get a dslr. Many point and shoots have decent zoom lenses.

Personally, if investing in the time and cost to go to Africa, I would take something more than just a phone.

Ah, great responses directing me to a "real" camera rather than my iPhone. I get it. Will have to look at options!

A friend took a safari same time period and got plenty of great photos and videos with her iPhone but if you're wanting frame-worthy quality pix you probably want to find a "real" camera of sorts. Definitely also take binoculars - even if you don't get photos you will at least see the critters -still counts even if you don't capture their image :) . I had a Canon point and shoot camera that had very good zoom on it (sorry can't remember the model but I last used it 5+ years ago). I'm sure you can find something that will fit the bill.

Rebecca, you won't regret getting a suitable DSLR (or Mirrorless DSLR). There are so many choices out there, all of which have way more buttons and settings than you want to mess with. I'm very happy with my older Sony NEX-6, because it has a very good sensor, got good reviews and wasn't as expensive as a comparable Nikon. Whatever you find, be sure you can find one or more suitable long lenses as was mentioned in this thread. The lens has to be paired with the camera, there's a lot of electronic interconnection, so you don't just look for a generic 400 mm. lens, you want one specifically for the camera body you buy. For much less money you can buy an older, mechanical lens with a lens adapter, but then you would need to do the focusing manually. For a beginner, you may want the autofocusing.

Also, whatever camera, it will have a big mode dial with too many choices. Mine has:
[P] [A] [S] [M] [funny symbol] [SCN] [green symbol] [yellow symbol]

Don't sweat all that. Just leave it in [P] (automatic program) until you learn enough to want to use an other one. And if you never do, that's ok too.

With a long lens, you probably need a tripod, or maybe a monopod. Something kinda lightweight, and telescoping down to fit in or on your little backpack.

And the last thing (I promise...) You probably should have one or two spare batteries and a way to recharge them at night at your hotel. If you take a lot of videos (and I hope you do), it will use more battery power. The batteries, like the lenses, have to be the right ones to fit the camera. I bought all that stuff on Ebay, pretty cheaply.

You'll get some great photos! Yay!

This is my experience from 2018 https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/tele-lens-for-iphone

The qulity might be much better now.

I ended up purchasing a Canon Powershot SX740 HS, which siuts my needs. YMMV

The Nikon "bridge" cameras like the current P1000 or older P900 have astounding zoom ranges for their size and weight. I've never used one but lots of folks are getting stunning results in astronomy photography with them that I've seen.

For about the same money (a grand) my personal preference would be a Canon 5D mkIII and a Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 lens. I'd probably add a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter and still keep it under that money. A well chosen 5D mkIII (I own one) from eBay is still a great camera. A 5D mkIV is good if you can stretch to that too.

If you're spending the money to make this trip of a lifetime, please don't mess around with little plastic lenses from Amazon. Any investment you make in camera gear can be more or less made back selling it on again afterwards if you desire. It's worth doing.

I agree with the many responses advising that an African safari warrants having a camera. If you do not want to deal with different lenses, I recommend a bridge camera. I have used a Nikon 900 and a Nikon P950 on prior safaris, primarily because of the added weight of DSLR and interchangeable lenses. Perhaps you could find a good used one since they have been around for a while. My photos have been incredible and the 2000mm zoom will capture lots of bird photos that you might not be able to reach otherwise. I agree with using the iPhone 15 at night and around camp or even for landscapes. We are headed to our 9th safari in a few weeks and I have already charged up the Nikon P950. Also, be sure to have a pair of binoculars. I carry a pair of Zeiss that are fairly compact but are 8X 25 magnification. I am a petite person and cannot carry lots of weight from cameras and binoculars. Have a wonderful time on safari!! You will be inspired to return. Africa is magical!

thanks to all for the recs, especially about binocs! would not have thought about those!