When lens maker ZEISS partnered with ExoLens to bring pro optics to the iPhone, mobile photographers had to make a choice between having great lenses or a protective case for the phone.
Now ExoLens has solved that, at least for the iPhone 7, with a protective case that will accommodate the ZEISS line of lenses. The new ExoLens Case will be on display at CES in Las Vegas this week and will be available for purchase within the next couple of months.
Mobile photographers wanting to expand the reach of the iPhone’s fixed lens with an extra-wide, macro or telephoto attachment have, until recently, been faced with a tradeoff. To attach a lens in front of the iPhone lens often requires a special mounting plate on the phone so the rear element can line up to the iPhone lens at the proper distance.
Photo: ExoLens
However, popular brands like Olloclip and Moment have recently designed cases that keep the cameras protected from drops and scratches while also serving as a mount for their lenses.
ExoLens designed a mounting bracket for the phone that supports the weight of the ZEISS lenses and now offers a smaller edge mount for the top of the phone. Both options, available for the 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus and 7, leave the phone exposed in the event it slips out of hand.
ExoLens had not listed a price for the iPhone 7 case and has not announced whether it will make ZEISS cases for iPhone 6 and 6s phones. ExoLens says designing is underway for a case that will accommodate the ZEISS line on the dual-lens iPhone 7 Plus.
ExoLens sells the brackets and lenses separately or as a kit for $199.95 through Apple.
ZEISS has been a proud and highly coveted brand in photography, making interchangeable camera lenses with superb quality for more than a century. ExoLens, which has had its own line of optics for some time, partnered with ZEISS last year.
