Long zoom: 2.35x telephoto for Pro iPhones of the 16 and 17 series
A Chinese provider has a telephoto lens with a retro case for Apple phones in the pipeline. The crowdfunding project is running.
iPhone with Pgytech case including attachment.
(Image: Pgytech)
Anyone who wants to turn their iPhone 16 or 17 – both in the Pro and Pro Max variants – into a somewhat special-looking photography device should take a look at a new Kickstarter campaign: The photo accessory specialist Pgytech from Suzhou is preparing a combination of smartphone case and 2.35x optical telephoto lens. The look of the RetroVa package is reminiscent of old Leica or Rollei hardware. Various additional functions are integrated.
Grip with MicroSD card slot
The RetroVa complete set costs 184 US dollars as part of the Kickstarter campaign (20 percent price reduction) plus import sales tax and shipping. It includes the iPhone case, which also connects to the lens; a camera grip with tripod mount (tripod collar); an adapter ring for other lenses (offered by the manufacturer); and accessories such as a lens bag and a carrying strap.
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Pgytech has equipped the grip with physical buttons and dials, and it also includes a MicroSD card slot, allowing external storage media to be used. This makes ProRes, HEVC, and other standards possible, but it's not sufficient for 4K60+ ProRes recordings. However, it's unfortunate that the hardware only partially works with built-in functions – for more features, you have to use a (still unknown) manufacturer app.
Not exactly handy
Pgytech previously offered similar hardware for Android devices, which the colleagues at heise+ recently tested. The result: Technically, the clip-on lenses were convincing, but practically they were too bulky. Here, buyers have to decide if it's worth it.
Pgytech offers a total of four different complete packages for all four mentioned iPhone models. Further accessories, including additional lenses, filters, and more, are planned. How much fun RetroVa offers will likely depend on the usability of the app. It includes profiles and more and supports zooming with the grip's dial. The Kickstarter project runs for a little over two weeks but has already reached its goal. Delivery is expected to start in March.
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