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Macro LensUpdated 21 days ago

Macro Lens – Getting Started | SANDMARC

Everything you need to set up and start shooting with the SANDMARC Macro Lenses — from close-focus basics to choosing between the 25mm and 100mm.

10× / 12× Magnification (25mm / 100mm)
Up to 30× Total macro zoom
25mm & 100mm Two focal lengths
Multi-coated Optical glass
   Video Tutorial  

Watch the full getting started video for a guided walkthrough of the SANDMARC Macro Lenses.

  1 Compatibility  

Both Macro lenses work with a wide range of iPhones and Android devices — including standard (non-Pro) models. Unlike telephoto add-on lenses, macro lenses attach over the main wide-angle camera and don't require a Pro model.

ModelCompatibleMount
iPhone 17 / 17 Plus / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max✓ YesVia Case & Clip Mount
iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max✓ YesVia Case & Clip Mount
iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max✓ YesVia Case & Clip Mount
iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max✓ YesVia Case & Clip Mount
iPhone 13 / 13 Mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max✓ YesVia Case & Clip Mount
iPhone 12 / 12 Mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max✓ YesVia Case & Clip Mount
iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max and older✓ YesVia Case & Clip Mount
Samsung S26 / S25 Ultra✓ YesVia Case & Clip Mount
Other Android Models✓ YesVia Clip Mount
ℹ️  Both macro lenses attach to the main wide-angle camera. Any iPhone with a SANDMARC case or the universal clip mount is supported. For the 100mm on Pro iPhones, a third-party camera app is required to access the telephoto sensor (see Step 5 in First Time Setup).
  2 First Time Setup  

From unboxing to first macro shot in under five minutes.

1
Install the SANDMARC Case

Fit your iPhone into the included SANDMARC case. Press firmly at each corner until it clicks into place. Make sure the case matches your exact iPhone model — it's precision-cut for each one. If you prefer not to use a case, use the included clip mount instead (see Mounting Options).

2
Remove Both Lens Caps

Remove the front and rear protective caps before mounting. Store them in the included lens pouch when not in use — the pouch doubles as a microfiber cleaning cloth.

3
Locate the Wide-Angle Camera

The macro lens mounts over your iPhone's main wide-angle camera (the 1× lens). Its physical position varies by model — see the Camera Location Guide below for your specific iPhone. On single-camera iPhones, there is only one rear lens.

💡 Not sure which lens is the wide-angle? Open Camera and confirm you are at zoom — that activates the sensor the macro lens is designed for.
4
Align and Attach

Hold the macro lens over the wide-angle opening on the case. Carefully align the threading, then twist clockwise with smooth, even pressure — about two full turns. Do not overtighten.

⚠️ Always align before twisting. If it resists, back off and realign — cross-threading can damage the mount.
5
Move Close to Your Subject

Open Camera (or a third-party app) set to . Move your iPhone slowly toward the subject. The 25mm needs to be just 10–25mm away; the 100mm focuses at 53mm. Move until the subject snaps into sharp focus — you can't adjust with zoom.

💡 For the 100mm on Pro iPhones: a third-party app like ProCamera is required to access the telephoto sensor. Within the app, select the 3× lens (or 5× on iPhone 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max).
6
Tap to Focus and Shoot

Tap your subject on screen to lock focus before capturing. At extreme close range, autofocus can hunt — tapping locks it precisely. Hold your breath or brace your elbows to minimise camera shake.

  3 Camera Location Guide  

The wide-angle camera (where you mount the macro lens) sits in a different position depending on your iPhone model. Select your iPhone series below to see the exact location.

ModelCamerasWide Camera (1×) — Mount HereTelephoto Position
ℹ️  Quick check: Open your Camera app and tap — whichever lens activates is your wide-angle. That's where the macro lens goes. If your iPhone has Auto Macro enabled (iPhone 13 Pro and later), go to Settings → Camera and disable Macro Control before shooting with a SANDMARC macro lens attached.
  4 Mounting Options  

Two mounting options are included. Choose based on your setup.

Recommended
Case Mount

The SANDMARC case features precision-threaded aluminum that matches the lens barrel. Most stable option — built for repeated use without wear on either the case or the lens.

Best for: Everyday use, studio, product photography
Included
Clip Mount

Clip the lens directly over your iPhone's camera — no case required. Quick to attach and remove, works on any iPhone or Android device including Samsung S-series.

Best for: Caseless setups, quick field use, Android
  5 Shooting Tips  

Practical tips for sharp, professional macro results from your first shoot.

Move your body, not the zoom

Macro lenses have a fixed focus distance. Instead of adjusting zoom, physically move your iPhone closer or further from the subject until it comes into focus.

Use a tripod or brace yourself

At extreme close range, even the smallest movement is amplified. Rest your elbows on a surface or use a tripod, especially in lower light. The 100mm is light enough to handhold comfortably.

Tap to lock focus and exposure

At macro distances, autofocus can miss. Tap your subject on screen to lock both focus and exposure before shooting for consistently sharp results.

Light your subject well

Macro photography often requires you to be very close to the subject, which can cast your phone's shadow over it. Shoot near a window, use a small reflector, or add a portable LED light for even illumination.

Embrace the bokeh

Both macro lenses produce natural background blur at close range. No Portrait Mode needed — the shallow depth of field separates your subject from the background organically, giving a DSLR-like result.

Clean the glass before every shoot

Wipe the front element with the included lens pouch before shooting. At high magnification, even a small smudge or dust speck will appear in the frame and reduce sharpness.

  6 25mm vs 100mm Macro  

Both lenses deliver true macro magnification and multi-coated optics. The key differences are working distance, magnification level, size, and bokeh character.


Macro 25mmMacro 100mm
Focal length25mm100mm
Magnification10×12×
Focus distance10–25mm (very close)53mm (more working room)
Max total zoomUp to 30×Up to 30×
CoatingMulti-coatedMulti-coated
Weight25.4 g114 g
Dimensions38mm diameter · 15mm height48mm diameter · 39mm height
Background blur (bokeh)MediumStrong
Rendering styleSharp, detailed close-upsOrganic, film-like — counters iPhone's artificial sharpening
3rd-party app needed?No — works with native Camera appRequired for telephoto sensor on Pro models (e.g. ProCamera)
Ideal subjectsInsects, textures, coins, jewelleryFlowers, portraits, product photography, moving subjects
Best forMaximum detail on stationary subjectsNatural, cinematic look with more working distance
ℹ️  Not sure which to choose? If you need maximum magnification on stationary subjects like insects or jewellery, go with the 25mm. If you prefer a more natural, cinematic look with stronger bokeh and a bit more room to work — especially for moving subjects or video — choose the 100mm.
  7 What's Included  

Everything needed to start shooting is in the box. Both the 25mm and 100mm include the same accessories.

  1. 1 Macro Lens (25mm or 100mm)
  2. 2 Clip-on Mount
  3. 3 Lens Pouch (doubles as microfiber cleaning cloth)
  4. 4 Front & Rear Lens Caps
💡 The SANDMARC case is not included with the lens — it is sold separately. The clip mount allows you to use the lens without a case if preferred.
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