Telephoto 72mm Tetraprism LensUpdated 23 days ago
Everything you need to set up, mount, and start shooting with the 72mm — SANDMARC's most powerful iPhone telephoto lens.
▶ Video Tutorial
Watch the full getting started video for a guided walkthrough of the 72mm Tetraprism Lens.
1 Compatibility
The 72mm Tetraprism is compatible with Pro and Pro Max models only. Standard iPhone models do not include a telephoto camera.
| Model | Native Telephoto | Total Zoom with 72mm |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 4× – 8× | 12× (48MP) · 24× (24MP) |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 4× – 8× | 12× (48MP) · 24× (24MP) |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 5× | Up to 15× |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 5× | Up to 15× |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 5× | Up to 15× |
2 First Time Setup
From unboxing to first shot in under five minutes.
Fit your iPhone into the included SANDMARC case. Press firmly at each corner until it clicks into place. Make sure you have the case matched to your exact iPhone model — it's precision-cut for each one.
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.
On the rear of your iPhone, the telephoto lens is the center lens in the camera cluster. The 72mm mounts here — not on the main wide-angle or ultrawide.
Hold the 72mm over the telephoto opening on the case. Carefully align the threading, then twist clockwise with smooth, even pressure — about two full turns. Do not overtighten.
Open a third-party iPhone Camera app and set zoom to 4× (or 5× on iPhone 16 Pro models). This activates the telephoto sensor the 72mm is designed for.
3 Mounting Options
Two mounting options are included. Choose based on your shooting style.
The SANDMARC case features aluminum threading that matches the lens barrel. Secure, stable, and built for repeated use without wear.
Attach the lens to the clip mount and slide it over your iPhone's telephoto camera. No case required — fast to set up and remove.
Threads onto the front of the 72mm, giving you access to SANDMARC's full filter lineup — ND, CPL, and more.
4 Shooting Tips
Practical tips for sharp, professional results from your first shoot.
Set zoom to 5× (or 4× on iPhone 17 Pro) before composing. This ensures you're on the telephoto sensor the lens is designed for.
At high zoom levels, minor movement is amplified. Rest your elbows on a surface or use a tripod, especially in low light.
At telephoto distances, autofocus can miss. Tap your subject on screen to lock focus and exposure before shooting.
Wipe the front element with the included lens pouch before shooting for maximum sharpness and minimal flare.
The 72mm produces genuine background blur. No Portrait Mode needed — telephoto compression handles subject separation naturally.
Replace both lens caps when not in use and store in the protective pouch. The optical glass benefits from consistent care.
5 48mm vs 72mm Tetraprism
Both lenses share the same Tetraprism optical design. Here's how they differ.
| 48mm Tetraprism | 72mm Tetraprism | |
|---|---|---|
| Added magnification | 2× | 3× |
| Total zoom | Up to 10× (16/15 Pro Max) or 12× (17 Pro) | Up to 15× (16/15 Pro Max) or 24× (17 Pro) |
| Ideal subjects | Architecture, street, moderate reach | Wildlife, landscapes, sports |
| Background separation | Strong | Stronger |
| Best for | Everyday telephoto upgrade | Maximum optical reach |
6 What's Included
Everything needed to start shooting is in the box.
- 72mm Telephoto Lens
- SANDMARC iPhone Case
- Clip Mount
- Filter Mount
- Lens Pouch (doubles as microfiber cleaning cloth)
- Front & Rear Lens Caps