Wide LensUpdated 20 days ago
Wide Lens – Getting Started | SANDMARC
Everything you need to set up and start shooting with the SANDMARC Wide Lens — sharper, wider captures on both your front and rear iPhone camera.
▶ Video Tutorial
Watch the full getting started video for a guided walkthrough of the SANDMARC Wide Lens.
1 Compatibility
The Wide Lens is compatible with all iPhone models and most Android devices. It attaches to both the rear wide-angle camera and the front-facing camera, making it one of the most versatile lenses in the SANDMARC lineup.
| Model | Compatible | Mount |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 / 17 Air / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max | ✓ Yes | Via Case & Clip Mount |
| iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max | ✓ Yes | Via Case & Clip Mount |
| iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max | ✓ Yes | Via Case & Clip Mount |
| iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max | ✓ Yes | Via Case & Clip Mount |
| iPhone 13 / 13 Mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max | ✓ Yes | Via Case & Clip Mount |
| iPhone 12 / 12 Mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max | ✓ Yes | Via Case & Clip Mount |
| iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max and older | ✓ Yes | Via Case & Clip Mount |
| Samsung S26 / S25 / S25 Ultra | ✓ Yes | Via Case & Clip Mount |
| Other Android Models | ✓ Yes | Via Clip Mount |
2 First Time Setup
From unboxing to first wide shot in under five minutes.
Fit your iPhone into the included SANDMARC case. Press firmly at each corner until it clicks. The case is precision-cut for each iPhone model and includes a threaded mount aligned directly over the wide-angle camera. If you prefer no case, use the included clip mount instead.
Remove the front and rear protective caps before mounting. Keep them in the included lens pouch when not in use — the pouch also doubles as a microfiber cleaning cloth.
The Wide Lens attaches over your iPhone's main wide-angle (1×) camera on the rear. It can also be used on the front-facing camera — align the clip mount over the front lens for selfie and video call use. See the Camera Location Guide for the exact position on your model.
Hold the Wide Lens over the camera opening on the case. Carefully align the threading, then twist clockwise with smooth, even pressure — about two full turns. Do not overtighten.
Open the Camera app and set zoom to 1×. The Wide Lens will immediately extend your field of view to approximately 110°. Do not zoom in — additional digital zoom will reduce image quality. Simply frame, tap to focus if needed, and shoot.
3 Camera Location Guide
Mount the Wide Lens over your iPhone's Wide (1×) camera — its position varies by model. Select your iPhone series below to find yours.
| Model | Cameras | Wide Camera (1×) — Mount Here |
|---|
4 Mounting Options
Three mounting options are available. The Wide Lens also accepts standard 43mm filters via the outer thread.
The SANDMARC case features precision-threaded aluminum aligned perfectly over the wide-angle camera. Most secure and stable option — built for daily use without wear.
Clips directly over any iPhone or Android camera — front or rear. No case required. Quick to attach and remove, ideal for switching between cameras mid-shoot.
The Wide Lens has a 43mm outer thread, accepting SANDMARC's full filter lineup — ND, CPL, and more — via a standard 43mm step-up ring.
5 Shooting Tips
Practical tips to get the most out of the Wide Lens from your first shoot.
Keep your Camera app at 1× zoom when the Wide Lens is attached. The lens handles all the optical widening — any additional zoom is digital and will reduce image quality.
At 110°, the corners of your frame will be much wider than you're used to. Check for unwanted elements at the edges before shooting — the extra width is powerful for environments and group shots.
The Wide Lens excels on the front-facing camera via the clip mount — perfect for group selfies, vlogging, or video calls where you want more of the scene in frame.
The Wide Lens delivers sharper images than iPhone's native ultrawide camera, especially in low light. Multi-coated optics reduce flare and maximise light throughput — no need to avoid dim environments.
Wide lenses tend to keep most of the frame in focus, but for portraits or foreground subjects, tap on screen to lock focus and exposure before shooting.
The 16mm wide element is larger than most lens front elements — fingerprints show up easily. Wipe with the included lens pouch before every shoot for maximum clarity and contrast.
6 Wide Lens vs Ultrawide vs Fisheye
Every Pro iPhone has a native 0.5× ultrawide camera built in, so this is the most common question about the SANDMARC Wide Lens. The key difference comes down to which sensor it uses.
The native ultrawide uses a separate, smaller sensor with a lower-quality lens — it's fast and convenient, but it trades off sharpness and low-light performance to fit inside the phone. When you attach the SANDMARC Wide Lens to your iPhone, it works on the main 1× camera — the highest-quality sensor in the phone, often a 48 megapixel chip with a larger aperture and Apple's best computational processing. The result is noticeably sharper images and significantly better performance in low-light conditions.
There's also a distortion difference. On the built-in ultrawide, only the centre of the frame is flat — edges bow and warp, which is noticeable on architecture, straight lines, and anything near the edges of the frame. The SANDMARC Wide Lens produces no distortion: the entire image is flat from edge to edge, giving a natural and realistic representation of your subject — something you'd see from a cinema-grade wide lens.
Finally, the built-in ultrawide only works on the rear camera of supported iPhone models. The SANDMARC Wide Lens works on any rear or front camera on any iPhone or Android — it's also compatible with all 43mm filters, making it a far more versatile tool for photography and filmmaking.
| Native Ultrawide (0.5×) | SANDMARC Wide Lens (16mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | ~13mm | 16mm |
| Field of view | ~120° | 110° |
| Sensor used | Dedicated ultrawide sensor (smaller, lower quality) | Main 1× sensor (larger, 48MP on modern iPhones) |
| Sharpness | Good | Sharper — full main sensor quality |
| Low light | Weaker — smaller sensor, smaller aperture | Stronger — multi-coated glass, larger aperture main sensor |
| Edge distortion | Yes — edges warp and bow | None — flat, natural image edge to edge |
| Front camera use | No | Yes — via clip mount |
| Filter compatible | No | Yes — 43mm outer thread |
| Works on all iPhones | iPhone 11+ Pro / SE only | Every iPhone, every Android |
| Best for | Quick casual wide shots | Landscapes, architecture, vlogs, low light, filmmaking |
Both the Wide Lens (16mm) and the SANDMARC Fisheye Lens (10mm) are wide-angle optics, but they produce very different looks and serve different creative purposes.
The Wide Lens is designed for a clean, cinematic, undistorted image. Lines stay straight, perspectives are natural, and the result looks exactly as you'd see it from a high-end camera. It's the choice for travel, architecture, landscape, vlogging, and any situation where you want a wider frame without the image looking stylised or warped.
The Fisheye Lens is a creative lens. At 10mm it captures a dramatic 180° field of view, and it intentionally curves and distorts the edges of the frame — the focal point stays sharp, but everything toward the edges takes on a characteristic curved, spherical look. It's a popular style in action sports, skateboarding, music, and street photography where that exaggerated, immersive perspective is part of the aesthetic.
Think of it this way: if you want reality, wider — choose the Wide Lens. If you want impact, drama, and style — choose the Fisheye.
| SANDMARC Wide Lens (16mm) | SANDMARC Fisheye (10mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 16mm | 10mm |
| Field of view | 110° | 180° |
| Image distortion | None — flat, straight lines throughout | Strong — circular, curved edges by design |
| Look & feel | Natural, cinematic, realistic | Dramatic, immersive, stylised |
| Ideal use cases | Landscapes, travel, architecture, vlogs, real estate, events | Sports, skateboarding, music, creative / artistic shots |
| Professional filmmaking | Yes — no correction needed in post | Specialty — intentional style choice |
7 What's Included
Everything needed to start shooting is in the box.
- 1 Wide Lens (16mm)
- 2 Clip-on Mount
- 3 Lens Pouch (doubles as microfiber cleaning cloth)
- 4 Front & Rear Lens Caps