500mm lens for iPhone?

[David Bartle]

Check this out for those who use iPhone cameras.

http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/iphone-telephoto-lens/

They also have smaller sets of fisheye, macro, and telephoto lenses for the iPhone.

[Doug McMillin]

Gadget freaks will like the complete inventory at photojojo. 

The iTelephoto sells for $35 + 

Thanks for finding this, Dave.

[Doug McMillin]

I love the idea of iPhone lenses and had to stop myself from buying one. Portability and smarts are by far the greatest strengths of the iPhone, and I easily understand your stated conflict.

The value of the add-on telephoto lens is seen here...

_________

Top: Your second shot, taken at full magnification, that is, maximum in-camera digital zoom, cropped to match the following:

Bottom: Your fifth shot, taken as above but with telephoto lens, and a tripod.

If you need a close-up and have no other camera, use the lens (if you brought it). And a tripod.

Better to have brought a real camera, however.

_________

I was interested to see that in-camera digital zoom is useful.

Below is a crop from the very first shot, compared with the lens and tripod shot. Very pixelated:

 

[Doug McMillin]

To steady any camera, consider a small bean bag to nest it in. Lightweight and you have a pillow for your head too.

For the iPhone, you will also need a delayed shutter release program. I use Shutter Control, by Code App ($0.99).

Autotimer by Walter Greger is better for the group shots you want to be part of, because it has longer delays.

Read my reviews on their App Store pages for details (HousMouse).

I would avoid both Auto Shutter and Self Timer; they are 'cute' and try to do too many other things as well.