DrPhone APEX36 Smartphone Telephoto Lens – 36x Optical Zoom – Universal Holder – Monocular – Tripod Mount – Black

Bring distant subjects into clearer view

Are birds, athletes, buildings or other distant subjects too small in the frame with the normal smartphone camera? With the DrPhone APEX36 you place an external 36x telephoto lens in front of your phone's rear camera. This allows you to view and photograph subjects at greater distances without relying solely on digital zoom.

The APEX36 uses a fixed 36x magnification. With the manual focus ring you focus the subject from a distance of about 5 metres to infinity. The focus ring does not change the magnification: this is not a continuous zoom lens.

For nature, sports, travel and observation

The telephoto lens is suitable for situations where you want to see more detail at a distance, such as birdwatching, nature walks, sports events, travel, architecture, landscapes and concerts. The final image quality depends on the smartphone camera, available light, correct alignment and how steadily the lens is held. The manufacturer positions the lens among others for nature observation, events, concerts and travel.

Multi-layer coated optical glass

The lens is built around multi-layer coated optical glass with a 36 mm objective diameter and a maximum outer lens diameter of approximately 51.5 mm. The coating is designed to support light transmission and contrast. The metal lens housing protects the optical components during normal use and transport.

Improved Universal adjustable phone holder

The included improved holder fits smartphones with a width of approximately 66 to 95 mm. The lens position can be slid along the holder so it can be placed above the correct camera of the smartphone. The actual fit also depends on the position of the camera module and the thickness of the phone case used.

For a phone with multiple rear cameras, first check which camera is used for the normal 1x mode. Then place the holder opening exactly above that camera. Incorrect alignment can cause blurring or dark edges. The existing product instructions also advise first determining which camera lens is active.

Also usable as a monocular

If you want to observe without a smartphone, attach the included eye cup to the lens. The APEX36 can then also be used as a separate monocular telescope. Focus the image manually with the focus ring.

Tripod mount for more stability

The phone holder has a 1/4-inch mount allowing the combination to be placed on a suitable tripod. A tripod can especially help reduce movement and vibrations at high magnification. Tripod is not included

Features

• Fixed 36x telephoto lens for distant subjects
• Manual focus from about 5 metres to infinity
• Usable with a smartphone or separately as a monocular
• Universal phone holder for devices 66 to 95 mm wide
• Multi-layer coated optical glass with 36 mm objective diameter and maximum outer lens diameter of approx. 51.5 mm
• Tripod mount included; tripod not included

Usage

1. Remove any thick phone case.
2. Place the smartphone firmly in the adjustable holder.
3. Determine which rear camera is active in normal 1x mode.
4. Slide the lens opening exactly above this camera.
5. Attach the telephoto lens to the holder.
6. Aim the lens at a subject at least about 5 metres away.
7. Slowly turn the focus ring until the image is sharp.
8. Preferably use a tripod or stable support for photos and videos. Note: Tripod not included

Compatibility

Suitable for many smartphones including Samsung, iPhone, Google Pixel, Huawei, Xiaomi, OnePlus and other brands, provided that:

• The phone is approximately 66 to 95 mm wide.
• The rear camera is accessible via the sliding lens opening.
• The device can be firmly placed in the holder.
• A case does not block the attachment or lens alignment.

Universal does not guarantee that every combination of smartphone, case and camera position will fit.

Specifications

• Brand: DrPhone
• Model: APEX36
• Product type: external smartphone telephoto lens and monocular
• Optical construction: 10 elements in 6 groups
• Magnification: fixed 36x
• Field of view: 5.3°
• Focus: manual
• Focus range: approx. 5 metres to infinity
• Objective aperture: 50 mm
• Lens material: multi-layer coated optical glass
• Lens housing: metal alloy
• Suitable phone width: approx. 66–95 mm
• Tripod mount: 1/4 inch
• Colour: black
• Lens length: 199 mm
• Outer lens diameter: approx. 51.5 mm
• Objective diameter: 36 mm
• Lens mount: M17 × P0.75
• Lens material/housing: aluminium alloy
• Coating: multi-layer coating
• Prism type: Schmidt roof prism
• Prism material: K9
• Weight of lens only: approx. 238 grams
• Continuous zoom: no
• Minimum focus distance: approx. 500 cm

Important warnings

• Never look directly at the sun through the lens or eye cup.
• Do not point a smartphone camera with this lens at the sun without a specially designed solar filter mounted in front of the optics.
• Hold the lens firmly and prevent it from falling on the smartphone or the ground.
• Not intended for subjects closer than about 5 metres.
• Store the lens with the lens cap in the storage bag.
• Clean the glass only with a suitable soft lens cloth.

NASA warns that looking at the sun through a camera lens, binoculars or telescope without a properly mounted special solar filter can cause serious and immediate eye injury.