ShiftCam Gear announces two new telephotos for smartphones

Optimized around the iPhone’s periscope module, X.Series SuperZoom gives you predictable, razor-sharp tele results every time you choose 4×, 5× or even 8× on the new iPhone 17. 

ShiftCam Gear continues to expand its range of products for smartphone users and the newest lenses, now announced, offer, the company says, “superior optics” so you can “explore the unseen”. The X.Series is ShiftCam’s next-generation SuperZoom telephoto system, designed to extend the reach of your smartphone’s telephoto camera through true optical magnification. 

The lineup includes the 2.0× SuperZoom, offering approximately 200mm-equivalent reach, and the 3.5× SuperZoom, reaching approximately 350mm equivalent on the iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max 4× telephoto camera (at 48MP). According to ShiftCam Gear, “both are engineered for long-range detail, telephoto compression and subject isolation without relying solely on digital crop.” 

X.Series is designed for compatible smartphones with a dedicated telephoto / periscope camera and requires a compatible ShiftCam mounting solution, according to ShiftCam Gear. The company adds that “compatibility varies by phone model and camera layout, so we recommend checking the compatibility information on the product page before ordering.” 

The new X.Series SuperZoom is an evolution of the original 240mm Super Zoom that introduced ShiftCam’s long-range mobile photography system, bringing powerful optical telephoto reach, macro expansion and filter capability to the smartphone. The new series builds on that foundation and introduces two levels of optical reach:

• 2.0× SuperZoom — approximately 200mm equivalent (on the iP17 Pro/Pro Max 4× Tele Camera)
• 3.5× SuperZoom — approximately 350mm equivalent (on the iP17 Pro/Pro Max 4× Tele Camera)

ShiftCam Gear adds that “beyond the expanded focal-length choices, X.Series has been engineered around a new optical platform featuring Fluorite Crystal optics, an updated multi-element design and advanced multi-layer coatings designed to deliver greater clarity, stronger edge performance and better control of optical aberrations across demanding long-range compositions.” 

The X.Series also introduces a new M43-based accessory ecosystem, supporting dedicated Macro Converters and Filters across the new SuperZoom system. ShiftCam Gear has, in fact, designed the whole system to allow users to use the SuperZoom setup with dedicated Macro Converters and Filters, making the whole system versatile for smartphone users. 

ShitCam Gear claims that “the 240mm remains the lens that established ShiftCam’s SuperZoom experience. X.Series takes that idea further — with more choice in reach, a new generation of optics, and a broader system built specifically around long-range mobile photography.” 

To fully explore the new lenses ShiftCam Gear suggests the upcoming ShiftCam One app, for Android and iOS, designed to work more seamlessly with ShiftCam lenses and supported camera workflows. Until then, the company says, “ X.Series can also be used with third-party camera apps that allow greater control over which camera module is active, including: 

• Project Indigo
• Halide
• ProCamera
• Adobe Lightroom
• Blackmagic Camera

According to ShiftCam Gear “these apps can be particularly useful because some smartphones automatically switch between camera modules depending on lighting, focus distance or zoom level. Being able to manually select and hold the telephoto camera helps ensure you’re shooting through the X.Series lens consistently. Native camera apps may also work, depending on your phone and shooting conditions.”