Key Takeaways
1. Smartphone camera kits, originally by Xiaomi, are now popular among brands like Vivo and Oppo, with Apple possibly introducing similar accessories for the iPhone 18 Pro.
2. iPhone users can pre-order a new accessory kit from the team behind the Vivo X300 Pro Kit, featuring two versions with different add-ons.
3. The Retrova camera kit includes a detachable grip, 2.35x telephoto extender, and a microSD card slot for high-speed video storage.
4. Additional features include remote controls, fill lights, and a specialized camera app with a retro interface and pro shooting modes.
5. Delivery for the camera grip is expected in March and the complete kit in April, with easy upgrades planned for future iPhone models.
Smartphone camera kits were initially created by Xiaomi in China, but now they are very common among brands like Vivo and Oppo, especially in their top-tier flagship devices like the Vivo X300 Pro and the Oppo Find X9 Pro. This trend has made its way to California, where a recent leak suggests that Apple might also be trialing external teleconverters. These could serve as optional zoom enhancements for better image quality when capturing photos of faraway subjects. It’s possible that such an accessory could debut with the iPhone 18 Pro later this year.
Pre-Order Options for iPhone Users
If you already have an iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, or iPhone 17 Pro Max, you can now pre-order a compatible accessory kit created by the same team behind the Vivo X300 Pro Kit. This kit offers two versions with a variety of add-ons. The Retrova basic camera kit is available on Kickstarter for $72 (plus $18 for shipping) and comes with an iPhone case that has a detachable camera grip. Alternatively, the all-in-one package, priced at $184 (plus $18 shipping), includes a 2.35x telephoto extender, a filter adapter ring, and extra accessories like a carrying strap and tripod mount.
Features and Specifications
The camera grip is designed with a two-stage shutter button for focusing and shooting, a multifunction button, a zoom rocker, and a control dial to adjust settings like exposure and ISO. Unlike the kits made for Vivo and Oppo phones, Retrova adds a microSD card slot at the bottom, letting users save ProRes video recordings directly to the memory card at speeds reaching 312 MB/s. The teleconverter screws onto the front of the telephoto lenses, changing the iPhone 17 Pro’s 4x telephoto lens into a 235mm equivalent 10x optical zoom. With the iPhone 16 Pro’s 5x telephoto lens, the 2.35x magnification results in a 282mm equivalent 12x telephoto lens.
Additional Accessories and App Features
Extras available include a 2x teleconverter, a 62mm/67mm filter adapter ring, remote controls, and fill lights that can be magnetically attached to the center of the camera kit case. The camera app provided by the manufacturer features a retro graphical user interface, offering various filters and a complete pro mode for manual shooting and video recording. The camera grip also includes a 300 mAh battery, which seems to be mainly for operational use rather than serving as a power bank for the attached iPhones.
PGYTech has indicated that delivery for the camera grip is expected in March, while the complete kit should arrive in April. However, with crowdfunding platforms, there is always a risk of delays or even losing invested funds. That said, such a scenario seems unlikely here since PGYTech is a reputable maker of accessories for cameras and smartphones. Whether the telephoto lens will provide high-quality results is still uncertain, but it is promised to feature professional optics composed of extra-low dispersion glass with 13 elements. Another promise is an easy upgrade for the kit to fit the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro by just swapping out the protective case.
Kickstarter
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