MOMENT MACRO LENS
On my AT thru-hike, I notice that I really liked taking pictures. Of course the mountains and various landscapes were beautiful, but I especially enjoyed capturing the smaller critters–bugs, newts, algae, etc. IPhone cameras actually do fairly well with macro shots, but it was hard to capture images as close as I wanted.
A fuzzy caterpillar smiling for a picture on the Appalachian Trail in Maine (taken with my iPhone 6).
Before heading out for the PCT, I decided to look into lens attachments for my iPhone since I don’t have a fancy camera. Through some research, the Moment lenses came to light and I’ve really enjoyed using the macro lens on my PCT hike so far! It opens your eyes to a whole new world. I enjoy taking time to appreciate the little things and taking pictures along the way helps me to appreciate what’s going on around me.
Taken with the iPhone 7 – No lens attachment
Captured with and iPhone 7 and the Moment Macro Lens
Moment lenses attach to your phone camera by screwing into an adhesive plate you press onto the phone. It’s really that simple.
Moment Macro Lens attached to an iPhone 6
Anyway, if you have any questions about my experience with this lens–let me know! To review the specs and learn more about the lens, check it out on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rnN5xP
Happy Trails!
-Dixie
I will be posting a weekly gear-related item. It will always be something I have used or seen used enough that I would recommend. Hopefully, this helps initiate conversation about gear and assist beginning backpackers with gear selection.
Hi Dixie, I think you are a great photographer! Excellent composition too. And I enjoy seeing your photographs. Your still life’s are good too. I hope you are feeling happy and healthy. Get those knees in cold water when you can. Take your electrolytes every evening for recovery. Be well.
BobM.
Thank you, Bob! I appreciate the feedback and kind words 🙂
I have noticed that your still shots and videos are really artistic – great job, you have a wonderful eye. I assume you are using an iPhone 7?
Thank you, Bill! I am using an iPhone 7. Love it so far 🙂
I love following your blog and seeing your photos. You do a great job on both. How much time does stopping to take photos and videos take away from your actual hiking? Just curious. Keep it up! Be safe.
Thank you. Good question! I guess it depends. Most pics are just snap and go. If it’s something awesome, though, I might take time to marvel in it. I can’t really give you a number, but I feel like picture taking is just part of stopping to enjoy the beauty which I’m going to do anyway 🙂
Hi Dixie –
LOVE your photos! I’m hiking the JMT this summer and looking into iPhone lenses. Do you know if any work with iPhone cases? What do you do about protecting your phone AND getting great shots? I tend to drop my phone all.the.time.
Thank you!!
Katie! Thank you 🙂 I take my phone out of the case before attaching the lens and I’m just very careful with the lens and the phone. I’m rough on phones, too! I hear that you can use the lens with the life proof but I don’t have that case so I can’t vouch for that. Hope that helps–have fun on your trip!!
Dixie the video you just posted of the cactus flowers and bugs with the Moment macro lens are fantastic. Are you having any issues with the lens falling out of the mount or having dust between the lens and the IPhone lens?
Thank you! Good questions 😉 I haven’t had any issues with it falling out, but if you overtighten it will come off. You just have to learn where that perfect twist is. No issues with dust really. I keep the lens in the little cloth bag it came in and I just try to wipe off my phone lens before attaching the macro. Hope that helps!
Thank you for taking the time to respond. It’s nice to have feedback from someone who has used the lens system for a bit before plunking down your own hard won cash. Hike your own hike and best wishes from a fellow Southerner.
Thanks, Dixie for posting this. I love your macro shots.
Thank you, Deb!
Hey Dixie, you might want to see about getting a external bluetooth microphone (no wires to mess with!) and use a “furry cover” so you don’t have to speak right into the phone AND you won’t get all the wind noise…. Just sayin’! Echoing everyone else, your pictures are awesome! And I love your macros….. they bring the trail to life with all the little stuff included! Rock on Dixie!!!!
Wow! That might be something I need to look into. Thank you so much!
Love watching your videos and seeing your photos. Thanks for what you do.
Dixie, you have a real eye for video editing. Question for you, which app do you use while on the trail? Also, I haven’t found any video editing apps that can slow-mo a clip as much as I want. They all seem to be limited to .5x, or something like that, which isn’t nearly slow enough. Any recommendations? Thanks!
Hey Brendan! I don’t edit my videos; I have a good friend that does. He uses Final Cut Pro. I’ve heard him talk about iMovie for phones, but I’ve never used it. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful 🙁
Dixie, I’m really loving your photos on this trip. The Macro lens makes such a difference. Have you had any experiences you can share with other Smartphone lenses? Good luck on your hike!
Hey Jen! Thank you 😀 I have only used the Moment lenses so far. If I try any others and like them, though, I’ll be sure to share!
Hi Dixie,
I just found your blog and You Tube channel. I love following your journey! I know another guy who is currently on the trail up on Nor Cal. I am curious as to which tripod you are using for the iPhone. Thanks!
If you check the gear tab on the homepage, I have the tripod listed in the PCT gear list! I love it so far. I also have the smart phone attachment for it (which should be in that list). Thank you for your kind words and good luck to your friend! Hope he’s loving it 🙂
I’m loving following you. I really hope this company is giving you a kickback. I purchased the macro based on one of your recent Q & A’s and I love it so much that I purchased the wide angle and zoom as well.
Nope, no kick back from them. Just sharing what works for me, so I’m glad you like it, too!
It is an Amazon affiliate link, though. Anything purchased through that link helps support me 🙂
My wife and I watch your videos religiously. Very inspiring and as an avid outdoorsman (hunting/camping) I am super jealous. With the 2 kiddos though, maybe it will be a late life adventure. Keep it up! From – Kentucky to the PCT
Hi Dixie. Does this work on Android phones?
I believe so! Just go to the moment website and see what options they have 🙂
Hey Dixie, Awesome Vids and Shots! What other camera gear do you use? I see you mention a Mavic drone. What about DSLR Camera? Any film gear or accessories?