1. Schneider Optics hasn’t been successfully manufacturing their world-renowned optical products since 1913, without being totally aware of the latest technology trends. One of the most interesting is the blurring of the line between a compact camera and the camera in a smart phone, such as the iPhone 4/4S. Some technology experts believe that compact cameras will disappear entirely, as camera phone quality and capabilities continue to improve. They have in the iPhone 4/4S, with its 8-megapixel CMOS sensor and other advancements in image processing, auto-focus, HD video, etc.

The people at Schneider realized it was time to provide iPhone 4 and 4S (and future version users) with lens options for their camera phones; thus the iPro Lens System was developed.

2. Suddenly, the iPhone has the optical features to operate and produce images like a “real” camera. The iPro Lens System contains separate fisheye and wide-angle lens, plus a pocket-sized lens case that not only houses the lenses when not in use, but also serves as a universal tripod mount and convenient grip.

3. The fisheye lens in the iPro Lens System will transform your everyday world into a magical field of view of 165 degrees (a 35mm equivalent of 12mm for stills and 16mm for video). Objects and people bend and curve into creatively distorted images, allowing you to capture and share pictures no one else in your circle of friends can take. Because the way video is recorded on an iPhone, the field of view with the fisheye lens is less than for still images, but the 120-degree view is still plenty wide to create equally weird and delightful mini-movies.

4. The wide-angle lens will result in better picture taking when shooting in small rooms or crowded environments. It’s easier to include everyone in your photos and whatever activity or event has drawn everyone together. The optics in the wide-angle lens is configured as 4 glass elements in 3 groups. The lens has a 35mm equivalent of 19mm for still photos and 28mm for video.

5. The phone case that is part of the iPro Lens System accepts both the fisheye and wide-angle lens via a bayonet mount. To accommodate right- and left-handed shooters, the handle affixes to either side of the iPhone.

6. The handle’s versatility extends to being the protective case for the storage and transport of the lenses and the connector to a tripod.

7. Schneider Optics’ iPro Lens System received an Editors Choice Award from The Mac Observer during Macworld/iWorld Expo 2012.

8. The iPhone Lens System has also received praise from a number of professional photographers.

Joel Lipton, professional photographer/videographer, says, “The iPro wide angle and fisheye lenses give me versatility, never before possible on the iPhone 4.”

Nigel Alexander, skateboard videographer, commented, “The iPro Lens System is perfect for when you need to get a shot and you don’t have time to set up your DSLR.”

9. Schneider Optics’ iPro Lens System can be ordered directly from the company for $199 via its Web site, iprolens.com.

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