Neewer has released an 18mm 2x probe macro lens… for smartphones

In hindsight, I suppose this was inevitable, but it still raised an eyebrow when I saw it. Neewer has launched a probe macro lens. Yes, like the probe macro lenses from Laowa and AstrHori. Except, this one’s not for mirrorless cameras or DSLRs. This one’s for smartphones.

It’s the Neewer 18mm 2X Macro Probe Lens (buy here), and it features a 17mm thread for mounting to a smartphone case. Like the other probe lenses available, the Neewer 18mm probe features a waterproof section, allowing you to dip it into liquids, along with LEDs at the front to light up your subject.

Neewer 18mm 2x Macro Probe Lens – For your smartphone

The above video from Luke Edwin shows off the capabilities of the lens pretty well. He uses it in a variety of scenarios that demonstrate its potential uses.

The Neewer 18mm 2x Macro Probe Lens has a manual focus ring, LED lights on the end and a built-in tripod foot. The tripod foot also allows rotation, so you can shoot horizontally or vertically – or anywhere in between. It offers 2x magnification with a very wide 100° field of view. This lets you get up close and personal to your subjects while still providing a wide view in the background to give them some environmental context.

To mount it to your phone using the 17mm thread, you’ll need one of Neewer’s smartphone cases (buy here). These currently seem to be available only for a few iPhone and Samsung models. The company says, however, that the lens is also compatible with Sandmarc cases sporting a 17mm threaded mount.

The metal lens barrel is waterproof, although that doesn’t mean you can use it underwater. Even if your smartphone is waterproof, you’re still not going to want to go swimming with this thing. What it does mean is that you can dip it up to 200mm (7.9″) into water and similar liquids with no ill effects for shooting underwater subjects or liquid effects.

I still find it strange that such a lens exists for smartphones. But if you don’t want to pay Laowa or AstrHori prices and you’re happy to shoot with your smartphone, it’s pretty much your only choice right now.

Neewer 18mm 2x Macro Probe Lens Specs

Model	LS-51
Chromatic Aberration	2um
Lens coating	485-656nm (anti-reflection coating)
Lens	18mm wide / 2x Macro
Distortion	1.6%
Height	345mm (13.5″)
Diameter	35mm (1.4″)
Weight	252g (0.6lb) without tripod bracket
Focus distance	18mm
Field of view	100°
Optics	16 elements in 12 groups

Price and Availability

The Neewer 18mm 2x Macro Probe Lens is available to buy now for $299.99. Units are shipping now.

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