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Here’s how to take Macro photos on your iPhone (All models of iPhone, not just the latest one)

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iPhone and iOS Tips and Tricks (iPad, iPod Touch and iPadOS included too!). Image courtesy of Apple.

One of the key features and selling points of the new iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max is the ability to capture Macro photos and videos. Unlike Cinematic mode where you can see the “Cinematic” option on the iPhone Camera app, there’s no Macro mode found on iPhone Camera app. So how you can shoot Macro photos or videos then? Well, that’s the reason I’m writing this article, to share you how easy that is to shoot Macro photos and videos on your iPhone.

iPhone Pro and Pro Max Camera Configuration

How to shoot Macro photos & videos on your iPhone

1) On your iPhone, open Camera app.

To shoot Macro photo, tap on “Photo”, to shoot Macro video, tap on “Video”.

2) To take Macro photo, use the “Photo” mode, then get close to the subject (on iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, you can get as close as 2cm). The camera will make adjustment and use Ultra Wide lens to focus on your macro object.

3) To take Macro video, use the “Video” mode, then similar to how you take Macro photo, get closer to the subject (on iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, you can get as close as 2cm). The camera will make adjustment and use Ultra Wide lens to focus on your macro object.

Simple, isn’t it?


Does Macro photos and videos only available on iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max or anything after?

One of the most questions being asked on the Internet is this, “Does Macro photos or videos only available on the new iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max or anything newer?”. Short answer to this is “No”.

Macro photos as well as Macro videos have been there since perhaps the original iPhone back in 2007. It’s just that, all previous iPhone generation before iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, doesn’t have camera and lens that are as good as iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. So yes, you can still do Macro photos and videos using whichever generation your iPhone is, but perhaps the quality won’t be as good as iPhone 13 Pro or anything newer.

One of Macro photo I’ve been capturing when I was using iPhone 7 Plus

Options to enhance your Macro photos and videos without buying new iPhone

Now if you don’t own iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max yet and / or so far has no plan to upgrade, you can enhance your Macro photography using these lens (these are optional, you can still shoot Macro photos and videos without using any of these accessories, just that won’t be as good as iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max).


Moment Macro Lens

Using the help of Moment Macro Lens, you can shoot up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from your subject, capture details you’ve never seen before with a mobile phone. The removable diffuser hood, included with every Macro Lens, enables you to capture the tiniest details with even lighting across the entire subject. Compatible with many iPhone models, including iPhone 13.

Link to get itMoment Macro Lens on Amazon

Xenvo Pro Lens Kit

Xenvo Pro Lens Kit comes with a 15x macro lens and a 0.45x wide-angle lens (plus the portable clip-on LED light and a carrying case). Unlike typical lens in form like this, Xenvo lens do not have the outer portion of iPhone camera covered by the lens frame. The lens is easily attachable to any of your iPhone. Good thing about Xenvo lens kit is that, it comes with a lifetime warranty. Price-wise, Xenvo is about 1/2 price of Moment Macro Lens.

Link to get itXenvo Pro Lens Kit at Amazon

Apexel Macro Lens

If Moment Macro Lens is way too expensive (it is!) and looking for something cheaper than Xenvo lens, and here’s another alternative Macro Lens, this time is from China. It claims the lens can capture clear image between 1-2cm from the object. Based on my own experience using similar lens from China, while it can help capture better macro image, but outer portion of my iPhone camera is covered by the lens frame itself – perhaps I’m not buying one that’s totally fit for my iPhone – so please choose the lens that correctly fits to your iPhone model. Anyway the price is like 1/14 of Moment Macro Lens though, so you can give it a try.

Link to get itApexel Macro Lens on AliExpress

Note: If you buy anything from Amazon / AliExpress using links above, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost charged on your purchases.

Bring it all together

So now you have learned how to capture Macro photos and videos. Now it’s the time for you to practice it.

 In case you encountered any difficulties, don’t hesitate to submit your queries on the comment section down below. I’ll be happy to help and assists.

Interested to see other iPhone and iOS tips and tricks? Check them out here: iPhone and iOS tips and tricks at JILAXZONE.


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