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4 Must-Have iPhone Photography Accessories for the Dedicated iPhoneographer

By Mike Richard Dec 18, 2019 10:53 PM

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We’re fast-approaching a point with smartphone camera technology where travelers wanting to catch that perfect shot may no longer need to carry a separate DSLR camera. Clip-on Zeiss lenses, ultra-compact tripods, and Photoshop-grade mobile apps are replacing bulky, “old school” digital camera kits. Here are four of our favorite iPhone Photography accessories for budding (or near-pro) travel photographers.

ExoLens with Optics by Zeiss Wide-angle Lens – $200

iphone-with-lens-mount — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Snap-on iPhone lenses are nothing new. However, most suffer from at least one of two shortcomings: their flexible design (to allow for use on a wide range of iPhone types) provides a less-than-ideal fit, or the quality of the glass isn’t worth the hassle. The awkwardly named ExoLens with Optics by Zeiss Wide-angle Lens (18mm equivalent) solves both problems. First, the included precision-machined mounting brackets provide for an ultra-tight fit with whatever iPhone you happen to be packing. Second, and most important, the lenses make use of world-famous Zeiss optics meaning the picture quality is far superior to any other smartphone lens kit on the market. The downside? Great quality and fit doesn’t come cheap.

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Snapseed – Free

Snapseed Introduction

Like all great software and apps, Google purchased Nik Software (creators of Snapseed) in 2012. It’s no surprise, as original iterations of the mobile app were approaching the power and flexibility of full-fledged desktop photo-editing software. The latest version offers many of the best features of Adobe Photoshop. Instagram-style filters allow for fast, stylized editing. But, additional nuanced features allow power users to individually adjust for things like exposure, ambiance, warmth, and saturation — on a per-picture level or via preset brushes to edit only small portions of a photo. Where the app really shines is with desktop-grade features like a healing brush, facial recognition (to, for example, highlight only a single face or pair of eyes in a given photo), and an automated stretch feature. The latter allows for smart resizing to, for example, add additional blue sky or to extend a fence line in a photo where neither previously existed.

Pakpod – $99

Image used with permission by copyright holder

For years, Gorillapod was the standard for photographers looking to take their cameras anywhere. While the company’s products are still solid as ever, Pakpod offers all the same features and then some. The uniquely designed mobile tripod was purpose-built for outdoor and adventure travelers who use their cameras in the most extreme situations. It’s lightweight, compact, and extremely portable. But, its biggest selling point is its stake system which allows it to be firmly secured in sand, turf, or snow. Once in place, all three legs are lockable with just one twist. What’s more: dedicated tie-down points guarantee the tripod will never budge.

Roxant Pro Stabilizer – $65

The Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer (Steady Cam)

While smartphone software and hardware are rapidly catching up to DSLR camera technology, the one thing that’s been difficult to overcome is their awkward form factor. Smartphones were never intended to be used or held like a traditional camera. Enter Roxant’s Video Camera Stabilizer. The device features a universal mount that accepts not only smartphones but GoPros and DSLRs up to 2.1 pounds. The design offers a solid hand grip, three individual counterweights for better balance, and a purpose-built, Hollywood-inspired stabilizing design for shooting smooth, “indie film-style” footage without the usual smartphone shakiness.

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He’s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South… Read Full Bio

Travelpro is bringing quiet luxury to luggage with its new collection

Travelpro

Just in time for holiday gifting, Travelpro is back with another elevated collection that will turn heads in the airport. Travelpro is introducing Platinum Reserve, its most elevated collection yet. Born from pilots and used daily by more than 220,000 aviation professionals, Travelpro knows that beautiful design has to hold up once a journey begins. Platinum Reserve brings that expertise to a more polished silhouette, pairing full-grain leather details with the smooth, controlled movement the brand is known for.

True luxury proves itself in motion,” said Lisa Cody, Head of Product & Brand Experience of Travelpro. “With Platinum Reserve, we wanted every part of the journey to feel effortless, from moving through a crowded terminal to arriving at your destination looking just as polished as when you left. Because true luxury isn’t replacing your luggage. It’s never having to worry about it.”

Cafe Charmant, The Corner Store Crew’s Latest, Puts Food Ahead of the Scene

Clothing, Long Sleeve, Sleeve

I’ll be honest. If I weren’t a writer, there is no way in hell I could have landed a 7:15 Saturday night reservation at Cafe Charmant just a mere four weeks after its opening. The most recent jewel in the buzzy Catch Hospitality Group’s crown, the glitzy eatery is the newest IT restaurant to hit the downtown scene, so chalk it up to one of the perks of the job that I could walk in, order a drink, and be ushered to a corner table for two in under 10 minutes.

Though the state of making prime reservations in New York City may not come as a surprise to many, I’m still not able to reconcile with the current velvet rope of so many of this city’s restaurants. Sure, the 90s and early 2000’s had their Indochine, Moomba (if you remember that one, we need to grab a drink). The Waverly Inn, but for the most part, you could easily make a reservation or even walk in and wait for a table with a cocktail in hand at most popular establishments. And, let’s be honest, half the people weren’t even eating, if you know what I mean.

A tasting guide to Livermore Valley, California’s friendliest wine country

Adult, Male, Man

Livermore Valley sits in Northern California’s East Bay, where the hustle and bustle of neighboring Oakland and San Francisco give way to grassy rolling hills, big open skies, and over 40 tasting rooms. The region is home to some of the best wines I’ve tasted in the state, without the pretense and rigidity I’ve come to expect from other tasting rooms in the region.

And thanks to the valley’s marine-influenced winds, varied climate, and diverse soils, I tasted an unusually broad range of wines. Crisp whites, structured reds, and everything in between seem to be able to find their footing here.