Why is Nobody Talking About Beastgrip iPhone Lenses?

Back in 2013, Vadym Chalenko – a mobile photo/video artist from Chicago – raised $39,716 on Kickstarter to create Beastgrip – a “universal lens adapter for most camera phones”. You can follow that link to check out Vadym’s first Kickstarter video (with interesting choice of music) where he explains his idea for a “universal grip system which fits an camera phone”.

“Beastgrip allows to attach wide variety of standard conversion lenses,filters, photo and video accessories and gear. Plus, it adds stability and comfort for handheld shots.” Vadym Chalenko, 2013

Since then, Beastgrip has grown into one of the industry leaders for smartphone filmmaking. They’ve added their own range of lenses as well as a DoF adapter. Although cheap alternatives (ie – direct copies) of the rig have popped up, one would probably choose the original if you weren’t cost cutting.

Not wanting to get left behind, Beastgrip have been producing their own conversion lenses for smartphones. Apart from the DoF adapter, they have also put out their own anamorphic adapter. There’s also wide lenses and fisheye with macro.

Beastgrip’s True Telephoto

What got my attention recently was the Pro Series – 3X Tele Conversion Lens. There aren’t too many true telephoto conversion lenses for smartphones on the market. Moment’s 58mm telephoto is a 2X and according to the “rules” you need 60mm or above to be considered a true telephoto.

Here’s their own demo of the lens. What do you think?

To me this looks closer to that blurry background look people are questing for.

There’s also a nice portrait shot to contrast with the nature photography.

This is not a cheap lens, being shipped for twice the cost of the Moment 58mm. However, if you already have a Beastgrip (or copy) then that extra Moment lens cost of a phone case mount comes into play.

Find the Beastgrip 3X Telephoto on Beastgrip website.

Find Beastgrip 3X Telephoto on Amazon

Beastgrip’s New “M Series” Lenses & Beastcage

A few months ago, Beastgrip introduced a new range of lenses which they have named the “M Series”. According to Beastgrip, these lenses are unfortunately only compatible with iPhones. Following in Moment’s footsteps, they are to be mounted using only their own grip, the Beastcage.

“The most advanced iPhone photography and filmmaking cage ever made.” Beastgrip

The Beastcage is compatible with iPhones from 7 upwards. This looks to be the Beastgrip redesigned for a slimer, less bulky look. They say that the cage comes with “multiple built-in ¼”-20 mounts, an integrated cold shoe mount, dual neck strap mounts, a 37mm threaded lens/filter mount (compatible with Pro Series lenses, DOF/DOFMK2 adapters) and an additional bayonet mount plate for Beastgrip M Series lenses.”

The Beastcage doesn’t have those grippy handles the Beastgrip has. But perhaps this new version allows you to mount it to a gimbal or tripod more easily.

The Beastcage has a 37mm mount for any conversion lens with 37mm thread. This includes the Beastgrip Pro series of lenses. But you could also use it to mount the Moondog Labs Anamorphic (37mm version).

However, to use the cage to mount one of their M Series lenses you will need the bayonet mounting plate which comes included with the cage. This very much echoes Moment’s bayonet mounted lenses which need a Moment phone case to mount.

The M Series is currently 3 lenses: 1.33X Anamorphic, 0.6X Wide Angle, 2X Telephoto. As mentioned, you need the Beastcage to mount them. Currently, only iPhones are catered for, although Beastgrip say they are working on a cage for Pixel 3 and 3XL.

Check out Beastgrips own promo of the cage and M Series lenses.

You’ll notice that everything is shot with Beagrip’s own camera app. But if you’d like to give it a try, you might be disappointed as it’s still in development.

Where’s the noise?

Normally when I’m looking at a lens or camera phone, I go to YouTube to see what people are saying. I hope also to find good footage taken in the “real world” (as opposed to professionally shot promos). I’ll also check out any written reviews.

But when I searched for reviews or footage shot on Beastgrip lenses, I found nothing within the last year. Even their own blog doesn’t mention the release of the new M Range.

So it seems these lenses have been introduced without any kind of fanfare. I think it’s quite unusual to have a whole series of lenses released by a well known maker and not have a single review anywhere. If anyone has seen anything, please do post it in the comments.

Seems a shame because they look like interesting, quality lenses. They are undercut by Moment lenses in terms of price. Maybe also the grip or cage + lens system by Beastgrip is also just a little bulky for most casual smartphone shooters, compared to Moment’s case and lens system.

Personally, I’d like to try out that 3X tele lens converter. But I need to save up that almost $200 for it.

Here’s a new movie called A GAMBLER’S ODYSSEY 2020. The film was shot on 20 iPhones with the Beastgrip Pro, Pro Series 1.33X Anamorphic Lens and Pro Series Beastgrip X Kenko 0.75X Wide Angle Lens.

Check out the full Official MoMo Smartphone Filmmaking KIT LIST.

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