12x Metal Aluminum Mobile Camera Telephoto Zoom Lens for Samsung Galaxy S3 Siii I9300 with Tripod

First, must say that when you know what this is "up front", then it's a lot easier to review it objectively - so that's why I'm writing this. The actual optic is made of aluminum, comes in a nice velvet bag (for the optical housing), and a tripod. Both it and the phone attaches well to the specially crafted phone adapter.It's a 12x optical (NON-ZOOM) lens, similar to a monocular (one lens binocular) - though the lens body allows you to focus, you can't change the degree of zoom per se. However, you can use your S3's on screen zoom: at max camera zoom, it yields an effective 48x zoom. The tripod is useful but becomes critical when using the phone's zoom because the smallest shake is enough to cause the picture to destabilize. This is countered by the S3's internal image adjustment system when on the tripod.It is NOT something you'll use to take pictures at sporting events, action scenes, etc... as it is unwieldy and takes a couple of minutes to assemble (you're effectively assembling a 4 piece unit, then turning the camera on and then trying to focus), and as I said, shaky hands will cause the image to destabilize. Unless you have VERY good hands (or with lots of practice) you'll be limited to still shots or "set field" shots - where you know the action is coming into your pre-set field of view (you know... spy-cam shots). That said, it does an excellent job at what it does and the build is of good quality. You can attach it and set it on your table, and it really looks cool - and people will wonder where you get those wonderful toys.I will NOT give it 5 stars because it stated, "Turns your i9300 into a professional camera" - and that it cannot do... and ; "Great for taking pictures from a distance" - it will allow you to take pictures from a distance, but it's not GREAT for that purpose. In short, it's a novelty. Usable, but a novelty nonetheless. Functionality, I would give it 3 stars. The optic's build quality, how well it works with the S3, and the novelty adds another star for me.

The first thing I noticed about this item was that it's well made, it has some weight to it which to me means it's not some cheap piece of plastic junk. Now in order to use this lens you have to remove whatever case cover you might be using, if you are using one that is. I'm not talking about the back cover of the camera itself but a case cover, I hope I've made that clear. Anyway once the new case cover is in place you simply screw the lens into the cover which I found very easy to do. Open up your camera app and you're ready to take some pictures using your new lens. One suggestion I might make is to turn down the resolution using your camera settings and you will get a better picture using this lens, at least that was the case for me. Also keep in mind you don't need to mount the lens on the tripod to use it but if you don't have a steady hand then the tripod comes in very handy. Mounting the lens/camera to the tripod is a snap, no tools needed. As for the image quality of the pictures using this lens I'm satisfied with them so far and will continue adjusting my camera settings to take even better pictures. You do have to twist the lens into focus when using it but that's no big deal. For the price I'd say this is a pretty good deal and an interesting attachment for a camera phone which you could have some fun with. With regards to the tripod, if you pull down on the legs they extend close to another three inches, I"m not certain that this was covered in the instructions but it is something you should know. And I also discovered that my small digital camera and my small video camera both mount to the tripod (mounting holes and mounting screw are the same diameter) meaning I can use the tripod beyond it's intended use. If you have other cameras perhaps this will work for you as well. Bottom line this worth the price and I'm sure you will not regret the purchase.

I had to return mine, it just wouldn't ever focus on anything. I'm assuming it was defective by the shots that were shown by other users and on the box cover.the presentation and product was very good, unboxing was actually more than a 5 minute ordeal which is good. Lots of goodies to look at and examine. It went together very nicely for the most part, some pieces weren't as tight as I'd like to have them.It also wouldn't hold my Galaxy S3 up in many positions. The weight ratios just aren't right. The legs were too short and cheaply made so they didn't seem like they would hold up long at all.All in all though I gave it a three because this is probably just right for somebody out there, but just not for me and my project. I ended up buying a Joby GP1-D1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod and an iStabilizer Mount Smartphone Tripod Mount here on Amazon to replace it. The strong legs look great for my phone and I don't need the 12x zoom at all. I thought this would serve as a tripod or a zoom, but it's only both at the same time. You can't mount the phone to the tripod without the lens.

I love my Samsung Galaxy SIII. It does everything I want it to do. However, I noticed how wide angled the camera is when I returned from a vacation. Any picture of a distant object looks much farther away than it actually was. I needed some type of a real zoom to capture those distant images better.Some telephoto lenses were plastic and looked cheaply constructed. I took a chance on this 12x model because it looked sturdy. My expectations were met. Distant images are crisp and clear. The focus ring is easy to adjust for any distance, and the case snaps on/off easily. A small tripod is a nice addition since any slight movement at such a zoom can be translated into blurring of the image, but it isn't necessary if you hold the phone still. The lense comes with a nice, soft carrying case. I only wish it was slightly larger to also accommodate the tripod.If you are looking to solve the problem of distant objects being very small or you aren't impressed with the digital 'zoom' on the phone, this lens is worth trying out . It is a great price for what it is, IMHO.