The How-To Series by Fotorgear

How to Setup and Shoot with 2x/3.5x Telephoto Lens 
1121.jpg__PID:53c4ff3a-e542-4468-aa53-34ef4c712df3

WWelcome to The How-To Series by Fotorgear. In this dedicated series, we provide deep-dive tutorials, step-by-step setups, and pro-level tips for our entire gear ecosystem. 
Everything you need to set up and start shooting with the Fotorgear Retro series 2X & 3.5X Telephoto Lenses — optical telephoto magnification with multi-coated glass for portraits, street photography, stage performances, and reaching distant subjects from a comfortable distance.

Video Tutorial

11123.jpg__PID:ce15a6f8-82f3-4797-9dfe-7bd436346f11
Compatibility
5.jpg__PID:d026457a-3bbd-441a-b205-1b4b21f0b8b4

The2× / 3.5× Telephoto Lens is compatible with most iPhone models and most Android devices. Mounting the lens over the (1×) camera creates a circular vignette (telescope effect), which can be resolved by digitally zooming and cropping the frame.

However, we recommend mounting it directly over your phone’s native telephoto camera. Please refer to the native magnification of these popular models below:

BrandPhone Model  Native Telephoto
iPhone15 Pro Max
16 Pro
16 Pro Max
17 Pro 
17 Pro Max 
5X
5X
5X
4X
4X
SonyXperia 1 Vll3.5X
SamsungS23 Ultra
S24 Ultra
S24 Ultra
S25 Ultra
S26 Ultra
3X
5X
5X
5X
5X
XiaomiMi 10 Ultra
Mi 11Ultra
13 Ultra
14 Ultra
15 Ultra
15 pro
17 Ultra
5X
5X
3.5X
5X
4.3X
5X
4.3X
Vivox200 Pro
x200 Ultra
x100 Pro
x100 Ultra
x90 Pro+
3.7X
3.7X
4.3X
3.7X
3.5X
OppoReno 13 Pro
Reno 14 /14 Pro
Find X7 Ultra
Find X8 Ultra
Find X8/X8 Pro
3.5X
3.5X
6X
6X
6X

How It Works: 
The designation (2× or 3.5×) means your camera's native magnification is multiplied by 2 or 3.5.

For example, if you are using an iPhone 16 Pro(native 5× optical zoom):
-With 2× Lens: 5x * 2x =10x optical magnification.
-With 3.5× Lens: 5x * 3.5x =17.5x optical magnification.

This gives you a true optical result with crisp, sharp details—far superior to a blurry frame caused by digital zoom.

Camera Location Guide

The 2X/3.5X Telephoto Lens mounts over the Telephoto camera.
For iPhone Pro & Samsung Galaxy models: Please refer to the diagram below to locate your telephoto camera.

2.jpg__PID:69a30a04-8deb-49fd-a080-393bb614c2ee

For other models: Open your phone's camera app and select the telephoto mode (typically 4× or 5×). Cover the lenses one by one with your finger; when the screen goes completely dark, you have located the native telephoto camera.

First Time Setup

The Telephoto 2× Lens is straightforward to set up — attach, align, and shoot.
Follow these steps for your first use.

  • Attach the lens
    Mount the Telephoto Lens using your Fotorgear case or clip it directly over the telephoto camera using the included clip mount. 
  • Download the Fotorgear APP
    We highly recommend downloading the Fotorgear App—this allows you to lock the sensor and prevents the iPhone camera from automatically switching lenses during your shoot.

    Or open the iPhone Camera app and ensure it is set to the native telephoto mode (4× or 5×).
  • Lens EIS in APP
    -Open the app, swipe left on the red button at the bottom of the viewfinder, and locate "Lens eis."
    -Tap the lens icon at the top to open it, and select "2x" or “3.5x”.

    By shooting this way, your phone will stay locked on the telephoto camera, and you will get footage with electronic image stabilization (EIS).


























  • ..

  • Keep minimum focus distance in mind
    Tap your subject on screen to set focus and exposure. For portraits or static subjects, tap and hold to lock AE/AF.

    Our Telephoto Lenses are engineered for long-distance shooting with the following minimum focus distances:

    2× Telephoto Lens: Approx. 13–16 feet [4–5 meters]
    3.5× Telephoto Lens: Approx. 33–39 feet [10–12 meters]


    Think of it like a pair of binoculars: while they bring a player across the stadium into sharp focus, they cannot focus on the drink in your hand. If you are closer than the minimum distance to your subject, the image will not be able to focus. Step back slightly if you notice the image is persistently soft.
  • Shoot
    The 2× Telephoto Lens works great handheld for medium-to-long-distance shots. It’s ideal for travel portraits with that beautiful, natural background blur, as well as smaller concerts or local stage shows.

    If you need maximum reach, the 3.5× Telephoto Lens is built for capturing distant, steady subjects. Think large stadium concerts, major music festivals, live sports from the stands, or spotting wildlife out on the open plains.

    For longer shoots or hands-free control, take a look at our ecosystem bundles below.
How to use the lens clip
Mounting Options

This lens includes a universal lens clip, allowing you to start shooting immediately without needing a dedicated case.
For those seeking enhanced stability and professional convenience, our T-mount phone cases offer a seamless integration.

6.jpg__PID:2dd30644-5fe2-4664-9642-01bb60784929
7.jpg__PID:9aeda399-2d7d-4c5c-89ab-abe0d7fdde40
Shooting Tips

Practical tips for getting the best results from the Telephoto 2× Lens across portraits, street, events, and moving subjects.

Always shoot at Telephoto

4.jpg__PID:71cfd9fe-75ed-44e2-b3f6-fdfb701fce87

Keep Camera set to Telephoto camera at all times when the this Lens is attached.
 
Due to automatic lens-switching on native devices as subject distance shifts, we recommend covering the wide (1×) and ultra-wide (0.5×) cameras with a lens sticker to lock your frame.

*Dedicated lens stickers are included in the box for this purpose.

Use it with Fotorgear APP

3.jpg__PID:35eee26c-8415-4cc6-ae05-521287667c31

Or you can skip the stickers entirely by shooting with the Fotorgear App (available for free download).

Simply open the app, select Lens EIS Mode, and choose the 2× Lens or 3.5x Lens.

This completely locks your camera to the native telephoto sensor, preventing any automatic lens-switching.

Great for concerts, festivals & stage performances

The Telephoto lens paired with the Fotorgear App’s electronic image stabilization (EIS) makes it perfect for capturing distant live events. Even when you are deep in the crowd or far from the stage, this setup lets you record crisp, shake-free footage of the performance without losing clarity.

Keep the glass clean

Multi-coated glass maximises sharpness and contrast, but fingerprints and dust still show up in your shots. Wipe the front element with the included lens pouch before every shoot, especially in bright or backlit conditions where smears become most visible.

Add-on options

This classic telephoto lens doubles as a powerful macro tool. By pairing it with our add-on Macro Lens, you can instantly unlock the best of both worlds—combining extreme telephoto reach with stunning macro close-ups in a single setup.

8.jpg__PID:a8bc27f6-71c4-4b7b-a49b-096dda2c338c
9.jpg__PID:f4e25aa3-f116-4f88-9ee1-89410446f292

The Macro Add-on Lens kit features a stackable design and includes two specialized macro lenses per set.

Depending on your subject, you can use them individually or combine them to customize your depth and distance.

Mix and match your setup freely to capture the exact scale your subject demands.

1 Lens Attached: 15.7 in (40cm) Focus Distance — Ideal for medium close-ups.
2 Lenses Stacked: 7.9 in (20cm) Focus Distance — Engineered for extreme, ultra-sharp macro detail.

What's Included 2X:

2X Telephoto Lens:
1 * 2X Telephoto Lens;
1 * Lens Clip;
1 * Metal Lens Cap;
1 * Rubber Lens Dust Cap;
1 * Premium Leather Protective Box;
1 * Microfiber Cleaning Cloth;
1 * Lens Identification Sticker

Macro Lens Kit:
2 * Macro Add-on Lenses;
1 *  Protective Bag

What's Included 3.5X:

3.5X Telephoto Lens:
1 * 3.5X Telephoto Lens;
1 * Lens Clip;
1 * Metal Lens Cap;
1 * Rubber Lens Dust Cap;
1 * Premium Leather Protective Box;
1 * Microfiber Cleaning Cloth;
1 * Lens Identification Sticker

Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
Fotorgear Retro Series 2X Telephoto & Macro Lens Kit
レトロ - 2倍望遠&マクロレンズキット
$99.00
Liquid error (sections/pf-1811f4b2 line 92): product form must be given a product