The iPhone is not just a phone; it’s a highly portable device with some of the best camera technology you can have. With the iPhone’s camera, you can exercise your creativity and build your photography skills everywhere you go. It’s also worth noting that the iPhone camera only represents the foundation. Like most conventional cameras, the iPhone can benefit greatly from the addition of iPhone camera accessories.
Previously, we covered iPhone Photography Tips to improve your mobile photography skills. For this article, we’ll look at the best iPhone photography accessories to expand your creative toolkit. Professional photographers and enthusiasts alike already use the following accessories to make their iPhone camera better and more dynamic, and soon you will, too.
Important note for iPhone 15, 16, and 17 users: Apple transitioned from Lightning to USB-C starting with the iPhone 15. If you own an iPhone 15 or newer, pay close attention to connector types when shopping for accessories. Several popular accessories that once used Lightning now offer USB-C versions, and we’ve noted the correct model for each connector type throughout this guide.
Best iPhone Photography Accessories: At a Glance
This guide covers the best accessories to level up your iPhone photography, from tripods and lenses to lighting, audio, and power solutions.
- Tripods, Mounts and Straps – Stabilize your iPhone for sharper photos and video
- iPhone Lenses – Expand your field of view with add-on optics
- iPhone Lighting Accessories – Portable LED solutions for any shooting situation
- Microphones for iPhone Video – Upgrade your audio quality for professional results
- Remote Shutter Release – Trigger your camera hands-free from a distance
- Storage and Batteries – Keep shooting longer with extra power and storage
- Frequently Asked Questions – Common questions about iPhone camera accessories
iPhone Photography Accessories: Tripods, Mounts and Straps
Tripods might look a little different for iPhones due to their small stature, but they still serve the same function. Generally, tripods come equipped with three-legged support to keep the camera steady and prevent blur caused by shaky hands. While iPhones feature incredible in-camera stability, the added stability that tripods provide takes it up a notch. With the right tripod and mount, you can take sharp, clear, and well-composed photos with your iPhone. There are various types of tripods and mounts available for iPhone, including tabletop tripods, flexible tripods, and clamp mounts.
For long exposure photography, night shots, or time-lapse sequences, a tripod is practically essential. Even with the iPhone’s optical image stabilization, any slight hand movement during a multi-second exposure will show up as blur. A solid tripod eliminates that variable entirely and lets you focus on composition instead of fighting camera shake.
SmallRig All-in-One Universal Quick Release Phone Video Rig Kit Pro
The SmallRig All-in-One Universal Quick Release Phone Video Rig Kit Pro (Model 4704) offers a comprehensive solution for professional smartphone videography, featuring a universal quick-release phone cage, dual rotating handles, tripod, LED light, microphone, power bank holder, and additional accessories. Designed for wide compatibility, the cage fits phones 2.52 to 3.46 inches wide, supporting various iPhone, Samsung, Huawei, and Google Pixel models, even with cases, and offers both MagSafe and clip-based attachments. The dual handles enable 360-degree rotation, allowing easy switching between side and top grip modes. A detachable wireless controller on the handle offers remote shutter and recording control from up to 32.8 feet.
This kit includes the SmallRig P96 LED light with adjustable brightness and color temperature (2700K to 6500K), as well as a shotgun microphone with a cardioid pattern to reduce background noise, both battery-free and ready to use. The phone cage provides extensive 1/4″-20 threaded holes, cold shoes, and quick-release points, allowing flexible expansion with additional accessories. Paired with a quick-release tripod, the setup supports seamless transitions between handheld and tripod shooting, making it a versatile tool for capturing high-quality video on the go. If you’re looking for a single purchase that covers multiple needs at once, this kit is hard to beat.
Joby GripTight ONE Mount
One of the best mounts for iPhone is the Joby GripTight ONE Mount. It features a spring-loaded grip that can accommodate phones between 2.2 and 3.6 inches wide, with or without a case. The mount includes a standard 1/4″-20 tripod attachment, so you can pair it with virtually any tripod you already own or plan to buy. It’s a simple, reliable solution for anyone who wants to quickly mount their iPhone for stable shooting without fussing over complicated setups.
DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Smartphone Gimbal
As they say, “Optical and digital image/video stabilization isn’t enough for iPhone photographers.” If that’s the case with you, a smartphone gimbal is the answer. DJI’s latest entry, the Osmo Mobile 7 series (launched February 2025), replaces the older Osmo Mobile 6 and brings meaningful improvements for iPhone filmmakers.
Whether you are jumping, walking, or running, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7 makes sure that your photos or videos are buttery smooth and stable. The standard Osmo Mobile 7 ($89) includes ActiveTrack 7.0 for improved subject tracking, a built-in tripod for quick setup, and a telescopic extension rod. For creators who want even more, the Osmo Mobile 7P ($179) adds a Multifunctional Module with a built-in LED light and microphone receiver support. Although investing in a gimbal can cost you a bit, it’s undoubtedly one of the best iPhone camera accessories to dramatically improve your video quality.
Check Pricing & Availability Here: B&H | Amazon
Joby GorillaPod GripTight One
Like its big brother, the original GorillaPods, the GorillaPod GripTight One by Joby is versatile, has bendable legs, and has a sturdy build quality. If you are serious about getting outstanding shots from absolutely any setting, then the GripTight One has got your back.
The GripTight One features rubber feet that provide a stable grip across all surfaces, flexible ball-and-socket legs that wrap around poles, branches, or railings, and a ball head that offers 360-degree swivel with tilt up to 90 degrees. This combination of the GripTight ONE Mount and GorillaPod 325 tripod supports devices up to 11.5 ounces, which covers virtually every iPhone model. Whether you’re wrapping it around a fence post for a unique angle or setting it on a table for a quick time-lapse, this tripod adapts to situations where a traditional tripod simply won’t work.
Check Pricing & Availability Here: Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Moment Neck Strap
Breaks are essential, and during those breaks, the Neck Strap by Moment can lend a helping hand. This high-quality neck strap will hold your iPhone for you when you need to free your hands.
The Moment Neck Strap can be adjusted from 37 inches to 44 inches, and it’s made from premium Ecco leather with a microfiber-lined neck pad for all-day comfort. Matte black buckles and hardware give it a clean, professional look. Moment’s newer versions feature a QuickLink connection system that pairs with their latest phone cases for fast attachment and release. If you’re shooting all day at an event or walking around a city, having your iPhone securely around your neck keeps it accessible while freeing up both hands.
Check Pricing & Availability Here: Amazon
iPhone Lenses
Lenses represent another essential accessory for iPhone photography. They can help you capture a wider field of view, zoom in on distant objects, and add creative effects to your photos. Some of the most popular types of lenses for iPhone include wide-angle lenses, telephoto lenses, macro lenses, and fisheye lenses. While the latest iPhone models already pack impressive multi-lens camera systems, add-on lenses push your creative range even further by offering focal lengths and perspectives that the built-in cameras simply can’t match.
Moment Lenses
Moment lenses are one of the must-have accessories to make the iPhone camera better. They’re available in various specifications including the Wide 18mm, Tele 58mm, Fisheye 14mm, Anamorphic (1.33x and 1.55x), and the newer Macro 75mm II and Macro 10x II lenses.
One of the best lens options for iPhone is the Moment Wide 18mm Lens. It’s a high-quality lens that offers a wider field of view than the iPhone’s built-in camera. For this reason, this lens is ideal for landscape and architectural photography, and it also works well for capturing group photos and selfies.
You can buy any of the Moment lenses and pop them directly on top of your iPhone’s camera. Note that Moment lenses won’t improve the sensor quality of the image but significantly alter the angle of view and make your shots stand out.
Choosing the Right Moment Lens Generation
Moment currently offers two lens generations. The T-Series (released 2023) is designed for iPhone 14 and newer models with larger sensors and 24mm or wider base focal lengths. The older M-Series is intended for iPhone 13 and earlier, and Moment has been phasing it out with closeout pricing. If you’re buying new, go with the T-Series for the best optical performance on current iPhones. Moment also offers a trade-in program if you’re upgrading from M-Series lenses.
Moment lenses require a compatible Moment case with a built-in lens mount, or you can use Moment’s drop-in mounts (starting around $5) for a more affordable entry point. This gives you more flexibility than the older system, which required the full case for every lens swap.
Check Pricing & Availability Here: Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Sandmarc Lenses
Sandmarc lenses, much like the Moment ones mentioned above, are also on the must-have accessories list to make the iPhone camera better. You can find Sandmarc lenses in various bundles and styles like macro, wide-angle, fisheye, telephoto, and anamorphic.
Buy any of the Sandmarc lenses and pop them directly on top of your iPhone’s camera. As an added bonus, the Sandmarc lenses come with a clip-mount so that you can use them without a specific case. And you can use them on any smartphone camera, not just the iPhone. This universal compatibility makes Sandmarc a great option if you switch between phone brands or want to share lenses with friends and family who use Android devices.
Check Pricing & Availability Here: Amazon | Sandmarc
iPhone Lighting Accessories
Lighting is crucial for photography, and it’s no different when it comes to iPhone photography. Good lighting can help you capture bright, vibrant, and sharp photos, while poor lighting can result in blurry or grainy images. There are various types of lighting accessories available for iPhone, including LED lights, ring lights, and portable softbox kits. Even a small, portable LED can make a dramatic difference in the quality of your iPhone photos, especially in indoor settings, during golden hour fill, or when shooting in mixed lighting conditions.
Lumecube Lighting Kit
One of the best lighting options for iPhone is the Lume Cube 2.0. It’s a small, portable LED light that can be mounted directly onto your iPhone or attached to a tripod via its 1/4″-20 thread. This waterproof light features adjustable brightness levels and is built for both outdoor and indoor photography.
The Lume Cube 2.0 is definitely one of the best iPhone camera accessories for both professional mobile photographers and videographers.
The Lumecube Lighting Kit produces 1500 lumens of bright, daylight-balanced light at 5600K with a CRI rating of 95+, which means colors look accurate and natural under this light. It comes with a cube and a smartphone mount. To give your shots a professional look, the kit also includes filters and diffusers. The 80-degree beam angle eliminates hot spots for smooth, even coverage. Because of their small size, you can take them anywhere. The Lume Cube 2.0 is waterproof down to 30 feet, charges via USB-C, and can be controlled wirelessly through the Lume-X app on your iPhone or Android device. It’s one of the best iPhone camera accessories to emulate studio lighting on location.
Check Pricing & Availability Here: Adorama | B&H | Amazon | Lume Cube
Auxiwa Clip-On Light
Photos and videos are all about lighting. Even the iPhone’s camera can get sluggish in low-light situations. And that’s precisely where you’ll find the Auxiwa Clip-On Light useful. With this iPhone photography accessory, you just need to clip it on, and you are ready to shoot.
The Auxiwa Clip-On Light features 36 LEDs and three intensity modes that are perfect for absolutely any setting. It’s an ideal budget-friendly option for quick selfie lighting, video calls, or when you need just a little extra fill light without carrying a full lighting kit. The rechargeable battery and lightweight clip design make it easy to toss in a pocket or bag for on-the-go use.
Check Pricing & Availability Here: Amazon
iPhone Camera Accessories for Video: Microphones
Like stable motion, good audio can make the difference between professional quality video and an amateur one. For that reason, don’t skip on iPhone camera accessories that will improve the audio in your videos. All iPhone filmmakers should consider investing in a quality iPhone microphone. The built-in microphones on the iPhone are surprisingly capable for casual use, but they pick up too much ambient noise for serious video work, especially outdoors or in busy environments.
Rode VideoMic Me-C+ (USB-C) / Rode VideoMic Me-L (Lightning)
The iPhone’s camera is considered to be one of the most capable video cameras today. However, it lacks microphone quality. That’s where Rode’s VideoMic Me series can come in handy. These compact directional microphones plug directly into your iPhone and deliver crystal clear audio quality while minimizing background noise.
Which Version Do You Need?
For iPhone 15, 16, and 17 (USB-C): You need the Rode VideoMic Me-C+. This is the USB-C version with MFi certification for iOS compatibility. Note that the original “VideoMic Me-C” (without the plus) was designed for Android only, so make sure you get the Me-C+ model specifically for use with newer iPhones.
For iPhone 14 and older (Lightning): The original Rode VideoMic Me-L remains the correct choice. It plugs directly into the Lightning port and works without batteries or additional setup.
Both versions feature a directional cardioid pickup pattern, a 3.5mm headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring, and include a mic clip and furry windshield for outdoor use. They’re plug-and-play with no batteries required, making them one of the easiest audio upgrades you can make for iPhone video.
Check Pricing & Availability Here: Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Remote Shutter Release iPhone Camera Accessories
Remote shutter releases allow you to trigger your iPhone’s camera from a distance, without having to physically touch your phone. This can prove particularly useful when taking selfies, group photos, or long-exposure shots. There are various types of remote shutter release options available for iPhone, including Bluetooth remotes, wired remotes, and self-timer apps. A remote shutter also helps eliminate the micro-vibrations that happen when you tap the screen, which is especially helpful during low-light or macro photography where even the slightest movement shows up in the final image.
Movo PR-1 Smartphone Grip
One of the best remote shutter release options for iPhone is the Movo PR-1 Smartphone Grip. It’s a versatile grip that can be used as a tripod mount, a selfie stick, and a remote shutter release. The Movo PR-1 connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth, allowing you to trigger the camera from up to 30 feet away. This makes it a handy all-in-one tool for solo creators who need to set up shots and trigger the shutter without running back and forth.
iPhone Camera Accessories: Storage and Batteries
Finally, storage is an essential aspect of iPhone photography. With increasingly higher resolution photos and videos (especially ProRes and 4K content on newer models), it’s easy to run out of storage space quickly. Fortunately, there are various types of storage options available for iPhone, including iCloud storage, external hard drives, and USB drives.
SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe
Updated Model for Current iPhones
The SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe is the updated version that works with both Lightning and USB-C iPhones thanks to its dual-connector design. This is an important distinction, because the original iXpand Flash Drive used Lightning only and won’t work with iPhone 15 or newer. Additionally, the original iXpand Drive app was discontinued in April 2025, so for file management on newer iPhones you’ll want to use the iOS Files app or the SanDisk Memory Zone app instead.
The iXpand Flash Drive Luxe is a small USB drive that can be used to transfer files between your iPhone and computer with USB 3.0 speeds. It’s a practical solution for quickly offloading photos and videos during a shoot without needing a Wi-Fi connection or cloud storage. Available in capacities up to 256GB, it offers plenty of room for thousands of photos or hours of video. Password protection keeps your content secure, and the compact metal housing is durable enough to toss in a gear bag without worry.
ToughTested 10,000mAh Solar Charger and Wireless Portable Power Bank
While battery cases used to be a thing, more and more people are turning to wireless chargers to keep their iPhones going. The more rugged, portable, and powerful, the better. Of course, price will always factor in as well. Because of this, we’ve selected a solar charger that checks all the boxes. Say hello to the ToughTested 10,000mAh Solar Charger and Wireless Portable Power Bank. It’s a “powerful” solution for people who are serious about using iPhone camera accessories to level up their iPhone photography game.
This entry for iPhone photography accessories features a built-in 10,000mAh battery, LED flashlight, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port. You can also rest easier knowing that it has a waterproof rating of IP65 to protect it from heavy rain and dust. Basically, it can go anywhere you go and make it safely through. The wireless charging feature is a nice touch for quick top-ups when you’re out in the field, and the solar panel provides a trickle charge to help keep the bank topped off during long outdoor sessions.
Check Pricing & Availability Here: B&H
Frequently Asked Questions About iPhone Photography Accessories
Do iPhone camera accessories work with both Lightning and USB-C iPhones?
It depends on the accessory. Universal accessories like tripods, mounts, lenses, and Bluetooth devices work with all iPhones regardless of the charging port. However, accessories that plug directly into your iPhone (like wired microphones and flash drives) are connector-specific. iPhone 15 and newer use USB-C, while iPhone 14 and older use Lightning. Always check which connector version you need before purchasing. When in doubt, look for dual-connector accessories like the SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe that include both Lightning and USB-C.
What is the single best iPhone accessory for improving photo quality?
If you could only buy one accessory, a portable LED light like the Lume Cube 2.0 will have the most noticeable impact on your photo quality. Lighting is the single biggest factor in photography, and even a small, well-placed light can transform a mediocre shot into a professional-looking image. That said, if video is your focus, a gimbal like the DJI Osmo Mobile 7 is arguably the most transformative upgrade you can make.
Do I need a special case to use iPhone camera lenses?
It depends on the lens brand. Moment lenses work best with a Moment case that has a built-in lens mount, though Moment also sells affordable drop-in mounts as an alternative. Sandmarc lenses, on the other hand, include a universal clip-mount that works with any phone and any case, so no special case is needed. If you want maximum flexibility across multiple devices, clip-mount lenses are the easier option.
Are MagSafe accessories compatible with all iPhone models?
MagSafe is built into iPhone 12 and newer models. Older iPhones can use MagSafe accessories with an adhesive magnetic ring adapter, though the connection won’t be as strong. Many modern iPhone photography accessories, including the SmallRig phone cage featured in this article, support both MagSafe attachment and traditional clip-based mounting for broader compatibility.
What iPhone accessories do I need to start shooting professional-looking video?
For a solid starter video kit, you’ll want three things: a stabilizer (like a gimbal or tripod), an external microphone, and a small LED light. The SmallRig All-in-One Video Rig Kit Pro bundles all three into a single package, which makes it a great starting point. From there, you can add specialized accessories like lenses or a power bank as your needs grow. Good audio is especially critical for video, so if your budget is tight, prioritize a microphone first.
Conclusion | iPhone Camera Accessories
Summing up, having the best iPhone camera accessories at your disposal can help boost your photography potential. Camera technology gets better every year with the introduction of new features and higher resolution images. The iPhone photography accessories we listed above are all affordable and readily available. They exist to help push your creativity and make your photos that much better. For this reason, be sure to use them and take your iPhone photography experience to a whole new level.
With the iPhone’s transition to USB-C starting with the iPhone 15, it’s a good time to review your current accessories and make sure everything is compatible with your specific model. The accessories in this guide have been verified for availability and updated to reflect the latest product versions, so you can shop with confidence knowing you’re getting the right gear for your iPhone.
