iPhone 17 Pro gets 24x zoom with new Sandmarc Tetraprism lens

California-based accessory maker Sandmarc has launched a new Tetraprism 72mm iPhone lens that adds 3x optical zoom to the iPhone 17 Pro’s built-in tetraprism telephoto lens.

iPhone 17 Pro’s 48MP Fusion Telephoto lens offers true 4x optical zoom at a 100mm equivalent focal length. Combined with the 72mm Sandmarc lens, which also adds true optical magnification, it can extend the effective zoom up to 24x on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. According to Sandmarc, users will get 12x optical zoom at full 48MP resolution or up to 24x at 24MP.

Sandmarc claims the multi-element, multi-layered glass construction maintains sharpness and color accuracy at distance while reducing glare. The company also says the optical compression effect is ideal for landscapes, cityscapes and wildlife, or the kind of tight layered look you’d normally need a dedicated camera to achieve.

The 72mm lens sits alongside Sandmarc’s existing 48mm model, which offers 2x magnification. Both mount directly to the quad camera, but require a professional third-party camera app like Halide or Blackmagic Camera, as Apple’s stock Camera app can automatically switch lenses.

The lens is also compatible with the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max, with a zoom range of up to 15x on these models. The lens itself weighs 180 grams and is integrated with the Sandmarc housing and filter mounting system. The 72mm lens costs $299, while the 48mm model costs $249. Both can be ordered from the Sandmarc website.