22X Telephoto Lens 4 in 1 Kit: What to Know

APEXEL 22X Telephoto Lens 4-in-1 Kit Review — Worth it?

Smartphone cameras are great for most everyday shots, but they struggle when you want true telephoto reach, dramatic wide-angle scenes, or detailed macro close-ups. The APEXEL 4-in-1 22X Telescope Kit promises to turn your phone into a versatile camera—telephoto, fisheye, wide-angle, and macro—at a budget-friendly price. In this review I test how well it delivers in real-world use and whether it’s worth adding to your kit.

First impressions

• Price point: $45.99 (kit includes lenses, clip, phone holder, small tripod, zip case, and a CR2 battery for the remote).
• Included lenses: 22X telephoto, 205° fisheye, 120° wide-angle, 25X macro (wide-angle and macro are threaded together).
• Compatibility claim: Works with most phones — iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Huawei, etc. Clip is adjustable but you may need to remove bulky cases for best stability.

Material & Quality (Specs)

Build quality notes

• The lenses have a solid metal housing and feel reassuringly dense for the price.
• Multi-layer green coating is effective at reducing flare in good light; you can still see edge softness on some lenses in challenging lighting.
• Clip is universal and slides to reach multiple camera positions, but alignment can be fiddly on multi-camera phones. Removing thick cases often helps.
• The mini tripod is handy for telephoto shots but is lightweight—use it on flat ground and avoid wind for best results.

Real-world Experience — Pros & Cons

What I liked (Pros)

• Telephoto reach: The 22X telephoto gives noticeably more reach for distant subjects (sports, concerts, birdwatching) than digital zoom alone.
• Value bundle: You get four creative lens types plus tripod and case—good starter kit for experimenting with mobile photography.
• Macro performance: The 25X macro captures fine details of flowers and insects if you take time to set focus and lighting.
• Fisheye and wide-angle are fun for creative shots and group photos when used correctly.
• Sturdy metal lens barrels feel durable compared with cheaper plastic alternatives.

What to watch out for (Cons)

• Stability: 22X optical zoom magnifies handshake—use the tripod (or a stable surface) and a shutter remote or timer to avoid blur.
• Image quality limits: Telephoto images look good at longer distances in bright light but show softness and reduced contrast in low light; expect lower sharpness than dedicated camera lenses.
• Clip alignment: Getting the lens perfectly centered over tiny multi-lens arrays on modern phones can take several tries; some camera setups (periscope-style tele lenses) are not ideal.
• Macro/wide-angle assembly: The macro and wide-angle are screwed together which is convenient but adds a step when switching modes and can be awkward in the field.
• Vignetting & distortion: Wide-angle and fisheye deliver the expected distortion; wide-angle can show mild vignetting on some phones.

Practical tips

• Remove phone case if the clip won’t sit flat; for some phones you can keep slim cases on.
• Use the rear main camera (not selfie) for best image quality and to take advantage of the highest-resolution sensor.
• For telephoto: mount the clip on the phone, then mount the phone to the tripod for stability. Use the included remote or a camera timer.
• When shooting macro, lock exposure and focus (tap-and-hold on many phones) to keep detail crisp.

Quick Comparison with Competitors

APEXEL 22X vs. Xenvo Pro Lens Kit

• Xenvo Pro: Simpler 2-piece kit (wide + macro) and an LED light—well made and easy to use; better for general social photos and vlogging but lacks a long-reach telephoto.
• APEXEL: Offers true long-range telephoto (22X) and more variety. If your priority is reach and experimentation, APEXEL is the better value; if you want a small, user-friendly kit with reliable optics for everyday use, Xenvo is less fiddly.

APEXEL 22X vs. Moment Phone Lenses (tele or wide)

• Moment: Premium optics and build, superior image quality, and better control for pros, but significantly more expensive and requires Moment cases or a mounting system.
• APEXEL: Far more affordable and includes accessories like tripod and clip. Optical performance won’t match Moment’s glass, but for hobbyists and travelers the trade-off is reasonable.

Who should buy this?

• Casual photographers who want to experiment with telephoto, macro, and creative lenses without a big investment.
• Travelers and hikers who value compact accessories and want a versatile kit to carry in a small pack.
• Birdwatchers or sports fans who want extra reach for distant subjects and are willing to use a tripod for best results.
• Students or content creators on a budget who want more creative options than the native phone lens offers.
• Not ideal for pro photographers who need best-in-class sharpness and low-light performance.

Verdict: Excellent value for the curious mobile photographer. The APEXEL kit delivers impressive reach and creative flexibility for the price—just be mindful of stability and phone compatibility when using the telephoto and macro lenses.

Final thoughts & Call to Action

If you want to explore different mobile photography styles without spending a fortune, the APEXEL 4-in-1 22X Telescope Kit is a practical, fun option. It won’t replace a dedicated camera system, but it extends your phone’s capabilities noticeably.

Interested in trying one? We have an exclusive deal when you buy through our shop—use code REVIEW10 at checkout for a limited-time discount. Check the product listing in our store for details and current offers.