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Introduction
When Apexel got in touch and asked whether I’d like to test their APL TM6 Telephoto and Macro Lens, I assumed I was reviewing another smartphone accessory.
After spending a week using it, I realised I’d actually been testing something much more interesting.
Not whether it could zoom further.
But whether it could change the way I approached photography with the camera I already carry every day.
Modern smartphones are incredible
If you’d shown me my iPhone 17 Pro ten years ago, I’d probably have thought it belonged in a science fiction film.
Today, it’s capable of shooting YouTube videos, social media content and surprisingly cinematic footage without ever reaching for my Sony camera.
Like many creators, it’s become the camera that’s always with me.
But despite everything modern smartphones can do, there are still a few things software struggles to replicate.
Natural optical compression.
Real telephoto reach.
Detailed macro photography.
That’s exactly what made the TM6 interesting to me.
First impressions
One thing I appreciated straight away was that this didn’t feel like another cheap clip on phone lens.
The aluminium body feels reassuringly solid, the optics are multi coated glass and, despite adding another piece of kit to my bag, it only weighs around 121 grams.
That might not sound important, but I’ve learnt over the years that if something isn’t easy to carry, it usually gets left behind.
The TM6 is small enough that I could slip it into a jacket pocket and forget it was there until I needed it.
Shooting with it
One thing that caught me out initially was mounting it on the iPhone.
Using it over the main camera at 1x produces a circular image because of the lens’ narrow field of view.
Switching to 2x or 4x immediately solves that and, after a few minutes, it became second nature.
Then something unexpected happened.
I stopped thinking about the lens.
Instead, I started noticing photographs I’d usually walk straight past.
Buildings.
Wildlife.
Interesting textures.
Layers within landscapes.
The lens wasn’t simply helping me zoom further.
It was encouraging me to look differently.
My favourite feature wasn’t the telephoto lens
Ironically, it was the macro lens.
As someone who regularly films close up B roll of microphones, watches, camera gear and other tech, the ability to get incredibly close without sacrificing detail opened up entirely new creative possibilities.
Some of my favourite shots from testing weren’t landscapes or distant buildings.
They were tiny details I’d never have thought to capture before.
The trade off
One of the biggest strengths of the iPhone is how quickly you can start shooting.
Take it out of your pocket.
Open the Camera app.
Press record.
Adding an external lens inevitably slows that process down.
You have another accessory to carry and another step before you’re ready to shoot.
If your priority is capturing moments instantly, that may not suit your workflow.
For me, though, I realised that wasn’t really the point.
The TM6 isn’t trying to replace the convenience of your phone.
It’s trying to expand what your phone can do when you’re prepared to slow down and create something more intentionally.
Final thoughts
When this lens arrived, I thought I was reviewing another smartphone accessory.
Instead, I found myself questioning how I approached photography.
It didn’t replace my Sony camera.
It didn’t magically transform my iPhone into a cinema camera.
What it did do was encourage me to slow down.
To look harder.
To notice details I’d usually walk straight past.
I’ve always believed becoming a better creator isn’t about buying the newest camera.
Sometimes it’s about getting more from the one you already own.
This lens reminded me of that.
It didn’t change my iPhone.
It changed what I looked for with it.
Where to buy
If you’d like to take a closer look at the Apexel APL TM6, you can find it here:
Product: Apexel TeleMacro 6X Zoom Lens
Discount Code: CONVEYO15OFF
This code gives you 15% off at checkout.
Disclosure: Apexel sent me the TM6 for review. As always, all opinions are my own.