We've seen multi-lens attachments for iPhone before, of course, notably the iPhone Lens Dial, but the iPhone 5's change in form factor inevitably ushers in a new wave of such devices. The TurtleJacket PentaEye from Turtleback is among the early runners and riders, and crams in an impressive four lenses to the Lens Dial's three.
Like the Lens Dial, the PentaEye mounts a series of lenses on a wheel that is rotated to line the selected lens up with the iPhone's integrated lens.
Also like the Lens Dial, the PentaEye appears to be pitched at the semi-serious iPhone photographer, sporting a 0.33x fish eye lens, a 0.7x wide lens, a 1.5x tele lens and a close-up lens for macro shots at a focal length of about 2 cm (just under an inch). Why PentaEye, then? A fifth aperture in the wheel which will let the user snap away with the iPhone 5's own lens.
If the dial part of the PentaEye is detached, a 37-mm lens mount is exposed, to which telephoto or a variety of other specialist lenses can be attached, including (conveniently enough) Turtleback's entire range of lenses. Also likely to boost appeal among the photography community are its two integrated tripod mounts and strap holders. All of which is set into a rugged-looking black aluminum body that weighs in at 105 g (3.7 oz).
The TurtleJacket PentaEye is available to order from Turtleback as of this week for the sum of HK$2,080 (US$268).
Product page: TurtleJacket PentaEye
