If your smartphone’s cameras still don’t get you close enough to the action, there’s a new accessory worth considering. The PGYTech 2.35x telephoto extender, previously bundled with high-end Vivo phones, is now available for iPhones as well.
Known as the RetroVa Vintage Imaging Kit, the accessory is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, as spotted by Android Authority. When paired with Apple’s Pro models, it delivers up to 10x native zoom (235mm) on the iPhone 17 Pro series and 11.7x native zoom (282mm) on the iPhone 16 Pro lineup, combining the add-on’s 2.35x magnification with the phones’ built-in telephoto lenses.
Interest in the kit appears strong. At the time of writing, the Kickstarter campaign has already far exceeded its $10,000 goal, raising over $60,000. Early backers can secure the kit for $184 (around £134 / AU$263), while the planned retail price after the campaign ends is $229.95 (roughly £167 / AU$328).
As with any crowdfunded project, backing the campaign doesn’t guarantee delivery. That said, PGYTech has prior experience producing similar lens accessories for Vivo devices, which lends some confidence to the project.
“Results that speak for themselves”
The “RetroVa” name reflects the vintage-inspired design of the clip-on case that houses the telephoto lens, complete with a chunky grip for improved handling. The case can also be purchased separately, offering a more camera-like grip for iPhone photography and video even without the lens attached.
We previously spent time with the Vivo version of this accessory and came away impressed, describing it as “something special” among smartphone camera add-ons, with results that genuinely “speak for themselves.” There were some caveats, including minor stabilization and autofocus challenges, but the overall image quality stood out.
As our reviewer put it at the time: “When I first saw this lens, I assumed it would be a gimmick. External phone lenses usually lead to noticeable image degradation. This one, however, is genuinely impressive.”
While it’s too early to say exactly how the iPhone version will perform, expectations are that it will deliver a similar experience to the Vivo kit. In our testing, the accessory produced photos and videos that looked closer to mirrorless camera output—without the cost or bulk of carrying a dedicated camera.
The RetroVa Vintage Imaging Kit is expected to begin shipping in March 2026, leaving plenty of time for interested buyers to get in early. Alongside the lens and case, the kit also includes additional physical camera buttons and a microSD card slot to expand storage capacity.
