Mobile accessory review: Easy-Macro

If you love macro photography and the simple things in life, Easy-Macro is the rubber band for you. It’s a blue rubber band with an embedded acrylic lens that gives you roughly 1:3.5 magnification. That’s it.

The minimalist design of the Easy-Macro has several benefits. First, it fits on just about any camera phone. That means you won’t have to shell out for another one when you upgrade your phone, and you can lend it to a friend if you're  so inclined. Second, it’s easy to carry. You can just leave it on your phone, or you can slip it around the credit-card-size plastic card it comes with and carry it in your wallet. Finally, it’s cheap. While $15 may seem pricey for a rubber band, it’s pretty reasonable when you consider that this one comes with a versatile mobile macro lens built in.

Summary:

The Easy-Macro is 10 percent material and 90 percent cleverness, and will give you a simple way to take a fresh look at the world through your smartphone.  If you’re looking for an inexpensive macro lens for your camera phone, you won’t find one that’s better, or more simply designed. Even when you’re not taking pictures, it comes in handy as a magnifier. Personally, I haven’t enjoyed a rubber band this much since Santa put that rubber band ball in my stocking.

What we like: Fits nearly any camera phone, pocket and wallet at $15.

What we don't like: Images show slight softness and color fringing at the edges, and minor distortion at maximum magnification.