Over the past couple of days, we have been having fun trying out two Discovery Channel products; a smartphone microscope and telescope. I was kindly sent both of these items to review from Paladone. Here are my thoughts…
Discovery Channel Smartphone Telescope
RRP £19.99 (Buy here via Amazon)
Description
Capture images from a greater distance than ever before with a standard smartphone or tablet camera using this 11.5cm telescope with an incredible 10x zoom. The Discovery Smartphone Telescope can be easily clipped onto the phone/ tablet and has a mini stand to steady it further.
Review
I found this abit fiddly to use with my particular phone (Samsung Galaxy S8+) as it took a few minutes to get it aligned. When I tried to adjust the lens it then slipped again. However, perhaps it is easier to use on different make/ model phones or other devices.
I was abit disappointed to discover it didn’t seem to work in the dark, unless I was doing something wrong maybe? But I did expect a telescope could be used at night to study the stars to be honest.
However, I decided to try to spot Santa in his sleigh indoors under artificial light instead, to see how it fared under those conditions. I used the telescope from about 5 metres away and found it zoomed in very well, it lost a fair amount of quality to say the least, but it did the job of making it seem closer up.
I think it would probably be better to invest in an actual telescope but this does make an interesting novelty item. It is ok for exploring the principle of telescopes and discussing how they work.
Discovery Channel Smartphone Microscope
RRP £9.99 (Purchase from Amazon here)
Description
This microscope smartphone lens captures images in microscopic detail and is compatible with most smartphone cameras. The lens has a powerful 30x zoom, enabling you to capture images with your camera phone in great detail.
Review
I really liked this smartphone microscope. It aligned easily on my phone and worked well under a range of conditions, including in the dark. See the photo below for an example; it is of ice particles and was taken outdoors at night under the microscope.
I tested it out using different items, including man-made materials and natural items too. I compared it to the zoom on my phone and was really impressed with the detail and quality!
In summary, I think this is really good value for money and works very well. It is definitely worth buying in my opinion!
*Disclosure: I was sent both of these items for the purpose of review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have never used anything like this for my phone, but I think it is just excellent. Easy to move about, which is perfect for me on the go! Definitely well worth it.
I didn’t even know these existed. Will try out the microscope. Looks like fun!
Omg this is so cool! I wish I’d known about this so i could have gotten this for my dad as a stocking stuffer.
Great review, I was actually interested with the telescope, but thanks for your review at least I was able to get feedback before getting one. Though I am not in need for the microscope for now, but that’s also good to know.