Vivo's new 400mm teleconverter lens shows rivals Oppo and Apple how it's done

Vivo has unveiled a new G2 Ultra 4.7x teleconverter lens as part of its X500 series of smartphones. The lens is exclusive to the X500 Pro Max model and can also be bought separately, compatible with all three X500 phones. Currently, the device and accessories are only available in China, with a broader release pending.

Initially, the experience was average, but it quickly evolved into a revelation when using a smartphone with a teleconverter. The G2 Ultra lens (400mm effective focal length) and its 3.5x telephoto camera enable users to shoot photos at a 400mm focal length without digital zoom. In comparison, other rival teleconverter lenses, such as the Oppo Find X9 Ultra, require dedicated teleconverter modes that restrict functionality and limit compatibility with the phone's best camera features.

Vivo's teleconverter is implemented more seamlessly within the phone's camera app, allowing users to switch between teleconverter options without needing a separate mode. This makes the G2 Ultra teleconverter more versatile and useful for various shooting scenarios, including wildlife and sports photography.

The lens maintains the phone's maximum 200MP resolution and supports advanced features like Pro mode with a RAW file format and full control over exposure settings. Additionally, it offers a SnapShot mode, specifically designed for action photography, which automatically increases the shutter speed, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.

The G2 Ultra teleconverter also features image stabilization, albeit not as robust as the phone's 7EV in-body image stabilization. It includes a collar and tripod mount for easy attachment to a tripod and can be used handheld for shooting sharp images and smooth video at 400mm focal length. Users can extend the reach digitally, with options up to 3200mm, but these digital zoom results may appear artificial when closely examined.