{
  "id": 3743491,
  "title": "Zoom kits on smartphones are awesome. After using the Vivo X300 Ultra, I don’t think they’re for everyone",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/zoom-kits-on-smartphones-are-awesome-after-using-the-vivo-x300-ultra",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-27T13:22:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Digital Trends",
    "slug": "digital-trends",
    "url": "https://www.digitaltrends.com/phones/zoom-kits-on-smartphones-are-awesome-after-using-the-vivo-x300-ultra-i-dont-think-theyre-for-everyone/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The smartphone camera market has undergone a major transformation in recent years. Instead of focusing solely on the number of megapixels, sensor size, and overall versatility, manufacturers are now offering first-party zoom kits with high-quality optics and features that enhance their ecosystem. I have had the opportunity to use Vivo's X300 Ultra, which is one of the most advanced camera systems packed into a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 smartphone. For those seeking additional zoom flexibility, Vivo also sells ZEISS Telephoto Extender kits that transform the already bulky X300 Ultra into something resembling a professional camera. It is truly impressive, but for most people, it seems more like a solution looking for a problem. The standout feature is the 3.7x periscope telephoto camera, which boasts a 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HP0 sensor with a 1/1.4-inch size. This camera captures images at an equivalent focal length of 85mm, providing 3.7x lossless optical zoom. The 200MP telephoto sensor can simulate even higher focal lengths, such as 170mm (approximately 7.4x) or even 10x, although there is some quality loss. However, pixel binning and AI upscaling help to compensate for most of it. The 400mm-equivalent ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra offers 4.7x magnification over the native 85mm zoom lens, resulting in a 400mm focal length, or roughly 17.4x zoom from the main camera. It features a Kepler optical structure with 14 glass elements, ensuring solid stabilization even when attached. While it adds weight to the phone, weighing 248 grams, attaching the optional Imaging Grip provides a 2,300mAh battery, camera-like controls, and a protective case. Altogether, Vivo has essentially built a capable mirrorless camera around the phone. After capturing over 1,200 images in the past two weeks, with around 400 of them using the 400mm telephoto extender, I now understand the hype surrounding this technology. Beyond the impressive zoom range, what surprised me most is the level of detail, texture, and depth captured, particularly in hair, skin tones, animal fur, fabric weaves, and wrinkles. This applies regardless of whether you shoot at the 400mm focal length or the 800mm option in the viewfinder. The lens also provides a natural falloff that closely resembles dedicated camera lenses. However, the initial excitement fades when considering the practicality. Connecting both lens caps and attaching the 400mm teleconverter takes time, and I often missed the perfect moment. The phone weighs 237 grams, and the external telephoto extender adds 248 grams, not including the battery grip and case assembly, which may weigh around 80 to 100 grams, totaling roughly 565 grams (1.25 pounds). This is far from portable or easy to carry around. Additionally, telephoto lenses have a minimum focusing distance, meaning you need to back up four to five steps depending on the distance from the subject before the phone locks focus. Handholding at 400mm or higher also requires tripod-like steadiness, which is challenging to achieve while on the move. Despite these limitations, the phone's native zoom camera also captures excellent images in everyday use, and I rarely felt the need to attach the extender lens. Lastly, the price is significant. In India, the X300 Ultra costs about $1,685, and adding the telephoto extender kit brings the total to an equivalent of $2,210. At this price point, I would opt for a beginner camera paired with a zoom lens instead. The extender kit seems best suited for professionals scouting a scene before setting up a camera or landscape and wildlife photographers who cannot get physically closer to their subjects. For everyone else, the phone already serves as an excellent camera kit at this price.",
  "summary": "I spent weeks shooting with the Vivo X300 Ultra's 400mm ZEISS extender kit. The optics are remarkable. The weight, setup time, and price tag are not.",
  "key_points": [
    "Vivo X300 Ultra features 3.7x periscope telephoto camera with 200MP sensor",
    "ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra offers 4.7x magnification and 400mm focal length",
    "Extender kit adds significant weight and cost, limiting portability and practicality"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}