1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the APEXEL ZM100FL26 10-20X Macro Lens with Fill Light. This device is designed to enhance smartphone photography by allowing users to capture intricate close-up details of small objects, plants, insects, and more. It features adjustable magnification, an integrated fill light, and can also be used as a handheld eyepiece.
Image 1.1: APEXEL ZM100FL26 Macro Lens with Fill Light attached to a smartphone.
2. Product Features
- Professional Lens Configuration: Features three layers of high-quality HD glass with full multilayer coating. The lens body is constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum for durability. It offers over 98% light transmittance and less than 0.3% reflectivity, minimizing ghosting and flare.
- 10-20X Precision Zoom: Utilizes an ultra-precise rotating telescopic lens structure for smooth 10-20X zoom magnification. Supports ultra-close-up shooting from 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) to capture fine details.
- Background Bokeh: An F1.05 super large aperture allows more light into the lens, enabling macro photography in low-light conditions and creating a soft, defocused background to highlight the subject.
- Integrated Fill Light: The lens light offers 3 light modes (cool, natural, warm) with a color temperature range from 2700K to 6500K. It has 5 adjustable brightness levels (10% to 100%), providing 45 distinct lighting modes.
- Lightweight and Portable: The fill light is only 0.39 inches thick and weighs 35 grams, making it compact and easy to carry.
- Long Battery Life: Equipped with a 200 mAh lithium-ion battery, providing 2 to 7.5 hours of continuous use on a single charge. Supports charging while in use via USB Type-C.
- Dual Functionality: Can be used as a professional zoom macro lens when attached to a smartphone or as a handheld eyepiece for direct observation of tiny objects.
Image 2.1: Internal lens structure and optical properties.
3. Package Contents
Please verify that all items are present in your package:
- ZM100 Macro Lens
- Universal Clip
- Ring Fill Light (FL26)
- Silicone Eye Mask
- 37mm-52mm Adapter Ring
- USB Type-C Charging Cable
- Lens Cleaning Cloth
- Carrying Pouch
- EVA Pads (for phone gap filling)
4. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to properly attach the macro lens and fill light to your smartphone:
- Prepare the Clip: Use the provided EVA Pads to fill any gaps between your phone's camera lens and the universal clip, ensuring a snug fit.
- Attach Phone to Clip: Pull apart the stretching clamp of the universal clip and carefully insert your smartphone.
- Align Lens: Loosen the screw on the clip, push the slider, and align the focus hole of the clip with your phone's primary camera lens.
- Secure Clip: Tighten the top fixed screw to secure the clip and maintain the focus hole position over the camera lens.
- Install Macro Lens: Align the threads of the macro lens with the cell phone clip threads and rotate clockwise to securely install it.
- Attach Fill Light: Attach the ring fill light (FL26) to the front of the macro lens.
Image 4.1: 6-Step Quick Installation Guide.
4.1 Smartphone Compatibility
The universal clip is suitable for most smartphones with a width between 71-105mm (2.8-4.1 inches). Please note that it does not fit small-sized iPhone Mini and SE series models. Ensure your phone's width is less than 4.1 inches for proper fitment.
Image 4.2: Smartphone compatibility guide for the universal clip.
4.2 Identifying the Primary Lens
For optimal performance, ensure the macro lens is aligned with your smartphone's primary camera lens. Refer to your phone's manual or the diagram below to identify the primary lens, typically the main wide-angle lens.
Image 4.3: Guide to finding the primary lens on various smartphone models.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Using the Macro Lens
Once installed, rotate the macro lens to adjust the zoom magnification between 10X and 20X. The optimal focus distance for capturing details is between 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) and 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) from the subject.
Image 5.1: 10X-20X Zoom Magnification and Focus Distance.
5.2 Using the Integrated Fill Light
The fill light provides adjustable illumination for your macro photography.
- Power Button: Long press to turn the light on or off. Short press to cycle through 5 brightness levels: 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%.
- Function Button: Short press to change the color temperature mode (White, Natural, Yellow). Long press to switch between lighting ranges: Full Circle, Left Half Circle, or Right Half Circle.
- Battery Indicator: Green light indicates fully charged; Red light indicates charging.
- Charging: Connect the included USB Type-C cable to the charging port. The light can be used while charging.
Image 5.2: LensLight Technical Specifications and Controls.
Image 5.3: Color Temperature and Brightness Level Options.
5.3 Handheld Eyepiece Mode
The macro lens can be used independently as a handheld eyepiece for direct observation. To assemble, attach the silicone eye mask to the zoom macro lens, and then attach the FL26 ring fill light to the front of the lens. The fill light can illuminate the observation area for clearer viewing.
Image 5.4: Assembly for Handheld Eyepiece Mode.
5.4 Smartphone Camera Settings
Certain smartphone models may require specific camera settings adjustments for optimal macro photography with an external lens.
- For iPhone 13 and Newer: Navigate to Settings > Camera and disable "Macro Control." Use the main camera for shooting.
- For Samsung Galaxy S22/S23 Ultra: Open the camera app and tap the close-up focus enhancement icon (usually a yellow flower icon) to disable it if it is illuminated.
Image 5.5: Adjusting Macro Control Settings on iOS and Samsung Galaxy.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning the Lens: Use the provided lens cleaning cloth to gently wipe the lens surfaces. For stubborn smudges, use a specialized lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
- Storage: Store the lens and accessories in the carrying pouch when not in use to protect them from dust, scratches, and impacts. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Battery Care: To prolong battery life, avoid fully discharging the fill light battery frequently. Charge it regularly, even if not in constant use.
7. Troubleshooting
- Blurry Images:
- Ensure the macro lens is properly aligned with your phone's primary camera lens.
- Verify the focus distance is within the optimal range of 0.6-1.8 inches (1.5-4.5 cm) from the subject.
- Check your phone's camera settings (refer to Section 5.4) to ensure any automatic macro or focus enhancement features are disabled.
- Clean the lens surfaces for any smudges or dust.
- Fill Light Not Turning On/Charging:
- Ensure the power button is long-pressed to turn on/off.
- Check the USB Type-C cable and charging adapter for proper connection.
- Allow the battery to charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to turn it on if it was fully discharged.
- Vignetting (Dark Corners in Photos):
- Ensure the macro lens is perfectly centered over your phone's primary camera lens. Adjust the clip's slider if necessary.
- Some phone camera apps may have a wider field of view than the lens, causing slight vignetting. Try zooming in slightly with your phone's digital zoom if available.
8. Specifications
| Model | ZM100FL26 |
| Magnification | 10-20X Zoom |
| Aperture | F1.05 |
| Lens Material | HD Glass, Aerospace-grade Aluminum |
| Light Transmittance | >98% |
| Reflectivity | <0.3% |
| Distortion | <0.6% |
| Fill Light Modes | 3 Color Temperatures (Cool, Natural, Warm), 5 Brightness Levels (10-100%), 3 Lighting Ranges (Full, Left Half, Right Half) = 45 modes |
| Color Temperature Range | 2700K - 6500K |
| Fill Light Thickness | 0.39 inches |
| Fill Light Weight | 35 grams (1.23 oz) |
| Battery Capacity | 200 mAh Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | 2 - 7.5 hours |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C |
| Product Dimensions | 1.1 x 2.03 x 2.03 inches (Lens only) |
| Item Weight | 10.5 ounces (Total package) |
| Compatible Mountings | Universal Clip for Smartphones (71-105mm width) |
9. Safety Information
- Do not look directly at the sun through the lens, as this can cause permanent eye damage.
- Keep the product out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion of small parts.
- Avoid exposing the lens to extreme temperatures or harsh environments.
- Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the product, as this will void the warranty and may cause damage.
- Use only the provided charging cable or a certified USB Type-C cable for charging the fill light.
10. Warranty and Support
APEXEL products are covered by a manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. For specific warranty details, claims, or technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official APEXEL website. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty service.
