10 Must-Have iPhone Photo Accessories

Taking pictures is fun, which is likely why iPhone integrated a camera with their smartphones early on in the game. Whether you are taking selfies, pictures of your children, or candid group shots, it is handy to have your iPhone camera at the ready for any of the action. While the iPhone camera is quite good for both still shots and video, there are a number of great add-ons available from a number of sources that every amateur photographer should consider integrating into their iPhone camera gear.

Here are some of the must-haves in no particular order:

1. The Kogeto Dot: This is a snap-on accessory that works as a lens, so you can more efficiently take 360-degree panoramic video with your iPhone 6s, 6, 5, 4S or 4.

This is a reasonably priced lens that, when used in conjunction with the companion app Looker, which is available from the iTunes Store for free. The version for the iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 6, 6S is available on Amazon for $45.95. The Dot also retails on shop.kogeto.com for $39.

2. OlloClip: This is a unique three-in-one lens that allows photographers to take a range of photos with a fisheye, macro or wide-angle lens. Retailing on olloclip.com for $70, it is available in three colors: black, white and red. It is also compatible with iPhone 6s, 6, 5 and 4s.

3. iPhone SLR Mount: This is a neat adaptation to a traditional iPhone set-up that blends it nicely with a camera lens. The attachment works specifically with Canon and Nikon SLR lenses, but there are slight adjustments that have to be made to sync up your iPhone with the lens in question. The online photo accessory shop Photojojo sells the mount for $249, but warns that the adjustments that need to be made may cause some frustration.

4. Factron Quattro: The Quattro is made of duralumin – the exact material that is used in airline construction. There are several interchangeable lenses that can be used with this lightweight case that can be mounted on the aluminum part of the case. There is also a calfskin backing that comes in different appearances, such as crocodile and lizard. The big problem is that the aluminum may cause some issues with the WiFi or GPS functionality of the iPhone itself, and that the lenses are actually sold separately. On the plus side, though, the lenses allow you to take images with a fisheye, wide angle and closeup lenses.

5. Glif Tripod Stand and Mount: This really cool stand and mount works for iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 6 and 6s. The mount is made of rubberized plastic, and the threading on it allows it to latch onto most tripod stands. If you have a flat surface that the mount can sit on, it can work as a stand to act as a stable surface upon which to take the shot. Retailing for $20, the stand is available on www.studioneat.com.

6. Zgrip iPhone Jr: Another outstanding tool for photographers and budding cinematographers alike, this handgrip with a fixed, clawlike mount offers those interested in shooting on the go the opportunity for a clearer picture and greater stability. The grip is designed to avoid obstruction of the camera lens, and there's a thread at the top of the grip in order attach lighting equipment. Pricing for the Zgrip starts at about $69.

7. ZoomIt SD Card Reader: This plug and play style card reader can go a long way towards helping you take pictures off an SD card from your camera and put it on your smartphone. This avoids the hassle of trying to sync up your handheld camera with your computer; instead, you can simply plug it into your iPhone dock and upload the shots to the social media site of your choice. With a starting retail price of around $60, this device can help users really get photos onto their iPhone faster for uploading. This is also available at the ZoomMediaPlus online store.

8. Photojojo Lenses: These lenses are used with a magnetic ring that lines up perfectly with your iPhone's built-in camera lens. With the ring, you can attach any one of four lenses: wide angle, fisheye, macro and telephoto. Each lens can be purchased individually for $20 each, while the fisheye lens runs for $25. The entire set of lenses, however, can be had for $49 from Photojojo's online store.

9. Joby GripTight GorillaPod Stand: This is a great iPhone stand that allows you to clamp your iPhone virtually anywhere for the ultimate in photographic prowess. GorillaPod has flexible and wrappable legs that allow you to set up your phone for a shot while hanging on to a branch, metal pole or any other horizontal or vertical surface. It is also able to be used as a stand so you can read off your iPhone or watch videos. The starting price for the stand hovers at around $30 and it's available on Joby's online store.

10. iFlash: For those who have grown tired of the iPhone's built-in flash and its relative effectiveness, there is iFlash. Available on Amazon and on Cyanics, this is a $13 dual-functioning flash; when the flash is in Torch Mode, it functions as a flashlight. The iFlash offers amateur photographers the opportunity for a little more brightness in their photos.

11. 6X Telescope With Crystal Case: This is a must-have for those photographers who are looking for new ways to capture the ideal photo when you just can't get close enough. Starting at just $16, this 6X "telescope" mounts onto your iPhone 6 and 6s easily and allows you to capture the moment from afar.

There are a number of possible go-to gadgets for the amateur photographer and his or her iPhone. Whether it's a new stand, mount or lens, there is an increasing world of possibilities when it comes to taking pictures with your iPhone. All you have to do is invest a little, and your images will thank you.