US mobile phone rig and lens mount manufacturer Beastgrip has started distribution of its Beastgrip Pro smartphone grip in the UK and Japan, and announced it is working on new 'high quality' lenses with Kenko Tokina. The Beastgrip Pro is an adaptable smartphone housing that uses adjustable clamps and a sliding lens mount assembly to fit conversion lenses over the camera of any model – Beastgrip claims.

The system uses a 37mm threaded lens mount that accepts conversion lenses from Beastgrip's own collection as well as those from independent manufacturers. The company also offers what is calls a DOF (depth-of-field) adapter that allows Canon EF-mount lenses to be used on the rig in front of the smartphone lens to achieve a shallow depth of field.

The rig also features a cold shoe and tripod thread for attaching accessories such as microphones and lights, as well as a number of mounting threads.

While the company offers its own wide, ultra-wide and fisheye conversion lenses the partnership with Kenko Tokina promises some extra interesting lenses. Kenko's own line of smartphone conversion lenses includes a 7x telephoto lens that would convert most smartphone focal lengths to 196mm - but that's not to say it would be also produced to fit the Beastgrip Pro.

The system will be distributed by Kenko Tokina in Japan and Intro2020 in the UK. The price of the rig on its own is $139.99/£139.99, and kits are available that include wide and fisheye conversion lenses. For more information visit the Beastgrip website.

Press release:

Beastgrip Pro – the world’s first universal lens adapter and camera rig for smartphones

With immediate effect, Intro 2020 has been appointed sole UK distributor of BEASTGRIP PRO.

Beastgrip Pro is the world's first universal lens adapter and camera rig system for smartphones. It is the ultimate tool for photographers, videographers and the rapidly growing live streaming market.

The Beastgrip Rig features an adjustable lens mount with spring loaded clamps to ensure a secure grip and perfect fit with virtually any smartphone on the market. It is a modular rig system with a removable lens mount assembly and handle that allows the user to modify the Beastgrip Pro to their own personal preference. It comes with industry-standard photography mounts and an ergonomic grip, allowing you to attach all kinds of photography gear and take a better shot.

There are 3 kits in the product range, including 2 with lenses, as follows:

Beastgrip Pro Rig
Universal/adjustable and works with virtually any camera phone on the market. It is simple and convenient to use and works with or without a protective phone case. It features a standard 37mm threaded lens/filter mount and is compatible with wide variety of conversion lenses and filters. It also features a cold shoe mount for attaching LED lights, microphones, and other accessories plus comes with five standard ¼”-20 threaded mounts for attaching to supportive photo/video gear such as tripods, stabilizers, sliders and other accessories.

Beastgrip Pro Rig plus Wide Angle Lens
This set includes a 37mm 0.43x Extreme Wide-Angle lens, which nearly doubles the field-of-view in your photo/video, letting the user see much more in the frame than a standard phone camera. It’s perfect for shooting large scenes like landscapes, concerts, sports, family photos etc.

Beastgrip Pro rig plus Wide Angle and Fish-eye lenses
Includes the Beastgrip 37mm 0.43x Extreme Wide-Angle lens and an ultra wide-angle lens that produces strong visual distortion, i.e. the classic “fisheye” circle, and an immersive 180° field-of-view. It’s perfect for action sports like skateboarding, biking, snowboarding/skis, etc.

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICES:
•    Beastgrip Pro Rig £139.99 including VAT
•    Beastgrip Pro Rig plus Wide Angle Lens £169.99 including VAT
•    Beastgrip Pro Rig plus Wide Angle & Fisheye Lenses £199.99 including VAT

All units are available immediately.