PGYTech brings Vivo’s specialized long-range optics to iPhone with the RetroVa kit
The gap between smartphone photography and professional glass just narrowed. PGYTech has finally ported its RetroVa Vintage Imaging Kit to the iOS ecosystem, transplanting the high-end telephoto hardware that previously made vivo’s "Ultra" flagships a cult favorite among mobile shooters. After hitting Kickstarter yesterday, January 29, 2026, the project blew past its $10,000 goal in minutes, currently sitting at over $55,000 in backing.
Real Glass vs. Marketing Math
The kit's heavy lifter is a 2.35x telephoto extender. Rather than relying on the "mushy" digital interpolation that usually ruins long-range shots, this optical add-on mounts directly over the iPhone’s existing lenses. When paired with the iPhone 17 Pro’s 4x 48MP camera, it pushes the native focal length to roughly 235mm—a true 10x optical zoom.
For those still carrying the iPhone 16 Pro, the lens works with the 5x 12MP sensor to hit an even longer 282mm (roughly 11.7x). PGYTech is leaning heavily on the "lossless 20x crop" narrative, specifically for the 48MP sensor on the 17 Pro. However, seasoned photographers should remain skeptical; while the optics are high-grade, a 20x crop on a mobile sensor—even one with 48 megapixels—faces a steep uphill battle against physics and noise.
Apple is already feeling the heat, with supply chain reports suggesting Cupertino is working on its own telephoto converters for the iPhone 18. For now, PGYTech has beaten them to the punch.
Solving the "Glass Slab" Problem
Beyond the lens, the $184 RetroVa bundle targets the physical reality of mobile filmmaking. Most iPhones are ergonomic nightmares for long-duration shooting, leading to the dreaded "smartphone hand cramp." The RetroVa grip attempts to fix this with a leather-textured handle that houses a physical shutter key, a tactile zoom dial, and a multi-function button.
The real game-changer for professional workflows, however, is the external storage. High-bitrate video, particularly ProRes, can eat through an iPhone’s internal storage in minutes. The RetroVa grip includes an integrated microSD card slot, allowing creators to record directly to external media. This shifts the iPhone from a "smart device" into a modular camera body where you can simply swap cards and keep shooting—a feature Apple has yet to offer natively.
Software: The Necessary Middleman
Hardware is only half the battle; the RetroVa relies on a dedicated app to de-squeeze and correct the optics in real-time. This isn't just about utility—the software includes preset zoom buttons for 235mm up to a digital 960mm, alongside full manual controls for ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.
For users who don't care about the long-range lens but desperately need better ergonomics and storage, PGYTech is offering a $72 "Grip Kit." This includes the camera case and the microSD-equipped grip, providing a more affordable entry point for those focused on video workflow rather than extreme zoom.