Insta360 Ultra Telephoto Lens: 1.5× attachment for Luna Ultra

The Insta360 Ultra Telephoto Lens is an optical accessory designed for the Luna Ultra. It mounts in front of the camera's built-in telephoto lens and multiplies its focal length by 1.5. It’s an accessory to consider for framing a distant subject, an animal, or a portrait when you can take the time to prepare your shot.

Choosing it involves a practical trade-off: once installed, the accessory covers the wide-angle. The Luna then starts at 4.5× and you need to remove the accessory to return to 1×. If you mainly use this camera to take it out and film immediately, this change deserves as much attention as the additional zoom.

Who is this telephoto lens for?

I mainly see it for someone who wants to add prepared shots to their usual videos: a bird that cannot be approached, a detail in the landscape, or a face that you want to better separate from the background. That means choosing your framing before you film and removing the attachment when you want a wide view again.

Concerts and shows are also part of the uses presented by Insta360. For a specific subject, a setup on a tripod with the separate remote control seems interesting to me. I haven't tried it yet: my current shots have all been taken handheld. Therefore, I cannot provide results on this configuration.

What the 1.5× optical factor changes

The starting focal length of the built-in telephoto lens goes from 60 to 90 mm in 35 mm equivalent terms. The announced range with the accessory extends from 90 to 450 mm, or from 4.5× to 22.5× compared to the camera's wide-angle. The maximum includes digital zoom: the added optical magnification is 1.5×, not 22.5×.

The Luna Ultra alone already reaches 15× with the required firmware. The accessory serves to go further at maximum, while starting on a tighter frame. It is therefore not a replacement for the camera's zoom, but another framing range. You lose the ability to go directly from landscape at 1× to detail without removing the accessory.

Portraits and animals: what interested me

In my portrait tests at 4.5×, with and without the accessory, I particularly appreciated the more pronounced background blur with the accessory. Caroline's captures can be found in the associated article. They show two field shots taken at different moments, with slight framing and face position variations.

I also filmed birds and a stork from a distance. Those subjects are where I see the value of the extra reach. However, for my usual filming style, the preparation remains cumbersome: the time spent taking out and then setting up the lens makes me lose spontaneity. For quick shots, I prefer to keep the camera alone, even if I like the blur of portraits with the accessory.

Mounting, calibration, and transport

The attachment clips around the head of the Luna Ultra. Insta360 asks to start with the camera off, holding the gimbal according to the manual's instructions. I found it easy to fit. When removing it, I pay more attention to this small moving mechanism; it’s an apprehension on my part, I did not experience any damage or breakage.

Firmware v1.1.15 or later is required. The manufacturer recommends dedicated calibration, outside in good light, with the camera stable and vertical, aimed at a distant subject with details. My tests were done without calibration; I have no before/after comparison to present.

The box contains the accessory and its protective cover. The manufacturer lists dimensions of 40.25 × 30 × 43.70 mm and a weight of 13 ± 5 g for the accessory, with about 24.5 g for its protective cover. These figures are manufacturer data. Remember to follow the removal procedure before turning off and storing the camera: the standard protective cover of the Luna is not designed to accommodate the assembled unit.

Compatibility and modes to check before choosing

The accessory is exclusively intended for the Luna Ultra. It is not compatible with the Luna Pro. You cannot stack the camera’s ND filters with this attachment. The 360° panorama is unavailable with the accessory; the 200 MP panorama remains offered, with a risk of less clean stitching reported by Insta360.

Stage mode is distinct from the mode dedicated to the accessory and remains a usage choice. I kept the classic Video mode for my shots. Stage mode has its own limits: 4K30 in standard video, without I-Log or Dolby Vision or native vertical video. Its processing should therefore not be attributed to the images from my test.

Why buy from Vantour?

Our link takes you to the official Insta360 store: the purchase, stock, delivery, and after-sales service are managed by the brand. You thus find the official reference and the conditions applicable to your order at the time of purchase.

This is an affiliate link: we may earn a commission, which helps fund our content. Any offers depend on Insta360’s terms and basket eligibility. Current price at Insta360: £46,99.

Our first tests and the camera review

Insta360 sent me this telephoto lens for testing; the Luna Ultra was purchased by me. You can find the compared portraits, animals, and zoom movements in our Luna Ultra telephoto lens review. The tripod with remote control and a possible test of the Moon remain to be explored.

If you also choose the camera, our Luna Ultra review details its daily use. Our Luna Pro vs Luna Ultra comparison helps to situate the two models; this accessory is reserved for the Ultra.