This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
An acrylic-rimmed lens guard is the least visible camera protection I have tried on my iPhone 17 Pro Max. The centre glass pops out, so I run it as a clear rim only, which keeps photos free of an extra layer of glass while still guarding the edges of each lens.
What I tested
- A lens guard for iPhone 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max with a clear acrylic rim and a 9H tempered glass centre
- My iPhone 17 Pro Max (orange) with a clear protective film over the camera plateau
- For comparison: an aluminium lens guard in the same orange as the phone, which I had been using with its glass removed
- Several cases, including a full-coverage case and clear cases with an open camera cut-out
What I found
- With the glass left in, the black edge blends into the lens and it is the cleanest look of all.
- The glass does come out of the acrylic rim. Without it, the rim looks very slightly whitish because the edge has a frosted finish — you only notice up close.
- Side by side, the clear rim is far less noticeable than the same-colour aluminium frame, which always reads as a slightly larger ring.
- The rim still covers the edges around each lens, though with the glass removed the lens surface itself is not covered.
- It fit under a full-coverage case with a fairly tight camera opening, and it almost disappears with clear cases that leave the camera area open.
- From an angle you can tell something is there; from the front it is hard to spot.
- I paid roughly 900 yen at the time of recording.
Comparison
| Setup | How visible | Glass over the lens |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic, glass in | Least visible | Yes |
| Acrylic, glass removed (what I use) | Slightly whitish rim up close | No |
| Same-colour aluminium, glass removed | Rim looks larger | No |
Who it’s for
People who want their iPhone to look as close to “naked” as possible, who dislike camera protection that draws attention, and who use a clear case with an open camera area. If you enjoy a contrasting colour ring as an accent, this is not for you.
Watch the review
The video is in Japanese. Useful points: around 4:00 the comparison with the same-colour guard, and around 7:00 how it looks with cases.
Limitations
Removing the centre glass is my own choice to avoid any effect on image quality; with the glass removed only the rim protects the camera. Visibility is my subjective impression. The price was Amazon Japan’s at the time of recording.
Products
Acrylic-rim lens guard with 9H glass (iPhone 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max): on Amazon Japan
Aluminium lens protector (iPhone 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max, comparison): on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Screen & Lens Protectors (27) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.