With the release of the Xplorer Grip Kit for the Ace Pro 2, Insta360 has elevated the action camera’s photography capabilities, making it a strong option for people who want to take photos and create other types of content. The company did not stop there. With help from Leica, Insta360 has released a range of additional lenses that can be added to the Ace Pro 2 to change the look of images.
It may seem unusual to associate an action camera with interchangeable lenses, but Insta360 has managed it. While the company is unlikely to introduce a zoom lens for the Ace Pro 2, at least for now, it does offer a variety of looks and styles that allow creators to refresh their shots for both photo and video in striking ways.
I will admit I was skeptical about the concept and unsure how much it would change the videos or photos I was capturing. After spending time with the camera and experimenting with the different lens options provided, I am convinced.
While this setup cannot replace a full mirrorless camera with a selection of full-size lenses, it offers significant potential for those who want to travel light. I used it at CES and around the CGMagazine offices, and I have been impressed with what I was able to capture.
With that in mind, let’s dive into the lenses that stood out the most and break down why they work, and how they can enhance your content creation experience, even when travelling as light as possible.
Insta360 Cinematic Lens
Score: 8.5/10
Perhaps the most dramatic-looking lens in the lineup, the new Ace Pro 2 Cinematic Lens brings anamorphic-style shooting to action camera users seeking a big-screen look. Once attached, the camera automatically switches to a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and reduces digital sharpness, resulting in a softer, more film-like image. A blue coating inside the lens creates horizontal flares when light hits it, giving footage a classic widescreen feel.
I was impressed by the look the lens delivers, producing a Hollywood-style image that can be striking. Installation takes only seconds. Twist off the standard lens cover at a 45-degree angle, align the new lens and turn it until it clicks into place. The camera does not detect the lens automatically, so it must be selected manually in the accessory settings. Each lens ships with a rubber case that doubles as protective storage when not in use.
The lens works differently from traditional anamorphic glass. Instead of squeezing the entire frame, it keeps the centre largely intact while stretching the sides. For best results, subjects should remain near the middle of the frame. The trade-off is softer colours and a slightly muted look, which some users may find subdued. Shooting in I-Log mode offers greater control during editing.
Low-light shooting becomes more challenging with this lens attached. The PureVideo mode is no longer available, leaving only standard video and photo modes. The signature lens flares look strong when light sources sit near the centre of the frame, but they become messy and distorted closer to the edges.
The lens adds noticeable bulk to the camera body, but it feels solid and well-made. It is clearly designed for creators who want cinematic footage without carrying larger gear. Its compact size and the fact that it fits neatly into a small rubber carrying case make it easy to toss into a bag when shooting with the Ace Pro 2. That portability is one of the aspects that stood out most overall. I like the look it delivers, but as with any option this visually distinct, it will not appeal to everyone.
Insta360 Close-Up Lens
Score: 9/10
As someone who works in tech, I take a lot of photos of different devices and often need a setup that can capture content up close. A lens that makes that process easier is always a bonus, so I was pleased to see the new Close Up Lens for the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. It addresses one of the biggest pain points for creators who film themselves or need to shoot subjects at close range.
Most action cameras keep everything beyond about a foot and a half in focus. That works well for landscapes and action shots, but makes vlogging more difficult. Hold the camera at arm’s length, and faces can appear soft and slightly blurred. The Close Up Lens changes that entirely.
The accessory twists directly onto the camera’s standard lens and offers an adjustable focal range from 10 to 75 centimetres. A simple turn of the focus ring switches between two modes. The person icon is designed for vlogging distance, while the plant icon shifts into true macro territory for detailed close-ups.
When I put it to the test, I was impressed when capturing video and photos at a typical vlogging distance of about 18 inches from the face. Focus peaking on the flip screen helps ensure sharpness in real time. The lens maintains the camera’s field of view and does not introduce noticeable colour shifts or heavy distortion, which was a concern going in.
As with the Cinematic Lens, the build quality feels solid. The lens comes with a protective rubber case that doubles as a lens cap when moving between locations. Keeping the glass clean is more important with this lens, as dust appears more easily in footage.
For creators looking to make the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 a more viable option for close-up photography, talking-head content or detailed product shots, the Close Up Lens fills a genuine gap in the camera’s toolkit.
Insta360 Ultra Wide Lens
Score: 7/10
I will be honest, while I enjoyed most of the other lenses on offer, the new Ultra Wide Lens felt the least useful. That is especially true given that the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 already offers a very wide field of view out of the box. Still, I was determined to give it a fair try; to its credit, it does deliver a unique look, even if it is best suited to specific situations.
The lens offers what may be the most expansive field of view available on any action camera today. With a massive 189-degree field of view, the accessory fundamentally changes how the camera captures the world around it. The standard Insta360 Ace Pro 2 already features a solid 157-degree lens, but the Ultra Wide option expands that considerably.
Users gain roughly 36 per cent more vertical coverage and 32 per cent more width than with the default optic. That extra coverage makes a noticeable difference when filming in tight spaces or capturing sweeping landscapes without losing key elements at the edges. It also delivers a distinctly different look in both photos and video.
While it is not especially useful for our work at CGMagazine, it would be well-suited to many users of the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, particularly motorcycle riders and outdoor enthusiasts. The lens brings more of the surrounding environment into the frame without requiring constant camera adjustments.
The exaggerated perspective creates a strong sense of immersion that narrower fields of view cannot match. Whether mounted on a helmet, chest rig or handlebar, the Ultra Wide Lens helps ensure the action stays in frame, even when situations become chaotic.
The lens attaches directly over the standard lens, making swaps quick and straightforward. As with the other lenses in the lineup, the build quality feels robust enough for rough conditions. During testing, I had no issues using the lens and placing it in my bag once I was finished.
While the dramatic curvature at the edges of the frame takes some getting used to, the footage delivers an engaging, almost visceral quality that standard lenses lack. For creators looking to differentiate their work or capture more of what is happening around them, the Ultra Wide Lens turns the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 into an even more versatile tool. When working to get the most out of a compact camera, added flexibility is always welcome.
That said, if a choice has to be made and ultra-wide shots are not a regular part of your filmmaking style, this is one lens that can reasonably be left out of a new order.
After testing all of the lenses included with the Ace Pro 2, the camera left a strong impression. The lenses significantly expand their versatility, offering a wide range of shooting options and, in some situations, allowing them to stand in for a mirrorless or DSLR camera. It will not replace a full professional kit, but it performs well enough to be a practical option while travelling. The lightweight nature of the complete setup makes it easy to carry and simple to pack, even when space and weight are limited. I am excited to see how Insta360 improves the camera going forward. It is already incredibly impressive, and with some updates, I could see it become even more useful.
