hey! i totally feel u on the Ace 5 struggle. basically, phone sensors are limited by their fixed optics, so external glass lets u manipulate light *before* it hits the sensor. that's why alignment matters so much—if it’s not perfectly flush, you get nasty blur or vignetting. for your situation, i would suggest starting with the Apexel 100mm Macro Lens. i’ve used it and it’s honestly great for getting those crazy nature details without having to be an inch away. for wide shots, the Moment 18mm Wide Lens (M-Series) is the way to go if you want zero distortion. but be careful, that camera island is HUGE. you’ll probably need the Moment Universal Lens Mount to get a secure fit without scratching the glass. it’s a bit pricey but i think it’s the only way to get that pro look on the Ace 5. good luck!

In my experience, the main issue with the Ace 5’s camera island is the flange focal distance—basically, the space between ur phone lens and the external glass. If they aren't perfectly parallel and flush, you're gonna get chromatic aberration (those weird purple fringes) and a massive loss in contrast. Over the years, I’ve found that the best way to avoid this on a budget is using a 17mm thread mount rather than a generic spring clip. If you want high-end results without the 'Moment' price tag (which can get crazy expensive reallyyy fast), I'd suggest these: * Sirui 18mm Wide Angle Lens - This usually runs about $40-$50. The edge-to-edge sharpness is miles better than the cheap plastic lenses you see on Amazon.
* Sirui 10x Macro Lens - Around $35. It’s perfect for nature close-ups cuz it doesn't have that 'fisheye' distortion that cheap macros have.
* Ulanzi 17mm Thread Universal Metal Phone Lens Clip - This costs like $12. It's way more precise for centering over the Ace 5’s sensor than a plastic clip. Tbh, while the Apexel 100mm Macro Lens already mentioned is decent, the Sirui glass feels way more durable for street photography. Going with a 17mm thread system is the smartest move for long-term value, cuz you can swap lenses easily without buying a new mount every time. Just make sure you align it once and tighten it down well. gl!

Respectfully, I'd consider another option before dropping big bucks! I get the hype for high-end glass, but honestly, heavy setups can be a total nightmare for the Ace 5's camera island if the clip slips even a little. If u want high-quality results without the 'scratch anxiety,' I've had amazing luck with the Xenvo Pro Lens Kit with LED Light and Travel Case. It's usually around $40—a total steal compared to boutique brands. The clip has thick rubber padding that basically locks onto the Ace 5's shape without sliding or digging into the glass. I mean, the macro is crisp enough for any nature shot!! Also, if ur really worried about safety, maybe grab a Neewer Universal Phone Cage for $30?? It keeps everything rock solid and protects the phone body too. Seriously, it’s such a vibe for street shots. gl! 👍

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I totally agree with what was said about the alignment and that camera island being a major headache. Honestly, after owning the Ace 5 for a while now, I've realized its less about the glass and more about the long-term maintenance. * I'm not 100% sure, but I heard from a friend that if you leave heavy attachments on for too long, it might actually stress the OIS motor inside the phone? I havent seen proof yet but its something I worry about since the phone is so new.
* Also, IIRC you really have to be careful with dust. If even a tiny bit of grit gets between your clip and the glass, it basically acts like sandpaper over time. I learned that the hard way on my last device so I'm super paranoid now.
* Does anyone else notice the phone getting way hotter when using external glass? I think the sensor works harder to focus through the extra layers but maybe its just me. Anyway, just my two cents as a newbie! Its definitely a learning curve to get your shots looking right with that specific camera layout.