Travel – The TechWanderer

World’s BIGGEST Phone Lens! 15,000MM Zoom – Insane or Useless?

Smartphone cameras are getting better every year, but no phone comes close to the insane zoom range of this 15,000MM lens. For reference, the world’s biggest camera lens I previously tested only reached 4,000MM—and this smartphone lens nearly quadruples that.

But is it actually usable, or is it just a gimmick? I took it out to a wildlife refuge and put it through real-world tests. Here’s what happened.

🔥 Wildlife Photography at 1,500MM Zoom

Before we max out the zoom, let’s start at 1,500MM—just 10% of what this lens can do.

✅ Sharp images—better than I expected for a budget super-zoom
✅ Great for bird photography—getting close-up shots without disturbing them
✅ Easy manual focus—but definitely shaky if you don’t stabilize it

📸 Test Results: The birds looked incredible. I was able to see details I couldn’t even spot with my 20/20 vision. But the real test? Tracking fast-moving subjects.

🏃 Following Fast-Moving Subjects at 3,000MM & 6,000MM

At 3,000MM, tracking moving subjects became harder. At 6,000MM, it was almost impossible without a tripod.

✅ Incredible reach—I could see ducks on the far end of a lake, houses on a distant hill, and even cars miles away.
❌ Stability is an issue—even minor movements cause huge shakes in the frame.
✅ Still sharp at 6,000MM—as long as I let go of the phone and let it settle.

I was shocked at how good the image quality was, but what happens when we push it even further?

🌕 Moon Shots & The 12,000MM Test

The moon was initially hard to find, but once I did, it came in incredible detail!

But at 12,000MM, something unexpected happened:

⚠️ Chromatic aberration increased – noticeable purple fringing around edges
⚠️ Focus became extremely sensitive – tiny adjustments threw off clarity
✅ Still insane detail for a budget phone lens

This is way beyond what the lens was designed for. It’s technically only supposed to reach 1,500MM, so at 12,000MM and beyond, it’s stretching the limits.

That said… I had one more test to push it to the absolute extreme.

💥 15,000MM Mega Zoom – Does It Even Work?

At full 15,000MM zoom, things got crazy.

👀 What I Could See:
✅ The road horizon disappearing around a corner miles away
✅ Distant objects I couldn’t even see with my naked eye
✅ Birds that looked microscopic at normal zoom became HUGE

But here’s the truth:

⚠️ The quality suffers at max zoom – digital zoom + optical = blurry images
⚠️ Shaky beyond belief – without a tripod, this level of zoom isn’t practical
⚠️ Not meant for this – remember, this is a 1,500MM lens, not 15,000MM

Despite all that, the fact that this is even possible with a budget smartphone lens is mind-blowing.

🏆 Who Is This Lens For?

This lens is actually useful for:

✔️ Wildlife & Bird Photography – Get clear close-ups from far away
✔️ Long-Distance Nature Shots – See horizon details your eyes can’t
✔️ Budget-friendly super zoom – Better than some $200+ DSLR lenses

But if you need extreme clarity at 15,000MM, this isn’t for you.

⚡ Final Thoughts – Should You Buy It?

I expected this lens to be trash, but instead, it blew me away.

💰 Way cheaper than pro camera lenses
📸 Better than expected quality at 1,500MM
⚠️ Shaky at extreme zoom levels

🔗 Get it here: The 15,000MM Lens (affiliate link)

Honestly? If you love wildlife photography or just want the craziest zoom on your phone, this is worth it.

5 Money Hacks for Travel in 2024: Save Money Traveling the World

Ever dream of tossing a backpack over your shoulder, grabbing a one-way ticket, and traveling the world? If you’re worried about how much it costs, this article is for you. These five practical money-saving hacks are based on real experiences, showing you how to save a significant amount of money while traveling.

1. Stay in Hostels Instead of Hotels

Accommodation is often one of the most expensive aspects of travel, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead of booking pricey hotels, try hostels. Not only do hostels save you money, but they also provide a unique opportunity to meet new people, especially if you’re traveling solo.

Cost: Hostel stays typically range from $20 to $40 per night, making it a highly affordable option.
Perks: Many hostels offer free breakfast, events, and the chance to book private rooms for cheaper than hotels.
Tip: Use apps like Hostelworld to find the best-rated and affordable hostels. Booking ahead can also help you avoid price hikes during peak seasons.

Example: A 30-day stay across multiple hostels in Europe cost just over $700—a fraction of what hotels would have charged.

2. Maximize Travel Credit Card Rewards

Travel rewards credit cards can save you hundreds on flights, accommodations, and even extra travel perks like TSA pre-check.

How it works: Many travel cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred, offer massive sign-up bonuses. For example, after spending $3,000 in the first three months, you can earn 60,000 points—equivalent to about $600 in travel credits.
Strategic spending: Use your credit card to pay for major travel expenses like accommodations, flights, and train tickets. You can hit your minimum spending requirement quickly and earn free travel credits.
Tip: Be sure to pay off your credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, which can negate the savings from your rewards.

Example: Using rewards, you could reduce your round-trip flight expenses by $400 to $500.

3. Book Flights to Cheaper Airports

Instead of flying directly to your destination, look for cheaper flights to nearby airports. Once you arrive in a nearby city, you can take a budget airline or train to your final destination.

Tools to use: Websites like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to see price maps of nearby airports, helping you find the cheapest option.
Tip: Be flexible with your travel dates. Avoiding high-demand travel days can significantly lower flight costs.

Example: Instead of flying directly to Dubrovnik, Croatia, consider flying to a larger airport in Italy, like Naples or Rome, and taking a cheaper flight or train into Croatia. This simple switch could save you hundreds of dollars.

4. Travel When Your Expenses Are Lowest

Timing your trip to coincide with the end of your lease, or renting out your home while you’re gone, can dramatically cut your expenses.

Save on rent: By planning your trip during a period when you don’t have to pay for housing back home, like the end of a lease, you can reduce your overall expenses.
Tip: If you own your home or are in the middle of a lease, consider renting it out on Airbnb or subletting to cover the costs of your mortgage or rent while you travel.

Example: By traveling for a month at the end of a lease, you could save $500 or more on rent.

5. Spend More Time in Less Expensive Destinations

One of the best ways to save money is to allocate more time in affordable destinations and less time in expensive ones.

Balance your trip: For example, Eastern European countries like Hungary are generally cheaper than Western European countries like Austria. By spending more days in Hungary and fewer in Austria, you can enjoy both destinations without overspending.
Tip: Research accommodation and food costs in different locations before planning how long to stay in each place.

Example: Staying five days in Budapest, Hungary, costs about the same as two days in Vienna, Austria. By spending more time in the less expensive city, you maximize your travel experience without draining your budget.

By applying these hacks, you can save a significant amount on your next trip and make traveling the world a reality. Whether it’s strategically booking cheaper flights or leveraging travel credit card rewards, a little planning can go a long way in cutting costs. Happy travels!

5 Packing Hacks for Airports You’re Missing Out On

If you’ve ever found yourself at the airport frustrated by luggage fees or overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you’re trying to fit into one personal item, this article is for you! With a few clever packing hacks, you can bring more onto the plane without having to pay for an extra checked bag. After traveling for 30 days with just one backpack, I’ve learned some tricks that will help you make the most out of your packing space, while keeping your budget intact.

1. The Shopping Bag Hack

This one’s a game changer! Most airlines allow you to bring one personal item, usually a backpack that must fit under the seat in front of you. However, there’s a clever way to sneak an extra item onto the plane: bring a shopping bag. Here’s how it works: airports are filled with stores where passengers buy clothes, electronics, and other items, and they often walk out carrying those items in shopping bags. Airlines generally don’t charge for those bags because they assume you bought them at the airport.

The hack? You don’t have to buy anything. Just carry your own shopping bag filled with stuff when you arrive at the airport. Security won’t question it, and neither will the flight attendants. You’ll essentially get a second personal item without paying for it. The only catch is that the bag shouldn’t be overly huge—something they’d assume you grabbed in the terminal.

2. Roll Your Clothes and Use Small Compartments

You’ve probably heard the advice to roll your clothes instead of folding them. It helps save space by making your clothes more compact. But here’s the next level trick: don’t just roll them—place them in the smallest compartments of your bag. For example, roll socks and underwear and tuck them into the side pockets of your backpack, leaving the main compartment free for bulkier items like shoes or electronics.

Rolling also helps prevent wrinkles, so you’ll arrive at your destination with clothes that look fresh and ready to wear. It’s all about maximizing the nooks and crannies of your bag.

3. Stuff Your Neck Pillow

Neck pillows are great for staying comfortable on flights, but did you know you can turn them into extra storage space? Many neck pillows have zippers. You can remove the cushion inside, roll up some clothes, and pack them inside the pillow. You won’t lose any comfort for your neck, but you’ll gain extra room for a few more shirts or pairs of socks.

Plus, since neck pillows are considered personal comfort items, no one’s going to stop you from bringing it on board. It’s the perfect little extra storage trick!

4. Wear and Tie Your Bulky Items

One of the easiest ways to save space in your luggage is to wear your bulkiest items to the airport. Jackets, hoodies, or even an extra pair of shoes—wear them, tie them around your waist, or strap them onto your backpack. This saves room in your bag and ensures you have more space for the smaller things.

For instance, you can tie a hoodie onto the top handle of your backpack, or even loop a pair of shoes through the straps. It might look a little funny, but it’s effective, and you won’t have to leave anything behind.

5. Board Late, Store Your Bag Overhead

If your personal item ends up being too big to fit under the seat in front of you, don’t panic! Here’s what you can do: board the plane last. Airlines are usually in a rush to take off once the last group boards, and they don’t want to waste time rearranging bags. By boarding late, you can simply place your oversized bag in the overhead compartment, where there’s usually extra space because people in your group aren’t allowed carry-ons.

It’s important to note that aisle seats often have smaller under-seat space due to bars or dividers, so boarding last also gives you the opportunity to find out if there’s room. If not, you’ll be able to store your bag above without any hassle.

With these five airport packing hacks, you’ll never have to worry about cramming everything into one tiny personal item again. Whether it’s sneaking an extra shopping bag, rolling your clothes smartly, or using your neck pillow for storage, these tricks can help you pack more efficiently and avoid unnecessary fees. Happy travels!

The $20 Last Notebook You Ever Buy – Unboxing and Review of the Rocketbook Core 2024

Do you love the feel of writing in a real paper notebook, but hate sifting through piles of old journals to find what you need? If that sounds familiar, the Rocketbook Core might just change your life. With its reusable, eco-friendly design and the ability to instantly upload notes to the cloud, it might just be the last notebook you’ll ever buy—and it only costs about $20! Let’s dive into what makes this unique digital notebook worth checking out.

Unboxing the Rocketbook Core 2024

When I first opened the Rocketbook Core, my immediate impression was how thin and sleek it looked. At just 24 pages, it seemed pretty slim for a notebook that claims to be the last one I’ll ever need. But here’s the catch: each page is reusable. That’s right—24 pages can be reused endlessly, giving you the functionality of hundreds of notebooks in one. It comes in multiple colors, and I opted for green to match my flannel (totally intentional…okay, maybe not).

The Rocketbook Core feels like real paper but with a slight, smoother texture. You write on it just like a regular notebook, but when you’re done, you simply scan the page using the Rocketbook app, and your notes are uploaded to your chosen cloud service—Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, and more. That’s where the magic begins.

How Does the Rocketbook Core Work?

Inside the notebook, you’ll find QR codes on each page, along with several faint symbols at the bottom. These symbols can be linked to specific cloud destinations, so when you scan a page and mark one of the symbols, it knows exactly where to send your notes. For example, you can set one symbol to upload directly to a folder in Google Drive and another to send a note as an email. This way, your notes are always organized and accessible.

The process of scanning is super simple. You write your notes, open the app, scan the page, and the Rocketbook app does the rest. The best part? It even has handwriting recognition. So if you don’t want just an image of your notes, the app will convert them into text for you, making it easy to edit or search through later.

Writing Experience and Features

Writing with the included Pilot Frixion pen feels surprisingly similar to using a normal pen and paper. You don’t have to worry about smudging, and if you make a mistake, you can simply use the eraser at the back of the pen or wipe the page clean with the included microfiber cloth. Just dampen one corner of the cloth, wipe the page, and dry it off—it’s good as new.

One thing I didn’t expect was how lightweight the notebook feels. It’s almost weightless, and while that’s a pro for portability, the slick texture of the cover makes it a bit slippery. But with how easy it is to scan and save your notes, this minor flaw feels pretty negligible.

The App and Cloud Integration

Now let’s talk about the app. With nearly 29,000 almost all five-star reviews, it’s clear that Rocketbook users love this app. Once you download the app, you can create a free account and start linking cloud services. The setup is quick, and you can easily configure different folders for each of the six symbols at the bottom of each page.

When I scanned my notes, the app automatically uploaded them to my Google Drive folder—exactly where I wanted them. You can also choose to have the app transcribe your handwriting, so you get a clean text version of your notes in addition to the scanned image.

The Best Part: It’s Reusable!

Here’s the real kicker: the Rocketbook Core is reusable, waterproof, and tear-resistant. That means you can keep using the same notebook over and over. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a creative, this notebook has something for everyone. I was genuinely impressed by how easy it is to erase the ink with just a bit of water and a cloth. It’s as simple as wiping a whiteboard.

The microfiber cloth that comes with the notebook is soft and does the job perfectly. Just dampen one part to wipe the page, and use the dry part to finish. In seconds, your page is completely blank and ready for your next set of notes.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For only $24, the Rocketbook Core is an absolute steal. It’s the equivalent of having a limitless supply of notebooks, but with the added benefit of cloud storage, handwriting transcription, and easy erasing. Whether you’re a student trying to keep track of assignments, a professional taking meeting notes, or just someone who loves jotting down ideas, this notebook could save you time, money, and space.

Interested in trying it out? Check out the Rocketbook Core on Amazon here (available in multiple colors!). It’s a remarkably affordable investment for a notebook that could last forever. Happy note-taking!

Disclaimer: links are affiliate links, so I may receive a very small commission if you choose to purchase through them at no additional cost to you.

What’s in My Minimalist Travel Bag: 30 Days, 1 Bag, and All My Regrets

Traveling light is an art form, but even the most seasoned travelers can make mistakes. I recently embarked on a 30-day backpacking journey across Europe, packing everything into a single bag. Spoiler alert: I made some regrettable choices. Here’s a look at what I packed, what I should have left behind, and the lessons I learned from my minimalist packing missteps.

The Great Mistakes: What I Regret Not Bringing

The Bigger Portable Travel Charger

Affiliate Link: The Better, Fatter Portable Charger
Why It Was Great: This charger would have saved my life. Compact, powerful, and versatile, it would have charged all my devices without fuss.

Travel Accessories

Affiliate Link: The Best Mini Tripod
Why It Was Great: I heavily regretted bring a full-sized tripod, even though it was marketed as a travel tripod. This mini tripod would have been more useful for capturing stable shots on the go. If you’re a content creator, a compact mini tripod is a must-have.

The Massage Gun

Affiliate Link: The Cheap Massage Gun That WORKS WELL
Why It Was Great: Long hikes and heavy backpacks would have made this a lifesaver. The massage gun would have provided much-needed relief and should have been packed from the start.

The Travel Towel

Affiliate Link: The Better Travel Towel
Why It Was Great: Compact and quick-drying, this towel was an upgrade over traditional ones. I should have replaced the normal towel with this sooner.

The Regrets: What I Should Have Left Behind

The Large Phone Mount

Why It Was a Mistake: Bulky, uncomfortable, and unstable, this phone mount took up too much space and was rarely used. A smaller, more versatile option would have been better.

The Full-Sized Tripod

Why It Was a Mistake: Despite good intentions, the full-sized tripod was impractical. It was cumbersome and rarely used. A mini tripod would have sufficed and saved valuable space.

The Camera and Extra Lens

Why It Was a Mistake: I ended up using my iPhone for most of the photos and videos. The camera and extra lens were unnecessary, adding weight and taking up space that could have been used more efficiently.

Lessons Learned

Pack Light, Pack Smart: Minimalism isn’t just about reducing items; it’s about choosing the right items. Opt for compact, versatile gear that you’ll actually use.
Prioritize Comfort: Long days of travel and exploration mean you need gear that enhances comfort, like a good massage gun for muscle relief.
Embrace Flexibility: Sometimes, a minimalist approach means being adaptable. If you find something isn’t working, be prepared to adjust your packing list.

In hindsight, my minimalist packing approach was a mix of hits and misses. While I learned valuable lessons and discovered some great travel gear, there were also clear missteps. If you’re planning a similar adventure, take my experiences as a guide to streamline your packing process.

For more detailed reviews of the travel gear I used, check out the links above. And if you want to see the daily vlogs from my European journey, let me know in the comments!

Affiliate Links to Gear Mentioned:

If you want to see everything I originally brought live and in detail, check out this video!

Happy travels and may your packing be flawless!

$40 vs. $400 Smart Glasses: Ray-Ban Meta Showdown

In the world of smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta stands as a premium option, renowned for its sleek design and impressive functionality. But can a pair of $40 smart glasses really compete with the Ray-Ban Meta’s $400 price tag? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to see how these budget-friendly glasses stack up against the high-end Ray-Ban Meta models.