Best photography prisms

Photography prisms
(Image credit: Lensball)

Photography prisms are relatively inexpensive tools, but can create truly impactful imagery. Without the need for photography software, you can use prisms to create interesting reflective effects, double and multiple exposure special effects, create light leaks, add ethereal rainbow lights, and more. These types of special effects, known as "prisming," can transform boring portraits and dull landscapes into impressive works of art. It only takes a small investment and a little spare time to experiment to get great results. We're taking a look at the best photography prisms available today.

Staff pick

Photography prisms

(Image credit: Amazon)

Amlong Crystal triangular prism

A classic shape that's great for experimentation

If you buy just one photography prism, make it this one. The classic triangular prism gives you so many different special effects options. You can use it to refract light and create rainbow light effects. If you shoot through the long side of this prism, you can experiment with the reflection and exposure techniques. If you shoot through this prism's base you can play around with kaleidoscope effects. This particular prism is made of high quality, lead-free, K9 optical glass. It measures six inches in length, and the sides measure in at 1.38-inches, making it a good size to handle in front of your lens. 

Spherical

Photography prisms

(Image credit: Amazon)

Original Lensball Pocket

This crystal ball can take landscapes to the next level

A crystal ball makes for a fabulous photography accessory. This particular photography sphere from Lensball is a pocket-friendly, portable option measuring in at 60mm, or 2.36-inches in diameter. You can use the Lensball Pocket to capture a 180-degree view of your surroundings. The beauty of this is that you can get great effects with just your smartphone camera, rather than needing high-end photography equipment. This is made from K9 crystal which has extremely high light transmittance and light-refracting characteristics. Lensball promises each ball is 100% scratch-free and has no bubbles. It comes in a microfiber pouch that can also be used to clean it. 

Quartet

Photography prisms

(Image credit: Amazon)

Amlong Crystal prism set

This set will enable you to create a range of special effects

This comprehensive set will meet all your prism needs. It would also make a great gift for a hard-to-buy-for photography enthusiast. The set is made up of one 50mm crystal ball, one 60mm triangular prism, one 50mm cube, and one 60mm pyramid-shaped prism. Each of the four prisms are made from heavyweight, high-quality K9 optical glass which is incredibly clear and free from impurities like bubbles, inclusions, discoloration, and distortion. 

Polyhedron

Photography prisms

(Image credit: Amazon)

Amlong Crystal pyramid

This high-quality prism comes gift-boxed

This a high-quality pyramid made from optically clear crystal. It measures 2.25-inches by 2.25-inches by 2.75-inches. As far as photography uses go, the pyramid shape of this prism makes it especially suited to block out an area of an image in order to focus your attention on a certain area. This is particularly effective in portrait photography if you want to draw attention to the subject and away from an unattractive background. With a sharp point, this is not suitable for children. This affordable option comes in a lovely gift box, so would make a great present. 

Crystal clear 

This collection represents some really great prisms to help you create special effects in your photography. Our overall staff pick, the Amlong Crystal triangular prism, comes recommended as it's a versatile tool that will help you achieve a wide range of results. 

We also really like the Original Lensball Pocket. This crystal ball can turn an ordinary landscape, be it in an urban or rural setting, into a mini-masterpiece by capturing the view in 180-degrees.