This is the real deal! I just got this today in preparation for our Canadian Rockies trip next week and it needed no “breaking in”. Easy peasy. Of course I also read the itsy bitsy manual first to ensure I do it right. Don’t believe the nay sayers on how this doesn’t work. It does! Don’t blame the product for human error, guys! Ok so here’s the lowdown.Great picture quality for such great distance! Of course you can’t expect super crisp photos when you’re “zoomed” from that far. Let’s be realistic and remember this is not even $80!Very easy to install/use - like I said - easy peasy. I have the iPhone X. Make sure you line it up with the top camera as the iPhone X has two cameras.Has some weight to it but not bad. Tip: Once you’ve focused the lens, hold the monocular from under with your left hand (if you’re a rightie) and the phone with your right hand, clip your arms to your sides (never stretch out your arms or take a photo with your arms away from your body), hold as still as you can, and snap gently.Good quality - I really think this will last a good while.And lastly, I find that I am still able to text even with the attachment on (without the monocular of course coz that will be heavy but I suppose I still can). This way I am able to more quickly set it up if I need to capture something in a rush. Just attach the attachment just right under the volume buttons on the left. Don’t go any higher than that as it will squeeze the buttons and you end up with a silent phone. Past it and you might also end up like me - accidentally sending out an SOS to the police! (When you hold the power button down for 5 seconds it makes an emergency call for help! - I hope the police don’t show up now! Oops! Haha)See my two photos and see for yourself just how much closer it will bring your subjects for a photo! It’s insane!