Apple’s iPhone accessory aftermarket is stronger than ever. Do you know how hard it is to pick just 11 cases to feature for a new iPhone? It goes beyond cases of course, with add-ons like battery packs and camera lenses. What makes this all even cooler is that we’ve reached the stage where some of the most innovative manufacturers are working together, making accessories that are not just compatible with an iPhone but also with each other’s products. A perfect example is the Nomad Rugged Case for Moment.
This is Nomad’s popular Horween leather Rugged Case, but the camera cutout trim has been replaced with a mount that’s compatible with Moment’s iPhone lenses. To understand why this is exciting, you might want to read my review of the Nomad Rugged Case and of Moment Lenses for the iPhone.
I just wrapped up a weekend of testing Moment’s latest wide angle lens shooting the frozen beaches of Grand Bend on Lake Huron (watch for the review coming soon). But I didn’t use a Moment case. Instead I slipped my iPhone XS Max into Nomad’s new Rugged Case for Moment.
Like the Nomad Rugged Case
The Nomad Rugged Case has evolved along with the iPhone. While it’s still covered with high quality, vegetable tanned Horween leather, the latest generation is wrapped with a rubber TPE bumper. This provides additional protection from bumps, but also makes it much easier to install and remove than earlier versions of the case.
The frame is Dupont polycarbonate, the interior is lined with protective microfiber and there’s a slightly raised lip. In other words, it’s a premium looking and feeling, minimalist leather case that provides 6-foot drop protection for your iPhone.
But It’s Compatible With Moment Lenses
The only difference between this case and the standard model is the trim surrounding the camera cutout. Nomad has incorporated Moment’s v2 fiberglass reinforced lens mount interface. This makes the case compatible with any Moment M-Series lenses. Attaching a lens to the case is as easy as twisting and locking. When you don’t need a lens attached, the mount is reasonably discreet — it doesn’t add any bulk and if you weren’t looking for it you may not even notice it.
Functionally, I found no difference between using the Nomad case, and using one of Moment’s originals.
There is a slight premium for this added functionality. The Rugged Case for iPhone XS Max is $44.95, which rises to $49.95 for the Moment-compatible version. While I prefer the look of the rustic brown leather, the case is also offered in black leather.
Recommendation
Should you buy the Nomad Rugged Case for Moment? If you own one of the new 2018 series of iPhones — the iPhone XS, XS Max or XR — and you’re happy with their built-in cameras, then you should stick with the regular Nomad Rugged Case. It’s a great minimalist leather case, and skipping the lens mount will save you five bucks.
However, if you’re interested in the greatly expanded world of iPhone photography that Moment’s lenses offer, you’re going to want to check out this case. Moment sells its own iPhone Photo cases, but the company has lacked a leather option. The Nomad Rugged Case for Moment fills that slot nicely…
Disclosure: Nomad provided a case for evaluation but had no input into this review.
