Bower VLMWF 0.45x Wide Angle Magnetic Lens for Flip Cameras -Black

First of all, let me say that this really adds a noticeable increase in recording area without a "fisheye" effect. I loved using it so much just to bring in the extra surroundings that I discovered a real problem. This lens attaches not to the camera itself, but to a metal ring (provided) that you put on the Flip's "lens" (the clear part that protects the actual sensor). Anyway, since I loved it so much I left it on all the time so I could just pick it up off my desk, shoot a quick video and set it right back down.I really can't decide if it's the lens' fault for being to heavy, Flip's fault for weak adhesive, or my fault for not removing it, but the wide angle lens was heavy enough to break the adhesive on the Flip's lens so now I have an exposed sensor. The Flip isn't ruined at all. Had I not used the included strap, this lens would have fallen 4 feet to a concrete floor (it looks sturdy enough to handle it, but who wants to take that chance?). I have since reapplied the lens with a stronger adhesive, so I suppose this is more of a warning. If this were more of an cheap gimmicky accessory, I wouldn't be disappointed; but I discovered this item because Flip's website has it as a recommended accessory and really seems like a quality product.Pros: Adds a good amount to the viewing area Quality build; heavy, but doesn't give the camera awkward weight No big loss of quality (if it's enough to be complaining about, you probably shouldn't be filming with a Flip anyway)Cons: Apparently too heavy for the camera Doesn't actually connect to the metal ring around the Flip's lens, you attach a ring to the clear part.Warnings: Either don't leave the Bower on all the time, don't leave it standing straight up when not in use. *** Use the included strap to attach it to the Flip; if I didn't I'm not sure I'd still be able to use this lens. ***FYI, I use this adapter on the late 2010 Flip Ultra HD (8 GB, black, with FlipPort) attached to a Joby magnetic GorillaPod (which is awesome, so pick that up too).

I purchased this on Amazon (best deal around for it!) and was pretty happy with the product. It was simple to install and useful for the shots on my Flip MINO (gen 2) that require a wider viewing angle.The good:- Installation was simple, and they give spare adhesive metal rings.- The carrying case is handy and useful- The performance of the lens (it does what it is intended for)The 'ok':- The caps that are included to protect both sides of the lens are difficult to remove, but great to have.The bad:- the adhesive rings sit a couple millimeters off of the original flip lens. this allows lint and dirt to easily get trapped around the metal ring.- the looped string included to attach your lens to the flip key ring slot is poor material. When bending it to fit into the slot, the plastic inside the string broke.All in all, this product is worth buying if you need it. It works great indoors where you have a limited amount of room to physically back up for videos. It's not cheap, but it is useful. The "bad" parts are relatively minor and are outweighed by the good and the usefulness.

Purchased this add-on wide angle lens to use in filming interior of real estate properties. The lens attachment, a steel ring that adheres to the front of the Flip Ultra lens area with self-stick adhesive, does not detract from the appearance of the camera. The lens appears to stay on well, though I haven't tried to jar the camera with the wide angle lens held on magnetically. In "normal" use, I don't think there would be any problem with it coming off.My greatest disappointment was with the quality of the picture when using the lens. Without the lens, the Flip Ultra (3rd generation) Flip UltraHD Video Camera - Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (3rd Generation) NEWEST MODEL  takes wonderfully sharp HD video. With the wide-angle lens, the picture seems a bit blurred, a bit like filming through a bit of haze. The picture, though encompassing a wider view, is just a bit fuzzier, not as sharp. Though for my purposes the image is not unusable, it is still disappointing to have an HD picture that isn't sharp.If you need a wider field of view, and if a loss of sharpness isn't a huge concern, this lens will do the job. But if you are only satisfied with perfectly sharp video, you may be a little disappointed with the results using this lens.

Well made and easy to attach, the magnetic coupling stays on through most things.I am using this on a Panasonic HM-TA1, I also put it over my Galaxy phone, works with most small lenses and gives a much wider field of view without noticeable distortion or vignetting, at least on what I have tried it on.It's well made, metal with detachable macro ring and glass lenses.The only difficult bit being trying to get the rubber band that holds the safety strap to stay on, and I would always attach the safety strap, or like the other guy has done, just glue it on, I can't see why you would want to take it off.

This was the most useless item I ever purchased.Was not magnetic as stated in the add,has to be fixed with superglue,not what I expected,prefer my money back.

edge sharpness very lousy compared with the reasonable fixed standard lens of the Flip Utra HD. FOV of the Bower is wide.