Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x)

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

I was warned by other reviews that the picture would not be hugely different, and that is the case.

However, this lens does give you a good option for close shots or shots where you can't back up further to widen the field of view.

Installation was simple as can be, and overall, I'm quite impressed. I tad wider picture would be nice, but let's face it, we're talking about an add-on lens for a tiny camera - well done.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

Installs quickly and easily. Provides the wider viewing angle with clarity and makes the Flip camera much more usable IMO.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

A bit awkward to put on and connect it to the Flip Mino so it doesn't fall off.
I use it to make videos - and this enables me to have a bit of a wide-angle.
I think it makes the images a bit less crisp.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

I have six Flip MiniHDs that I set up in various locations to record ongoing tasks. The idea of a magnetically mounted WA lens was appealing, as I could move it around as needed. Calling this magnetically mounted is a bit of a misnomer - it's mounted onto the camera by an adhesive ring, to which the lens is affixed. Fortunately for me, three adhesive rings are included, so I'll still be able to swap this lens from camera to camera. Surprised no one else has pointed this out in the many comments.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

I use this lens 90+ percent of the time for capturing action in a limited area short of a fish eye lens. Does an excellent job and is a must have.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

adds a bit of area to your indoors shooting.
Not great but dirt cheap and works OK

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

It's amazing how this little lens can improve the picture quality...

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

It was easy to set up, but I was unable to tell much difference between the scene with this lens on and with it off. It was a little wider, but not enough. In the car, the Flip at its widest setting showed the car radio from the driver's seat. With it installed, it showed part of the steering wheel and the car radio. I was hoping for a lot wider.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

The main reason my Flip has been sitting on a shelf for the past year is because the lens is just not wide enough. OK, I can move back 30 feet every time I want to shoot something. That doesn't really fly indoors. It really is the biggest let down of owning a Flip. Image stabilization would be nice, but the lens is the real deal breaker. Looking at the Flip, you would never imagine that anything could really be done to fix the problem. Bower has figured out a darned good solution. You stick a magnetic ring around the lens area (they provide 3 or 4 of them) and the wide angle adaptor just snaps on magnetically. Stays on even on a roller coaster (plus it's tethered, so you can't lose it). Image quality is really quite good. It's tough to say if I can notice any softening of the image at all. If you don't line it up right, you may get a tiny bit of vignetting, but just nudge the lens and you are OK. If you own a Flip, for the price, you really have to buy one of these. You will love it and use the Flip again!

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

easy to use, nice addition

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

The lens is very good and very clear. However, I was expecting something that could utilize the built in ring around the flip's lens. Still very satisfied.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

I use my new wide angle lens with both my digital camera and my FlipCamera. It works well with both, but having a wide angle lens for the Flip is the greatest difference in your field of view.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

A must have for the Flip...

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

Well...I haven't had a chance to use it much yet, but so far, I haven't noticed much of a change in the width of the picture. Just used it out of window. Leaving for vacation and will have a better chance to play with it. It attaches OK, but needs some play to eliminate a ring.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

Bought this lens for my Flip Ultra and it did provide a "slightly" wider field of view. If you are thinking about buying this, keep your expectations low and remember that it is a .45x lens.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

This lens gave my Flip exactly the viewing area I needed. The Flip is a great camera, but has a very small viewing area. I love the new recording area with the new lens.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

Great proudct very simple (a four old could use it)Hand strap incorporates into your Flip hand strap so that your lens is always right there and ready to use. No negatives for this product.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

I have used the lens on a Flip during a couple of trips and around the house. The lens does improve the quality of your movies, but there is a big downside while travelling. The magnet is not as strong as I would like, which means that you must be very careful when handling the camera. The lens can easily be detached from the camera because of the weak magnet. The "safety" cord that comes with lens is basically useless in terms of offering protection because the O-ring is not a tight fit on the lens. Finally, to safely carry the camera, while sightseeing, I detach and then reattached when you want to take a clip. What a pain, but I don't want to drop or lose the lens. However, I would recommend this lens if you are not on the go when taking clips. The lens does significantly improve picture quality.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

The lens worked better than expected.I really like the simplicity of the Flip and once I had a look at the w/a lens I knew I must have it.It's design is genius in it's ease of use and versatility.

Comments about Bower Wide Angle Magnetic Lens (.45x):

Got it for Christmas. Thanks Santa! No more panning the Flip to get the whole shot in. I like the fact they provide 3 mounting rings in case one fails. Make sure you keep track of the lens covers. They're easy to set down and walk away from. Can't wait to try it out at the next VW drags I go to in the Spring.