Moment 18mm Wide angle lens for iPhone

Looking at the Olloclip or other offerings from the likes of Manfrotto to expand the angle of view you can acheive on your iPhone?  The 18mm equivalent wide angle lens from Moment is well worth a look..

I picked up the Moment 18mm wide angle lens on eBay, brand new in box for £60 with free p&p, a good deal I though given that there are very few (if any) current stockists in the UK. 

Moment will ship to the UK on their website but the price is listed  at $99 plus international shipping, with the exchange rate as it is I think I saved around £20, my lens arrived as expected, boxed, with all instructions and soft carry pouch.

To attach the lens to an iPhone requires that a thin metal plate be affixed to the rear of the phone, the plate has a small raised bayonet fitment on which all lenses in the moment lens range will attach, and plate is mounted to the phone using a pre-applied adhesive strip. 

I suspect that the adhesive would hold the bracket firmly to the phone under its own force however I have had a case on my phone with that plate mounted beneath which has given me added peice of mind that it definitely isn’t going anywhere.
I use a “Smart Battery” Apple case which at time of writing isnt listed on Moment’s website as being compatible, it was with crossed fingers that I placed my order – I’m pleased to report that it fits though, and fits very well I should add!

The lens enclosure is constructed of metal with a full glass lens – no plastic to be found here. This does make for a lens which has some heft and whilst mounted to your phone will make for a noticably heavier device. That said though the build quality is exceptional, with built tolerances on the bayonet fitting which make for a firm connection that you wont be worried about failing.  

The included carry pouch is a nice touch and is made of a soft material that is suitable for use to wipe the lense face in the event you get it mucked up with finger prints. Its a thin material though and offers little by way of “trauma” protection, but the lens is small enough to comfortably fit in a trouser pocket and I doubt you would want to keep this wide angle lens permenantly connected to your phone (unless you wanted to look a bit odd whilst on a call)