Smart Phone add-on lenses

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am thinking of getting my son an add-on lens for his smart phone for Christmas, but I don't even have a smart phone myself, so any add-ons are beyond me.

Does anyone know about, have,  or use any of the add-on lenses for their smart phones.? What do you think of them? Are they a hassle?  What are the pros and cons?  They seem awfully inexpensive to be very good.  I see that many won't work with a case, but the Olloclip Quick Flip case seems to be a way around that.

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Nancy, I bought some add on lenses for my android smart phone from the Cellphoneshop.net just to play with.  Mine attach magnetically.  I chose this type because I wanted the Lensbaby add on and they work with it.  I haven't done much with them but every once in a while I get them out and play.  I have the wide angle/macro, telephoto and a 60XZoom Microscope along with the Lensbaby add on.  With the Microscope the camera really needs to be on a tripod.  Also it doesn't work with the custom case I have on my phone.  I haven't done much with the telephoto but here are a couple I shot a few days ago with the macro (it is used with the wide angle). 

Avocado skin handheld.

African Violet using a tripod.

I don't feel that they are for serious photography but are fun to see what you can get with them,

This was shot with the Lensbaby add on and wide angle/macro.

I hope this is of some help for you.

'

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks, Anne.  I am not sure if he would enjoy it or not.  He enjoys photography, but only has his phone right now.  He, unlike my other son and my daughter, takes pretty good pics using his phone, so I thought he might like to play around.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I have an IPhone and the only added lens I use is the Lensbaby (which I really love).  Other than that I use apps.  What a great idea for a XMAS gift.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

What apps do you use, Jane?  Perhaps, if they are ones that cost, I can 'treat' him to them also. Is there a brand of  lens baby you purchased?