olloclip's Quick-Flip Case for iPhone: Ingenious Solution

olloclip lens kit

 

You have one of the fabulous olloclip lens kits for the iPhone that provides add-on fisheye, wide angle and macro lenses. But you have to remove your current case to use the lenses. That's a real pain. olloclip has solved that problem by launching its own iPhone case with a top section that flips out of the way. And it still protects your iPhone nicely.

For those not familiar with the olloclip lens kit, I previously reviewed the 4/4S version and the iPhone 5 version. Basically, it's a very small and clever, high-quality lens assembly that fits over the iPhone's lens to provide fisheye, wide angle and macro capability. The TMO rating for the iPhone 5 version was 4.5/5.

olloclip Quick-Flip Case for iPhone (4/4S or 5)

The Problem olloclip Solved

For those users who have a fairly elaborate, defensive case on the iPhone, like the Trident Kraken or the Otterbox Commuter or Defender, it can be fairly annoying to remove the case in order to use the olloclip lens. Personally, I use the Otterbox Commuter, and it isn't real hard to remove; it comes off in seconds. Even so, the reason we use a case like that is because we're not inclined to expose the beautiful iPhone 5 to the elements -- and a potential drop.

So even if your case comes off easily, there's the risk of dropping the iPhone and scratching or damaging it while attempting to slide the olloclip lens on.

On the other had, there are people who absolutely don't want to hide the awesome aesthetics of the iPhone, and so they use a minimalist case, like the Incase Metallic Snap Case. Or its sibling, the clear Snap Case. When transparent, it's barely there at all.

So the real question is, are you willing to back off from a dual layer, silicone & polycarbonate case to a single layer of polycarbonate in order to have the convenience of instant access to the iPhone's lens? If so, then this olloclip Quick-Flip case is exactly what you need.

When the Quick-Flip Corner deploys, it doubles as a shutter relase. (Photo via iPad 3)

The best way to start here is to look at the feature list of this case.

  • Made of polycarbonate, available in translucent black or white.
  • Quick-Flip corner tested for more than 1,000 cycles. Has a protective "stop."
  • The Quick-Flip corner doubles as a shutter release.
  • The case allows the aesthetics of the iPhone to come through.
  • All ports are accessible.
  • Pro-Photo adapter has two ports threaded for standard tripod as well as a Cold Shoe mount.
  • iPod touch 5G adapter included.
  • The case, independent of the Pro-Photo Adapter, weighs just 18 grams.
  • Available for iPhone 4/4S or 5.

Installation

olloclip has produced a video that nicely shows how to install and use the olloclip Quick-Flip case, plus accessories, on the iPhone and iPod touch (5G).

 

iPhone Protection

In previous times, I used an Incase Snap Case, the transparent version, to protect my iPhone 4. Several times, I dropped that duo on asphalt, and while the case was scratched (and cracked once), the iPhone was never damaged.

This Quick-Flip case, made of polycarbonate, appears to offer at least as good if not better protection than the Snap Case. I've been using the Quick-Flip for about a week now, and, except for possible weakness around the Quick-Flip Corner, it's as strong as and as nice looking as any case previously reviewed for the iPhone 4S or iPhone 5.

Pro-Photo Adapter

There are small detents on the side of this case that, optionally, allow the attachment of the included Pro-Photo Adapter. It's shown in this photo on the left.

Pro-Photo Adapter clips on for tripod use. (Landscape or Portrait position possible.)

You can mount the iPhone on a standard threaded tripod top in either portrait or landscape mode. There's also a Cold Shoe Mount for attaching microphones or flash attachments.

Using the Quick-Flip

This case provides enough protection, around the house, that I'm probably going to switch to it -- just because I take a lot of product photos with the olloclip lens: like this one of the LynkTek TruGlide Microfiber nib.

olloclip Macro lens + iPhone 5 was used for review of the TruGlide Stylus. (See text.)

The one thing that worries me, however, is getting the case off. It's a breeze to snap my iPhone 5 into the case, but prying it out has the potential to break a fingernail. Plus, if you make the mistake of starting to pry near the Quick-Flip Corner, it might be possible to break the hinge. I recommend starting to pry the case off at the bottom of the iPhone and work your way up one side.

Pricing & Availability

The olloclip Quick-Flip case ships on June 5 and is priced at US$49.99. The ollolcip lens system itself is priced at $69.99. A bundle is available; you can buy both for $99.99.

Documentation & Packaging

I was provided a pre-release package that didn't include the final box, but if it matches the quality of the ollloclip lens kit itself, I expect it will be equally nice.

The instructions are provided in a small, folding leaflet, and it does a good job of explaining the installation and use.

Just a section of the manual, in leaflet form.

Final Focus

This company makes a first-class lens system, and their encore product, the Quick-Flip Case matches the quality of their original Kickstarter product. I am impressed by the team I've worked with, and I can see that they're starting to develop a family of winning products.

Along those lines, olloclip recently released an iOS app that adds more functionality to the lens system itself. That app may be reviewed in the future.

If you have an iPhone 4/4S or 5 and the olloclip lens, I strongly recommend this great iPhone case so that you always have easy access to the olloclip lens. That lens kit comes in a small felt pouch with a drawstring and has lens caps, all weighting less than 23 grams, so it's easy to carry around with your iPhone.

You can't go wrong buying the bundle, so that the Quick-Flip case makes the use of the lens system always fast and simple. And for the rest of the time, your iPhone will get some pretty good but not heroic protection.

Product: Quick-Flip Case

Company: olloclip

List Price: US$49.99

Rating:

Pros:

Provides the ability to easily attach the olloclip lens kit. Made of sturdy polycarbonate. Includes a Pro-Photo Adapter. When Quick-Flip Corner is rotated, acts as a shutter release on the iPhone's volume up button.

Cons:

Case is a tight fit; can be slightly difficult to remove for some.