Making the macro lens

1. Take your binoculars apart, and take out the two glass lenses at the front of the binoculars (not the part where you put your eyes) and the tiny plastic casings they may be in. Also, be sure to cut out one rubber circle from the end of the binoculars; you're going to need it later.

2. Place a lens inside the plastic casing (if it isn't already in there), and place the rubber circle over the casing.

3. Flatten your rubber band out and slip one end under the left part of the rubber circle and the other end under the right part of the circle. Pull the rubber band through the circles so that a little bit of the ends is sticking out.

4. Break off 2 small U-shaped pieces of the paper clips and feed them through the ends of the rubber band. This will help it stay secure when you mount it on the Flip.

5. Slide the lens right over the Flip's lens and be sure to line it up correctly or else you may get uneven picture quality. Afterwards, turn your Flip on and shoot in the Macro field (about 7 inches away the furthest.)

Using the microscopic lens

1. Get a microscope eyepiece from a science or lab supply store.

2. Turn your Flip on, and hold the eyepiece between your index finger and your middle finger.

4. Get very close to your subject, almost on top of it, and start shooting. Focus results may vary; the best way to get around that is to light your subject well.

You can now try making videos of insects, like the ones you see on the National Geographic Channel.

Test without any lenses. To view in High Quality, click here and click "watch in high quality."

Test with the DIY Macro Lens. To view in High Quality, click here and click "watch in high quality."

Test with a Microscopic Eyepiece. To view in High Quality, click here and click "watch in high quality."

Try it out yourself and reply with links to your videos. For other shooting tips, you can check out this post.

Update: How To Attach the Microscope Lens to Your Flip Mino

After putting on my Dr. Frankenstein lab coat again, I've figured out how to use the microscope eyepiece without having to hold it on. Use a rubber band, two paperclips, and a rubber ring that fits around the eyepiece (I used the other rubber ring from the binoculars I used in the macro lens),

1. Attach the paperclips to opposite ends of the rubber band.

2. Hold the paperclips flat against the eyepiece (with the rubber band at the other end of the eyepiece) and slip the rubber ring over the eyepiece all the way to about the end.

3. Attach the eyepiece to the Flip. You may need to turn it on so that you can line it up correctly. Focusing is still totally manual (handheld), but at least now it's easier and your eyepiece shouldn't move.