Macro Lens DIY? · Discuss

July 8th, 2010

Interesting, but no I haven't tried it. I would love to see pics from people who have.

July 8th, 2010

I think I'll give it a go. Oddly enough, I never buy Pringles but bought some today (kiddo pajama party here tomorrow night) Maybe that's a sign... (:

July 8th, 2010

Rainee

i was just looking at trevor's photos and read about his macro tubes...i also saw a diy article about it but i'm soooo afraid to try.

do let me know when you decide to try this =)

July 8th, 2010

FaerieMoon

Rainee--I'll post you a link as soon as I can get the empty can and manage a photo!

July 8th, 2010

Mark Fioretto

you can also save your pennies and save up for a used macro extension tube. (that is if you're working w/ a DSLR)

I picked my Canon EF 25 II extension tube in perfect condition for 82 USD.

My gf recently bought the Canon EF 12 extension tube brand new for 84 USD.

Both are typical of canon fit and finish and the autofocus performs perfectly.

here are some shots from my extension tube+50mm f/1.8 lens: http://365project.org/spdfreak/365/2010-05-16 http://365project.org/spdfreak/365/2010-06-14 http://365project.org/spdfreak/365/2010-05-12

July 8th, 2010

Vanya

thanks for sharing the link it was really interesting and Ive passed it on :)

July 8th, 2010

Brenda Ashley

i Brought myself a extention tube from ebay that i havent really had a fair go at .. But for the price they give out great shots , here are a few from my friend that uses one !!!
http://365project.org/kira/365/2010-06-21 http://365project.org/kira/365/2010-06-23 http://365project.org/kira/365/2010-06-29 http://365project.org/kira/other/2010-06-15

so for around $20 its worth a play !!!

I might get mine out today and figure it out !!

July 8th, 2010

FaerieMoon

Thanks Mark, I was trying to avoid anything too hefty $$, the Pringles can sounded like a nice experiment!
Thanks Brenda--hadn't thought about ebay!
My husband says getting dust in the lens is a high possibility with this DIY, so he's not keen on it.
Amazon.co.uk (thanks, Starman) has a Macro Extension Tube that will fit our Nikon D40X for about 20 pounds with shipping (or about $30 US). Maybe we'll try that out instead.

July 8th, 2010

Brenda Ashley

yeh give them ago , much better than mucking around !!! one tip ive had is u may also need to get a macro focus rail to get in that little bit closer !!!! But a tripod is a must no matter what to reduce camera shake !!!

July 9th, 2010

Karen Hofmann

Clarissa, I bought a set of 4 macro filters for my camera for $7.99 from eBay when I first got my camera. I used them for about a year and they work great!!

Here are a few shots I took with them and what they are.

Here are some examples of pictures I took with those filters.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chevymom0/2518438387
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chevymom0/2590018720
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chevymom0/2559656962
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chevymom0/2537159150
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chevymom0/2518621648

Here is a set like the ones I bought. Still less than $20.

http://cgi.ebay.com/58MM-MACRO-CLOSEUP-LENS-4-FILTER-KIT-1-2-4-10-FREE-CASE-/370403928261?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CamerasPhoto_CameraAccessories_CameraLensesFilters_JN&hash=item563dcb68c5

July 9th, 2010

FaerieMoon

Thanks, Karen! Your shots are beautiful. I'll check out your link right now...

July 9th, 2010

KellyWilson

OH my gosh. thank you for this!!!!! i will 100% try this when i get home!

July 9th, 2010

Reid Davis

I made one from the front element of a broken lens and stuffed it into a lens hood with a piece of foam. You could use a cheap magnifying glass in place of the lens piece though. The great part is it just screws on the front of the lens...

July 9th, 2010

wahyu

i was experimenting with a 50mm f1.8 (reversed) attached in front of 55-250mm canon lens...
some examples:

July 9th, 2010

FaerieMoon

Okay--now all the secret DIY'ers come out of the woodwork!! Hmmm...I sense my Sunday will be a DIY day. Thanks!

July 9th, 2010

FaerieMoon

...and thanks for the visual, Reid. I tend to be like a 2-year-old in that respect--it's helpful.

July 9th, 2010

Cody Geest

For really close up photography there is something called a reversing ring it allows you to mount your lens backwards gaining alot of magnification. I havn't had much luck with it but to be honest i haven't tried it very much. I think reversing rings are cheap i think i bought mine close to 10 bucks

July 9th, 2010

Marianne Piano

Yeah I got my reverse ring for £8 8D