How to Make a Macro Lens for Your DSLR

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make a macro lens for your DSLR

How to Make a Macro Lens for Your DSLR

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Step 1 of 12

This tutorial is based on the 'reverse lens' technique of macro photography. You'll need a kit lens, like the Canon 18-55mm or another lens of about 50mm of focal lenght. Tap on images to fullscreen.

Step 2 of 12
We'll be needing two filters. We have to remove the glass of one of the filters and keep the thread ring. Do nothing on the other one, just keep it to the next steps.

We'll be needing two filters. We have to remove the glass of one of the filters and keep the thread ring. Do nothing on the other one, just keep it to the next steps.

Step 3 of 12
This is the body cap. We have to drill or cut the cap and result as the image. It'll be used as a ring adaptor, so we'll 'shoot through it'.

This is the body cap. We have to drill or cut the cap and result as the image. It'll be used as a ring adaptor, so we'll 'shoot through it'.

Step 4 of 12
This is the rear lens cap. We have to cut a section of it, about 2-3mm from the top, by the red line of the pic. This will be used, with the unmodified filter from step one, as a lens protector.

This is the rear lens cap. We have to cut a section of it, about 2-3mm from the top, by the red line of the pic. This will be used, with the unmodified filter from step one, as a lens protector.

Step 5 of 12
Working on the same cap as previous step, we have to fit the filter on it, so we have to file the borders on a 90º angle, like an 'L' as you can se on this picture. Then the filter will fit perfectly.

Working on the same cap as previous step, we have to fit the filter on it, so we have to file the borders on a 90º angle, like an 'L' as you can se on this picture. Then the filter will fit perfectly.

Step 6 of 12
Now glue the filter ring (no glass) to the body cap, mantaining the filter thread on the outside of the filter, as seen on the image.

Now glue the filter ring (no glass) to the body cap, mantaining the filter thread on the outside of the filter, as seen on the image.

Step 7 of 12
By the other side, glue the filter (with glass) to the back cap of the lens (previously cutted or drilled). This will fit on the reversed lens to protect it and avoid dust.

By the other side, glue the filter (with glass) to the back cap of the lens (previously cutted or drilled). This will fit on the reversed lens to protect it and avoid dust.

Step 8 of 12
Once glued, fit the back cap on the lens. Remember that we'll be using the lens reversed, so this will be the 'external part'.

Once glued, fit the back cap on the lens. Remember that we'll be using the lens reversed, so this will be the 'external part'.

Step 9 of 12
Fit the filter-body-cap-adapter to the filter thread of the lens. This will be placed on the camera, and will join the lens with the camera body, as if it would be a regular lens.

Fit the filter-body-cap-adapter to the filter thread of the lens. This will be placed on the camera, and will join the lens with the camera body, as if it would be a regular lens.

Step 10 of 12
That's the final prpduct.

That's the final prpduct.

Step 11 of 12
An example picture taken with this manual lens. It was at a 'reversed' 55mm, manual focus, no flash. Camera settings at ISO 3200, f/11 and 1/125. Original pic was not squared.

An example picture taken with this manual lens. It was at a 'reversed' 55mm, manual focus, no flash. Camera settings at ISO 3200, f/11 and 1/125. Original pic was not squared.

Step 12 of 12
Another example. Any questions, just ask :)

Another example. Any questions, just ask :)

Start Over

12 Comments
Supplies

1 Lens

1 Back cap of the lens

1 Camera body cap

2 UV filters

Glue

Some tools

Janet Kuo

Wow this is really cool!

Janet Kuo last year

Dirk Essl

Very good. I might try that!

Dirk Essl last year

Lindsay M

Yep, just thought it would be good to mention that if those were different, you'd need a filter of each size.

Lindsay M last year

Albert G.

model

(author) last year

Albert G.

the filter is mesured by the diameter of the lens, and te back cap is by the

(author) last year

Lindsay M

Attachments = body caps and filters, sorry for the confusion. I have a lens that is 55mm (I think) where it meets the body, but 77mm at the end of the lens. But I guess that's all one needs to know to buy the right sizes. :)

Lindsay M last year

Albert G.

*what and *Sorry for my english. 😜

(author) last year

Albert G.

Correct size? The filters must be the same diameter as the lens, in this case 58mm. The caps are the ones of the lens, so there's no problem with that. Is that what you were asking for? Whay you mean with 'attachments'? Sorry for my

(author) last year

Lindsay M

Yay!

Lindsay M last year

Albert G.

Two filters, the body cap and the back cap of the lens. In fact, if you don't glue the filter (the one with glass), then only one filter is altered. But yes, the lens remains perfectly, you can re-reverse it and use it as normal, so there's only two filters and two caps altered, about $20 if they're the cheap ones ;)

(author) last year

Lindsay M

Oh, and you might want to add a bit about determining correct size for the attachments, especially as some cameras are different mm at base and end of lens.

Lindsay M last year

Lindsay M

It appears the only things permanently altered here are two filters and a body cap, is that correct? One could easily switch between this setup and using the same lens the "normal" way? If so thanks very much, I'd wanted to try reversing, but didn't know how to fasten or keep safe.

Lindsay M last year

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Albert G.

No, but I was about 2h laying around... :)

(author) last year

Rahul Malik

Whoa awesome shot! Hope you didn't get stung taking this :)

Rahul Malik last year

Adam Berg

I have a nikon d300 and want to get a either a macro or wide angle lens. I know it's total different aspects. I have a 18-200mm now, is there a reason i should I get one before the other

Adam Berg 11 months ago