Header Banner
WonderHowTo Logo
WonderHowTo
Giveaway Tuesdays!
wonderhowto.mark.png
Gadget Hacks Next Reality Food Hacks Null Byte The Secret Yumiverse Invisiverse Macgyverisms Mind Hacks Mad Science Lock Picking Driverless

3 Ultra-Cheap DIY Macro Photography Hacks

Giveaway Tuesdays has officially ended! But don't sweat it, WonderHowTo has another World that's taken its place. Every Tuesday, Phone Snap! invites you to show off your cell phone photography skills.

Submit your best shot to our weekly competition for a chance to win an awesome prize. Phoneographers only—both Android and iPhone welcome! Check it out now.

New to the world of macro photography? Don't worry, there are cheap alternatives to buying pricey, brand new lenses. If you're crafty and you've got time to spare, try tackling one of the three projects below.

1. The DVD Player Macro Lens Hack

Got an old DVD player lying around? Extract the lens and attach it to your camera phone for a powerful new macro lens. Try Lifehacker's video tutorial below, or DIY Photography's step-by-step guide.

2. The Pringles Can Method

Turn a Pringles can into a lens extender with MAKE Magazine's video tutorial—check out pixiq's article for the step-by-step in article form, or download the original MAKE PDF here.

3. Build Your Own Macro Photography Stage

The average digital camera is capable of getting some great close-up macro shots without the fancy lens—as long as the lighting and environment are right. Hack N Mod demonstrates how to create your own clean macro photography stage with a cardboard box and some tracing paper.

Cardboard box assembly in three stages.

Photo by ViaMoi

Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates are packed with new features, and you can try them before almost everyone else. First, check Gadget Hacks' list of supported iPhone and iPad models, then follow the step-by-step guide to install the iOS/iPadOS 26 beta — no paid developer account required.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!