DIY Macro Lens out of a Toilet Paper Roll – How to Make a Macro Photos with a Kit Lens

Often we want to take a picture of something very small: an ant, a dew drop on the grass or even a snowflake. But normal standard lenses do not provide us this opportunity. They do not enable a photographer to focus closer than 15-25 cm. But this is not enough for real macro photography.
From this photo tip you will learn how to transform your standard lens into macro lens, and how to make a macro photo using it!
All we need is: an empty toilet paper tube, scissors and your standard kit lens.
Our principal task is to place the toilet paper tube between the camera body and lens. For this purpose, we make cuts from one end of the tube to insert lens in it.

Then we insert the lens into the tube and attach the other end of the tube to the camera body.
Caution!!! Before doing this blow all the dust from the tube or it will get inside your camera.

Now you can focus on the subject which is only a few millimeters from the lens.

Here are several photos with the maximum shot without a toilet paper tube macro lens and with it:




For more detailed instruction “How to Make Macro Lens Yourself” watch our video:

When you use this design your camera will say the lens are not attached! It will not set the exposure, aperture and focus automatically. So the best is to switch to the manual mode and set all parameters yourself.
Such a macro lens made from a toilet paper roll is a substitute for macro rings (extension rings). They are also attached between the lens and the camera body.
Real macro lenses cost much. Extension rings are much cheaper. But a toilet paper tube costs nothing at all. So before spending your money, try making macro lens yourself!