macroPhone – an iPhone macro lens

Computers & Mobile Photography & Video
macroPhone – an iPhone macro lens

macroPhoneMosaic.jpg

When I need to photograph a small object with my iPhone, the fixed focus lens makes for a pretty horrible image. Inspired by this post, I took a 50mm lens from an old SLR and started using it as an improvised macro lens by holding it in front of my iPhone.

I decided to make a mount for the whole contraption. I realized that the little plastic coffin from the iPhone packaging would work pretty well. I cut a piece of mousepad to cushion things, and mounted it all with a couple of zip-ties and a rubber band. Now, I just slip my phone into the thing and snap away! Here’s the Flickr set for larger photos.

14 thoughts on “macroPhone – an iPhone macro lens

  1. Tim Cox says:

    I wrote about a quick an easy solution for this that is smaller than a credit card and free… that is if you’re nice to your target pharmacist

    http://macapper.com/2008/11/18/rdy-macapper-exclusive-instant-macro-lens-for-iphone/

  2. Rachel Hobson says:

    This makes me all kinds of giddy … I love it! I’m always getting frustrated at not being able to take clear macro shots with my iPhone.

  3. John Park says:

    Tim, that’s very cool. Certainly more likely to fit in your pocket, too!

  4. Anonymous says:

    Thats just retarded… u cant fit it in your pocket… looks like it takes forever to setup.. just to take photos with a poor quality camera

  5. Sam says:

    Or, just use a small magnifying glass. Basically the same, but maybe a different focal length or distance.

  6. jeremy vest says:

    I have been experimenting with iPhone macro for about 6 months.

    I suggest you buy a $5 20x-40x jewlers loupe from amazon.

    Here are some of my images. As you will see, they are very clear. As you this is very small and you can put it in your pocket.

    http://eyepixs.com/jeremy

  7. Dave Delaney @ Griffin Technology says:

    Full Disclosure, I work for Griffin Technology.

    The need for a macro-type lens on the iPhone was inspiration for our Clarifi. You can check out the case here: http://tinyurl.com/3zhtjr

    There’s also a Twitter group for photos shot with it: http://flickr.com/groups/clarifi/

    Cheers,
    Dave

Comments are closed.

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

John Edgar Park likes to make things and tell people about it. He builds project for Adafruit Industries. You can find him at jpixl.net and twitter/IG @johnedgarpark

View more articles by John Edgar Park

ADVERTISEMENT

Maker Faire Bay Area 2023 - Mare Island, CA

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!

Buy Tickets today! SAVE 15% and lock-in your preferred date(s).

FEEDBACK