Create an Extreme Macro Lens Using Extension Tubes

There are many ways of increasing the magnification of your macro setup. There are extension tubes, reversing rings, and using lens caps and various items like that. This article will tell you how to do that using your extension tubes.

Steps

 * 1)  Determine if you want your lens setup to be 'permanent'. If so, you can use stronger tape (or glue) to attach everything together.
 * 2)  [[Image:Extension tubes.JPG|right|184px]]Assemble the extension tube. On one 'half', you want the '3' tube, and on the other one, you want the '1' and '2' tubes. This gives your tube that you will be using something to be fastened to.
 * 3)  [[Image:Tube for extending extension tubes.JPG|right|178px]]If your tube isn't a tube already, then make it one. This can usually be done by cutting off the ends of it.
 * 4)  Pare off the ends so that it is somewhat even. If you have a rasp, you can probably get it to be pretty even.
 * 5)  Clean it out and dry it thoroughly.
 * 6)  [[Image:Removing extra dark matter.JPG|right|184px]]Darken the inside of it. This can be done with matte black spray paint, black construction paper, or anything else you have that will darken it. It needs to be a non-reflective black.
 * 7)  [[Image:Assembling the tube.JPG|right|185px]]Fasten the tube to both sides of the extension tubes.
 * 8)  Determine a way to fasten them together. Shipping tape is a little less permanent than duct tape and might be a better non-permanent solution.
 * 9) [[Image:Newest DIY Macro setup result.jpg|right|180px|thumb|23.7/3.3 = 7.18 magnification]]Determine your magnification (optional).

Things You'll Need

 * Extension tubes (not the expensive ones)
 * A cylindrical object that just fits around the extension tubes: an old plastic powder shaker, PVC, etc. Try taking the extension tubes shopping with you and find something the correct size.
 * You could even use sturdy rolled up paper or posterboard for this.
 * Some type of fairly wide tape.
 * Duct tape
 * Shipping tape
 * A strong rubber band
 * Masking tape (Masking tape removes easily, but because of that factor, isn't as strong as you might like. Keep this in mind when using it).
 * A light source. The longer your tube is, the more light you lose.
 * Something to darken the inside of the cylinder. Matte black paint is recommended. You could use black construction paper if you want.

Related wikiHows

 * Create a Home Macro Photography Studio
 * Do Hand Held Macro Photography
 * Improve Your Macro Photography With a Macro Sized Light Box
 * Shoot Macro Photos
 * Learn Photography by Shooting Macro
 * Set Aperture With Macro Extension Tubes
 * Light Your Extreme Macro Photography
 * Create an Extreme Macro Photography Studio