Introduction: Phone Macro Photography (HQ - Using LED Lens)
Here's a quick and easy tutorial on taking macro photography pictures using your smartphone. The lenses work best with cameras having at least 5MP, with autofocus of course.
So whats so special about this mobile macro photography guide?
- I found an ingenious solution. The lense that I'm using is cheap and pretty common. They are the 3W LED (High Power) lenses, they're supposed to be used for lighting, but one day
I came with an idea of using these lenses for macro photography.
Step 1: Tools & Materials
Step 2: Measuring the Camera's Indention
We have to measure the camera's embossed position, if not done the lenses would bulge out. After measuring the diameter where the flat surface starts, we now then transfer the measurements to the lens's plastic holder for further cutting.
Step 3:
Use your ruler of circles to transfer the measurements for cutting. Use a rotary tool if necessary. Its best to trim the excess plastic using your Leatherman Multitool's sharp edge.
If any Instructable employee is reading this, I thank all of you for giving me such a great gift (Leatherman)! I was not expecting to receive one since I didn't win a contest. Then again thank you very much! :D
Step 4: Using Adhesive for Mounting the Lenses
With my experience, the only mounting tape that didn't leave any residue was Scotch Adhesive, that's why it's my best choice of double sided (mounting) adhesive.
After cutting some adhesive it is now time to mount the lenses to your cellphone's camera.
Step 5: Your Done! Here Are Some Sample Photos.
Here are some cool sample photos! Enjoy!

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28 Comments
9 years ago on Introduction
Whoa. This sounds awesome.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
thanks
6 years ago
Awesome
7 years ago on Introduction
I know this is an old post, but hopefully, you will find my question and have an answer (I'm no optics expert!)
I want to try this on the lens of a digital LED projector - so that I might be able to project a larger image (20 inches) from a short distance (10 inches)
Do you think this might be possible?
8 years ago on Introduction
What a great idea! Looking " outside the box". Thank you for posting this. I am a creative photographer, always searching for new ways to capture photos of the micro world as well as the macro world... You are an inspiration
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thanks! BTW, come back this October, I'm actually conceptualizing an iPhone mount for my telescope :)) Cheers!
8 years ago on Step 5
Awsum love it :)
9 years ago on Step 5
I've done this always with my Sony cam which has a macro position. However I cannot get the pictures so nearby than you did. Thanks for the tip
9 years ago
Or u can put the lens on a case for the phone
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Yup! Great idea!
9 years ago on Step 5
This looks incredible! Now I can take macro photos without needing to do any reading or researching. Thanks!
9 years ago on Step 5
What happens if i change the angle of the lens?
Reply 9 years ago on Step 5
I'm not sure, but it will probably change the autofocus abilities of your phone, the "zooming" would probably increase/ vice-versa
9 years ago on Introduction
is qulacom quadcore s4 play MSM8255Q ? Adreno 203 overclocked (because is run Real Racing so smooth) 1Gb Ram and its that true, i think we have same sepcs :D
are you form philippines ?few day ago i see your people ask to our lotus II facebook grup ehehheehe
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Oh, yeah, I think Qulacom quadcore s4 and MSM8255Q are the same. And yeah I also have an Adreno203 GPU and 1GB RAM :))) We have the same phone after all :D How much did you buy it for? I bought mine for $138 (php to $ conversion)
9 years ago on Introduction
hahaha i had a smartphone like yours, in my country call lotus II .
so i don.t need the measurments
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Hahahah really :))) They said the main source was Karbonn (S1 Titanium). In our country they call it Cherry Flame 2.0 .Not sure if we have the sames specs, but running on Quadcore on a $140 cheap smartphone is pretty neat :)))
9 years ago on Introduction
a droplet of water works fine
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
That's also true, although that's only safe for iPhone since there's no gap from the camera but for other cellphones, water could sip in and damage the camera.
9 years ago on Introduction
Can i buy it, if so how much.