DIY Wide Angle Lens
Camera lenses come in a wide array of types, sizes and brands. One thing that they all have in common is a hefty price tag. Most amateur photographers do not have a few hundred dollars to lay down on a lens that will only be used every once in awhile. There are a few tips on how to make your own wide angle lens. It will not give you exactly the same results as those expensive lenses, but you will get unique effects without bleeding your wallet dry.
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What Is a Wide-Angle Lens?
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Wide angle lenses are all the rage with photographers nowadays. With a wide angle lens, you stretch the perspective, making the object that is closer to the lens appear much bigger than it actually is. A wide angle lens also allows you to fit a lot of things into one image. The benefits of a wide angle lens give the photographer more options when capturing shoots. If used properly, a wide angle lens can create a dramatic and exciting image.
DIY Wide-Angle Lens
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To make your own wide angle lens you will need a peephole, spray adhesive, black spray paint, black foam sheets in two different diameters--which can be purchased at any craft store--and some PVC pipe. Peepholes come in either 160 viewing angle or 200 viewing angle. Purchase the 160 for a wide angle effect and the 200 for a fish-eye effect.
First you will need to build up the diameter of the peephole so that it fits into the PVC pipe. This can be accomplished by cutting strips into the foam. Start by cutting one strip at a time. The first strip should be cut from the thinner foam. The second two strips should be cut from the thicker foam. Use the spray adhesive to glue the strips of foam to the peephole. The peephole needs to fit snug into the PVC pipe. Use more or less strips of foam to achieve this. Cut the PVC pipe as long as the lens of your camera and peephole. Glue the lens fitting inside the PVC pipe. Spray paint the PVC pipe black to give it a more professional look. Allow to dry completely before moving on. Once dry, push the foam-covered peephole down into the PVC pipe and attach it to the camera barrel. Your new homemade wide angle lens is now ready to use.
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