MacApper Exclusive: Instant Macro Lens for iPhone
Sure, the iPhone camera has been the butt of gadget criticism and the weakest link of what is a life changing, traditional computer use reducing gift from the Apple tree. With the release of the iPhone 3G, there have been some questions regarding design choices:
“Why can’t we take close up pictures?”
“Why is it still 2 megapixels?”
“Why won’t this thing get off its dock and make me a cup of coffee?”
I can’t speak to the latter two questions, but I want to impart a little DIY innovation to make the most out of your iPhone camera. Want to take close up pictures without breaking your warranty, an old digital camera, or purchasing that ugly clarification case with the sliding macro lens? Follow me…
So the next time you want to take advantage of Evernote’s text recognition with a photo note or scan a barcode and see if your getting a bargain with Snappr, what are you going to do?
The evolution of macro lens solutions for the iPhone has finally produced an option that makes sense to me. By holding a magnifying lens in front of the iPhone lens, you’ll be able to take close up shots of objects within 4″-6″ of the lens. Problem is, I don’t want to carry a magnifying glass in my pocket. I also don’t want to cage my beast of iPhone with a bulky case.
Solution: Talk to your Target Pharmacist.
Target, in their quest to revolutionize prescription packaging, includes a small magnifying strip to assist in reading the small type on the medication bottles. This magnifying strip, placed in front of the iPhone camera lens, clarifies your close up shots. Look at these quickly taken and poorly lit examples intended to simulate conditions in the field below:
iPhone lens:
With Target ClearRX Magnifying Strip:
Well lit shots taken with a steady hand and a smudge free iPhone will look even better!
Next time you’re in Target, see if they’ll give you a magnifying strip and try it out. Scan a couple of bar codes and see if you can’t get a better deal on scrapbooking supplies.
Cool idea.
I’m guessing your describing a fresnel lens. There are various credit card sized magnifying lenses available for this. Here’s one: http://www.amazon.com/Itoya-Pocket-Magnifier-Credit-Reading/dp/B0003ZZKGG
Thank you for insightful info. I was googling to find an alternative to that Clarifi case that makes iPhone fatter. Most sites refer to back to Clarifi or two some scary monstrosities where dudes attach SLR lenses to iPhone.
Indeed, having that Target lens on your keychain will let you take macro pictures and it will be always nearby.
Hey what a simple yet powerful little hack, and fr33 too I might add. I like it!
A jewelers loupe on your key chain will work even better. Cheap ones cost around $10.