M42 Macro Ring Light

Often with macro photography and filming it is hard to get good light on the subject. I use a system of extension tubes on my DSLR which gives great magnification, but has the downside that the subject has to be VERY close to the lens, which leaves little room for lights to be positioned.

Video of building this project:- https://youtu.be/vF2By_FX-lQ

So this is a solution I came up with, a Ring Light specifically designed for my lens and for macro work.

I already had a reel of 4000k, 95+CRI LED tape for a future project, so I measured up what is the minimum segment length is (50mm on this tape) and this determined the length of the “dish” of the macro ring.

Because of the need to have the subject so close to the front of the lens, I decided to angle the LEDs to provide a (hopefully) better coverage. This also makes it much easier to 3d print. Also because of the close proximity of this Ring Light to the subject, I cut away pieces of the 3d model to make it possible to see in.

Then after it was printed it was on to assembly

LED tape found here:- https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07B527NW6

Brightness controller (PWM speed controller) found here:- https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08PJ349QF

My blog:- www.pdkh.co.uk

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Anet

Printer:

A8

Rafts:

No

Supports:

No

Resolution:

0.2mm

Infill:

20

Filament: Sunlu PETG white