How to make a DIY camera lens desk light

If you’re a photographer, chances are that someone has bought you a lens mug so far. Or maybe you already have a few of those (I know I do). We all know more than one lens mug is just too much – so why not repurpose it? In this video, Dave Knop a.k.a. Knoptop will show you how to turn a lens mug into a desk lamp. It’s simple to make and it looks pretty neat!

For making this lamp, you’ll need a desk lamp, a lens mug, some basic tools such as screwdrivers, a hot glue gun and a drill, and basic knowledge about electricity.

You can make this out of any desk lamp you like. Just make sure to use an LED bulb because they are not as hot as regular bulbs, so your lens mug won’t melt in case it’s made from plastic.

How to make

Basically, all you need to do is replace the lamp head with the lens mug. Remove the lamp head making sure that you don’t damage the wires. Then, drill the holes in the lens mug so they match those on the original lamp head. Place the mug on the base of the lamp, wire everything together, and use screws and the hot glue gun to attach everything. And voila – you got yourself a cool camera lens lamp!

Alternatives

Personally, I think this DIY lens lamp is more useful than a mug. You can make it for yourself or as a gift, all it takes is a little bit of your time and a few bucks. If you are not skillful with electricity, you can ask someone to make it for you. I’d ask my brother, this is totally his thing. Or, if you’re not in the DIY mood, you can simply get one of the lamps that Dave made, here’s the link.

Other than the lamp, you can repurpose a lens mug into a pencil holder. I already have three of these mugs, and for me, it doesn’t feel nice to drink anything from them. So, I use two of them as pencil holders at my place and in my old room at mom’s. And the third one is probably become a lamp if my brother feels like making it for me.