I 3D Printed a Cinema-Style Housing for My Tokina 28-70mm Lens

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Can you 3D print a cinema lens?

Sort of. I didn't print the glass or build a new optical lens. I printed a cinema-style housing around an existing Tokina 28-70mm f/2.6-2.8, one of my favorite lenses for video. The housing adds geared rings that make the lens easier to operate with follow-focus equipment, while the original lens still makes the image.

It was a fun project, even with a couple of failed prints. The finished housing feels more plasticky than the original lens, but the added usability was enough for me to leave it on. If you enjoy filmmaking and 3D printing, this is a creative way to combine both hobbies.

Watch the full 3D-printed cinema housing project.

The lens and housing I used

My starting point was the Tokina 28-70mm f/2.6-2.8. The design came from Mountain Breeze Studio, which makes housing designs for a variety of lenses. You can find the Tokina housing design on Thingiverse and check the creator's instructions and current file availability there.

My version appeared to have seven printed pieces, assembled around the lens with 27 small grub screws, also called set screws. Those numbers describe the build in my video; read the current design's parts list and instructions before ordering hardware or printing, since files and versions can change. Check that your exact lens version and mount match the design.

How the print went

I was still a beginner at 3D printing, and the first attempts weren't perfect. One piece came out with stringing and other messy areas. After a couple of mistakes, I printed that particular piece without supports and got a much cleaner result. That's what worked for that piece on my setup, not a rule that every part should be printed without supports.

The largest component took about 13 and a half hours on my printer and came out well on its first attempt. Other parts needed cleanup and careful removal of their supports. Your print time and results will depend on the printer, material, slicer settings and orientation.

My printer was the Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo, and the description linked the filament I used; that link opened black SUNLU PLA when I checked. Confirm the current product and size before ordering. When I made the video in 2023, I described the printer as roughly $300; prices and available models change.

Assembly: take your time with the fit

1. Choose a matching design. Check the precise lens version, mount, required hardware and designer's assembly instructions.
2. Print and clean the parts. Remove supports carefully, clean up stray material and check that threads and mating surfaces work before putting anything on the lens.
3. Test the fit. Fit the pieces around the lens as the design directs. Don't force a ring that binds or a part that won't seat correctly.
4. Secure and check movement. Use the specified set screws and tighten carefully. Verify focus, zoom and aperture travel without forcing or overtightening anything.
5. Test on your rig. Check gear alignment, clearance and balance with your follow focus and camera before using it on a shoot.

These are practical checks based on my project, not a substitute for the designer's instructions. Protect the glass from plastic debris, and stop if a part or screw puts pressure on the wrong place. If you aren't comfortable working around your lens, consider a professional solution.

What the cinema-style housing changes

The big benefit for me is handling. My printed housing has gears for focus, zoom and aperture. Those gears let me use a compatible manual follow focus, and they can also work with a suitable wireless follow-focus motor. Check the gear pitch, placement, clearance and motor support for your own parts rather than assuming every accessory fits.

That can make controlled adjustments more convenient when operating a camera rig. It doesn't automatically give the lens the internal mechanics, durability or calibrated markings of a professionally manufactured cinema lens.

Does the housing improve image quality?

The printed pieces don't replace the glass, so they aren't an optical upgrade. The original lens remains responsible for the image. In the video I said I wouldn't expect an image difference from adding the housing; I didn't run a controlled before-and-after optical test.

A housing that fits badly or obstructs the lens could cause practical problems, so inspect the image and lens movement after assembly. If you're choosing an older lens for its rendering, my guide to cinematic vintage lenses is a useful next read.

Does a printed housing protect the lens?

The plastic covers part of the lens, but I didn't drop-test it. In the video I speculated that a housing might absorb some impact; I can't verify that claim or promise it will protect the lens in a fall. The printed material feels less substantial than the lens's original housing, and printed parts can break. Treat it as an operating accessory, not proven impact protection.

Other camera accessories I printed

I also made Sony camera body caps, Canon FD lens caps and SD card holders using designs made by other people. Small accessories can be a good way to learn your printer before committing to a long housing print. Check the exact camera mount or card size and test the fit carefully, especially for parts that attach to a camera or lens.

Some designs are free and others are paid. Check each creator's license and current terms before downloading, modifying or selling printed parts. Filament for a small cap may be inexpensive, but printer cost, failed prints, time and other supplies still count toward the project.

Frequently asked questions

Did you 3D print the lens glass?

No. The Tokina lens and its optics are existing components. I printed an external cinema-style housing that fits around the lens.

Does the housing make the lens sharper or more cinematic?

It doesn't change the optical design. Its main purpose in my build is to improve operation with geared controls. I didn't perform a controlled image-quality comparison.

Will this housing fit any 28-70mm lens?

No. A housing must match the dimensions and controls of the specific lens and version. Check the creator's compatibility notes and the actual lens before printing.

Can I use a follow focus with it?

My build has geared focus, zoom and aperture rings, and I used a manual follow focus. A wireless motor can also be an option if its gear, position and support are compatible with your setup.

Is 3D printing cheaper than buying lens accessories?

A small part can use very little filament, particularly if you already own a printer. A full comparison should include the printer, material, hardware, failed prints, time and any paid design files.

My verdict

I enjoyed this project and plan to keep the housing on my Tokina because the geared controls are useful for my video setup. It's a hands-on way to customize a lens you already like, as long as you understand that you're changing how it handles rather than replacing its optics. Expect some trial and error, follow the designer's instructions and test the finished setup before a real shoot.

Watch more camera projects on FoxTailWhipz.