2022 Gift Ideas for Photographers
You have that friend or special someone in your life that is a photographer or just loves getting out there and taking photos, but you have no idea what they would like for the holidays? That is where this guide comes in, gift idea’s for photographers, created by an actual photographer. I have broken this guide up into several parts, each section at a different price point and have added a short description for the items below so you know a little more about what it is and why it is useful.
Gifts Under $25
1. Rocket Air Blaster
This odd looking item is a must have for just about every photographer out there. It allows you to use a controlled burst of air to clean dust, sand, dirt and debris off of sensitive camera equipment like lenses, sensors, filters and camera bodies without having to physically touch them.
Available for $17 from B&H
2. SmallRig Multi-Tool with Screw Storage
Another staple in most camera bags, this small little multi-tool from SmallRig has just about everything you need in the field. Housed in and all aluminum chassis you get a flat turning tool for installing and removing camera plates and flat head screws, a Philips head screwdriver, a T25 Torx drive, 4 different sized Allen wrenches and convenient screw storage on the side so you never misplace a tripod screw again.
Available for $22 from Amazon
3. ProTapes Pro Gaffer Tape
Hear me out! I know what you are saying, tape? Really, you put tape on the list? Yes, yes I did and that is because Gaff Tape is the MOST handy tool in a photographers arsenal. You can never have enough of it, it can be used to hold, hide, tape and modify just about everything. It doesn’t leave residue like traditional tape and it is matte black so that it does not reflect light. It is something so silly, but also so essential to every photographer.
Available for $20 from Amazon
4. Raya 5-in-1 Collapsible Reflector
ANOTHER staple for just about every photographer is the 5-in-1 collapsible reflector disc. This under $25 section should really be called ‘the essentials’. A tool used to help shape light, be it the sun, flash or artificial light, this reflector dish gives you the option to diffuse light, bounce light, tint light gold or silver as well as having a black side to create negative fill, or remove light from a subject. A super versatile, small and compact tool that can prove to be handy in almost any scenario.
Available for $23 from Amazon
5. Camera Lens Coffee Mug
Rounding out the gifts for $25 we have a more light hearted gift. I have several of these and always enjoy sitting down with a cup of coffee in my camera lens mug while I edit some photos in the morning. A fun gift that any photographer would enjoy.
Available for $15-$25 from Etsy
Gifts Under $50
1. Belkin USB Type-C Power Bank
With just about every device out there being USB-C these days, having a battery bank that you can throw in a pocket or backpack for a shoot is becoming essential. Whether it is your mirrorless camera, drone or action cam, being able to charge them while on the go can be a lifesaver.
Available for $49 from Amazon
2. Peak Design Field Pouch
A great little field bag that you could tuck away in your camera bag or sling over your shoulder or around your belt. The main internal pocket is broken up by dividers as well as including several elastic straps for smaller items. This is perfect for holding spare batteries, ND filters, cables, a battery bank, pretty much any small item you want quick access to. I love well built products that solve a problem and this is both.
Available for $49 from Amazon
3. Pelican 0915 Memory Card Case
On the topic of organization, a memory card case is one of those items you don’t often think about, but are thankful to have when you need it. Have a dedicated space to put your memory cards that is safe from drops, moisture or dirt is important, but another great feature of these cases is that when you are shooting with 3,4,5 memory cards, being able to have empty cards face up and full cards face down can be super helpful in the field and when it comes time to offload the cards in the editing room.
Available for $33 from Amazon
4. Rode VideoMicro
In todays world, even if you are strictly a stills photographer, having a high quality mic to throw on your camera and capture the occasional video is handy. If you want to start a YouTube channel, start a podcast or just capture some moments to look back on later, this small mic packs a big punch.
Available for $49 from Amazon
5. Canvas Prints
Something few photographers take the time to do is print their own work. I am guilty of this myself. Go through some of their work and have print out a few of your favorite photographs of theirs, I can promise you they will appreciate this! One of my favorite places to get photos printed is Printique, but feel free to use any of the popular printers out there.
Available for $29-$54 from Printique
Gifts Under $100
1. Peak Design Capture Camera Clip
This one is a game changers, the Peak Design Capture Camera Clip allows you to attach the clip itself to a backpack, bag or belt and then you attach the plate to the bottom of your camera. Once attached, you can simply slide your camera into the clip and it will lock into place and hold it securely. I can tell you that I personally have one of these clips on every single backpack of mine and use it constantly. Being able to quickly lock and unlock your camera means you can keep it on your bag instead on in your bag.
Available for $74 from Amazon
2. Nanlite PavoTube II 6C
The Nanlite PavoTube II 6C has quickly become one of my favorite purchases as of late. It is an incredibly bright and versatile light allowing you to hide it in the background or use to to kick a splash of color. The light is fully adjustable both from 2700 to 7500K, but it is also RGB and can display any color your little heart desires. It has a built in battery that will last for hours and can be magnetically attached to walls, frames, shelves, C-Stands, the possibilities are endless with this little guy.
Available for $89 from Amazon
3. Aputure MC RGBWW LED Light
Maybe a tube light isn’t your thing, take everything I said about the Nanlite PavoTube and this is it in square form. It is small, light, has magnets, is RGB, but is in a more traditional square form factor. Both are incredible deals and have their own place in a photographers toolkit.
Available for $90 from Amazon
4. Peak Design Slide Camera Strap
Peak Design is back and for good reason, the Peak Design Slide Camera Strap is unmatched when it comes to speed and convenience. With it you receive ‘anchors’ that are attached to your camera and then by simply sliding the anchors into and out of the strap locking mechanism you can very quickly attach and detach the camera strap. It has been around for awhile now and that is simply because it works and works well.
Available for $69 from Amazon
5. Impact Combo Boom Stand
If you have never heard of or used a boom stand that is okay. I only just started to use them a couple of years ago and it is one of the most versatile stands on the market. You can attach lights, cameras, modifiers, just about anything to the end and unlike a light stand or C-Stand, you can then boom out the arm an incredible 7 feet. Many photographers swear by them, and it is easy to understand why.
Available for $99 from Amazon
Gifts Under $250
1. PGYTECH MantisPod Pro
If a standard table tripod can be useful in numerous scenarios, then a table tripod that can hook onto doors, fences, tree’s and so much more has to be somewhere on this list. The PGYTECH MantisPod Pro is just that, a small versatile tripod that is useful in an endless number of scenarios. It is small and lightweight, while also being made of metal, easily holds the weight of a full frame mirrorless camera and folds down to fit into a pocket. Not just useful for vloggers, but I have found myself using this to set up timelapses, get low shots a tripod can’t reach as well as being able to place it in unique places getting unique shots.
Available for $149 from Amazon
2. LaCie 5TB Rugged External Hard Drive
Capturing photos is only one part of the creative process, next you have to save, store and manage them. The LaCie 5TB Rugged External Hard Drive is my go to hard drive for storing and archiving my photography. It is excellent space per dollar, has enough performance to easily edit off of and most importantly, it is rugged and dependable. I have been using LaCie drives for many years and have never had a drive failure (knock on wood). Peace of mind that your photos are backed up and safe is one of the best feelings you can give someone!
Available for $169 from Amazon
3. Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 or similar
The nifty fifty! Easily on of the most popular lenses in photography, this is the go to lens for countless photographers out there. While the big brother of the 50mm will run you over $2,000, the nifty fifty is sub $200. If your special someone does not shoot Canon don’t worry, Sony and Nikon both have affordable 50mm lens options!
Available for $149 from Amazon
4. Brevite Jumper Photo Backpack
A good photo backpack is essential to a pleasant shooting experience. There are literally thousands of backpacks on the market making it easy to get overwhelmed. The Brevite Jumper Photo Backpack stands out by not standing out. They offer tasteful color options, a simple and understated design with a straight forward internal layout for gear. It is everything you need in a photo backpack and nothing more and for that, it is my go to, sub $300 pack. Great design, well built and something that doesn’t scream ‘I am carrying expensive photography equipment with me’.
Available for $135 from Amazon
5. GVM LS-p80s LED 2-Light Kit
While the name isn’t going to win any awards, this is the best beginner 2 light kit I have personally used. In an industry where lights can cost as much as a car, trying to build out a quality lighting kit on the cheap can prove challenging. This kit has everything you would need to start shooting incredible portraits, product photos, video interviews or anything of the like. It comes with the LED light heads, reflectors, light stands and colored gels. I have used these lights for hundreds of hours now without any issue. Great light for the money!
Available for $223 from Amazon