Given most of us just snap away with our smartphones, buying a gift for a photographer can be troublesome. Lenses, cameras, and specialist equipment can be pricey. So, whether they’re a noob or a pro, here are some essential and more affordable gift ideas for shutterbugs.
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A Professional Camera Bag
Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II
$201 $370 Save
$169The Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II is a professional camera backpack that combines a molded protective design with multipoint access and customizable storage. It also features targeted body support for comfort and is made with eco-friendly materials.
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A Sturdy Tripod
3 Legged Thing Leo Kit 2.0
$296 $340 Save
$44The 3 Legged Thing Leo Kit 2.0 is a compact travel tripod that supports up to 66lbs and folds down to under 15 inches. It features detachable legs for multiple configurations and an adjustable height from 4.9 to 53.9 inches. It’s pricey, but it’s ideal for travel.
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A Fast Memory Card
SanDisk Extreme Pro Card
$48 $55 Save
$7The SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II V90 boasts lightning-fast read and write speeds for speedy transfers and effective burst shooting. It also boasts a reliable V90 video rating and storage options ranging from 32GB to 512GB.
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An Effective Lens Cleaner
Giottos AA1900 Rocket Air Blaster
The Giottos AA1900 Rocket Air Blaster is a simple yet effective gadget for photographers. It simply blasts away dust and debris from lenses and is an affordable yet welcome gift for all photographers, from budding shutterbugs to seasoned professionals.
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A Compact Tripod
Joby GorillaPods
$35 $60 Save
$25The Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit is a convenient alternative to a full tripod. It’s highly useful for casual photographers but is also a versatile choice that vloggers can use to mount lights and mics. Joby’s GorillaPods are the most well-known of this type, and there are different size options to suit.
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A Convenient Filter
K&F Concept 2-in-1 VND/CPL Filter
The K&F Concept 2-in-1 VND/CPL Filter combines a polarizer and variable ND filter in one innovative spring-loaded system that fits multiple lens sizes. With high-quality glass and independent rotation controls for each filter effect, it’s a top choice for all serious photographers.
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A Strong Camera Strap
Peak Design Slide Strap
$56 $70 Save
$14The Peak Design Slide offers photographers a quick-adjust system with smooth one-handed length changes, a reversible design (smooth or grippy sides), quick-release anchors, excellent build quality, and various carrying options (neck, sling, or shoulder).
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A 5-in-1 Reflector
NEEWER 5-in-1 Light Reflector
$25 $41 Save
$16The NEEWER 43-inch 5-in-1 Light Reflector is a collapsible disc that helps photographers bounce available light back onto their subject. It has five different surfaces: translucent, silver, black, gold, and white, with each serving different purposes, from softening harsh sunlight to filling in shadows.
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An Educational Photography Book
Light, Gesture, and Color
Light, Gesture, and Color is a pioneering photography book where legendary photographer Jay Maisel shares his lifetime of insights on seeing and capturing extraordinary images through three fundamental elements: light, gesture, and color.
What to Consider When Buying a Photography Gift in 2024
Photography equipment is specialized and generally expensive, especially when buying professional-grade camera bodies and lenses. This can make it seem challenging when buying a gift for someone who loves the hobby. However, you don’t need to spend a small fortune on photography accessories and gadgets. But there are many gifts you can buy that fall into the affordable to midrange scope.
Newbies who already has a camera and lenses will need a range of other accessories before getting started. An important one is the camera bag. For beginners with a basic mirrorless setup, a 15-20L bag should fit a camera body plus two to three small lenses. A 20-25L bag suits most others, including the body and three to four lenses. DSLR users typically need 25-30L for a similar kit, and you can add 5-10L if they use multiple camera bodies or large professional lenses.
Selecting the right tripod is essential for shooting in low light or windy conditions. The best tripods are sturdy and offer good support. If the tripod is for travel use, you can choose a lightweight but more expensive carbon fiber build or a heavier but more affordable aluminum one. Size is also essential here. A compact travel tripod that can fold down to 12-16 inches is ideal for most on-the-go photographers. Tripods that fold down to between 18 and 24 inches can be sturdier for landscape photographers and can handle heavy setups better, and the extra height is more practical for portrait photography. However, they are bigger, heavier, and generally more expensive.
Mini tripods like the GorillaPod can be great for lightweight cameras, vlogging, and low-angle photos. They can securely wrap around branches or poles, but they can’t replace a full tripod for eye-level shooting or long exposures, and they tend to wobble a bit when the wind picks up. If this is a good gift option, you should check if the weight rating is suitable for the gift recipient’s camera.
Then, there is a whole range of other accessories, from filters to reflectors. Photography reflectors range from small 24-inch sizes (good for shooting products, food, and headshots) to 42-inch (ideal for full-body solo portraits). They go up to large 72-inch models, which is best for group photos, vehicles, and similar-sized subjects. Most newbies start with a 5-in-1 collapsible reflector, such as the listed NEEWER kit.
Memory cards are important, too. Beginners can start with a basic UHS-I card, which is more affordable and fine for everyday photography. More experienced photographers need faster UHS-II cards for video shooting and uninterrupted burst shooting (where the camera takes multiple rapid shots to capture the perfect moment in fast-action scenarios). Cards marked V30 or V60 are good speeds for most cameras, while V90 cards are the fastest and are best for 4K video shooting, although they can get pretty pricey.
Storage size matters, too. 32GB is a decent starting point for beginners, but seasoned amateurs and pros will need at least 128GB. It’s also worth noting that some newer cameras use different card types, like CFExpress or XQD cards. You might want to check card compatibility with the camera before purchasing.
Lighting kits can be pricey for professionals, but there are plenty of affordable and lightweight options, such as ring lights, suitable for beginners, vloggers, and travelers. A softbox or a reflector might be more suitable for portrait photographers. But when buying any gift for photography geeks, it’s important to keep the receipt and check the return policy beforehand in case you buy an incompatible or impractical gift.
