Christmas Gift Ideas for the Photographer on Your List
The ultimate gift for a photographer would of course be a Digital SLR or a lens (and you may reap the benefits of your favorite photographer having these), but here are some less expensive Christmas gift ideas for the photographers on your list.
Sanyo Eneloop Batteries have a very slow discharge rate and hold up very well in use. These are my choice in rechargeable batteries - and everyone has something battery-powered (Canon Speedlite Flashes use size AA batteries). The starter kit is a great option.
Not all lenses are expensive. And this inexpensive lens has very good image quality. The 50 f/1.8 is not a ruggedly built lens, but it is a great introduction to wide aperture prime lenses for someone who only has a kit lens.
B+W XS-Pro MRC Nano Kaeseman Circular Polarizing Filter
I regard the circular polarizer my most important filter - it makes a huge difference in my image quality in certain circumstances (including mid-day sunlight), and the B+W XS-Pro is top of the line in all regards.
All photographers need them, you can never have too many. Extra memory cards allow photos to be retained longer for backup purposes - or they allow more photos to be taken in the first place. Bigger and faster is usually better.
All photographers need good cases for their gear. Lowepro and Think Tank Photo are my favorite overall brands. Perhaps a toploader, sling bag or backpack would work for your recipient.
Far too many photographers are not properly backing up their photos (including at least one off-site copy). External hard drives make it easy to do this. If 1TB is enough storage space, the Western Digital Passport Drives are a great choice (I have about a dozen of these).
Everyone can use them - and you can't have too many. Prices range from a few dollars to an incredible $7,399.00. Consider the battery type required when making your selection. We have standardized on AA and AAA batteries at our house - and use the Eneloop batteries in most of these devices.
A lens mug is sure to bring a smile from your recipient. Check on eBay for more options.
Datacolor SpyderLensCal Autofocus Calibration Aid
For the serious photographer on your list, consider a focus calibration aid.
Extension tubes allow most lenses to focus closer - giving them more macro ability. The Kenko set is a good value and is sure to bring your recipient hours of entertainment.
It is always helpful to have a fully-charged spare battery available. Select the right model on this linked-to page.
Give your recipient the joy of shopping at one of their favorite stores.
You can't have too many microfiber cleaning cloths - and this one has a classy name on it. Give them the entire pack of four or hand everyone in your group/family/office/client list an individual cloth for a useful but inexpensive gift. Or, use them to wrap small gifts.
Reading is a great way to improve photography skills and the Amazon Kindle is a great device to read with.
The Rocket Blower is another item that you can't have too many of. They make great stocking stuffers - and they are great for harassing the cat.
Lenspens are also small and inexpensive, but invaluable for cleaning lenses and filters.
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