Buying gifts for photographers can be a challenge. Well, that's actually quite the understatement. People who enjoy photography tend to be very picky and hard to shop for. People who are actual photographers are even worse and should be avoided at all costs! Without some guidance, you're probably better off getting them a tie for Christmas. At least that's what I told my girlfriend! Over the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, I am going to be posting a series of "Unique Gift Buying Guides" to help aide you in buying gifts for that special shutterbug in your life. Now I've seen some Gift Guides out there that cover every single piece of equipment from a Canon 800mm f/5.6L lens to a Nikon BS-2 Hot-Shoe cover. If someone is going to drop $10,000 on a gift, they know what they're getting and don't need a guide! I think it makes a wee bit more sense to pick out products that every photographer or photo-enthusiast will really enjoy. Everything I list will be under $300, usually a lot less, so you don't have to break the bank picking out a great gift. Here is this week's list! (Click "More")
1. Fuji Instax 210 Camera
In my opinion, there's no better way to capture fun than with an instant picture. Why fuddle around with heavy cameras, big lenses, etc... when you're just taking pictures for fun at a party with your family and friends? To me it's not worth it and and plus, I'm the kind of person who never gets around to downloading and sharing my casual digital photographs. With the painful departure of Polaroid 600 film from our lives, the Fuji Instax 210 is an ideal replacement. Ok, the rectangle isn't the same as the classic 600 square, but it's the same concept. My first blog post was actually on this camera and you can read about it here. As innovative and convenient as digital photography is, it's still easier to just snap a picture and give someone an instant print. Whenever Antonio and I have a party, we go through at least four or five twin packs. Look, I'm not saying this is a replacement for any of your digital cameras, but the Fuji Instax brings a whole lot of fun for parties and events. To me, there's still nothing like picking up a pile of prints and digging through them, reminiscing. This certainly beats sitting at a computer looking at pictures on a screen. The best part is that this gift isn't JUST for photographers, it's fun for everyone. I don't think you can go wrong with the Instax 210 as a gift. Everyone from kids to adults will love it and it doesn't matter if you're Ansel Adams or Joe Nobody -- that's why it's #1 on my list this holiday season!
Here is a short video of Brandon Remler from Fuji demonstrating the various Instax Cameras:
P.S. for those who don't want something as big as the Instax 210, check out the Mini 7s, Mini 25, and Mini 50!
2. Canon and Nikon Lens Mugs
There's nothing like a warm mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter day after you've shoveled all the snow out of your driveway. Why not enjoy it in a Canon or Nikon lens mug? We have four different lens mugs for you to pick from: Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS, Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G, and Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II. Any of these mugs/cups will make a fun gift for any Canon or Nikon Photographer. The Nikon 24-70 in particular looks so realistic that you can play a mean prank on people by dropping it in front of them!
3. Sun Sniper Camera Strap
Anyone with a DSLR camera knows the pains of lugging it around on a strap. Wearing it around your neck is actually improper, uncomfortable with larger lenses, and worst of all, you end up looking like a tourist! The supplied straps with cameras work OK if you sling them over your shoulder and some people live by this, but it still slips and slides off. Luckily, there is a solution in the Sun Sniper Camera Strap. The Sun Sniper allows you to walk around with your camera without having to worry about holding it or wearing an awkward strap. A small knob attached to a well-padded, adjustable strap screws into the bottom of your camera (into the tripod socket). You wear the Sun Sniper across your body and let the camera dangle down at the side of your hip. The nice thing is that the camera is right in shooting position when you grab it. The camera (attached to the knob) also slides up and down the strap very smoothly. You never need to worry about "holding on" to your camera again and are free to use both of your hands. If you have a DSLR owner on your holiday shopping list, the Sun Sinper is a no-brainer and something they will use all of the time.
4. The GoPro Hero
Unlike other species, human beings have the urge to take on dangerous tasks for sheer enjoyment. Some of these activities include jumping out of a plane, diving off of a cliff, standing on a surfboard against giant waves, or traveling around a racetrack at 200mph. Whether you're a seasoned pro or someone trying an extreme sport/activity for the first time, you're going to want a video of it! Enter the world of making exciting HD videos anywhere with the GoPro Hero! The hero is a tiny camera that comes in a variety of mounts depending on how you plan on using it. The best part is that there are no mandatory confusing menus or settings; you just push record and go! However, for those tech geeks out there, you can also set the GoPro Hero to record time-lapsed photographs of your wild adventures as well. Videos are stored to an SD card (not included).
Here is a sample video of someone surfing!
5. Fast and Furious Lenses
Whoa Mike, slow down -- are you seriously suggesting that people buy their photographer friend a LENS for Christmas?? Yes, I am! I know most people out there think you need to spend at least $1,000 for a high quality lens. While this may be true for exotic professional zoom lenses, it isn't true at all when it comes to fixed focal length lenses. I know I'm preaching to choir for some of you out there, but not everyone knows about the great lenses you can get for under $200. Forget about the kit lens that came with your camera. It's pretty good, but not nearly as sharp as a 50mm f/1.8 lens. The Canon version is actually under $100. There is a Nikon 50mm f/1.8, but it will only work on cameras that have a built-in focus motor. Don't fret my fellow Black and Yellow Bandits! The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX lens works on ALL Nikon DSLR bodies. Even though it is a DX lens, it almost covers full frame. I'm thinking of buying one for my FX Nikon bodies myself. Either way, you can't go wrong with a fixed focal length lens. These "prime" lenses, as they are called, are great for shooting in low light, getting shallow depth of field, and for general purpose photography or video recording. For you Alphamaniacs out there, there are Sony 50mm 1.8 and 35mm 1.8 versions as well.
Happy Shopping and Shooting.
-MZ