It’s that time of the year, let the holiday shopping begin! I’ve found some gift ideas for the photographer on your list, from inexpensive to expensive. Many companies have great sales, so now is a good time to shop. Here goes:
1. Buy a new camera! How much fun does that sound! There are incredible deals right now from many major camera companies. Nikon has incredible sales going on, both on DSLR and mirrorless systems. If not a camera take a look at lenses…they are on sale right now as well. Nikon has just started catching up with fulfilling 500mm 5.6 PF orders, this lens is incredible.
2. Think Tank Emergency Rain Cover. This inexpensive rain cover has a cold shoe flash mount to hold it in place on your camera. A clear back allows you see your LCD and viewfinder. And it packs up into a small pouch for carrying. We have one in every photo backpack.
3. Guru Gear Kiboto 2.0 22L. You can never have enough photo backpacks. This backpack is unique in that it has a butterfly two compartment opening on the backside. This means you can open one side of the backpack and not the other. We carry a D850 with 500mm 5.6 PF on one side, and our other gear on the other side. If it is pouring out you can access or stow your camera without opening the entire pack to the elements. We like this pack for our wildlife and landscape trips. For European travel, we use the Mindshift photo packs that are smaller and open from the back. Guru Gear does make both smaller and larger versions…I use the large version to carry my 600mm F4 on trips.
4. Singh-Ray Filters. I can’t say enough good things about Singh-Ray filters. I always have a variety of these in my pack including 5-10 stop NDs, Galen Rowell 3 stop soft edge ND, and a LB Color Combo polarizer. These filters transform your image in-camera so you get the best RAW capture you can achieve, and produce very creative effects. On sale now.
5. Really Right Stuff Tripod Head/camera plate. After going through numerous different tripod heads and plate systems, we think RRS is the best. They make a plate for every camera and lens you can imagine, and it will effortlessly attach to one of their heads. No more loose rotating plates…ugg! The BH-40 head with quick release is one of our favorites and will support most lenses except the big telephotos. And their tripods are are favorite as well. Yes, their gear is expensive, but it will be the last tripod/head you ever buy.
6. KelbyOne subscription. This is on our list ever year. Why? Because it is still the best photography training value out there. Who else has hundreds of online training videos (new one each week), multiple online magazines, generous discounts with vendors (you will make your money back on one big purchase) and discounted tickets to Photoshop World trade shows.
7. Patagonia Nano puff coat. We have been using our Nanos from the Arctic to windy Patagonia, and we haven’t found a coat that is as light and still this warm. A great outer layer for mild conditions, and an inner layer for those frigid Aurora nights in Alaska.
8. Wigwam Ice Socks. At 30 below last winter in Alaska I was only wearing one pair of socks in my boots (Sorel Glaciers)..the Wigwam Ice Socks. Polar explorers use these socks, so if you are looking for a warm sock to keep your toes toasty this winter, look no further.
9. Take a workshop…with us! We have had a few last minute cancellations in our 2020 schedule, so there are some spots open on trips to Spain, Texas blinds/birds, Badlands and Old Car City (flash with models here). Just let us know if you have any questions.
10. Vello Extension Tubes. These inexpensive tubes allow you to focus closer to your subject, turning your standard lens into a macro lens. A lot lighter and cheaper than buying a macro lens.
Happy shopping!