10 Great Last Minute Gifts for Photographers

If you’re still unsure what to get the photographer on your list, here are some of my favorite things that every photographer will be thrilled to receive!

1. Giottos AA1900 Large Rocket Blaster ($13.00)

   If they don’t have a Giottos Rocket Blaster they have a lot of dust in their photos!

   Lenses are dust magnets and if not removed it shows up in the images. Worse, dust on the rear lens element usually gets on the camera’s sensor and getting dust off of the image sensor is never an easy task.

   This large blower moves a lot of air effectively and has a filter to prevent dust from being sucked in and blown out on to the lens or sensor. Get your photographer a couple as they should always have one on them!

2. Neutral Density Filters ($30-$45)

   A decent set of Neutral Density Filters allows photographers to reduce the amount of light that is passing through the lens without changing the color. This is especially useful when slower shutter speeds are need in brighter conditions, like to shoot moving water.

   I recommend getting a Tiffen 77mm Neutral Density 0.3 Filter, Tiffen 77mm Neutral Density 0.6 Filter, and Tiffen 77mm Neutral Density 0.9 Filter to start as they’ll give a good range of adjustment without breaking the bank.

3. Hoodman H-LPP3 HoodLoupe 3.0 Professional 3-Inch Screen Loupe ($80.00)

   I really feel silly because I used to make fun of the Hoodman HoodLoupe. After borrowing one from a friend and using it for a few hours I ordered one as soon as I got back home. Now, I never make photos without it.

   Not only does it make it easier to check for proper focus and other potential problems in the image, it’s indispensable when the sun is to the photographer’s back or side.

4. FireWire 400/800 UDMA CompactFlash Reader ($50.00)

   I hate USB CF Card readers. They’re slow and they also slow down the entire computer while transferring files because they use lots of CPU cycles. Firewire readers don’t do this so the computer doesn’t slow to a crawl during file transfers.

   Calumet’s FireWire 400/800 UDMA CompactFlash Reader is UDMA complaint and can transfer files at over 45 MB/s. I’ve found them very reliable and they don’t take up much room on your desk or in your bag. Get one for the MacBook or notebook too.

5. ProSpec UDMA 8GB 305x CompactFlash Card ($80)

   The ProSpec UDMA 8GB 305x CompactFlash Card (also available in 4 GB and 16 GB) is more than fast enough for most cameras. These are very reasonably priced for pro-quality cards which can be used in extreme temperatures and yet still come with a Hassle-Free Lifetime Warranty.

   Calumet has rated them safe for use in extreme conditions and to perform in temperatures as low as -13 degrees F and as high as 185 degrees F.

   I’ve been using several for over a year and they’ve been trouble free.

6. Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket ($17.00)

   The Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket stores up to 10 CF or SD Cards without taking up much space. It has a built in business card holder and loop for attachment to clothing or a lanyard. I don’t know of any other wallet that holds as many cards or that is made as well.

7. Calumet Wet and Dry, Screen and Optical – Cleaning wipes (pack of 12 ) ($10.00)

   Once they have used Calumet Wet and Dry Cleaning wipes they’ll never want to use anything else to clean their lenses or monitors. These wipes make cleaning, quick and easy because they work and they work on everything.

   They even remove the most stubborn crud or oily smudges quickly and without effort. But best of all, since they’re disposable, they won’t transfer dirt and oil back on to the lenses like microfiber cloths do.

   The wipes are big enough that they can be folded, so only fresh areas are used on each lens. I often can clean all my lenses using just one.

8. Think Tank Urban Disguise 30 ($135)

   The Think Tank Urban Disguise line of camera bags break the mold by not looking like camera bags. They’re lightweight, hold a lot of gear, are extremely well made with high quality materials, are very rugged, and are comfortable to carry thanks to their nicely padded straps.

   The Think Tank Urban Disguise 30 is an ideal size for most photographers as it can comfortably carry 2-3 lenses, a pro camera body, flash, and more.

9. Eva-dry Renewable Wireless Mini Dehumidifer ($15.00)

   Moisture and electronics don’t get along. Gear that is exposed to changing temperatures can have condensation form inside it and can quickly damage it or even cause mold and mildew to grow. This is why most electronics is shipped with packets of desiccant silica gel. The Eva-dry Renewable Wireless Mini Dehumidifer is filled with similar moisture absorbing crystals which will help protect equipment in the same way. Once its full, it can be recharged by simply plugging it in to an outlet. I put one in each of my camera bags whenever the weather and conditions require it.

10. Canon PowerShot S90IS 10MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3-inch LCD ($400)

    The Canon PowerShot S90IS was my pick for Point and Shoot of the Year because of it’s fantastic optics and exceptional low-light performance and unprecedented image quality for a pocketable point and shoot camera. Every photographer should have one with them at all times. Thanks to it’s nice pocketable form-factor they won’t mind doing just that.

Bonus List: If money is no object

1. Gitzo GT3541XLS Series 3 Long 6X Carbon Fiber 4-Section Systematic Tripod with G-Lock – Replaces GT3540XLS ($825)

   The GT3541XLS 4-Section Tripod is the last tripod one will ever have to buy because there isn’t a more versatile or well made tripod. Period.

   With a maximum height of 77.95-inches (6.5-feet) and a minimum height of 3.94-inches it can be adjusted to any height in-between. Because it’s made of space age carbon fiber it only weights 4.34 pounds but doesn’t sacrifice rigidity. It can support up to 39.68 pounds of professional gear and is very stable thanks to carbon fiber’s vibration absorption properties. When closed it’s only 27.56-inches long and is very comfortable to carry with leg wraps.

2. Nikon D3s 12.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and 24fps 720p HD Video Capability ($5500)

   The Nikon D3s is impressing photographers with its expanded ISO sensitivities of 25,600, 51,200 and an astounding 102,400 and low noise ISO sensitivity all the way from 200 to 12,800!

   Unlike its Canon counterparts, the D3s focuses fast and extremely accurately even under low contrast conditions. Plus it can shoot up to 9 frames per second and capture up to 4,300 images per battery charge.

   It’s huge price tag is justified because it makes it so much easier to make more great shots and capture more moments that they might have missed with any other camera.

3. Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S NIKKOR Lens ($2400)

   The new Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II Lens is extremely sharp, fast, and covers the ideal focal lengths for nearly all types of photography; making it the must have lens for every Nikon photographer. Unlike its predecessor, the corners are sharp and there’s no vignetting. Contrast has been greatly improved, as well, and the bokeh is just dreamy. Even comparable to the 200mm F/2.

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