Gifts for Photographers Under $100 - 2020 Edition
Photo by svetikd via iStock
This has been a crazy year, and many folks have to seriously tighten their belts. This includes keeping their holiday shopping budget in check.
If you fall into that category and have a photographer on your shopping list, this list of gifts for photographers under $100 is for you!
From camera bags to gift cards to handy gadgets for their camera or lens, we've got awesome gift ideas that won't break the bank!
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: H&Y RevoRing Bundle
One of the most innovative photography gadgets of 2020 is also one of the most inexpensive!
A couple of months ago, H&Y unveiled RevoRing, which is a variable step ring. This is so innovative because it eliminates the need to carry a bunch of individual step rings to make filters and filter systems work with different lenses.
Instead, the photographer on your list can have this set of variable step rings in their camera bag and use it to adapt their filters to a variety of lenses.
This particular set includes 37-49mm, 46-62mm, and 67-82mm options, giving your favorite photographer lots of leeway in terms of which filters they use with which lenses.
It’s dead simple to use too - just twist the RevoRing, attach it to the lens, and it’s ready to rock!
There simply aren’t that many truly innovative photography gifts for under $100, but RevoRing certainly fits the bill.
If you want to surprise your loved one with a gift that is unique, functional, and will legitimately help them improve their photography workflow, look no further than RevoRing!
Learn more about the H&Y RevoRing
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: CanvasHQ Print
One of my favorite gifts to give (and to get, while we're at it) is a big, beautiful print.
Personally, I like canvas because of the texture the canvas gives to the print. Besides, a canvas print is something that will continue to give joy to the person that receives it for years and years to come!
Now, I know what you're thinking...canvas is so old-school.
But if you order your canvases from the right printers, you can get something that is beautiful, well-made and looks modern, even if the substrate is perhaps a bit old-school.
I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are from CanvasHQ.
These are some of the best canvas prints I've ever purchased. The sharpness of detail, the color accuracy, and the overall build quality of these prints is next-level good.
Part of the reason for this is the materials CanvasHQ uses. We’re talking archival-grade canvas, commercial-grade inks that are water and UV resistant, and kiln-dried pine frames to keep everything straight and true.
But CanvasHQ isn't just tops in the quality department...
They have excellent customer service that makes you feel heard and as though you're the only customer they have to worry about at that moment.
These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry.
If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back.
In the video above, you can see how one of my CanvasHQ prints stacks up against similar prints from other printing companies. I think you'll see why I'm so loyal to CanvasHQ!
Start shopping for your favorite photographer today on CanvasHQ.
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: ProGrade Digital Dual Slot Card Reader
Photographers today have at their disposal lightning-fast memory cards that can accommodate things like 4K video and huge image files.
But it's not enough to have high-speed cards - you also need a high-speed card reader that makes transferring all those huge files to your computer a quicker task. That's where the ProGrade Digital Dual Slot Card Reader comes in.
With transfer speeds of up to 1.25GB per second, this card reader will make quick work of transferring files. Better yet, you can transfer data from two cards at the same time.
It's also a small and lightweight device, so the photographer on your list can easily take this reader with them on photoshoots or when they travel.
To ensure safety, this card reader has a magnetic base that pairs with a metal plate. Just attach the metal plate to your laptop, connect the reader, and you're ready to go!
This year, give the gift of convenience and help your favorite photographer save some time, too!
Learn more about the ProGrade Digital Dual Slot Card Reader
Gifts for Photographers Under $100:Hex Ranger DSLR Sling Bag
One of the best gifts you can give the photographer on your list is a new camera bag.
But not all camera bags are made alike...
Honestly, I’m a bit of a camera bag snob, so I look for things that others might skim over.
For instance, I check the stitching inside and out to see how well put together it is, and with this bag, it’s very well put together.
It’s part of the thoughtful construction and design processes that also make this bag an excellent choice for a gift for the photographer on your holiday shopping list.
One of the things I like most about the bag is the collapsible interior dividers - including the bottom divider. This gives you a bag that can not only be customized to your gear for each photoshoot, but you can also fold up or remove the dividers to allow the bag to be packed totally flat for travel inside another bag.
Speaking of customizations, this bag has side adjustable load straps and adjustable bottom carry straps so you can carry even more gear when needed.
This bag is also packed full of pockets to help you keep track of your stuff. There’s a front access organizer for small items, a faux fur lined pocket on the front for your phone or a pair of shades, a faux fur lined pocket for your table, and multiple hidden velcro stash pockets. And the bag sits very well when worn. It’s comfortable and easy to access your gear and really hugs your body.
With genuine Cordura material and YKK zippers with metal pulls, this bag will stand up to use and abuse, too. And since it’s so compact (just 1.3 pounds and 14.5"L x 7.25"W x 4.75"H), you can rock it in the urban jungle without worrying that it’ll be knocking into people as you move from shot to shot.
Something that really stood out to me was that, although the bag is listed at 8 liters, there is no wasted or negative space. In fact, I easily transferred all the gear I would normally carry in my Peak Design 10L Sling into the HEX Ranger Sling. I have to say that I am a big fan of the efficient use of space in this bag and the collapsible potential of the HEX bag certainly gives it a leg up.
With eight liters of storage space, a streamlined design, and looks that don’t quit, this is definitely a gift for photographers that will put a smile on their face!
Learn more about the Hex Ranger DSLR Sling Bag
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Camera Canopy
If you want a unique, yet functional gift for the photographer in your life, the Camera Canopy is an ideal choice.
Photographers that spend any time outdoors understand that when it rains, it can really put a damper on their ability to get the photos they want. That’s because even weather-sealed gear isn’t completely water-tight.
And trying to manipulate camera controls with a traditional bag-like rain cover for a camera is a huge pain in the rear. That’s why Camera Canopy is a much better alternative.
Camera canopy attaches to a camera via its hot-shoe mount, and then acts like a roof to protect the camera and lens from rain. It even protects the glass of the lens so there’s no water droplets messing up the shot.
Better still, it’s adjustable for lenses up to 500mm in length, and there’s even a smaller version for mirrorless setups (shown above). Add in a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you’ve got the perfect gift for this holiday season!
Learn more about Camera Canopy and Mini Camera Canopy
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: PolarPro Belay Quick-Release Camera Strap
PolarPro continues to innovate with products that are smartly designed to maximize functionality for you. The Belay Quick-Release Camera Strap certainly fits the bill.
This strap allows you to carry your camera at your side without limiting your movement. This is possible because of the ergonomic anchor point that's attached to the bottom of the camera. This results in a lower carrying profile than traditional straps.
What's more, this strap has an integrated quick-draw mechanism so you can quickly remove the camera if need be. That's definitely a feature the photographer on your list will be looking for!
The quick-draw mechanism is made of aluminum while the strap is industrial nylon. In other words, the strap is lightweight, yet ultra-strong to give you peace of mind. In fact, this strap is rated to 50 pounds, so it will support even the heaviest of professional camera and lens combinations.
And with a wide 3/4-inch strap, you don't have to worry about your shoulder feeling pinched under the weight of your gear. Instead, the strap distributes the weight for a more comfortable carrying experience.
If you know a photographer that has been itching for a new camera strap, consider this as the ideal gift for them!
Learn more about the PolarPro Belay Quick-Release Camera Strap
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: PolarPro Traverse Strap Mount
If the photographer on your list doesn't need another strap in their collection, the PolarPro Traverse Strap Mount might be a great alternative gift idea.
This is a QuickDraw camera mount, so you can quickly release the camera with a one-handed motion from the mount and start shooting.
When not in use, your camera is securely and comfortably mounted on your backpack, belt, or any other kind of strap.
The Traverse Strap Mount has a secondary locking mechanism which keeps your camera completely secure as you move. Better still, it'll support up to 100 pounds of gear, so even if the photographer on your list has a big, heavy DSLR and long lens, this mount will hold it!
Best of all, it's under $60, so you'll give a great gift without coming close to your $100 budget.
Learn more about the PolarPro Traverse Strap Mount
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: ViewSonic VA2246MH-LED 22 Inch Full HD 1080p LED Monitor
I have a couple of ultra widescreen ViewSonic monitors in my home office, and they have convinced me that ViewSonic is among the best brands of computer monitors.
If you're on a budget, you might consider the ViewSonic VA224MH 22-inch LED monitor as a great gift idea for the photographer on your list.
This widescreen monitor offers a 21.5-inch viewable screen that has an LED backlight. The thin bezel design increases the viewing area while helping maintain the smaller profile of the monitor for smaller work areas.
The monitor offers full 1080p HD resolution and mega dynamic contrast ratio for a clear, sharp, and contrasty display.
There are two integrated speakers, tons of connectivity options, and it's compatible with VESA mounts in case it needs to be mounted on the wall.
Your favorite photographer will also appreciate the flicker-free technology and the blue light filter to ease eye strain on those occasions when there's hours and hours of work to be done.
Learn more about the ViewSonic VA2246MH monitor
Gifts For Photographers Under $100: GoPro Smart Remote
There are few cameras that are as versatile as the GoPro Hero 8 Black, but with the GoPro Smart Remote, you can make it even more versatile.
This remote gives you total control over the camera, including the shutter, camera settings, and turning the camera on and off.
You get long-range control as well - up to 600 feet if the conditions are just right.
The GoPro Smart Remote also enables control of up to 50 cameras at the same time, so if the photographer on your list has multiple GoPros, this remote is the perfect accessory!
The GoPro Smart Remote has a rugged design that's waterproof up to 33 feet and is both mountable and wearable.
The LCD screen mirrors the screen on the camera's, that way you're abreast of the camera's status and making quick confirmations of the camera settings and functions.
This remote isn't just compatible with the Hero 8 Black, either. It also works with the Hero 8 MAX, Hero 7 Black, Hero 6 Black, Hero 5 Black, Hero 5 Session, and Fusion.
All this for well under $100 too!
Learn more about the GoPro Smart Remote
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: LitraTorch 2.0
I know what you might be thinking - this tiny light is worth $100??
Well, I’ve used the LitraTorch 2.0 for a few months now, and I can tell you it’s worth well more than $100…
Though it weighs just over three ounces, and is about 1.5 inches square, Litra packed 16 LEDs into it, so it has some serious light output!
In fact, you can adjust the output from 100 to 450 to 800 lumens depending on what you’re doing.
Better yet, this little light puts out beautiful light that’s clean and crisp and flicker-free, too. It has a wide 70-degree beam angle to illuminate your subject and offers a color temperature of 5700K - right in the sweet spot of natural-looking light.
On its low setting, the LitraTorch 2.0 will give you four hours of illumination while you get 35 minutes of light on full power. That’s a 10 percent improvement over the original LitraTorch.
It’s also waterproof up to 60 feet, has a magnet for easily attaching it to metal surfaces, and it’s built like a tank, so it’ll withstand some use and abuse.
This is simply a versatile, go-anywhere, do-anything light!
Learn more about the LitraTorch 2.0
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: RODE VideoMicro
This tiny shotgun microphone is perfect for a GoPro.
It's compact and lightweight, but audio quality isn't sacrificed. In fact, it has a high-quality cardioid condenser mic capsule so you can get clear, crisp audio.
And since it's a directional mic, it minimizes sounds from the periphery so your video has focused audio from the subject.
Add to that a thermoplastic suspension structure for minimizing vibrations as you adventure around with your GoPro, and you have the ideal audio companion for the best adventura camera on the market!
If the photographer on your list is an adventurer and utilizes a GoPro, this is the perfect gift idea!
Learn more about the RODE VideoMicro
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Amazon Gift Card
Totally stumped regarding gift ideas for photographers on your list?
Why not go the easy route and get them an Amazon gift card?
Though a gift card isn't exactly the sexiest gift, when the photographer in your family sees that you have given them carte blanche to get what they want, they'll be stoked!
With an Amazon gift card, they can put the card amount towards whatever they want - a new lens, a second camera body, lighting gear, a laptop - you name it!
As far as flexibility goes, there's nothing better to give a photographer than a gift card.
Learn more about Amazon gift cards
