Gifts for Photographers Under $250 - 2022 Edition
- The printing process was flawless, with no ink smudges or stains.
- The high-quality canvas is tightly wrapped around the frame, with no waves or puckering.
- The frame is well-made with square corners and a center support to ensure it stays square.
- The canvas is attached to the frame with plenty of staples to further ensure the canvas remains tight.
- Infinitely variable gain control
- Digital switch for controlling high-frequency boost and the high-pass filter
- Headphone output for monitoring audio
- Peak decibel warning light to avoid distortion
Photo by LukaTDB via iStock
Whether you're looking for a gift for yourself this holiday season or you've got a fellow photographer that deserves a nice gift, a $250 budget can go a long way.
From microphones to camera bags to memory cards, there's all sorts of gadgets that make excellent holiday gifts. You can also give gifts that keep on giving, like a beautiful canvas print. The possibilities are endless!
Below, we've compiled a short list of the best gifts for photographers under $250 to consider this holiday season.
Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Canvasprints.com canvas print
I don’t know about you, but I find that there are two common problems when searching for gifts for my loved ones. First, I have a lot of people in my life that are difficult to shop for. And second, it can be difficult to find gifts that have long-term utility.
I think I’ve found a solution for both problems, though…
This year, I’m giving canvas prints to many of the people on my holiday shopping list. Why? Well, it’s easy! Even the most difficult of people to shop for enjoy a good photo. What’s more, the chances are high that they have wall space to put a printed photo.
On top of that, a canvas print is something that can be enjoyed for years - decades, really - to come. It isn’t a one-and-done gift that offers flash-in-the-pan excitement during the holidays, then finds its way into a closet somewhere.
Instead, by giving someone a gorgeous photo that’s been hand-crafted just for them, you can give them the gift of time - time to enjoy the print each and every day.
So, the question is, where do you get a good canvas print?
Earlier this year, I ordered a canvas print from CanvasPrints.com. It was my first such order, so I wasn’t completely sure what to expect.
Well, what I got in the mail was a superb canvas print!
As I shared in this post, the canvas I got from CanvasPrints.com ticks all the boxes in terms of quality:
Additionally, I like that CanvasPrints.com uses a wire hanger on the back rather than the more typical sawtooth hanger. I find that sawtooth hangers are often not attached to the frame in the center (and often aren’t level, either), which obviously complicates hanging the print level. With a wire hanger, there’s no concern there!
In other words, my first experience with CanvasPrints.com could not have gone better. As a result of that, they’ve earned my business for additional prints for myself and for my loved ones this holiday season. You should entrust them to create a beautiful print of your images as well!
I should note that the materials used to create these prints are American-made and of the utmost quality to ensure the print that arrives at your door looks incredible. If something goes awry, no worries - CanvasPrints.com offers a 100-percent money-back guarantee with your print.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your holiday shopping done, get a fantastic gift that keeps on giving, and give the gift of a special moment in time with a CanvasPrints.com print!
Learn more about CanvasPrints.com
Gifts for Photographers Under $250: f-stop Dyota 11 Camera Sling Bag
A durable, functional, and comfortable camera bag is a great gift for photographers under $250. And one of the best options is the Dyota 11 Camera Slings bag from f-stop.
At just 15.7 inches tall, 9.4 inches wide, and 5.1 inches deep, this bag is a small, everyday carry for quick photography outings. It weighs just 1.8 pounds empty, so the bag is lightweight, has a slim form factor, and can easily move with you as you navigate through crowds.
The 11-liter capacity is all you need for your camera, a lens or two, and other required accessories. You can access the gear quickly and easily via the expandable roll-style top. There's also a curved weatherproof zipper that allows easy access to the main body of the bag.
Like all f-stop bags, the Dyota is impeccably designed and manufactured. The bag's material is RF welded for a seamless design, and the interior storage insert can be removed when not needed.
That means that the Dyota 11 can pull double duty as a camera bag and an everyday carry bag when you're not on photography adventures.
It's a great option to give yourself this holiday season or to give to a loved one!
Learn more about the f-stop Dyota 11 Camera Sling Bag
Gifts for Photographers Under $250: iMovR Gymba
One of the worst things about being an office worker is being in a sedentary position all day. Thankfully, you can use many strategies to help offset the adverse effects of sitting or standing for long periods.
iMovR specializes in American-made sitting-standing desks that utilize brushless motors for easy adjustments to the desk height. With features like a built-in health coach to remind you to change position, iMovR’s desks are a dream come true for people that work from home or in an office environment.
But iMovR doesn’t just make desks…
If you or a loved one need an additional way to stave off the deleterious effects of long work days, Gymba is an ideal gift option this holiday season.
Gymba is a balance board that’s a perfect complement for working at a standing desk. You can “walk” while standing at your desk and activate various body parts for a workout while you work.
In fact, Gymba allows you to work on various aspects of your body, including your core and leg muscles. What’s more, by being more active throughout the day, you’ll improve your posture and circulation.
Now, I know what you’re thinking - won’t this “workout at work” distract you from what you’re doing? After using Gymba for a while now, I can tell you that it absolutely does not interfere with your work!
Once you get used to standing on it, Gymba really settles into the background. I don’t even think about it anymore, yet as I’m writing this, I’m working my core and leg muscles. It’s a much better way to work, to say the least!
And, unlike other balance boards, Gymba doesn’t damage your floors. That means you can get your work done, be healthier, and not worry about what your floors look like at the end of the day. Best of all, Gymba is less than $250, so it’s a budget-friendly holiday gift!
Learn more about the iMovR Gymba
Gifts for Photographers Under $250: RODE VideoMic NTG
I've used the RODE VideoMic NTG for well over a year and a half now.
Needless to say, this mic has impressed!
Like the larger NTG 4 studio mic, the VideoMic NTG captures gorgeous, natural sound. There are various controls to assist you in getting beautiful sound, including:
The best feature of this mic, though, is its sliding rail.
In the past, a difficulty with my RODE mics is that they stuck out so far from the camera that you might find yourself with a face full of microphone.
But the sliding rail on this mic means that problem is solved - if I'm shooting in selfie mode, I can slide the rail back and keep the microphone from hitting my face.
Add to that a battery that gives you more than 30 hours of runtime on one charge and you have a recipe for an excellent microphone for the photographer or videographer on your holiday list.
Learn more about the RODE VideoMic NTG
Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Holdfast Moneymaker Solo
One of my favorite camera accessories is my Holdfast Moneymaker Solo leather camera strap. This thing looks great, is built like a tank, and is a comfortable carry for my camera. That's why I'm recommending it!
If you aren't familiar with Holdfast, you're missing out. This Oklahoma-based company makes some of the finest leather camera accessories you can find. For example, the Moneymaker Solo is crafted of beautiful leather and stainless steel hardware, which make it eye-catching and supremely durable.
In fact, the longer you use the strap, the more aged it will become, and the better it will look!
The Moneymaker Solo has a big, curved shoulder pad that helps lessen the blow to your shoulder as you carry your camera. Also helping in making it a smooth and easy carrying experience is the Belt Anchor, which attaches your camera to your hip to prevent it from clanking around as you walk.
Disengaging the Belt Anchor is a simple one-handed motion, so you can quickly bring your camera to your eye to get the shot. Reattaching the Belt Anchor is also a one-handed job so you can return it to its secure spot on your hip without any fuss.
The stabilizer strap offers further insurance that the strap and camera stay in place on your shoulder.
Another benefit of the Moneymaker Solo is that you can add accessories to it. For example, there's a front D-ring that's a perfect location for attaching a Holdfast Cell Pouch or lens pouch.
These straps also come in various sizes (small, medium, and large) and are offered in right-handed or left-handed configurations.
If you or someone on your holiday shopping list likes to run and gun with a single camera, this is a great option for doing so in comfort and style!
Learn more about the Holdfast Moneymaker Solo
Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Vanguard VEO Active 46 Camera Backpack
When I started in photography many, many years ago, I carried my camera gear in a regular backpack. Not only was this a big mistake from a gear care perspective, but it was also impossible to find anything inside the abyss of the backpack.
Don’t let your favorite photographer make the same mistake…
An ideal camera backpack is the Vanguard VEO Active 46. This bag keeps photography gear organized with a removable camera box insert. The insert has space for a camera with a lens attached, plus various cubbies for other lenses, an external flash, and other accessories. There’s no hunting around in a dark bag for what’s needed - instead, it’s all right there in its own protected space.
Plus, the camera box is brightly colored, so it’s even easier to see where your gear is. That’s just one of the ingenious design choices from Vanguard, though.
For example, this bag has top, front, and rear access to make grabbing the needed gear as quick and efficient as possible. You’ll also find a protective sleeve for a tablet or laptop. There’s even a built-in USB charger connection for an optional power bank!
The Active 46 is made for, well, an active lifestyle. It has an ergonomic design with a metal frame and waist belt, breathable material to help you keep cool, and a trolley handle for easier transport in airports. There’s even a rain cover that offers total coverage for those days out taking photos when the weather just won’t cooperate.
Other features include a multifunction pouch and an accessories pouch for added storage, expandable pockets, and a waterproof sleeve for your water bladder to stay hydrated.
Truly, Vanguard has thought of everything with this bag. It’s hugely functional, super comfortable, and smartly designed. And it’s priced at less than $250!
Learn more about the Vanguard VEO Active 46 Camera Backpack
Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Pre-Owned Canon EF 24mm f/2.8
If the photographer on your list shoots with a Canon DSLR with an EF or EF-S lens mount, a great gift idea is a fast wide-angle lens. The EF 24mm f/2.8 certainly fits the bill!
The 24mm focal length offers a nice wide-angle view on a full frame camera while providing a standard view on a crop-sensor camera. The constant f.2.8 aperture enables improved results in low-light situations while also enabling faster shutter speeds when needed.
This is an autofocus lens, but there is a manual override switch on the lens barrel.
This is an ideal lens for portraits, street photography, architecture, and landscapes, to name a few. Its small size and relatively light weight make it a good "walkabout" lens for Canon DSLR shooters.
You can buy with confidence from MPB because each lens is thoroughly inspected and graded. An explanation of the grade (e.g., "excellent," "like-new") is provided directly on the listing page for each lens.
Likewise, MPB offers a generous six-month warranty on most lenses to give you peace of mind in your purchase. There's a seven-day return window as well!
I've purchased, sold, and traded gear on MPB on many occasions, all with great success. Save a little money this holiday season by investing in quality used gear from MPB!
Learn more about the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8
Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Onyx 30W Bi-Color On-Camera LED Light
With more and more photographers getting into video production, it makes sense to get the photographer on your list a high-quality LED light for their video shoots.
The Onyx Bi-Color LED light is a great option because it features 30-watt high-quality LEDs, high brightness, and beautiful clarity for giving video sequences the light they need to stand out.
With an aluminum frame, the light is both lightweight and durable. Likewise, there is minimal heat release because the aluminum frame allows for excellent ventilation.
The light can be mounted on-camera or a tripod. It comes with a bracket that can attach to any light stand with a baby 5/8-inch receiver.
Best of all, the Onyx Bi-Color light has easy-to-use controls. The LED display gives you the ability to make quick and accurate adjustments of brightness from 10 percent to 99 percent and color temperature from 3200K to 5600K.
Of course, this light can also be used for photography, so it's a gift that offers multiple benefits for the person on your list!
Learn more about the Onyx 30-Watt Bi-Color On-Camera LED Light
Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Lumina AI Webcam
A webcam is a great tool for photographers of all kinds, but particularly for photographers that are in business for themselves. Having a reliable, high-quality webcam enables "meeting" clients who live far away, in addition to creating video content for social channels or a website.
The Lumina AI webcam works with Windows and Mac-based systems and captures video in 4K resolution. The DSLR-quality video is enhanced with Lumina's proprietary AI technology, which makes you look your best on video calls. You can even use the Lumina Studio app to apply more than 30 settings to the video, including changing the white balance, exposure settings, and background blur.
The ultra-wide 4K camera captures a 95-degree field of view while the dual microphones capture excellent sound. And with an AI auto-framing feature, the photographer on your list will always be front-and-center in their video calls!
Learn more about the Lumina AI Webcam
Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Pre-Owned Sigma 30mm f/2.8 DN ART - Sony E Fit
One of the great things about Sony E-mount cameras is that there is a huge array of lenses you can use. This includes many excellent third-party lenses from companies like Sigma.
The 30mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture make this an excellent standard prime lens for the Sony shooter on your holiday shopping list. The f/2.8 aperture is a nice feature for low-light shooting while also enabling beautiful background blur.
Sigma has included technology that reduces flare and ghosting, so the resulting images are sharp, high in contrast, and beautifully detailed.
For what it's worth, this lens looks incredible, too. The metal construction means that it will provide durable service for years to come.
It's a small lens as well, and since it has an internal focusing system, the lens doesn't extend when zooming in. The linear autofocus motor gives you precise control while also being whisper quiet.
This is an all-around excellent lens, and a great gift idea for the photographer on your list! And with excellent pre-owned options available at MPB, you can give a fantastic gift backed by a six-month warranty while saving yourself some money at the same time. It's a win-win!
Learn more about the Sigma 30mm f/2.8 DN ART Sony E Fit
Gifts for Photographers Under $250: ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V90 300R Memory Card (256GB)
A memory card might not be the flashiest gift for photographers, but it's certainly one of the most useful!
This ProGrade card is a fine choice with 300 MB/s read speed and up to 250MB/s write speed. The SDXC UHS-II U3 format works with many different types of digital cameras from Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Olympus, Fuji, and Samsung. It can be used for capturing still images or videos. In fact, it's compatible with cinema cameras and can record various video formats including 4K, 8K, RAW, and RAW HD.
ProGrade rigorously tests its cards to ensure the highest quality and the most dependable performance. There's a three-year warranty on the card as evidence of that!
Learn more about the ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V90 300R Memory Card (256GB)
Gifts for Photographers Under $250: 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