Inexpensive Gift Ideas for a Photographer

Five Inexpensive Gift Ideas to Go with Cameras

Finding an inexpensive gift for photography enthusiasts might seem difficult. Don't give up hope, here are five gift ideas for the camera buff in your life. Any of these camera accessories are sure to please them.

Gadget bags. If you have ever watched your camera nut operate, you will have noticed they have 1, 2, 3 or more bags filled with gadgets, lenses, batteries, etc. Virtually every photography could stand another gadget bag to hold the other equipment he still totes around in a box. Be sure to get one designed for camera equipment, with protective padding and stiffened sides. There are even backpacks available specifically designed for this purpose.

Lens filters. Every photographer uses at least one standard filter virtually all of the time - a protective UV lens filter, which he or she has to replace on a fairly regular basis, since it is there to protect the actual lens from scratches. Other filters can range from relatively inexpensive softening filters or colored filters, to ridiculously expensive ones such as infra-red filters made for extreme low light conditions. You need to know the lens opening size before purchasing filters, since come in several diameters from 52mm up to around 70mm for fixed length and zoom lenses.

Cleaning kit. The lenses and inner workings of the camera are subject to damage from exposure to dust, and a stray bit of dirt or a hair can ruin a picture even if it has not damaged the actual lens. Cleaning kits come with several accessories, but at a minimum they include a microfiber cloth for cleaning lenses, a duster made of a similar material for carefully brushing aside stray particles on lenses and mirrors, and cleaning solutions for wiping off lens surfaces. A puffer is also a good add-on.

Lens cases. Lenses are sensitive, and rarely come with a protective hard-sided case included. You might have to do a little sleuthing on this one, since you need to know the length of your camera buffs lenses before making this purchase, since their purpose is to provide a shell around the lens protecting it from bouncing around freely inside, and from bumps while in the gadget bag.