Holiday Gift Ideas: Five last-minute stocking stuffers for the photographer
There's just a little over a week left until Christmas, so you've got some shopping time, but not much. And in case you're trying to find some stocking stuffers for that avid photographer in your life, here are five suggestions.
1. Camera Case: A camera case doesn't always have to be about protecting a camera (although that's extremely important, especially with a klutz like me). But it can also be about expressing personality and style. Canon and Nikon produce some classic leather cases sized for their pocket cameras. Case Logic makes some colorful, plush ones, and Swiss Gear also produces some professional-on-the-outside, flashy-on-the-inside type cases for under $10.
2. Cleaning Kit: Every good photographer needs a cleaning kit, and sometimes they don't have one or have a very old one. Kits should include cleaning fluid, cloths, LCD screen protectors, a squeegee card and a blower brush. Adorama produces a very comprehensive kit (this stuff and plus some) with a nice case to keep it all in for just $15. Although, it might be too fat for the stocking, depending on the stockings you hang on your mantle.
3. Memory Cards: They're simple, small and cheap, depending where you look (i.e. Newegg.com, Amazon, Best Buy, etc.). Maybe not the most heartfelt gifts, but digital photographers always need them.
4. Lens Filters: Prices can seriously range on lens filters, so it depends how serious the photographer you know is. Ultraviolet (UV) filters can start at $10 and go up to $100 or more. You could also go with a lens "sampler pack." Zeikos has a three-piece, 52mm lens kit (UV, Circular Polarizer, Fluorescent) for just over $10, and Tiffen has a comparable one for $34.
5. Microfiber Lens Cloth: The Stuff-It microfiber lens cloth is both tiny and cheap ($3.99). It's safe to use on your lens and doesn't require spraying sorts of solutions. It's also useful for other gadgets, such iPhone screens and eyeglasses.
Anyone have any more stocking stuffer ideas?