Photography Themed Gift Ideas

rhyswt · 3 Nov 2015 at 08:26

My Dad's birthday is coming up soon and I was thinking about purchasing him a photography related gift, although a relatively nice one (rather than a lens shaped mug or similar...).

I have seen some good quality leather camera straps that would be quite nice for his Sony A7R, however I'm unsure as to their practicality over a fabric type strap.

Does anybody have any other potential ideas? Any suggestions would be welcome

greedy123 · 3 Nov 2015 at 09:06

Photography books are a great present. Good source of inspiration and enjoyment. My personal favourite is Nick Brandt's "On This Earth, A Shadow Falls".

What type of photography does he normally do?

Andy90 · 3 Nov 2015 at 10:47

How much are you looking to spend?

Raymond Lin · 3 Nov 2015 at 11:13

An old Nikon manual camera with a prime as paper weight would be cool.

rhyswt · 3 Nov 2015 at 21:30

greedy123 said:
Photography books are a great present. Good source of inspiration and enjoyment. My personal favourite is Nick Brandt's "On This Earth, A Shadow Falls".

What type of photography does he normally do?

Sounds like a good idea, but unfortunately I've given him a similar present in the past. I might check that book out for myself on the other hand

Andy90 said:
How much are you looking to spend?

Maybe up to £100ish, if I find something good for cheaper I would probably supplement with another gift.

Raymond Lin said:
An old Nikon manual camera with a prime as paper weight would be cool.

Good suggestion, although I think I would have to get him some paper to go with it

Andy90 · 4 Nov 2015 at 11:15

Did a quick search on Sony A7R and accessories on Google, came up with

http://briansmith.com/sony-a7-a7r-accessories-guide/

although US based (with dollar prices) much of what you see there will be available via UK retailers.

A lot depends on what type of photography he does and how keen he pursues that area of interest. If he is into Macro Photography, he might already have extension tubes. If he's into Landscape photography he might already have Neutral density or graduated filters. It might be worth asking him if he needs anything or wants anything.

It you're going to purchase filters you need to know the filter thread size for his lenses.

Extra batteries and memory cards are always useful but not particularly exciting.

Books are nice but again it depends on what he's into.

How about a decent pair of walking boots, good pair of gloves or reasonably priced weatherproof jacket with deep pockets - doesn't really matter what type of photography your into with those - might as well be nice and comfortable when you're out and about?

Mr Jones · 4 Nov 2015 at 12:06

I've asked my missus for a nice leather bag (like Joey's from Friends, but less wide) for my camera kit. Try etsy, for your budget, you can get a variety of different style, customised too.

Don't forget to include postage, as it's abroad, can hover around £20.

rhyswt · 4 Nov 2015 at 23:22

Thanks Andy/Mr Jones, got it all sorted now. Went for the Metz flash that I had read good things about together with a nice camera strap (split the extra cost with my brother). I had thought about getting a bag but unfortunately he had already bought himself a new one earlier this year.