... Well, it's a few months away, but family are going to start asking for gift ideas soon, so I'm putting together my list.
I'm sure you have some great suggestions for affordable little bits of kit that make a big difference. Please share your ideas!
Thank you :)
For me, it would have to be a book. Any book of great photographs is inspirational, and can give you all sorts of new ideas that would do so much more for your photography than any single piece of kit.
However, for that price, you could get a sensor cleaning kit (though not an Arctic Butterfly), or perhaps some ND grad filters.
There was a list of accessories under $25 that was recently posted at digital-photography-school.com, they're not all great gift ideas, but there are certainly a few good ones.
I also like to put things that are always useful, like memory cards.
I'm going to agree with a book. For whatever reason I feel pretty justified in buying the equipment I need/want (like a filter, cleaning stuff, etc.) but will almost never spend the money on a book for myself. Since you were asking for specifically gift ideas, I'd say book. Also, unless your family is into photography, I find it hard to ask for really specific things. I'm sure you do your research before buying a product, and don't want to just buy the first cleaning brush (or something similar) you see. Not that my family doesn't care ~ they just don't do the same level of research!
A vintage manual prime. One of the best ways to learn.
I would say a diopter (or close-up) filter, this little filter (actually a lens) allows you to turn a regular lens into a macro lens without loosing any stops.
You can get a +1, +2, +4, +10 kit for $10.
A UV filter for your lens. Keep 'em protected.
Westcott 301 Photo Basics 40-Inch 5-in-1 Reflector. I sure know I'd like to get one of them:-)
Cheap!
How about going to a library book sale and picking up an old book on photography.
For 50 cents, I picked up a 250 page paperback called "Creative Photography". It's loaded with pictures, tips, ideas, and information. Sure some of it is directed to film photography, but that's great too. Learning the origin of terms we use today (like burn, dodge, filter) is great.
I really like my Canon Wireless Remote Control RC1 for my Canon SLR. Im sure there's an equivalent for Nikon.
Simple and inside your budget. But I'd suggest you wait until the beginning of December because memory prices tend to fall. Just don't wait too long so the shopping spree season would start.
Check if he has an off camera flash. If he does, Cactus Triggers would be a great gift. Also based on the type of photography you can snag a basic lighting kit.
An infrared or cable remote will fit your price range and will introduce you to new possibilities with your camera.
How about a frame? That is the best thing to give to a photographer. It is a rare thing for a photographer to have a framed photograph. WARNING Do not ask them to choose a favorite. It'll be ages before you get the answer.
