Christmas gift ideas for photographers: Bags, wraps and a little creative fun
Buying Christmas presents for a photographer can be a tricky business. We tend to have fairly specific wish lists, strong opinions about camera bags and an impressive ability to justify “just one more” accessory.
But a thoughtful photography gift doesn’t have to mean a new camera or an expensive lens. Sometimes it’s something practical that makes carrying our kit easier. Sometimes it’s a small accessory that protects the gear we already own. And sometimes it’s something that encourages us to experiment.
This year, I’ve pulled together a few ideas from my own photography kit, including products I’ve reviewed and a couple of favourites that deserve some attention.
Disclosure: Peak Design supplied the Everyday Sling 6L and Everyday Backpack 20L for review. My sling & backpack coverage reflects my early impressions. Full Review coming soon.
Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L: For a smaller shooting kit
Not every outing needs every lens you own. Although convincing yourself of that while packing is another matter entirely.
The Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L is an option for photographers who want to take a smaller kit out for a photo walk, a casual shoot or a day of exploring.
The appeal here is having a bag that encourages you to think about what you actually need. One camera, a carefully chosen lens or two, and the essentials can be quite a freeing way to work.
Who it could suit: A photographer who enjoys heading out with a compact kit and wants their camera close at hand. Ideal for smaller pocket cameras. I can fit my Sony A7RV and 50mm lens and my Tamron 28-75mm in together, but not much else.
Before buying, check the dimensions against their particular camera and lenses. A smaller bag only works if the gear they want to carry fits comfortably.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L: For carrying a little more
For photographers who need more room, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L is the larger option on my list.
I’m still getting to know this bag, so my thoughts are based on early use rather than years of carrying it around. My usual kit includes a Sony A7R V and Tamron 28–75mm, with other lens combinations still to try.
A camera backpack is quite a personal purchase. How it feels, how you access your equipment and how much you normally carry all matter more than how good it looks in a product photograph.
Who it could suit: Someone who prefers a backpack and regularly carries a larger kit.
If you’re buying one as a gift, a little detective work about their preferred bag style is worthwhile. Photographers can be surprisingly particular about pockets.
PGYTECH protective wraps: A little gift that earns its place
I love these PGYTECH protective wraps. They’re the sort of simple accessory that makes a lovely addition to a photographer’s Christmas list.
The soft fabric folds around a lens, camera or other piece of equipment and secures to itself. That flexibility makes them useful for adding a protective layer around different items, helping guard against scratches and minor bumps.
They also make sense as a companion gift to a camera bag. A lovely new bag and something to wrap a favourite lens in? That’s a thoughtful combination.
Who they could suit: Photographers who appreciate practical accessories and a little extra protection around their gear.
Check the wrap size against what they’re likely to put inside it.
Lucky Straps: A camera strap worth considering
Camera straps deserve a place on this list, and my pick is Lucky Straps.
I now own two of them, and a proper review is on my to-do list. They deserve more than a passing mention, so I’ll save the detailed discussion of my two straps for that dedicated review. Read that here.
For Christmas, though, a camera strap is worth considering because it’s something a photographer can use every time they pick up their camera. It can also feel like a more personal gift than another small piece of equipment.
Who they could suit: A photographer who would enjoy choosing a strap that suits their camera, the way they carry it and their personal style.
I’d involve the recipient in this choice, even if it means sacrificing a little surprise. Strap length, width and carrying preferences are personal things, and getting those right is part of choosing a good gift.
K&F CONCEPT magnetic filters: For practical experimentation
For someone interested in exploring filters, the K&F CONCEPT magnetic filter kit I reviewed brings together a CPL, ND8 and ND64, along with a magnetic adapter ring.
These give a photographer different things to explore, from managing reflections with a polariser to experimenting with longer exposures using ND filters.
The magnetic system is part of the appeal, making changing filters a different experience from repeatedly screwing each one onto the lens.
Who it could suit: Someone who enjoys landscapes, travel photography or experimenting with movement and reflections.
There is one detail you absolutely need to check before buying: the lens’s filter thread size. The kit I reviewed was 72mm. That measurement refers to the filter thread, not the lens’s focal length.
PolarPro Spectra Centre Split filter: For the creative experimenter
If the photographer in your life enjoys trying something a little unusual, the PolarPro Spectra Centre Split filter is worth a look.
This is a creative effects filter, with a split design that introduces mirrored or doubled elements into the photograph. It gives you something to work with while shooting, changing how you approach the subject and composition.
When I tried it during a ballet session, I loved the results, although getting the focus right could be challenging. It’s an accessory that rewards experimentation and a willingness to see what happens.
Who it could suit: A photographer who enjoys creative portraits, unusual effects and a bit of trial and error.
It won’t appeal to everyone, but for someone who likes playing with their photography, that unpredictability can be part of the fun.
K&F CONCEPT star filters: A little festive sparkle
Star filters feel particularly appropriate for a Christmas photography list.
The K&F CONCEPT set I reviewed includes filters that create four-, six- and eight-point star effects around bright points of light. Christmas decorations and festive displays provide plenty of opportunities to experiment.
These are a gift for someone who enjoys a playful effect and doesn’t mind spending a little time finding the subjects and compositions that work best.
Who they could suit: A photographer who enjoys photographing festive lights, night scenes or creative details.
As with the other filters, check the thread size before buying. The set I reviewed was 67mm.
Read my K&F CONCEPT star filter review.
Choose something they’ll want to use
The best photography gift is something that fits the person receiving it.
For one photographer, that might be a bag that makes taking their camera out easier. For another, it could be a protective wrap, a new strap or a filter that gives them an excuse to try something different.
And if you’re the photographer leaving this page somewhere conveniently visible to your family, well, I’m happy to have helped.
What’s on your photography Christmas wish list this year, something practical or something purely for creative fun?
