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Best Gifts for Photographers

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December 2020   Better Pictures   Canon   Sony   Nikon   Fuji   LEICA   Zeiss   Hasselblad   All Reviews

Best Cameras    Recommended Camera

Nikon vs Canon vs Sony Full-Frame Mirrorless   Mirrorless vs DSLR

 

Introduction

B&H Photo - Video - Pro Audio

Crutchfield

These are unique items that have really impressed me, as well as being great bargains. I have each of these myself!

Every one of these is a stand-out item, extraordinary and unique and sure to delight anyone.

These are photography gear, as well as some general interest items sure to brighten up anyone's special day.

They're listed in order of decreasing price. Prices change day by day of course.

Click any picture for its detailed review, and click the other links for the best places to get them.

Headphones are great gifts. I suggest several below, each best for a particular use. To summarize, for the best (corded) sound for less than $5,000, get the $399 Made-in-U. S. A. Audeze LCD-1. For the best Bluetooth sound get the luxurious German-made beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless. For air travel get the Bose QC-35 II, which prevent jet lag. For the best sound in practical, portable corded headphones with a built-in mic and remote control get the German-made beyerdynamic T 51i Tesla. For wireless listening to your TV at home so you don't disturb others, get the Sennheiser RS 120.

Each of these top ten gift ideas below is a total winner.

 

Apple 5k iMac (prices vary)

The Apple iMac with 5K Retina Display is the world's highest-resolution computer legally sold to the general public. I'd get it at B&H or get it at Amazon.

"5k" means it has more then 5,000 pixels across its monitor, over twice as many as an HDTV and more than even a 4k TV. It has a stunning 5,120 x 2,880 pixels.

Its bold, bright, sharp, contrasty and accurate display makes my 30" Cinema Display now look like it's a relic from the 1950s. Most people have no idea how incredible images will look on a 5k iMac until they see it for themselves. Even turned off, the ultra-black anti-reflection coated screen is stunning.

The 5k iMac has so much resolution that it obsoletes the concept of 100% magnification.

Photos look stunning on this computer. Even if your favorite photographer has a slew of computers, he'll love a 5k iMac. Nothing will make his photos look better.

Photos are incredible, and even text is now sharper and clearer than you've ever seen it on any computer.

I always get Apple's extended warranty, Apple Care. It always costs me a couple of hundred dollars and covers me for a total of three years for parts and labor and unlimited good tech support.

When I got mine, it took only 150 seconds from pressing the power button to enter my iCloud account and wireless network information and get on and to the Desktop. All my notes and bookmarks and everything on iCloud were already there, letting me start working in less than three minutes. BRAVO!

 

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR FL: $1,897

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 FL VR

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 FL VR (metal 77mm filter thread, 50.3 oz./1,425g with tripod collar, 3.6'/1.1m close-focus, $1,897 new or about $1,500 used if you know How to Win at eBay.) bigger. I got mine at Adorama; I'd also get it at Amazon, at B&H, at Crutchfield or used at eBay.

The Nikon 70-200/2.8 FL is the world's best 70-200mm lens, and today it sells for $900 less than when it first came out just four years ago. It's an all-metal masterpiece which works flawlessly on all Nikon FX DSLRs, most Nikon 35mm SLR cameras and all Nikon mirrorless Z cameras with the FTZ adapter.

This is a fully professional state-of-the-art made-in-Japan lens. I prefer it on Z with the FTZ to the far more expensive and more plasticy made-in-Thailand consumer-grade Z 70-200/2.8 Nikon is pushing today.

Get it while you can; Nikon will undoubtedly raise the price again.

 

Canon EOS RP and RF 24-240mm: $1,499

Canon EOS RP

Canon EOS RP (one SD card slot, 17.0 oz./481g with battery and SD card, $999) and RF 24-105mm f/4L.

I've loved the Canon EOS RP ever since it came out. It's the world's least expensive full-frame mirrorless camera, and also my favorite of all of them for nature, landscape, travel and every kind of photography other than sports and action (for which the EOS R5 and EOS R6 are best).

I'd much rather be shooting with the EOS RP than anything mirrorless from Sony, Nikon, Fuji or anyone. It's that good.

My favorite lens for the EOS RP is the superb Canon RF 24-240mm, which is super sharp, focuses ultra-fast, and comes as part of a kit with the RP as a steal for just $1,499.

EOS RP body: $999 at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield.

EOS RP & RF 24-105mm STM: $1,299 at Adorama, at Amazon or at B&H.

EOS RP & RF 24-240mm: $1,499 at Adorama, at Amazon or at B&H.

EG-G1 grip: $79 in black, in red and in blue.

 

Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D: $1,222

Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D (new) AF

Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D ED (new) (77mm filters, 45.0 oz./1,275g, 4.9'/1.5m close focus, about $1,222 new or $600 used). enlarge. I got mine Adorama; Amazon and B&H Photo Video are also great places.

This is a fantastic and special gift for any photographer who shoots with a Nikon FX digital or 35mm SLR camera. As a professional lens, it works great with all Full-Frame Nikon DSLRs and almost all Nikon 35mm cameras made for the past 40 years, but it will not autofocus on Nikon's cheapest DX cameras like the D40, D3300 and D5500. It works great on better DX cameras like the D7000 and D7100. See its review for more details on compatibility.

DO NOT get this for use on any mirrorless camera because it will not be able to autofocus on the FTZ adapter.

It's a completely professional telephoto zoom with extraordinary performance at a bargain price. It feels like the jewel it is because it's all metal, not plastic like most lenses today.

The price is low because this top tele zoom has been in Nikon's catalog unchanged since 1997. For the same price as a plastic consumer zoom, you can get this thoroughly professional lens with two to four times the speed (f/2.8 versus f/4 to f/5.6).

This telephoto zoom was Nikon's state-of-the-art when introduced, and was Nikon's top professional zoom for many years.

Nikon always comes out with newer lenses that add fluff features. You can spend $1,800 for the newest Nikon 70-200/2.8 FL above which focuses closer, zooms a tiny bit wider, and adds Vibration Reduction (VR) and instant manual-focus override. VR is only useful for shooting still subjects hand-held. VR does nothing for subjects that are in motion, or if you have a tripod, or if you're shooting at high shutter speeds — which is what one's usually shooting with a fast pro tele zoom like this.

This 80-200/2.8 has extraordinary optical and mechanical quality.

Get this bargain of a lens for your favorite photographer, and he'll be impressed at how much nicer this all-metal lens is compared to what he's been using, This lens is ultra-sharp and focusses super fast. He will be very impressed at your ability to pick out the very best, and only you have to know how little you paid for it.

Of course if he already has a newer model zoom like the 80-200/2.8 AF-S, 70-200/2.8 VR, 70-200/2.8 VR II or Nikon 70-200/2.8 FL he won't need this similar lens, but if he doesn't have one and you'd like to give him a thoughtful gift at a much more reasonable price than those others, here you go.

 

Fuji X100F: $799 on closeout

Fuji X100F

Fujifilm X100F (16.6 oz./470g with battery and SD card, $799 new on closeout at Adorama in silver as shown or $1,299 in black, $899 in either color at B&H or $1,399 at Amazon, or about $650 used if you know How to Win at eBay). bigger.

The Fuji X100F is a great stand-alone camera to give any photographer. It's an extremely capable professional camera, and made like a jewel in Japan. The all-metal X100F feels like a gem compared to the plasticy DSLRs of today. I've had mine since they first came out and it cost $1,299 — and it was a top gift pick even at $1,299!

The newer model is the X100V, which does the same thing but isn't discounted and costs $600 more! I never bothered to "upgrade" to the almost identical newer X100Vbecause thenewer X100V lacks the rear four-way controller. I'd rather have an extra rear controller and an extra $600 in my pocket

The X100F makes a fantastic addition to any photographers existing collection of gear. It's also much smaller and lighter than the cameras usually lugged by photographers,

Regardless of size or weight, the Fuji X100F is the world's best digital camera because it has an uncanny ability to get perfect exposure, white balance and fill-flash all automatically, all on the first shot. It also can operate completely silently with its new electronic shutter, and has fantastic macro ability.

For carrying everywhere, for photographing people under any and every available lighting condition, for silent shooting and for macro, there is no camera that compares with the Fuji X100F. It's what I carry everywhere with my family.

The X100F is the smallest and lightest serious camera available (half the weight of a LEICA and a fraction of the size and weight of a pro DSLR), and also gives the best results for people pictures under every sort of crazy light you'll find people being people.

Especially for people and family photography where there is no way to catch that once-in-a-lifetime expression again, the X100F always gets the shot the first time, every time.

Ryan at dinner at UTC

Ryan at dinner at the mall, November 2014. (Fuji X100S, flash ON, Auto Dynamic range 200%, f/2 at 1/125 at Auto ISO 2,500, Perfectly Clear V2.) bigger.

 

Closeouts on iPad Pro (prices vary)

iPad Pro

iPad Pro. bigger.

Santa brought me an iPad Pro for Christmas in 2015, and I'm hoping for a new one in 2020 as I dropped my 2015 model and had a cheap case that didn't protect it.

Feel free to save a bundle and get a closeout price on the previous third-generation model that was released in 2018. That's what I'm getting! The only significant difference I can see is a fancier camera on the newer 2020 model, and since I never use the iPad camera I was happy to get a closeout on a brand-new 2018 model for $500 less! The deals change daily.

This bigger iPad is the slickest thing yet for editing and sorting photos, but it's the best way to watch movies and do just about anything else involving a screen today.

You know everyone wants one, especially anyone who spends any time with their current iPad.

 

Swiss Studio Watch: $488

Mondaine day-date mechanical

Mondaine A1323034811SBB. bigger.

 

Mondaine day-date mechanical

Back, Mondaine A1323034811SBB. bigger.

I got myself a fantastic Swiss-made automatic mechanical Mondaine watch for Christmas last year. I got mine at Amazon, who has many others for even less money if you prefer quartz.

This watch's iconic design was created by the renown designer Hans Hilfiker for the Swiss Rail system, and today is regarded by artists as one of the most valuable watch face designs ever created — something you can't get from brands you can find in any shopping-mall like Rolex, Patek-Philippe, IWC and Breitling.

Your favorite photographer will get a watch that stands out, and will impress his art clients far more than anything else that costs ten times more. This watch proclaims the wearer's discerning taste to others who are in-the-know.

It has the same 25-jewel automatic movement as used by other over-promoted Swiss brands that sell for many thousands of dollars.

With Mondaine watches you're paying only for a quality timepiece, not paying for advertising. This watch has a high-beat (28,800 bph/8 bps) movement with a very precise regulator adjustment with a stunning official Swiss Railways design in a super-high quality case and hard mineral crystal. I observe about a 30-hour reserve in mine.

You can pay far more, but there is no better-made watch out there for under $10,000. Today, Omega and the rest all use the same movements from the same place — ETA — as does Mondaine.

How good is it? My sample of watch exceeds COSC accuracy standards (within a couple of seconds per day regardless of position), and that's for my completed, cased and delivered watch. The COSC standards flaunted by overpriced brands only certify uncased movements in a lab, making the whole "superlative chronometer" thing a scam, since watches run at different rates once cased and jostled in shipment.

Give this Mondaine watch and you're giving the best quality with inimitable style, for a whole lot less.

 

Audeze LCD-1 Portable Headphones: $399

Made-in-U. S. A.

Audeze LCD-1

Audeze LCD-1 (foldable, lambskin headband and earcups, 15 Ω, 8.9 oz./251g, 3.5mm plug with ¼″ adapter). I'd get mine at Amazon, at Adoramaat B&Hat Crutchfield or eventually used at eBay if you know How to Win at eBaybigger.

These corded, portable headphones are extraordinary! They are loaded with smooth, detailed sound with undefeated, bottomless bass. These have no mic remote control; they're for serious listening.

I've never heard any headphones that sound significantly better than these American made genuine-leather folding portable beauties, even if they're my $5,000 STAX Omega SR-009 setup, to which they sound astonishingly similar.

Try them, you'll love them, and if you don't, all the places to which I link offer at least 30 days to try them your self and return them for a full refund if you don't love them as much as I do.

 

World's Best Bluetooth Headphones: about $400

Made in GERMANY

Aventho Wireless

beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless (Bluetooth or 3.5mm cord, 8½ oz./242g, about $386 in brown, $401 in black, or about $175 used if you know How to Win at eBay).

Of course everyone may have different preferences in headphones, but for ultimate sound and luxurious Made-in-Germany construction quality nothing beats the beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless. You get what you pay for; these won't fall apart and stop working and be thrown away in a few years like Chinese imports.

The Aventho Wireless are based on beyerdynamic's professional DT1350 headphones and drivers, and add Bluetooth and more comfort. Unlike many cheap Bluetooth headphones which use crappy drivers combined with electronic equalization, these use great drivers that require no "correction," and because of that, sound just as superb if you prefer to use them passively with the included 3.5mm cord (but if you prefer corded operation all the time, save your money and get the DT1350 or LCD-1).

 

Fun 360º Spherical Panoramic Camera: about $377

Ricoh Theta S
Ricoh Theta S
Front. bigger.
Back. bigger.

The Ricoh Theta S was the craziest camera of 2016, and it's practical, fun, and inexpensive. Everyone ought to have one of these.

It's a camera the size of a candy bar that goes in your pocket, and makes crazy 360º panoramic images in which you can look all around and zoom-in.

The current model is the Ricoh Theta V.

 

Best Headphones for Air Travel: $269

Bose QC-25 Review

Bose QC-35 Noise-Cancelling Headphones (also come in silver, built-in rechargeable 20-hour battery, 8.3 oz./235g, about $269). bigger. I love these so much I've bought two pairs from Adorama; I'd also get them  at Amazon,  at B&H or at Crutchfield.

The Bose QC-35 completely eliminate low-frequency ambient noise, hum and rumble, making flying a pleasure and eliminating jet lag –and they sound great for use at home. They also eliminate the noise of other TVs and the air conditioner at home.

I own the Bose QC-35; the current improved model is the QC-35 II.

If you're giving these to someone who flies a lot, they are going to LOVE these!

 

Best Corded Headphones w/remote: $199

Made in GERMANY

Beyer T 51i

beyerdynamic T 51i Tesla (closed back, 32 Ω, 6.12 oz./172g without cord, about $199). larger.

The Beyerdynamic T51i are the world's best portable corded headphones because they sound better than most full-sized headphones, they're small and fold for travel, come with a small, sturdy case with adapters for any kind of device, and have a remote control and mic for use with your phone. They isolate outside noise and don't leak any sound to annoy others. Get the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter for use on iOS without a headphone jack, or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for other devices lacking a jack.

They are extremely well made (everything that looks like metal is metal), and they sound fantastic regardless of price. I prefer their sound to the $1,500 AKG K812, and the AKG K812 don't travel. These sound surprisingly similar to the Stax SR-007 that sell for about ten times the price.

These are so sensitive that no amplifier is required; they sound fantastic simply plugged into an iPhone, iPad, iPod or any other portable device.

All this, and for $199, these terrific headphones are MADE-IN-GERMANY. When you're giving gifts, you want to give quality that will be appreciated for a long time.

 

World's Best Mac & iPad Cases (prices vary)

Mac Case iPad Pro 2018 Case

Mac Case iPad Pro 2018 Case

iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Generation case (back). bigger.
iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Generation case (front). bigger.

 

Mac Case iPad Pro 2018 Case

Mac Case iPad Pro 2018 Case

Watching. bigger.
Working. bigger.

To protect my new iPad Pro properly (so I don't have to buy a new one the next time I drop it in a cheap case), I got a Mac Case iPad Pro case which is made with sacred-cow, guilt-free genuine animal-friendly leather. The leather comes from a Hindu family in India who makes it from cows that pass naturally - no kidding!

Regardless of the source, this soft, thick and smooth leather feels wonderful, and the padding, stitching and construction of these cases is pure luxury. I'd have to pay thousands of dollars for something about as well made from Hermès — if Hermès made iPad cases.

Better than other cases, the design is such that I really can set it sturdily at any angle, not just one or two. The polymer iPad holder magically locks to the soft inner covering in any position, and the mechanics of the case seems to make it all balance perfectly at any setting.

Mac Case was founded and still run by an American who is has been absolutely crazy about making quality cases for decades. Yes, they cost a little more than the crappy cases I used to buy at Amazon, but they're well worth it when it saves me a $599 repair bill.

Even better, if their in-stock options don't suit you, you can order a custom case exactly as you'd like it. How about that?

 

Wireless TV/Stereo Headphones: $85

Sennheiser RS 120 wireless headphone set

Sennheiser RS 120 (two AAA Ni-MH included, complete with batteries, charger, transmitter stand and headphones for about $85 complete.) enlarge. I got mine at Amazon.

For $85 complete, this system is the best way to watch TV while others are asleep or doing something else.

These are closed, sound isolating headphones, meaning you won't hear anyone else's noise, and no one else will be bothered by whatever you're enjoying.

These are perfect for use at night while others are sleeping. We use two of these in my house. This way my wife can watch her shows in the living room while the kids watch their shows on their iPads right next to her.

 

Professional Battery Tester: $45

Made-in-U. S. A.

ZTS Mini-MBT

The ZTS-Mini MBT

The ZTS Mini-MBT is the same thing as the big professional ZTS MBT-1 tester I use at my desk. The only difference is that this small one fits in any camera bag (or pocket), and still tests all the batteries used by digital photographers.

I keep one of these mini testers in my bag any time I'm in the field to test AAs and the lithium batteries used by most of my cameras and flash.

It tests NiMH, lithium and alkaline batteries. In alkaline, it tests, 9V, N, AAA, AA, C, and D cells. It tests 3V lithium cells, like the CR123, CR2 and CRV3, and all single-cell Ni-MH. This small tester won't test odder and smaller size batteries used by older film cameras; for that you need the bigger tester.

Unlike most testers, it scientifically reads the amount of electricity or charge left in the cell, and reads it out directly in percent, not merely "OK" or "bad."

For the photographer with kids, we never stop testing and changing batteries, and this tester is fantastic.

 

Light, Gesture and Color: $43

Jay Maisel Light Gesture and Color

Light, Gesture and Color by Jay Maisel.

A new classic is born!

Light, Gesture and Color is a fantastic book in which Jay Maisel, one of the world's very greatest photographers of all time, finally writes down everything he's learned in over 60 years of professional photography and the fine-art world.

As a native New Yorker, Jay doesn't beat around the bush. Jay's book gets to the point. Unlike Bruce Barnbaum's superb Art of Photography which is a very long and difficult read, I finished Jay's book in one evening. I bought The Art of Photography a few years ago, and I'm still not finished, while with Jay's book, I'm done and can get back to shooting.

Jay stresses that photography is all about relaxing and finding the picture, not futzing with camera settings or Photoshop.

Light, Gesture and Color is a mandatory read for everyone interested in photography. Jay finally writes down all the secrets I've been trying to write down myself.

 

Galen Rowell Photo Book: $30

Galen Rowell's "Inner Game of Outdoor Photography" is an eye-openingly clear book that explains many of the reasons most people don't get the photos they want, and what then to do about it.

Galen says more in a few pages than most photo books say, period.

Everyone should read this, and if you need a gift idea, bingo!

More book suggestions.

 

Amazon Gift Certificates

Last but not least, everyone loves getting an Amazon gift certificate.

It's what I give most of my family who are not photographers.

 

Photo Tour

Signs, Tom's Welding, Barstow CA

Signs, Tom's Welding, Barstow, 4:40 PM, 07 February 2014. (Year 2000 Nikon S3, Gossen Digisix light meter, Voigtländer SC Scopar 21mm f/4, Kodak Ektar 100, NCPS process and scan, Athentech Perfectly Clear.) bigger.

I help lead a few Photo Tours each year. Photographers love them, however with the lockdown I'm unsure when we'll restart them in 2021.

 

© Ken Rockwell. All rights reserved. Tous droits réservés. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

 

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Mr. & Mrs. Ken Rockwell, Ryan and Katie.

 

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