Our favorite gifts under $500

As we gear up for the biggest shopping season of the year, we’re presenting our favorite gifts for photographers this holiday season. Thanks to Capture One, MPB, Mylio Photo, Radiant Photo, Skylum, Fundy, Excire and Tamron, the sponsors of this year’s Holiday Gift Guide.

Need more gift ideas, and want to see all the latest holiday deals? Check out our Holiday Shopping Guide!

Below are a few of our favorites that are valued under $500. These are great gifts for the photographer in your life!

Capture One

Recommended by Photofocus Team | Read review | $316; available via Capture One (Use Promo Code PHOTOFOCUS20)

Capture One processes the highest-quality images with the most accurate colors — even before a user starts editing. Plus, the powerful editing tools offer users complete creative control of their images, from simple tweaks to total transformations. Grab your Photofocus 20% off using promo code PHOTOFOCUS20.

Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5 -6.3 Sony E-mount lens

Recommended by Julie Powell | Read review | $499; available via B&H

This has to be my go-to lens for wildlife photography, but also for flowers. The extra reach gets me the shot I could normally get with my 50mm prime or even my 28-75mm workhorse. It’s compact, lightweight and packs a punch for the price.

Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Light Meter

Recommended by Julie Powell | Read Review | $229; available via B&H

It may seem a little old-school with today’s modern-day cameras, but I find I just can’t beat using a light meter in the studio for portraits. The Sekonic light meter is small, compact and easy to use.

Paper Shoot Camera

Recommended by Lauri Novak | $250; available via Papershoot

The Paper Shoot is an eco-friendly, 16MP digital camera that aspires to promote forward-thinking and creativity. If you love disposable cameras for their simplicity, aesthetic and lack of screen or controls which allow you to live fully in the moment, but don’t love the developing or added costs, you’ll love Paper Shoot.

Chrome’s Niko Camera Backpack 3.0

Recommended by Sara Kempner | Read Review | $280; available via Chrome Industries

Made for any photographer on the go, the Niko Camera Backpack 3.0 from Chrome Industries is unassuming and functional, no matter the genre you shoot. With a ton of pockets, a customizable main compartment and a full 25L of storage room, this pack efficiently carries a ton of gear while staying compact and comfortable. The coated zippers, padded tricot lining and durable nylon material make this back rugged and ready for adventure.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Recommended by Lauri Novak & Julie Powell | $329; available via Amazon

Does your favorite photographer spend a lot of time working in noisy coffee shops? This would be the perfect gift to help them concentrate on editing and getting their work done. It’s also the perfect gift for those wanting just a little quiet while working or listening to their favorite music or podcasts too.

Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens

Recommended by Ken Lee | $497; available via B&H

Once in a rare while, an inexpensive lens is a great lens. The Pentax-D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR zoom lens (currently $496.95 at B&H or used for around $300) is a versatile and reasonably compact zoom lens, compatible with the full-frame Pentax K-1 DSLR. This often-overlooked “jack of all trades” is always welcome in my camera bag. I will use it for any of my night photography without hesitation. In fact, two of my Pentaxian night photography friends use it and love it. And if it does this well in low light, you can be sure that it will offer sharp photos during daylight as well.

Lensbaby Velvet 56

Recommended by Julie Powell | Read review | $449.95; available via B&H

I adore my Lensbaby Velvet 56 and instantly fell in love with the creative aspect of shooting with this totally manual lens. It’s beautiful for flowers especially, but also portraits and more. The soft velvety blur and bokeh from this lens gives this lens its name.

Lume Cube 2.0 Professional 22-piece LED Lighting Kit

Recommended by Sara Kempner | Read review | $299.99; available via B&H

Lume Cubes are daylight-balanced portable LED lights that fit in your pocket, making them the perfect accessory for any type of photographer on your list. Waterproof, dimmable, rechargeable and controllable via smartphone, these little lights pack a solid punch. Included with this kit are two Lume Cubes and a wide range of accessories including gels, grids, snoots, barn doors and more.