Ideas for Christmas presents for my wife and family to give me

bladerunner6 · 12-13-2014, 07:26 PM

My wife and the family member that drew my name in our gift exchange have asked for photography related gift ideas for me.

My gear list is as follows:

K-50 with two lens kit

Tamron 90 mm macro lens

Pentax 35mm 2.4

Sigma 28-80 macro

A couple of screw mount lenses-135 & 200mm for astrophotography

A Promaster XC525 tripod

A Tamrac Jazz 83 backpack

Gift ideas I have suggested:

A pan tripod head (I have a ball only and will need a pan head for astrophotography)

A tripod bag

GC for the camera store

Lens cleaning kit

Log book for recording start and end date of online challenges and recording photo ideas

Does anybody have any other ideas for around $50?

Thanks.

narual · 12-13-2014, 07:28 PM

You didn't mention a price range.

bladerunner6 · 12-13-2014, 07:33 PM

Originally posted by narual

You didn't mention a price range.

Yeah, I got distracted and hit submit early-sorry for the confusion. People not posting budgets or people ignoring the OP's budget is a definitely a problem when it comes to answering questions.

Docrwm · 12-13-2014, 07:57 PM

Nikon Nikon Lens Pen Pro Kit reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database
VidPro VidPro 35 inch Tripod Carrying Case reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database
Giottos Rocket Blaster - Extra Large reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database
JJC RM-E7 Remote Control reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database
Manfrotto Super Clamp 035 reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

ppppsssstttt · 12-13-2014, 08:07 PM

if you have a lens rental place close by, you can ask for a gift certificate... If you need to ship it though, it might not be worth it, shipping is usually $25. You'd get the chance to experience some more expensive lenses, but not on your dime

**Just1MoreDave** · 12-13-2014, 08:41 PM

A wired remote - the K-50 is supposed to have a socket for one.
Winter is better here for astro. My mom got me reusable handwarmers which are excellent.

**rod_grant** · 12-13-2014, 10:07 PM

You don't have a flash in your kit (unless I missed it!!)
$50 is not much of a budget, but if you contributed a bit (if that's allowed in your family - it is how I get what I want/need) you could get a Yongnuo manual flash (YN560III acts as a slave without any triggers, I paid about $70)

screwdriver222 · 12-14-2014, 04:10 AM

How about some photography books to improve your technique, inspire you or improve you post processing.

Jeff

**Kerrowdown** · 12-14-2014, 06:11 AM

Originally posted by bladerunner6

Ideas for Christmas presents for my wife and family to give me

Everything you don't yet have for your photography.

soti · 12-14-2014, 06:40 AM

I really like my Op/Tech sling strap, it fits the budget for sure!
OP/TECH USA Utility Strap - Sling

**ramseybuckeye** · 12-14-2014, 08:27 AM

A pan tripod head & Tripod bag are Good Ideas
I would put my own Lens cleaning kit together consisting of a couple microfibre cloths, a rocket blower, and maybe a lenspen.

I would also suggest :
wireless remote (they can buy a cheap on on ebay for under $3)
lens hoods (if any of your lenses are lacking)
extra battery or AA battery holder, set of eneloops and charger
circular polarizer (at you most used lens's filter size, maybe step up rings to fit others.
individual lens cases with belt loops

My family always wants to know what I want, but I don't think they'll get me a DA 15 Ltd instead of shirt. Merry Christmas!

narual · 12-14-2014, 10:58 AM

Neoprene lens pouches. They usually have belt loops and clips. Nice way to carry an extra lens or two when it's too warm for a jacket. Lots of them out there. Ideally get one with thicker neoprene.
A ring flash to help with your macro lens: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007SLHLZ6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1418579482&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40
Some nice photo paper from Red River (I strongly suggest trying the polar pearl metallic, it's incredible how good photos look with it):
66lb. Polar Pearl Metallic - Metallic inkjet photo paper with a unique photo lab metallic finish for inkjet printers
I also like aurora art natural for a matte, warm tone paper:
Aurora Art Natural 100% Cotton Fine Art Inkjet Paper Hot Press
And their samples are a good idea. They do tend to have the paper name printed on a tiny strip at one edge though, but a mat or frame would cover it
Inkjet Sample Kits - Red River Inkjet Paper

NicoleC · 12-14-2014, 05:15 PM

Also, there are all kinds of light modifiers -- diffusers, reflectors, snoots for flashes, etc. -- that can be had for affordable prices but are helpful tools.

**Ex Finn.** · 12-14-2014, 05:41 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Manfrotto Super Clamp 035

I second this. It is easy to accessorize. Actually too easy

**Michaelina2** · 12-14-2014, 07:37 PM

Neutral density card (gray card) for use in adjusting white balance during post processing when lighting sources get a bit wonky. Something like this...

WhiBal - LensAlign

Mine is the 2x3 inch version... I don't use it every time, but I know it's there if needed and works great.

Cheers... M

12-13-2014, 07:26 PM	#1
bladerunner6 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,080	Ideas for Christmas presents for my wife and family to give me My wife and the family member that drew my name in our gift exchange have asked for photography related gift ideas for me. My gear list is as follows: K-50 with two lens kit Tamron 90 mm macro lens Pentax 35mm 2.4 Sigma 28-80 macro A couple of screw mount lenses-135 & 200mm for astrophotography A Promaster XC525 tripod A Tamrac Jazz 83 backpack Gift ideas I have suggested: A pan tripod head (I have a ball only and will need a pan head for astrophotography) A tripod bag GC for the camera store Lens cleaning kit Log book for recording start and end date of online challenges and recording photo ideas Does anybody have any other ideas for around $50? Thanks.

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12-13-2014, 07:28 PM	#2
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	You didn't mention a price range.

12-13-2014, 07:33 PM	#3
bladerunner6 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,080 Original Poster	Originally posted by narual You didn't mention a price range. Yeah, I got distracted and hit submit early-sorry for the confusion. People not posting budgets or people ignoring the OP's budget is a definitely a problem when it comes to answering questions.

12-13-2014, 07:57 PM	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Nikon Nikon Lens Pen Pro Kit reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database VidPro VidPro 35 inch Tripod Carrying Case reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database Giottos Rocket Blaster - Extra Large reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database JJC RM-E7 Remote Control reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database Manfrotto Super Clamp 035 reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

12-13-2014, 08:07 PM	#5
ppppsssstttt Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 152	if you have a lens rental place close by, you can ask for a gift certificate... If you need to ship it though, it might not be worth it, shipping is usually $25. You'd get the chance to experience some more expensive lenses, but not on your dime

12-13-2014, 08:41 PM	#6
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	A wired remote - the K-50 is supposed to have a socket for one. Winter is better here for astro. My mom got me reusable handwarmers which are excellent.

12-13-2014, 10:07 PM	#7
rod_grant Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wangaratta, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,951	You don't have a flash in your kit (unless I missed it!!) $50 is not much of a budget, but if you contributed a bit (if that's allowed in your family - it is how I get what I want/need) you could get a Yongnuo manual flash (YN560III acts as a slave without any triggers, I paid about $70)

12-14-2014, 04:10 AM	#8
screwdriver222 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Plymouth Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 139	How about some photography books to improve your technique, inspire you or improve you post processing. Jeff

12-14-2014, 06:11 AM	#9
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	Originally posted by bladerunner6 Ideas for Christmas presents for my wife and family to give me Everything you don't yet have for your photography.

12-14-2014, 06:40 AM	#10
soti Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Leuven Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 65	I really like my Op/Tech sling strap, it fits the budget for sure! OP/TECH USA Utility Strap - Sling

12-14-2014, 08:27 AM	#11
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,296	A pan tripod head & Tripod bag are Good Ideas I would put my own Lens cleaning kit together consisting of a couple microfibre cloths, a rocket blower, and maybe a lenspen. I would also suggest : wireless remote (they can buy a cheap on on ebay for under $3) lens hoods (if any of your lenses are lacking) extra battery or AA battery holder, set of eneloops and charger circular polarizer (at you most used lens's filter size, maybe step up rings to fit others. individual lens cases with belt loops My family always wants to know what I want, but I don't think they'll get me a DA 15 Ltd instead of shirt. Merry Christmas!

12-14-2014, 10:58 AM	#12
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	Neoprene lens pouches. They usually have belt loops and clips. Nice way to carry an extra lens or two when it's too warm for a jacket. Lots of them out there. Ideally get one with thicker neoprene. A ring flash to help with your macro lens: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007SLHLZ6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1418579482&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40 Some nice photo paper from Red River (I strongly suggest trying the polar pearl metallic, it's incredible how good photos look with it): 66lb. Polar Pearl Metallic - Metallic inkjet photo paper with a unique photo lab metallic finish for inkjet printers I also like aurora art natural for a matte, warm tone paper: Aurora Art Natural 100% Cotton Fine Art Inkjet Paper Hot Press And their samples are a good idea. They do tend to have the paper name printed on a tiny strip at one edge though, but a mat or frame would cover it Inkjet Sample Kits - Red River Inkjet Paper

12-14-2014, 05:15 PM	#13
NicoleC Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Madison, AL Posts: 448	Also, there are all kinds of light modifiers -- diffusers, reflectors, snoots for flashes, etc. -- that can be had for affordable prices but are helpful tools.

12-14-2014, 05:41 PM	#14
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	Originally posted by Docrwm Manfrotto Super Clamp 035 I second this. It is easy to accessorize. Actually too easy

12-14-2014, 07:37 PM	#15
Michaelina2 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SE Michigan USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,302	Neutral density card (gray card) for use in adjusting white balance during post processing when lighting sources get a bit wonky. Something like this... WhiBal - LensAlign Mine is the 2x3 inch version... I don't use it every time, but I know it's there if needed and works great. Cheers... M