What’s Your Preference?

sk66 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 03:37 AM

So it's that time of year again and I'm being asked for ideas of things to get me.....I have no clue.

If it's something of significance I wanted/needed then I have it.

It needs to be things not very expensive...$100 or less....

I don't need:
"how to" books
lenses
strobes
CF cards/readers
remotes
straps (unless it's fantastic)
etc

I could use:
*a great rain hood that will work with a lens which is 25" long (I've never found one so I DIY'd one)
*something "better" for camera/lens maint (I use basic bulb blower and sensor swabs)
*a "must read" book (but not "how to")
*maybe some color/wb type tool (but I don't see me ever using a gray card it a "test image" type thing)
*something I have no idea about

So, what inexpensive item do you have that you really love? Or book you really liked?

I'll start with my list:
book: the Photographers Eye
book: the TAO of photography
book: the Hot Shoe Diaries
book: Digital Photography Masterclass
cheap wireless remote
R-strap
Lens Pens (anyone tried the sensor pen?)
small LED "finger light" (or headlamp)
stacking lens caps
Firewire card reader
no-name LONG arca swiss plates (ebay)
photography friendly gloves
spare camera battery
those lens cloths that stuff into the tiny "clip on" bag
CPL filter
LCW Fader variable ND filter (ok, this ones just over the $100 mark)

Raoul Isidro · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 04:03 AM

A waterproof and watertight (rated 10 Mts no less) pocket camera. Around $200
I got caught in a severe rain and windstorm and missed all those dramatic pictures of people braving the tempest at a golfing event because I was busy protecting my DSLR inside it's cocoon under my raincoat... Never again...
http://www.redbubble.com/people/lone...t-golf-weekend

sk66 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 04:42 AM

I have an Olympus 1030SW....but I never use it except underwater...I let my DSLR get a little wet (and I have a DIY rain hood)

dakwegmo · #4 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 04:45 AM

I always have the same problem. The only things that I can think of in a reasonable price range are things that nobody would give as a gift.A good battery charger is at the top of my list, and so far everyone I've told said they weren't going to get me one.

Of the items you mention, I have the R-Strap, and love it. I'm eager to try out their new quick release adapters, as that would solve my only complaint about them. I also have a Kata Rain Cover. It's better than using a ziplock bag, but it's not great. I'm still looking for a great rain cover, since I love to shoot in the rain. Other gadgets I have and like to use: a hotshoe bubble level, Expodisc white balance filter, Collapsible Reflector / Diffuser.

Among the items on my wish list this year are a gorillapod, a couple of plamps, more memory cards, a memory card wallet, and a smaller camera bag for family outings. I also have a bunch of inspiration type books, including Galen Rowell's Mountain light, and Polar Obsession by Paul Nicklen.

zona5101 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 05:42 AM

coffee cup!!

Buy the The Camera Lens Mug at the Photojojo Store!

RichardTaylor · #6 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 07:08 AM

Eneloop rechargeable batteries.

A carabiner for hanging your camera bag/backpack of fences etc.

candidrachel · #7 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 07:40 AM

I have just found you the perfect stocking filler "for the man who has everything except his own hands free umbrella!". Just think about it! Who finds it easy to weild a 'brella and a camera with long lens at the same time especially when tripod is out of the question?? Here is your answer! You may get strange looks from other folks but if it stands between you and the perfect shot who cares!

Here it is:

UMBRELLA HAT from Hawkin's Bazaar

Cheap too only a fiver!

ps Added benefit: You'll probably find it even cheaper in the US

sk66 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zona5101

coffee cup!!

Buy the The Camera Lens Mug at the Photojojo Store!

Those are "neat" but they look like a coffee spill waiting to happen...they can't even keep an empty one upright

sk66 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

Eneloop rechargeable batteries.

A carabiner for hanging your camera bag/backpack of fences etc.

Got it, but I think I want to switch to a large S-Biner...I'll use that one thanks!

sk66 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by candidrachel

I have just found you the perfect stocking filler "for the man who has everything except his own hands free umbrella!". Just think about it! Who finds it easy to weild a 'brella and a camera with long lens at the same time especially when tripod is out of the question?? Here is your answer! You may get strange looks from other folks but if it stands between you and the perfect shot who cares!

Here it is:

UMBRELLA HAT from Hawkin's Bazaar

Cheap too only a fiver!

ps Added benefit: You'll probably find it even cheaper in the US

No chance in hell!