We’ve got about five weeks until Christmas as I’m writing this. That means holiday shopping is about to begin in earnest!
It also means that you might need ideas to zero in on some excellent gives for the photographers on your list…
With a budget of $100, you can get your loved one some truly incredible photography gifts. The question is, which of our favorite gifts for photographers will be the gift you give this year?
Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
- Lens Flipper Versatile
- Cheetah C8 Light Stand
- Vanguard VEO SPH Smartphone Holder
- Pre-Owned Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens
- RODE VideoMicro II
- f-stop Drone Case
- Vanguard VEO 2 204AB
- Pre-Owned Sigma 19mm f/2.8 DN ART – Sony E Fit
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Lens Flipper Versatile
This holiday season, you can give a gift of convenience that will completely change how your favorite photographer goes about a photo shoot…
When you’re out shooting with multiple lenses, what do you have to do when it comes time for a lens change? Stop what you’re doing, take your bag off, set it down, dig out your lens, swap your lenses, and so on and so forth. It’s not exactly a speedy or user-friendly process, right?
Well, that’s where the Lens Flipper Versatile flips the script!
The Lens Flipper Versatile’s premise is quite simple. It’s a double-sided locking rear lens cap with a ¼-20 mounting point that works with many different gear systems, including Cotton Carrier, Spider, Hold Fast Gear, and others. Furthermore, you can use the Lens Flipper Versatile on a belt system, a camera bag strap, a backpack strap, or even with a carabiner.
Doing so allows you to carry a second lens at your side where you can easily access it. The lens hangs securely via a mount specifically for your lens type, be that Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E, or something in between. See what I mean in the video below:
Since the Lens Flipper Versatile mounts to the rear of your lens and, in turn, securely fits on your carry system or strap, you can carry a second lens with complete confidence. Then, when you’re ready to swap out lenses, simply remove the lens from your camera, mount it to one side of the Lens Flipper Versatile, remove the other lens from the other side of the Lens Flipper, and mount it to your camera. The entire process takes mere seconds, saving you time and helping ensure you’re ready to get the next shot.
Obviously, a gift like the Lens Flipper Versatile is ideal for photographers in fast-paced industries like wedding photography and sports photography. But it’s also perfect for applications in street photography, landscape photography, and wildlife photography, to name but a few. Having a secure and safe way to carry your gear is paramount no matter the type of photography you practice; the Lens Flipper Versatile meets that need!
Learn more about the Lens Flipper Versatile
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Cheetah C8 Light Stand
Looking for a holiday gift that will make a photographer’s workflow faster and easier? The Cheetah C8 Auto 8ft Light Stand is a must-have for any photographer who uses off-camera lighting. With its innovative auto-deploying legs, lightweight yet sturdy design, and effortless portability, this stand is a game-changer for studio and on-location shoots alike.
One of my favorite features of the Cheetah C8 is its auto-deploying legs. Unlike traditional light stands that require manual setup and breakdown, the C8 automatically opens when placed down and folds up when lifted. This means photographers can quickly reposition their lighting without bending down to adjust the legs—a huge time saver during fast-paced shoots. Plus, no more knocking over furniture or tripping over cumbersome stands!
Weighing just 3.2 lbs, the Cheetah C8 is easy to carry while still providing excellent stability. It extends up to 8 feet in height and supports up to 6 lbs, making it perfect for portable flashes like the Godox V1 Pro, small mono-lights, or LED panels with a 7” reflector or umbrella. Whether shooting portraits, events, or commercial work, this stand is built to handle the job.
And, unlike many light stands that wear down over time, the C8 is designed for longevity. Maintenance parts are available, ensuring photographers can keep their stand in top condition for years to come. This is a gift that won’t just be appreciated for the holidays—it will be used on every shoot.
For photographers who value speed, efficiency, and reliability, the Cheetah C8 Auto 8ft Light Stand is an ideal holiday gift. Its automatic setup, lightweight portability, and sturdy build make it an essential tool for anyone serious about lighting. If you’re looking for a gift that will genuinely improve a photographer’s workflow, this stand is a perfect choice.
Learn more about the Cheetah C8 Light Stand
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Vanguard VEO SPH Smartphone Holder
Since so many photographers use their mobile phones for photo and video work, it makes sense to put a multi-purpose smartphone holder on our list of the top gifts for photographers under $100.
The VEO SPH Smartphone Holder by Vanguard is a great option for mounting a phone in either vertical or horizontal format. And since it works with an Arca-compatible head, this holder can be used in conjunction with a tripod, monopod, support arm, and other mounting devices. The ¼-inch and ⅜-inch threads make doing so quite easy.
The holder comes equipped with a cold shoe for adding an external light, microphone, or another accessory to expand the capability of the phone for photo and video projects.
With rubber padding inside the clamps, you can rest assured that the holder won’t damage the phone. And with an easy-turn knob, the holder is a breeze to adjust for phones of varying sizes from 2.4 inches to 3.5 inches wide. On top of all that, the ball on this holder has a +/- 40-degree tilt and 360-degree rotation for easy adjustments.
With a price that’s well under $100, the VEO SPH is an ideal gift for your loved ones this holiday season – and one that won’t break the bank, either! It’s a perfect price point for the photographer on your list, and with the high-quality construction and impeccable design from Vanguard, it’s a gift that provides years of reliable service. What’s not to like about that?!
Learn more about the Vanguard VEO SPH Smartphone Holder
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Pre-Owned Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens
If the photographer on your holiday shopping list shoots with a Canon DSLR, a zoom lens with long reach is the perfect holiday gift idea for less than $100.
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens has an equivalent focal range of 88-400mm. This makes it an ideal addition to a kit for everything from portraiture to sports and wildlife photography.
The ultrasonic motor allows the lens to quietly zoom in and out so as not to disturb the subject being photographed. Likewise, the image stabilization technology gives photographers more leeway when shooting handheld.
Even though this lens has a wide focal range, it’s a compact and lightweight lens. It’s easy to carry without being overly heavy, and makes a good companion for a DSLR for all-day shooting.
And with the equivalent 88-400mm focal range, it’s a nice complement to the 18-55mm (28.8-88mm equivalent) kit lens that often comes with Canon DSLRs. With solid imaging quality and reliable performance, this lens provides a lot of bang for the buck! And if you shop at MPB, you can choose from a range of graded lenses, each of which has been thoroughly inspected. Plus, you get a seven-day return window and a six-month warranty.
What’s not to like about that?!
Learn more about the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: RODE VideoMicro II
If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday gift for a photographer, videographer, or content creator, the RODE VideoMicro II is a game-changer. This compact shotgun microphone delivers stunning sound quality, effortless operation, and rugged durability—making it an essential tool for anyone serious about capturing high-quality audio.
The RODE VideoMicro II is designed for plug-and-play simplicity. With no batteries required and no complex controls, all you need to do is connect it to a camera or smartphone via its 3.5mm connection and hit record. Whether capturing travel vlogs, interviews, or cinematic footage, this microphone delivers professional-grade audio without any hassle.
Unlike built-in camera microphones that capture unwanted background noise, the VideoMicro II features true shotgun technology, meaning it isolates sound from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. Thanks to RODE’s annular line tube technology, it produces full-bodied, crystal-clear sound—something rarely found in a microphone this compact.
At just 80mm long and 39 grams, the VideoMicro II is ultra-portable and built to withstand real-world use. Its pro-grade components and tough all-metal body make it perfect for throwing in a camera bag, backpack, or even a pocket. Whether you’re recording in a controlled studio or out in the field, this microphone is ready for any adventure.
The RODE VideoMicro II comes with everything needed for professional recordings straight out of the box. The HELIX isolation mount ensures minimal handling noise, while the included foam and furry windshields allow for high-quality recording even in windy conditions. Plus, with both TRS and TRRS cables included, it’s compatible with cameras, smartphones, and more.
For vloggers, filmmakers, or anyone looking to elevate their audio quality, the RODE VideoMicro II is an exceptional holiday gift. It’s compact, durable, and delivers outstanding sound with zero fuss—a must-have for any creative’s gear bag.
Learn more about the RODE VideoMicro II
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Small f-stop Drone Case
If the photographer on your list has a drone, why not get them a drone case to keep it safe?
This small case from f-stop is compatible with various foldable-wing drones, and protects them with a padded interior. The case has adjustable dividers to help keep gear organized and protect individual items from banging against one another while in transport. The dividers give you the ability to customize the interior space to the specific needs of the drone setup.
The case is more than a holder for a drone, though…
There’s four pockets to organize cables, batteries, memory cards, and other items. These pockets have magnetic closures for easy opening and closing, too. There’s also a padded soft storage compartment for bringing along a tablet or an additional screen.
The carry handle makes it easy to carry this case by itself, or you can attach it to a backpack or even a belt. In other words, f-stop has thought of everything to make this a highly functional case for small drones. And if your loved one has a larger drone, f-stop has them covered with their Large Drone Case (which is also under $100!).
Learn more about the f-stop Small Drone Case
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Vanguard VEO 2 204AB
This aluminum tripod from Vanguard offers an incredible list of specs and features for the price point.
For example, the leg tubes are designed in a way that enables smooth and precise leg extension. There’s also three built-in leg angles that offer versatility for adapting to uneven terrain.
Furthermore, this tripod comes with a ball head that offers up to 8.8 pounds of load capacity. There’s even an Arca-compatible QS-60S quick-release plate, so your loved one has everything they need to begin using the tripod right out of the box.
One of the best features is the central column system that allows you to set up the tripod in about 15 seconds. Often, getting the shot and not getting the shot is a matter of a second or two, so having a quick-set tripod is a huge bonus!
To provide added stability, the tripod has a suspension loop so you can add a backpack or some other type of counterbalance if the wind picks up. And for those days when your loved one is out in the snow or rain, the integrated all-weather TPU grips give them a spot to get a good handle on the tripod.
A tripod is one of the most important photography accessories, and with a price under $100, this tripod is a great option!
Learn more about the Vanguard VEO 2 204AB
Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Pre-Owned Sigma 19mm f/2.8 DN ART – Sony E Fit
If the photographer on your holiday shopping list shoots with a Sony E-mount camera, the Sigma 19mm f/2.8 DN ART lens is an exceptional choice for a gift. Compact, lightweight, and designed for stunning image quality, this wide-angle prime lens is ideal for everything from landscapes and street photography to environmental portraits and travel shots.
With a 28.5mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras, the Sigma 19mm f/2.8 offers a wide perspective while still maintaining a natural look. This makes it great for capturing expansive scenes without extreme distortion, perfect for cityscapes, interiors, or creative everyday photography.
A maximum aperture of f/2.8 ensures that photographers can shoot confidently in low-light conditions, from dimly lit streets to cozy indoor settings. It also allows for beautiful background blur, making it easier to create sharp, subject-focused images with a pleasing bokeh.
Sigma is known for outstanding optical quality, and this lens delivers. Three glass-molded aspherical elements help minimize distortions and aberrations, ensuring sharp, accurate color rendering across the entire frame. Additionally, Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating effectively reduces lens flare and ghosting, allowing for crisp, high-contrast images even at wide apertures.
The linear autofocus motor in this lens is both quick and silent, making it ideal for street photography and video recording. Since the lens doesn’t extend while focusing, it remains compact and discreet, perfect for capturing candid moments without drawing attention.
Weighing just 160 grams, the Sigma 19mm f/2.8 DN ART is incredibly portable, making it an excellent addition to any photographer’s camera bag. Whether it’s for a traveling content creator, a landscape enthusiast, or a vlogger looking for a high-quality wide-angle lens, this is a gift that will be appreciated and used often.
For photographers who want exceptional image quality in a small, budget-friendly package, the Sigma 19mm f/2.8 DN ART is a fantastic holiday gift. It’s versatile, well-built, and capable of producing stunning images, making it a valuable addition to any Sony E-mount shooter’s collection.
Learn more about the Pre-Owned Sigma 19mm f/2.8 DN ART – Sony E Fit from MPB
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Hero image by Bogdan Sonjachnyj via Shutterstock
