Best Gifts for Photographers in 2025 by Budget

For under $250 USD, there are quite a few gift choices for photographers in your life! Optical filters are extremely popular among photographers who build up a collection over time. The most useful filter bar-none is a Circular Polarize. These filters cut out glare and surface reflection to produce more vibrant images and deeper blue sky.

The absolute best polarizing filters are the Hoya HD series. Every filter that Hoya labels HD transmits more light than any other brand. The newest HD3 family are made of ultra-hard glass that is scratch-resistant and durable which protects the investment. Hoya produces some of the highest quality optics in the world and certified HD3 polarizers to seamlessly preserve over 100 MP of details, making them future-proof as well.

Hoya produces polarizing filters for all common lens sizes:

• Hoya HD3 67mm Circular Polarizer from Amazon or Adorama.
• Hoya HD3 72mm Circular Polarizer from Amazon or Adorama.
• Hoya HD3 77mm Circular Polarizer from Amazon or Adorama.
• Hoya HD3 82mm Circular Polarizer from Amazon or Adorama.

Prices range from $125 to $250 USD, according to size. These polarizers also come in 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm and 62mm sizes. Some stores still carry HD2 filters which are almost as good while costing a little less.

NOTE Not all lenses accept filters and most fixed-lens cameras do not have a filter-thread. When a lens accepts filters, only one size fits directly on the lens. A larger one may be used with a step-up ring but will not let you use a lens hood at the same time.

Another highly popular type of filter is a Neutral Density filter. These filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens which allows photographers to capture images with a longer shutter-speed or wider aperture for creative effects. These are incredibly useful for night photography and capturing moving water. Each ND filter has a size and density which determines how much light it absorbs. Extremely dense filters are essential for capturing the sun directly or during an eclipse.

Hoya makes ND filters with densities from 1/3 to 16½ stops and sizes from 46mm to 95mm. Prices reach $240 for larger sizes yet some cost just $60 USD. Adorama caries a large selection of those. To capture a solar eclipse, an ND100000 is ideal.

Right within the $100 to $250 price range, there are plenty of camera bags that make great gifts. Good camera bags can make gear more comfortable to carry and easier to access, two fantastic ways to encourage more photography!

Shoulder and holster camera bags provide the most efficient access to photo gear. Shoulder bags come in various sizes, capable of holding 1-3 cameras with 1-5 lenses, while holster are only made for a single camera with a lens attached. One of the best shoulder bags is the Lowepro Nova 200 AW II. It can carry two full-frame or APS-C digital cameras with 4-5 lenses plus plenty of accessories. At 36" linear, this particular model qualifies as a personal item on a number of airlines. Its smaller sibling, the Lowepro Nova 160 AW II, caries one camera and 2 or 3 lenses. For just a single camera and lens, consider the Lowpro ProTactic TLC 75 PRO AW III or II instead.

Another type of camera bag that is quite popular is the Sling. These are hybrid shoulder bags that can be moved to the back without taking them off. The benefit of Slings is that they give quick access to photo gear while also being able to be moved out of the way. One of the leading manufacturer of this type of camera bag is Peak Design. Their Everyday Sling comes in three sizes in seven colors.