Photographers are notoriously tricky to buy for. With so much gear on the market, it can be hard to find something personal, practical, and genuinely useful. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a guide that goes beyond camera accessories and novelty items, blending Wex sales insights, staff favourites, and products our customers really love.
This guide covers gifts that require little technical knowledge, plus a few that benefit from knowing your recipient’s camera type or photography style. Wherever possible, we’ve added practical tips to ensure your gift hits the mark.
Photography gifts under £50
The following gift ideas are all priced under £50. We think they will make the most useful and unique stocking fillers or small gifts for photographers and videographers.
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Photographic film of all types has become more and more popular in recent years, with photographers rushing to rediscover the charms of analogue shooting. Ilford HP5 Plus is a versatile, high-quality black-and-white film, popular among both beginners and experienced film photographers. It offers a great balance of contrast and grain, making it suitable for a wide range of lighting conditions.
There are some things to consider. First, the type of camera your giftee is using will dictate what type of film they need. SLRs and point-and-shoots will take 35mm film, while larger format cameras will need 120 roll film or 5x4 inch sheet film. Instant cameras have their own film packs – you can’t mix and match Polaroid film and Fuji Instax film, you need to get the right brand. It’s best to do some sleuthing or ask, rather than just guessing.
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The RucPac Solo camera strap is designed with functionality and comfort in mind, featuring an SD card holder, a quick-release buckle, and a moisture-resistant pad. Rated to hold up to 100kg, it’s perfect for heavy cameras and lenses, offering both durability and ease of use during long shoots.
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The Think Tank EDC Tech Pouch 5 is a practical and compact storage solution designed to keep essential tech items organised and accessible. With multiple compartments and durable construction, this cable bag is ideal for photographers and videographers who carry around camera cables, small camera accessories, and personal items. It is also small enough to fit within a larger backpack or camera gear bag when travelling. An organised photographer is a happy photographer.
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The Godox LR120B LED Ring Light is a compact, portable lighting solution ideal for portrait and video work. It includes a smartphone holder and a flexible gooseneck attachment for easy setup. The ring light provides soft, even lighting, perfect for capturing flattering portraits or creating content for social media.
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The Manfrotto TwistGrip Smartphone Clamp is an easy-to-use adapter that allows you to mount your smartphone to professional tripods, gimbals, monopods, or other camera accessories. This is great for those who want to combine their smartphone with the stability and versatility of professional equipment.
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The Think Tank Emergency Rain Cover is designed to protect cameras and lenses from light rain. It’s available in three sizes, so be sure to choose the right one for the recipient’s camera gear. The cover is seam-sealed and packs down small, making it easy to carry and a must-have for outdoor photographers.
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The Domke F-34M 15-inch Protective Wrap is designed to keep delicate equipment safe during travel or storage. Its nylon interior prevents scratching and dust build-up, while hook-and-loop fasteners allow for easy customisation of the fit. Available in multiple sizes and colours, this wrap will help protect your camera or lens in any bag.
Photography gifts over £50
The following gift ideas are all over £50 and under £200. They would make great main gifts for birthdays or festive periods. Or, banding together with your family or friends can make gifts like these more financially viable.
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This tripod extends to 160 cm and supports a variety of cameras. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, and it’s great for stabilising shots indoors or outdoors. If they haven’t got a tripod yet, this is a great place to start and will last them a long while.
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This screen calibrator ensures that monitors display true-to-life colours, making it a key tool for anyone working in digital photo or video editing. It’s perfect for professionals who need to ensure their work is colour-accurate, especially when used alongside high-end monitors. Be sure to check the type of monitor the person you're gifting uses as calibrators are designed for specific screen types.
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The Plamp II is an essential tool for macro photographers who need to hold plants, flowers, or other delicate subjects still for perfect focus. It attaches easily to a tripod, and its fully adjustable design allows you to position it out of the frame. Whether shooting in the wind or needing a steady subject for macro shots, this is a must-have tool for serious close-up photography.
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These binoculars offer a 10x magnification for crystal-clear viewing, perfect for spotting wildlife or scenic landscapes. They’re designed to be compact and waterproof, ensuring durability in various weather conditions. Ideal for photographers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers, these binoculars help spot subjects quickly without draining camera batteries by relying on the viewfinder. If you want to read a little more about how binoculars work, check out our in-depth binoculars guide here!
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This telescope is an excellent starting point for beginners. It has a simple setup and gives you a clear view of objects like the Moon and Saturn’s rings. It’s pre-assembled for ease of use and is great for those interested in astronomy or astrophotography. It’s an ideal way to introduce children or adults to stargazing, providing a solid introduction without overwhelming them.
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The Lensbaby Spark 2.0 is designed to create distinctive, dreamy images by producing a sweet-spot focus effect, perfect for artistic portraits or creative photography. It offers a unique Squeeze-to-Focus mechanism that provides a hands-on, tactile experience while shooting. The Lensbaby Spark 2.0 is available for the following lens mounts: Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon F, Canon EF, Nikon Z, Canon RF and Fujifilm X. Double-check your recipient’s camera has one of these mounts (Olympus, OM System and Panasonic cameras will all fit Micro Four Thirds).
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This is a fun way to quickly turn digital images into physical prints – instant printers can receive images directly via Bluetooth and spit them out as Instax-style photos within seconds. The Fujifilm Instax Square Link Instant Printer is a great inexpensive option and can be augmented via the use of the SQUARE LINK app to add stickers and text to images before printing. The printer takes Instax Square film, so be sure to pick up a pack or two.
Gift Vouchers
Finally, there's the humble gift voucher. While we can wholly recommend the gift ideas in the guide, some people are just too difficult to buy for and/or have what they want. That's why gift cards are always a winner.
Who’s it good for?
- Photographers and videographers who are hard to buy for
- Anyone saving up for a higher-priced piece of kit
- Amateur creatives looking for that extra boost to go pro
- Those who appreciate a practical yet thoughtful gift
What you need to know
Gift vouchers are a great way to help someone buy exactly what they want or need, from accessories to professional cameras. Wex Photo Video offers digital vouchers with a selection of £10, £25, and £50 vouchers available (or £100 if they have been extra good), making them a gift that’s easy to customise to your budget. Once purchased, the voucher can be used towards any item on the Wex website, so you can’t go wrong.
Unique Gifts for Photographers
Photographers aren’t always the easiest people to buy for... they research heavily, know their kit and often already have their upgrade path mapped out. Sometimes the best gifts are not just another gadget, but something a little left‑field:
- A trip or experience: a weekend shoot location, wildlife lodge, or creative retreat – sometimes the photography gift is the opportunity itself!
- Book a repair: Here at Wex, we offer authorised repair services through our sister company Fixation, the largest camera repair specialist in the UK! This would be great for someone with a treasured camera, lens, or flash system that has seen better days - where repairing their equipment could be the nudge they need to get back out behind the camera.
You can take a look at the Fixation Repair website or if you need a hand, give the Repair Team a call on: 020 7383 5127.
- Rental kit: Another service we offer is Wex Rental. We have a huge range of kit that’s available for rent from a day to an entire month! Whilst this is a service that is often used by professionals for client commissions, it is also something that can be used to try out equipment before you go ahead with that all-important purchase. Is there a piece of equipment that often gets sprinkled into conversations? Has your special person been umming and ahhing over their next lens for a while? Well, have a look and see if you can hire it out for them to try before they buy!
You can take a look at the Wex Rental website or if you need a hand, give the Rental Team a call on 020 7383 5127.
FAQs
What are the best photography gifts for beginners?
The best photography gifts for beginners are items that enhance their learning experience without overwhelming them. Think about practical gifts like camera bags, tripods, or basic lens filters. These essentials help beginners get to grips with their gear while improving their skills and confidence.
What makes a good gift for a professional photographer?
Professional photographers appreciate high-quality accessories that support their workflow. Items like external hard drives for backup, memory cards, or camera cleaning kits are perfect for professionals. Gifts that improve efficiency or provide convenience are always a win, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot!
How do I choose the right photography gift?
When choosing a photography gift, consider the recipient’s skill level, interests, and the type of photography they enjoy. For example, someone who loves wildlife photography may appreciate binoculars, while a portrait photographer might favour a new lens or lighting equipment. Focus on what complements their existing gear.
Are photography gifts over £50 worth it?
Yes, photography gifts over £50 can be great if you’re looking for something that adds value to the photographer’s gear or experience. Think about items like camera stabilisers, advanced editing tools, or high-quality accessories that can make a tangible difference to their craft.
What should I avoid when buying photography gifts?
Avoid buying overly technical gear unless you know their exact needs. Unnecessary equipment or incompatible accessories can be frustrating. Stick to well-reviewed, universally useful items like bags, tripods, or gift vouchers - all the things found in this guide!
How do we decide?
Our in-house photography specialists, store staff, and industry partners work together to review our buying guides and advice articles. We also monitor emerging trends and listen closely to customer feedback, ensuring our recommendations stay current and relevant to what photographers and filmmakers are actually looking for.
By carefully curating the products we recommend, our guides are designed to offer clear, trustworthy advice that helps customers choose the right kit with confidence.
If you would like further advice, our contact centre team are here to help. You can also reach us via email or social media. And remember, if you purchase based on our recommendations, your order is covered by our full returns policy.
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