With a global supply chain disaster brought on by the ongoing pandemic, if holiday shopping is on your to-do list this year it’s best to start early. Like in previous years, I will preface this list with the following: This is a personal wish list and not necessarily something I would say you should go out and buy for the photographer in your life (but you can always ask).
Cameras
I’ve had the opportunity to review the Fujifilm X-S10 on two occasions and it’s just really solidified my love of the system. The X-S10 is a departure from the throwback aesthetic in Fujifilm’s other X-series cameras but it’s still a pleasure to use. This year I find myself looking into purchasing an updated full-frame camera (my Sony a7S II is getting long in the tooth) and am heavily considering the Panasonic S5. But that’s more for work, for my personal shooting I’ll still be heavily invested in Fujifilm’s APS-C options and the X-S10 and X-Pro 3 are still my top considerations.
Price: $1799
Lenses
Tamron recently announced their new 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD – an all-in-one lens designed for APS-C sensors and more importantly, the first third-party lens for the X-Mount system with full AF capabilities. This really stands out as being far more than your typical jack of all trades kit lenses as it’s “moisture-resistant” allowing you to get outside with confidence (just, please make sure your camera has some weather-sealing as well) and get up close with a very impressive 0.15m minimum focus distance.
While I’ll surely be looking into new L-mount lenses when I do end up purchasing that Panasonic S5, the Tamron 18-300mm for X-mount really captured my attention – maybe even more than the upcoming Fujifilm XF23mmf/1.4 WR2, which is saying a lot.
Price: $699
Jumping Into Video
My recent review of the Manfrotto MVG-220 really got me thinking about videography and the tools needed to make a go at it. Obviously picking up the pull focus accessories for the gimbal is one thing, but now’s also a good time to think about lighting and light modifiers.
The Neewer brand of lights seems like a good place to start with their relatively low cost of entry. The Neewer 18-inch LED lighting kit is compact with the necessary lighting controls to provide a good base to work off of – especially in a small space like an NYC apartment.
Price: $284.88
Yes, this is Photography-related
What I’d like to be gifted with this year are things/objects that make my interest in photography a little more front and center to those around me. I’ve reviewed Fracture’s on-glass printing for another site very early in their launch and found it novel but limited in size options. Fast-forward a few years and now I think I’m ready to take the plunge and print something out for the home. Yes, I recognize I’m asking for a gift card but it’s one I’ll be interested in.
Apparel is a big deal, especially if you’re walking in a New York winter and want to be comfortable while making photographs. While this specific hoodie isn’t really “needed,” I love to support local, independent businesses when possible and the Miles Culture “Dirt” hoodie fits the bill.
Holiday Shopping
As I alluded to at the beginning of this “guide,” there’s still a pandemic out there, and it’s wreaked havoc on the global supply chain and the ability to get goods from manufacturers to consumers. If you’re going to shop, shop as early as you can. If you’re shopping at a store, be kind to those working – they don’t want to be there any more than you don’t want to find out that the thing you’re looking for is on backorder until 2023.
