As the Holiday season fast approaches it is customary for us to rack our brains, search our stores and scour the internet for that perfect present for our loved ones. Maybe you have an underwater photographer or videographer in your life and you want to get them something that piques their interest. The only hiccup? It can be a bit... confusing. Well, worry not savvy shopper, Reef Photo and Video is here to help. We’ve got fifteen gift ideas for budgets big and small so you can find the present that trumps them all!The best part? If you have any questions you are always welcome to contact Reef and our hands on staff will be happy to walk you through any hesitations you might have.
Gift Ideas Under $200
1. For the Local Boater
Cinebags CB70 Square Grouper Underwater Housing Carrier
$151.00 USD
If your buddy loves diving locally and abroad, the Cinebags CB70 Square Grouper is a great gift option. The Square Grouper can fit a DSLR housing, strobes and float arms (and everything in-between); all fully assembled so it can go straight from the car to the boat without worry of any damage during transit to the dive site. It is padded and holds water so it can create its own rinse tank after the dive. Bonus! At the end of the day it can be used as a cooler for post dive drinks and snacks. Cheers!
Click here to get your Cinebags CB70 Square Grouper
2. For the Innovative Image Maker
SAGA Magic Tube $109.00 USD
This piece of equipment is a fun addition to the devoted underwater imager's kit. By adding a swirling effect around each subject this Magic Tube is a fantistic way for your loved one to unleash their creativity and get incredible imagery before editing their photos!
3. For The Bits and Pieces
Cinebag CB76 Toolkit Bag
$47 USDThe Cinebag Toolkit Bag doesn’t actually come with any tools but it is perfect for the diver who already has a camera system and can’t seem to find a place for all of the pieces that came along with it. With zippered and waterproof pouches on both sides there is ample room for spare o-rings, allen keys, and screws to always have a home and never end up under your couch again! It’s really a gift for everyone if you think about it.
4. For the Need for Speed (Write Speed that is)
Delkin Devices 64GB BLACK UHS-II Rugged SDXC Memory Card V90
$114.95 USDThis gift is really ideal if you have an underwater videographer in your life, especially if they enjoy shooting in 4k and hate waiting for files to upload. With a maximum read speed of 300 MB/s and a maximum write speed of 250 MB/s, this 64GB SD card can record 8K, 4K, 3D, HDR, 360 degree, and high speed video. The Delkin Devices Black Card is rated for the most rugged adventures with extreme temperature ratings, shock resistance up to 45 lbs of force, a water and dust proof exterior, and a free 48-hour replacement policy so that no accident can keep them from making movie magic.
5. For the Camera that’s Bringing them Down
Nauticam Carbon Fiber Aluminum Float ArmsPrices Vary with size $92-$160 USD
If you have a diver in your life whose camera system always seems to be a little negative then Nauticam Float Arms are sure to lift their spirits this holiday season. With a variety of sizes and buoyancies you can tailor to their housing’s needs. If you’re unsure of what sizes work best for their system you can sneak it out for a day and ask one of our reef representatives to help you pick out which sizing works best to get that camera system working trim and proper.6. For the Diver Who’s Got Their Hands Full
Nauticam Lanyard with Snap Hooks 27cm, 23cm, or 18cm$40 USDNauticam Lanyard with Shackles 27cm, 20cm, or 17cm$29 USDWith system transportation being a significant trend on this list there is no method as handy as using a lanyard. With 3 different sizes and 2 variations you can find the configuration that works best for your significant scuba diver.With Strobes
2 Multipurpose Clamps and a Lanyard with ClipsTotaling $156 USD
If they have strobes then you can give them a set of multipurpose clamps to replace two of the standard clamps they normally use. The clamps are like your standard clamps but have the unique feature of a shackle attached to it. Simply assemble the strobes as usual and then attach the lanyard onto the shackles for a convenient way to carry a fully assembled system in one hand. Once in the water they can unclip one side and attach it to their BCD for a little peace of mind on their surface swim.Without Strobes
2 Nauticam M10 Ball mounts and a lanyard with ShacklesTotaling $100 USDWithout strobes they would replace their standard ball mounts with a pair of M10 Strobe Mounting Balls (with Hole for using with Lanyard). Ideally they would then use a Nauticam Lanyard with Shackles to attach to the holes and instantly they have a new and secure carrying system. It's perfect to carry gear in one hand and a camera in the other, now you no longer have to help them lug their gear to the boat!
7. For Vivid Color, Without a Light
Keldan Threaded Spectrum Filter
$159 USD
Some People Don't Want to see the light... or use it rather. Which is fine with the Keldan Spectrum Filters! If your underwater media maker enjoys capturing sea life without the use of artificial light this red filter is a perfect gift. This filter comes in 4 sizes and several grades of color based on what type of water you are in; blue, green, shallow or deep water. The threaded casing allows it to be attached to the lens inside of the housing or used on the outside of the housing as a wet lens if you aren't already using one.
Gift Ideas Under $500
8. For the International Traveler
Think Tank Streetwalker Harddrive Bag v2.0$239.75 USDTo mention luggage one more time would be redundant right? Wrong! Because underwater photographers are such a diverse group of people they have very diverse needs. The Streetwalker Harddrive Bag is a great camera bag for international travel and can hold everything from a housing to a 15” laptop, all in the same trip, making it ideal for those of us who love hopping on a plane to our favorite dive destination. Your photo voyager can now carry their system on their back like a true backpacker and travel through any country like a pro.Click here for the Think Tank Streetwalker Harddrive 2.0
9. For the Diver who Needs a Little Light in their Life
FIX Neo Premium 1500 DX SWR II Video Light (Spot/Wide/Red)
$499 USDIf your cherished cinematographer wants some light in their underwater videos this FIX Neo is a great addition to compact systems. With a maximum output of 1500 lumens and three different settings; spot beam, wide beam and red beam, they get great options for beautiful footage. This light also works perfectly on a night dive in the red wide beam mode when filming those creatures who tend to shy away from a bright white light, so they won't be hearing "The light, it burns!" from the critters they are filming.10. For all the Little Things
SMC-1 for Most DSLR Systems
$550 USDCMC-2 for Most Compact and Mirrorless Systems$330 USDIf your beloved buddy has an affinity for macro subjects then the SMC-1 or the CMC-2 is the unique gift for them. With a 2.8x magnification of their subject, shrimp will look like giants and juveniles will look almost fully grown! While the general rule of thumb is that the SMC-1 is used for DSLR's and the CMC-2 is for compact and mirrorless systems you will want to double check the Port Chart or with a Reef representative to ensure that you are getting the right one for their system. Because it's all about the little things in life right?11. For Learning How to Use Their Gifts!
Blue Heron Bridge Workshop
$475 USDNothing says you care like the gift of knowledge and if you've got an underwater photographer in your life then a workshop with the pro's is the perfect package. With three and a half days filled with photo knowledge at one of the top macro sites in the world you really can't go wrong with this gift. They'll be receiving knowledge about macro systems, lighting, their personal camera and general applications of Adobe Lightroom. There are several dates that you can book so you can find a time that works for them! Don't live in South Florida? No worries, we can help you get settled into a hotel and you can even come along for a fun Floridian getaway!
Gift Ideas Under $2,000
12. For a Great Gift in a Flash... Or Strobe Rather
2 Inon Z-330 Strobes
Totaling $1300 USDFor a great deal on strobes for your beloved photographer look no further than the Inon Z-330. With a 110° horizontal field of view and a guide number of 33, this strobe is a powerful, compact and reliable piece of equipment that works on all types of subjects. While one strobe will get the job done, invesitng in two will be easier to accurately light a subject. Mounts, arms, optic cables and batteries are not included but even with the extra attachments you'll be below that $2,000 price point. It's a gift that is sure to light up their holiday!13. For Broadening Their Horizon
Wet Wide Lens with Buoyancy Collar, Bayonet Mount and Hard CapTotaling $1562 USD
When I think about incredible gifts none better comes to mind than the Nauticam Wet Wide Lens. This lens gives a 130° Field of View making it a perfect addition to many compact and mirrorless systems. In adding the Buoyancy Collar, Bayonet Adaptor and Hard cap you are giving your bubble buddy a complete package that will open their eyes to the world of wide angle. If you're not sure if their system will work with the WWL-1 then you can check the Port Chart or talk to one of our Reef representatives.
14. For the Diver who Needs a Lot of Light in Their Life
Keldan Video 8x Light (13,000 Lumen)
$1,980
This 13,000 Lumen video light is an exceptional gift for the underwater videographer in your life. With unparalleled light quality, a 110° Field of View, and a beautiful ergonomic design the Keldan 8x video light says to them "you deserve the best". Because while relationships may be about compromise, their video light shouldn't have to be.
15. For the Whole Package
Ikelite 200DLM/C Underwater TTL Housing for Canon EOS 250D Rebel SL3, EOS 200D Mark II, Kiss X10 DSLR with Canon$Totaling 1,944.00This is an ideal gift for the photographer in your life who is ready to dive into underwater imaging with a DSLR camera. With the combination of the Canon SL3 and 18-55mm f/4-5.6 and the 200DLM housing with the included dome port, you are ready to get in the water and start shooting! This kit also has the ability to upgrade lenses and switch out the port for different types of photography giving you lots of options for future gift ideas. So go ahead, get your loved one the best gift you can, the gift of underwater photography!
