Camera gift ideas

[somethingsketchy]

Hello everyone

I'm undecided about what to get my mother for Christmas, so I figured some practical gifts would be more suited for her. She currently owns a Canon Rebel T1i with a stock 18-55mm lens and a 75-200mm len (she got it ages ago when she owned a 35mm film version of her current Canon).

What I'm uncertain of is what would be practical for a camera such as that? She currently has a 16GB flash card of pictures and she has the rechargeable unit for the batteries. She also has a decent tripod and camera case.

Would an external flash unit (that is mounted on top of the camera) be a good accessory? A wireless/wired remote control?

I'm currently looking at B&H Photo, but I'm not sure what would be some good accessories to extend her photography hobby. She uses her Rebel T1i for a variety of shots (outdoor, indoor, low light), so anything could be possible.

Any ideas? Budget-wise would be up to $500.

Thank you for your time

 

[NutBucket]

What does she typically like to shoot?

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

580EX II is always nice to have. Don't cheap out and get the 430EX II. Nothing wrong with the 430EX II, but I switched to a 580EX II and I never looked back. The 430EX II is just a backup or goes on my backup body when I shoot 2 bodies.

Other than that I'd suggest a UWA lens. With a budget up to $500, I'd look at the Sigma 10-20mm lens.

 

[somethingsketchy]

What does she typically like to shoot?

Pretty much anything and everything. If it's flower in the flower bed, or pictures of the family getting a Christmas tree, or pictures of stained glass in a basement, she'll take dozens of pictures of it.

Though lately with the days getting shorter, she has been taking pictures at night, especially with holiday decorations.

 

[NutBucket]

Just a bit overbudget but very nice for indoor/night shots with the wide aperture.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...2_8_EX_DC.html

 

[somethingsketchy]

580EX II is always nice to have. Don't cheap out and get the 430EX II. Nothing wrong with the 430EX II, but I switched to a 580EX II and I never looked back. The 430EX II is just a backup or goes on my backup body when I shoot 2 bodies.

Just out of curiosity, what's the difference about the 430EX II that the 580EX II is better at? Judging from some of the reviews on B&H Photo's website, it appears to be the 480EX II, is slower to recycle between flashes?

 

[corkyg]

Compare the Guide Numbers for openers. 90 vs. 43 at ISO 100.

 

[adairusmc]

Crumpler "Industry Disgrace" neckstrap would be a nice gift (if she is using the stock neckstrap that is). That along with a 430EXII or something would be a nice combo.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

If she's only got an 18-55 and a 75-300, I'd say a nice prime would be a good bet. Look at the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, Canon or Sigma 50mm f/1.4, Canon 85mm f/1.8, and Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro (non-L).... depending on what she likes to shoot the most. The 30mm is most general-purpose, 50mm more for portraits, 85mm definitely for portraits or other "long" shots, 100mm Macro for portraits and macro shots. Also you could consider the Canon 55-250 to replace the 75-300 -- the 55-250 much better optically, and it has Image Stabilization. An UWA zoom wouldn't be a bad idea either, but IMO after the 2-zoom-lens kit that everybody starts out with, the 3rd lens should be a prime unless the photographer really focuses on real estate, landscapes, or other subjects where a wide-angle is most useful.

A flash would be nice too... I use a 430EX and really have not missed having the 580EX. The 430EX is plenty powerful IMO, and I have always been able to make it get the results I want. Unless you're a serious pro, I don't see the need to step up to the 580EX.