I’ve had the great pleasure and privilege of teaching and working with many different photographers in a variety of ways. Be it workshops, trade shows, private training sessions, or onstage demos, one common thing I always hear is: “What do you recommend in the way of gear? Do you have serious, go-to stuff that maybe I can ask the special person in my life for as a gift?” There’s nothing like the passion for photography to generate a wish list for the next lens, camera body, or photo accessory. Below is some advice and recommendations for Nikon camera users to help complete your photo journey.
How We Chose These Nikon Camera Gifts
Nikon’s latest camera releases feature some of the most cutting-edge technology and innovation. It’s no wonder the brand is a favorite among working professionals and content creators. When it came to choosing the items on our Nikon gifts list, we found top cameras, popular lenses, and must-have accessories that’ll fully round out any Nikon gear kit. The items included below are popular picks, highly-reviewed units, and are available to shop at Adorama.
Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Nikon Z8 is smaller and lighter than the flagship Nikon Z9. but with all the same professional features. It’s great for seasoned photographers and photo enthusiasts alike. It’s also more affordable, making it a perfect second camera. I’ve heard it described as the ideal hybrid camera, superb for both video and stills.
Nikon Z 7II Mirrorless Digital Camera
This is a terrific full-frame camera at a great price point with two card slots and a grip option. It has so much technology in a light and small form factor. This makes it great to bring out onto the street to shoot in unobtrusive ways. The autofocus is excellent and, of course, the Z mount gives you access to all the new Nikon glass. You really can’t go wrong with this camera.
Nikon Z5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
The Nikon Z5 is a good entry into the full-frame mirrorless world. It’s affordable and not overwhelming in its feature set. It offers simplicity and performance in a small package, making it excellent for someone who is just getting a leg up on serious shooting. It has advanced features such as eye detection. You can roll with this on complete Auto (Program) or use its more advanced features to improve your skills.
Nikon Z 30 DX-Format Mirrorless Camera with NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR Zoom Lens
This is a compact and affordable camera with a kit lens to get you up and running out of the box. It’s great for video content creators who might be doing product reviews and need great-quality images while working fast and simple. It’s easy to travel with or stick in a shoulder bag. Meanwhile, the kit lens has a great zoom range that is perfect for the internet creator.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Lens
The Nikkor S series 24-120mm f4 is an amazing lens at an incredibly affordable price. It’s a lens I take when walking through the city with just a single camera and lens. At 24mm it gives you the scene-setting view, and at 120mm you are in portrait length. It can focus super close as well for details, food reviews, and the like. It uses the Z mount for mirrorless and naturally comes with the legendary Nikon sharpness and durability.
Nikon Z fc DX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body with Complete Kit
I love the retro feel of this camera. It’s reminiscent of the old F series (and I’ve had many, if not all!). This is a compact, complete kit to hit the streets with and capture the world — and it comes in colors! It’s perfect to select for the person in your life who loves to make images and wants a sense of style while doing it.
SmallRig 3481 Leather Half Case with Shoulder Strap for Nikon Z fc Camera
This case is a cool way to protect your camera and make it more comfortable when gripping the camera — with or without wearing gloves. It also makes it less likely to be slippery compared to grabbing just the metal body. Plus, the leather look completes the retro look of this camera.
Profoto Connect Pro Wireless Transmitter
This transmitter is a must for every working professional because of its reliability. It’s easy to use in the field and in the studio. It allows you to seamlessly keep working without connection hiccups. 100 channels. Extended range. Hugely improved battery life. All of this makes it a must for the serious Flash user.
Profoto B10X Off Camera Flash Head
The Profoto lighting system is the best in the business. It’s just that simple. The B series is Profoto at the top of its game. It’s versatile, wonderfully engineered, and powerful. Choose the 250ws B10X or the Plus version, which comes in at 500-watt seconds. It liaisons seamlessly with the Connect Pro radio trigger.
Gitzo GT1545T Traveler Series 1 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod
I’ve been using Gitzo tripods for dozens of years. They are rock solid, well well-designed, and Gitzo offers great customer service if needed. The Traveler Series tripods are a popular part of the gear I see often at my workshops since they are durable but also compact. A good ball head is a must if you want to level up your photography and experiment! A Gitzo is a lifetime, worthwhile gear investment you can grow with.
WANDRD PRVKE 41L Backpack
All photographers search for the perfect backpack. It’s an ongoing quest! Over the years, I’ve seen my wife Annie struggle with backpacks because of her height. Oftentimes, backpacks are too long for her back which becomes both uncomfortable and dangerous for one’s back and hips. She is a big fan of this bag because it is not too long for her back and the rolltop has come in handy for stuffing extra last-minute materials.
Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader Tough-55 High Lid Carry-On Camera Roller Bag
This is a great way to roll with your gear. Hard shell cases have always been a part of my pack, and even more so with airline restrictions for carry-ons. I’m known for not packing light, so that means the choice of a case is very important with expensive photo or video equipment. If you must check any equipment, you must have a reliable, well-sealed case with a solid handle and a good set of wheels. The beautiful thing about this line of cases: it has both a big (check-in) version and a version that fits most carry-on limitations.
Adobe Photoshop 2024 and Premiere Elements 2024
This is a staple in so many photographers’ workflow. Element is a terrific introduction to the extraordinary potential of the full power of Photoshop. Meanwhile, Photoshop is a must for anyone who is serious about photography. It can complete and polish the visual task at hand and services the imagination of anyone behind the lens.
OWC / Other World Computing Atlas Ultra 128GB SDXC UHS-II V90 Memory Card
I’m a recent convert to these OWC memory cards! This capacity would suit a variety of digital cameras and, of course, you can max out capacity for video needs. I recently visited Africa on a photo safari and shot a ton. The cards kept pace with my Z9, and its matching card readers were like lightning. The OWC folks also keep up to date with camera firmware updates and compatibility, too.
Get more out of your holiday shopping with:
Adorama Gift Cards – With an Adorama Gift Card, you can give your friends, coworkers, or loved ones the power to find the right products for their creative pursuits.
Adorama Edge Credit Card – Enjoy Special Financing* on purchases of $199 or more with the Adorama Edge Credit Card. Learn More.
Adorama Protect Protection Plan – Your gear deserves added protection. Keep your new equipment safe in case of accidental damage by investing in an Adorama Protect Plan, powered by Extend. Ensure the gear for your year is protected in case of mechanical and electrical failure after the manufacturer warranty expires. Each eligible product features available Adorama Protect Plans on its product page. When you add the item to your cart, you will also have an option to add a protection plan.
