Alright i have a friend who got into the photography scene, and i need to get a gift for his birthday.

He has a Nikon D40, and is still a beginner in photography, my budget is around $150.. He has the (18 55 lens?) but besides that most lenses are too expensive anyways.

I was planning to get a tripod for him, but those run for $40 so i would like to get him something else that adds up to $150 thank you guys in advance!

 

get him a big *** memory card? maybe go on ebay, try to find an sb600 flash? Maybe some books on photography, the D40 walkthrough handbook, or stuff like that? hell, even a tripod, a NICE tripod

 

try KEH for maybe a used SB600

if not... a tripod... wireless remote (ML-3)... maybe an extra battery.

a nice tripod can EASILY add up to $100(think Manfrotto) ... remote is about $15... battery about $40.

 

Gorilla Pod Zoom? (http://www.joby.com/) Make sure you get the Zoom for an SLR...

Decent Lens cleaning kit?

Lowe Alpine slingshot case?

If your going for a Manfrotto then you will need to choose a "head" to go with it... I would go for the ball one for a beginer.. If someone bought me a manfrotto as a present (rather than having to buy myself!) I would be over the moon!

Loads of other photography pressies... These guys have lots of stuff.. http://www.calumetphoto.com/ctl?ac.u...cc=Y&ac.ck.pv=

 

I would go with the tripod if he doesn't have one. The $40 tripod isn't going to be one for serious use anyway. A worthwhile tripod will be $150 no problem.

 

link for good tripod? im tryin to get my gf one as well.

Thanks!

 

Manfrotto 190XDB Tripod
http://www.pictureline.com/products/...190XDB_Tripod/
Great tripod, with a fully adjustable centre piece, comes up and then turns to 45 degrees. Also the tripod when "expanded" can sit 4 inchs off the ground...

Manfrotto MN484RC2 Mini Ball Head
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/prod...aspx?sku=10919

I have this one
Manfrotto MN808RC4 Tripod Head
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/prod...px?sku=1014086

Its good for stills but heavy and clunky for carrying around...

 

if he's into tinkering and figuring things out you might be able to find a lensbaby for around 150. Gorilla pod is cool too. If he has a off camera flash maybe a wireless trigger like from strobist.

 

http://www.adorama.com/NK5018AFDUK.h...32564691789997

This is something that everyone must have. Fast lens, great sharp pictures. Knowing that he has a d40 he won't have auto focus but other than that its a great lens. Great in low light situations.

 

+1 for 50mm f/1.8

best lens on a budget. it's great for in door shooting too.

 

i have this tripod, and i love it. one of the best investments i've made so far


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ro_Tripod.html

 

if no sb600, then sb400 + gorillapod

 

hmm quick question, i went to a camera store today to find out that they have the Nikon 55x 200 lens DX for 200 dollars.

EDIT: found it online for $122

the lens im talking about is this one
http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/fr...date=1_21_2009

Lastly, what would you guys rather have assuming you were in his position.

1.SB-600
2.SB-400 with a GorillaPod
3.55-200mm lens
4. ManFrotto Tripod w/ mini ball head
5. 50mm f/1.8

EDIT2: I set up a poll for your convenience

thanks for all the help, i would be lost without you guys!

 

do not buy that pos lens (55-200).
IF your boy needs a lens, just get a 50mm. it wont autofocus on a d40, but its damn nice for like 110 bucks.

i still say a flash is worth it though.

 

Dang~ I missed the D40 part. gotta change my vote, get him the tripod.

 

I'll second the 50mm suggestion. I don't know much about Nikon D40s and lens compatability issues (all my gear is Pentax) but if you could find manual focus F1.4 50mm lens in good shape that would be a good gift. Auto focus is not the be all end all. If anything you'd learn more about composing good pictures without it.

 

w3rd.
your friend will not like the 50mm at first cause its only one length, however it is a damn good lens and IN THE LONG RUN, will make your friend better at photography, especially cause it will not autofocus on a d40.

 

I would recommend a Bogen-Manfrotto Professional Monopod I love mine and it's such a great tool for car shows and drift events where it helps w/ panning w/ the vehicles and keeping a steady shot. Also price is great and it might give you the option of purchasing something else. And as always sources of information is the best gift ever, find a book on the subject that he would like to learn, best gift ever....

j

 

i think he already plans to take a couple of photography classes at a local JC. Thanks for the advice though!

 

I see, so this is something that can step his photography to the next level? cept it will take time to love it?