# What gifts do travel photographers actually want?

> Gift ideas for travel photographers from our own camera kit: a mini tripod, a carbon travel tripod, a comfortable camera strap and a camera messenger bag. What to buy and what to avoid.

- Source: https://clevertourists.com/resources/gifts-for-travel-photographers
- Authors: Evan & Clara, Clever Tourists (first-hand, from years of travel across 20 countries)
- Published: 2026-10-01
- Last updated: 2026-10-27

**For a photographer, the safest gifts are accessories that work with any camera: a tripod, a strap or a bag.** Lenses and camera bodies are personal and tied to one mount, so leave those to them unless they have told you the exact model. These picks are from [our gear list](https://clevertourists.com/gear); the photos on this site were shot with that kit.

## Mount-agnostic first

Tripods use a standard 1/4-inch screw and fit almost every camera, and straps and bags do not care about the brand. That makes them the low-risk gift. A lens is only a good gift if you know the mount (Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z and so on) and the exact lens they want.

## Tripods: mini and travel

• **A mini tripod** such as the Manfrotto PIXI fits in a coat pocket and works on a wall or café table for night shots, timelapses and phone photos. It is the gift for someone who will never carry a full tripod.

• **A carbon travel tripod** such as the Ulanzi Zero F38 is for the photographer who already shoots sunrise and long exposures. Carbon fibre keeps it light for a carry-on, and its quick-release plate makes switching between handheld and tripod faster.

## Straps and bags

The Peak Design Slide is the strap we used every day. Its quick-release anchors let you take it off for tripod work in seconds and it is wide enough to be comfortable through a full day of walking.

A camera messenger such as the ONA Brixton looks like an ordinary canvas-and-leather bag rather than a camera bag, which helps in cities where you would rather not advertise a camera.

## Adventure: an action camera

For snorkelling, diving trips or cycling, a waterproof action camera covers what a main camera cannot. See [gifts for backpackers](https://clevertourists.com/resources/gifts-for-backpackers), where the GoPro is a pick.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a good gift for a photographer who has everything?

A mount-agnostic accessory they use daily: a mini tripod, a comfortable quick-release strap, or a camera bag that does not look like a camera bag.

### Should I buy a lens as a gift?

Only if you know the camera mount and the exact lens they want. Lenses are tied to one mount system and are a personal choice.

### Do travel tripods fit all cameras?

Almost all cameras use the standard 1/4-inch tripod thread, so a tripod fits nearly any camera; phones need a phone clamp.