Holiday Gift Guide For The Everyday Photographer w/ Benj Haisch

As a full time photographer, it can be hard at times to separate tools from toys, but here are some of both my favorite photography items that inspire me to pick up a camera every day to document my own life as well. I’ve also included some that would be on my own Christmas list if Santa was feeling extra extra nice this year.

X100V APS-C Digital Rangefinder Camera

The best everyday camera for everyone from full-time photographers to people who just want amazing photos of their life. The X100V has a 35mm equivalent lens with an f/2 aperture to give you great results in low light and the ability to get some shallow depth of field as well. The camera I recommend to literally everyone.

XF 18mm F2 R Lens

It’s one of Fujifilm’s first lenses for the X-Mount, but it’s still my favorite for travel and just everyday stuff. If you want a small lens that will give you a great focal length at a 28mm equivalent while still having an f/2 aperture in a lens that only weighs 116g, you’re in luck.

Q2 Monochrom Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

Ok, admittedly this is more than a splurge, but the Leica Q2 Monochrom really would be one of those dream cameras. It has a 46 megapixel full frame sensor with an incredible 28mm f/1.7 in a compact design, but the biggest kicker is the monochrome sensor. Shooting only in black and white completely simplifies things back to the basics of light and can be such a creative break from the world of color.

MP 0.72 Rangefinder Film Camera

While we’re on the topic of dream cameras, this one probably is at the absolute top of my list. A generational camera that will most likely be functioning well beyond my lifetime. The Leica MP is the pinnacle of film cameras.

GFX 50S II Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

If you’re either in the Fujifilm APS-C or any other full frame mirrorless system, the next step up in many ways really is medium format. The best entry into that currently is the GFX50S II.

CineBloom Diffusion Filters

In a world of perfect sharpness and rigid pixels, the Cinebloom really helps to add a certain softness to images [in a good way] by adding a bit of diffusion that especially hits the transitions in light that digital so often messes up. I’ve been using the 10% a lot and the 5% might start living on my X100V.

Sprite 35-II Reusable 35mm Film Camera

Basic Film Carrier 35 and 120

Ultra Max 400 Color Negative 35mm Film

My favorite budget film that is available in a discount 3-pack. The 400 speed is especially great for most lighting situations.

Colorplus 200 Color Negative 35mm Film

My absolute favorite ‘budget" color film. I’ve run hundreds of rolls through my cameras. Has great skin tones and a bit more of a desaturated look to it. I often think of it as a budget Portra 160.

Professional Portra 400 Color Negative 35mm Film - 5 Rolls

The GOAT of film stocks. Good for literally everything, but obviously gives the best results for portraits out there in my opinion. Incredibly versatile and the most fool-proof way to look like a genius when you get your scans back.

Travel Tripod

The only tripod I’ve actually enjoyed owning in my entire life. It literally does everything right. And while the aluminum is a good *practical* choice, I went with the carbon fiber and I legitimately think that the bit of weight savings means that I actually bring it with me more often.

Photographing Couples with Benj Haisch

Follow me on two different sessions to see how I interact with couples and hear my perspective on why I do what I do. We go over gear, editing, posing, and lots more. Honestly, I still can’t believe we’re selling it for this cheap.