Earlier this month, we presented some options if you're thinking of buying a Christmas present for a loved one who's into photography or videography. There, we presented some suggestions on LCD Screen Protector, Thumb Grips, Lens Filters, SD Cards, and Macro Extension Tubes. Here, we continue the tradition with some recommendations on ND Filters, Compact Portable Tripods, and Mirrorless Camera Gimbals. (Cover Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash).
ND Filter
ND Filters (Neutral Density Filters) are a great option for photographs and videographers shooting outdoors. For videographers especially, these filters can help to block out too much sunlight, a must if your videography settings are already fixed due to your desired frame rate and depth of field. To start with, choose a variable ND filter so you can adjust how much light is transmitted through the lens.
There are many options available, but be sure to select the filter size according to your lens (Note: Focal length is NOT the same as filter size! You can find the filter size on the front of your lens, next to the "⌀" symbol).
K&F Concept filters have been popular options since they are relatively affordable and offer a lot of variations. Their
ND2-ND400 offers an impressive 9 stops, so that can work for most situations. Hoya is also a popular name for lens filters, and their ND filter work great as well. Their
Variable Density Screw In Filter also provides up to 9 stops of exposure reduction, without any color cast or loss detail.
Compact Travel Tripod
A photo and video kit isn't complete without a durable tripod. In previous decades, professional photographers and videographers would recommend spending at least $200 or even $500 for a decent quality tripod. Nowadays, you can have a good tripod for $150 or less, provided that you know your uses cases.
These compact tripods come in a variety of sizes, some can even be considered desktop or even pocket tripods, but these smaller tripods can be very limiting, especially if you're after a tripod to cover all of your photography and videography needs.
Instead, look into the full length tripods, like the Benro Slim tripod series. Benro offers these in a photography-centric or video-centric configuration (mostly the tripod head and plate), and also comes in a carbon fiber option. However, the aluminum version is quite decent and will probably cover most of your tripod needs.
Manfrotto is a popular alternative, and their BeFree series. These tripods are compact and fold up very neatly, and even has a monopod option should want that. As with the Benro, the Manfrotto comes in aluminum or carbon fiber. While the carbon fiber option is much lighter, the aluminum version is less expensive and is already durable on its own.
While not a full length tripod, the Joby GorillaPod has been a popular option for the past decade, mainly due to its small size and flexibility. It's also the least expensive option here. Many users praise its applicability, but it can be cumbersome to setup and use, and in most cases a traditional tripod may be better and easier. But if you're really set on the GorillPod, make sure to select the original Joby offering as many knock-offs look like the GorillaPod, but won't be able to take the full weight of a camera.
Note that for these suggestions, you're advised to have a lighter mirrorless camera kit; older DSLRs with heavy lenses will not be suitable for these travel tripod options.
Compact Mirrorless Camera Gimbal
Gimbals are fantastic for videographers looking for a more professional look to their work. These gimbals compensate for movement, making your videos look very smooth, something especially useful for camera bodies or lenses without any built-in stabilization. While these gimbals lean towards the more expensive side, they are a worthy addition to any budding videographer.
The
Zhiyun Crane M3 is the company's latest offering, and Zhiyun has kept the gimbal as compact as possible. It's super easy to use, and has an updated quick-release system and compact storage position as well.
The
Zhiyun Crane M2S is the older variant in Zhiyun's M line, but it's still a very decent option for your video stabilization needs. It's even less expensive than the M3, but is just as compact. It doesn't have the latest that the M3 offers, but it already offers 0.66-inch display screen and a built-in light source with 1000 lumens of brightness.
The above M line are ideally suited for mirrorless cameras or smaller DSLRs. If you have a heavier camera rig, then you'll want to go with the
Zhiyun Weebill S. It can support up to 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) of equipment, has an adjustable ergonomic design, and has up to 14 hours of battery life.
Note that for all of the above options, you will need a separate bag to carry your gimbal. These are all compact and have their own storage unit, but if you're looking to lighten your load, you might want to consider a camera system with built-in physical or electronic stabilization. However, these native stabilization do not yet come close to the video quality you will get with these gimbals.
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