Gift Ideas for Astrophotographers | 2024

Astrophotography allows us to capture the beauty of the night sky, stars, planets, and distant galaxies. If you're looking for the perfect gift for an astrophotographer, you're in the right place. We've compiled a list of ten gifts under £100 that are perfect for astrophotography enthusiasts.

Like some of our other gift guides, there are products here that may require some knowledge of what kit your loved one already has. You can also check out our guides to our best picks for astrophotography cameras and lenses.

A red LED torch is essential for preserving your night vision when setting up equipment or checking over maps etc. in the dark. The glare from bright white light at night can leave you squinting while red light is non-glaring and doesn’t affect your ability to see stars, comets and other celestial objects. This torch also doubles up as a power bank, so it's also a lifesaver when your phone or other devices run out of battery mid-session. 

Along similar lines as the first option, but this torch is a 3-in-1. The ThermoTorch 3 Astro combines three essential tools for astrophotography into one neat package. Its warming function is ideal for fending off the chill during long sessions, while the torch ensures you can find your gear in the dark. The power bank is a bonus for recharging small devices. Though compact, it’s not the smallest gadget to carry, but its usefulness more than makes up for the added size.

It gets cold in the early or late hours when you're photographing the stars, and that cold can make your hands and fingers seize up. When they seize up it makes it more difficult to operate your camera and lens — and it just hurts. RucPac’s Extreme Tech gloves are specifically designed to provide prolonged warmth and allow easy use of the controls and dial on your camera. They come in small, medium and large, so there’s a pair for everyone. 

One of the easiest ways to search for celestial objects and constellations (other than simply looking up) is using a pair of binoculars. The Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 Binoculars are a great and affordable option. With their impressive 12x magnification and large 60mm objective lenses, they allow you to clearly see distant celestial objects, bringing the stars into sharper focus. Though they are on the heavier side, their robust design makes them a reliable companion for outdoor use. It just means that you may want to utilise a tripod if you're using them for extended periods of time. 

If you're serious about astrophotography, knowing the weather conditions is key to planning successful shoots. The Bresser Weather Station ClimaTemp TB is a straightforward tool that provides accurate temperature readings and forecasts, helping you prepare for cold nights under the stars. It’s not overloaded with features, but it gives you just the essentials to make sure you’re ready to shoot. A perfect gift for those venturing into astrophotography.

Astrophotography is generally taken at night and usually requires long shutter times where you can be waiting around. Why stand when you can sit on a nifty and compact stool? It may seem simple, and that is because it is. 

Standing and holding your camera while waiting for those moments can be tiresome, and something as simple as a photography stool can offer some relief. Walkstool’s Basic 60 is specifically designed to be compact and easily fit in your kit bag.

Here’s one where you’ll at least need to know the brand of camera the person you're gifting is using. This is a remote shutter release. You’d be surprised how much movement pressing the shutter button on your camera makes which will ruin long exposures for astrophotography. This is specifically designed to eliminate that problem.

This particular one is ideal for astrophotography as it not only provides hands-free use of your camera, but you can also set up exposure times without touching your camera. This one is for Sony cameras but, it's also available for Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm and Olympus/Panasonic. You can find all our remote shutter releases here.

We must keep our kit clean and protected. There are hundreds of bags and lens cases out there but if you don’t know what kit they’re using, why not try this Domke wrap? Whether you’re packing a camera, lens, or smaller tools, this wrap ensures your equipment stays safe from bumps and scratches. It’s adjustable, so it can fit a range of items, and the high-quality fabric makes it a reliable choice for long-term use. They come in various shapes and sizes and you can’t have too many of them!

For this one, you’ll need to know what lens they’re using and get an appropriately sized filter. Light pollution filters are specifically designed to cut out unwanted artificial light while preserving the natural colours of the stars, ensuring your nightscapes are as stunning as the real thing. Make sure to check your lens size to ensure a perfect fit.

You can find all the sizes here. Full disclosure, the larger the filter in this range, the more expensive they get and may go over the £100 limit of this gift list.

Every day is a learning day! Why not gift a book that will help your loved one’s astrophotography? This is an introductory guide to the night sky, from the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich. It offers everything from advice, tips and tutorials, all aimed at improving your skills. It’s a brilliant starting point for beginners, with simple instructions and clear illustrations to guide you along the way.

Pros:

• No guessing games – they get to pick exactly what they want
• Budget-friendly with a range of denominations to suit every wallet
• Can be used for anything from high-end lenses to essential camera accessories

Cons:

• Honestly, there’s not much to complain about – it’s a winner!

Gift vouchers might not have the thrill of unwrapping a shiny new camera, but they’re one of the most practical and thoughtful gifts you can give to a photographer or videographer. Rather than leaving them to guess what they might need, vouchers let them choose exactly what suits them — whether that’s high-end gear or the little accessories that complete their setup. With denominations of £10, £25, £50, and £100, there’s an option to match your budget (or just how much you want to spoil them this year!). It's the kind of gift that always gets used, no matter what.