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Black Friday & Cyber Monday - Photography Deals 2022

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are here! The deals have started.

Everyone is talking about supply chain issues, and they are REAL! So make your best effort to get that shopping done, because it might be out of your control for gifts arriving on time.

This year STILL looks different due to the pandemic, which means some deals are spread out throughout the month or are available online, instead of only during Black Friday weekend. Walmart, Target, and Best Buy are just some of the many retailers that have new deals happening each week.

So here you go! I've rounded up all the deals I could find on cameras, gear, classes, bags, and more!

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience, at no cost to you.

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How Black Friday Camera Deals Work

Read this is you're looking for a crazy deal.

I know many people are on the lookout for a DSLR camera this season. Here's what you need to understand about Black Friday deals and DSLR cameras.

You have to understand that Nikon and Canon set prices across the board. So you aren't going to find an amazing dollar-off deal, because no one is allowed to sell lower than the price the brand sets.

But, the deal you will see is a DSLR Camera that comes with TWO lenses.

Every major retailer is selling a DSLR camera that comes with a basic zoom lens (an 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 lens) AND a telephoto zoom lens. The ones I've seen for 2018 are 75-300mm or 50-250mm, which means they zoom in a ton. These deals always say something like "$300 savings!"

Now, it may seem like an awesome deal that you're getting another lens, and that lens works well in certain situations. However, it is not the most useful lens for moms who want to take pictures of their kids indoors.

Read this post to understand why that holiday bundled-lens deal isn't super useful for moms.

Hint: that zoom lens is so "zoomed in" that you won't be able to use it indoors. It will feel like binoculars! You won't be able to get a full-length shot of your kid unless you have 30+ ft to back up.

Plus, it will struggle in low-light situations, like homes and schools, because its maximum aperture is only f/4-f/5.6. In the photography world, this is called a "slow lens" because it needs SO much light to function.

While that long zoom lens is fun in certain situations (like watching animals at the zoo), I think your money is better spent with a fast prime lens that you can use for all the cute moments that happen inside your own house.

These are the Lenses I recommend: get this Nikon lens, on sale for $176, or this Canon lens for just over $125.

So, I'm not saying it's not a good deal to get a bundle deal this weekend - I just want you to recognize that the bonus lens is not something I recommend for moms who want to photograph their kids.

If you don't want to brave the crowds or use other retailers (who are doing more online deals this year!), I would just buy the same camera on Amazon instead and get the fast prime I really needed!

CAMERAS

These last few years has proven that it's so important to support small businesses and local businesses. So I know I'm giving you the big box deals below, but PLEASE consider shopping your local camera shop instead.

They'll have the same prices, since the deals are set by the manufacturer, and may be able to add free accessories or other perks. I know our local shop gives three free cleanings on DSLRs.

The BEST DEAL: The Nikon Z5 camera is on a CRAZY deal right now: it's usually $1399.95, and the price was slashed to just $996.95!

Get it on Amazon or Adorama. The quality of a DSLR but smaller and lighter!

You can also save $300 on the Nikon Z6.

Canon EOS Rebel T7 - this is the entry-level DSLR on sale this year from Canon.

It's on sale at these retailers: there are lens bundles or extra freebies offered. Pick which you like best, or which store is most convenient for you!

You can also save $200 on the Canon EOS R6 or the Canon EOS R5C.

Go Pro Cameras on sale! This is great for all things video, outdoors and underwater. It's way more durable than a DSLR, and perfect for adventuring.

Honestly, if this is your first Go Pro camera then the Hero9 and Hero10 will feel the same to you. Get the 9 for less because it's last year's model! Get the 9 for $349 on Amazon, or get it at Best Buy. Best Buy also has a slightly cheaper model on sale.

Get the Hero10 for a limited time on Amazon (although buying it from the actual Go Pro site usually get you extra accessories).

LENSES

Two different wide-angle Canon lenses are available. These are called "pancake" lenses because they are very flat and compact. Great for travel!

Want a lens that's too expensive? Rent it!

Borrow Lenses - If you've ever wanted to try out the gear before you buy it, this is the place! I've rented extra lenses for special shoots or just tried out something before I buy. They package up the lens really well, mail it to you, and you mail it back in the same packaging.

LensRental - is another great option. I love using their Black Friday deals to try out new lenses over the holidays.

Nikkor Z Lenses (for Mirrorless cameras) are on sale!

Same prices at each retailer, but Adorama offers extra filters for free.

More Photography Deals on Bags, Straps, & Gear

*This section is incomplete and will be updated as I find new codes and deals!*

  • Shutter Hugger - These are super cute and really work! They're for taking pics of little kids that won't look at the camera.
  • Phone Ring Light - Get better lighting for all of your selfies.
  • Amazon always has Black Friday deals on SD cards - usually for $8-15 dollars for 32 or 64GB, high-quality cards. SD cards have a limited lifespan - you'll never regret having a few on hand because they WILL go corrupt after a few years.
  • Microfiber Lens Cloth - Perfect for your favorite photographer (or yourself) so you can keep your lens clean on the go!
  • Waterproof Phone Pouch - Keep your phone safe while taking photos underwater.
  • Adobe Creative Cloud - If you want to do more than just edit photos, you will love Illustrator, InDesign, and the other programs in the CC subscription. The only deal I ever see for this is on Black Friday when they offer 25% off your first year of service. No coupon needed - lock in at 39.99/mo instead of 55/month.
  • Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023 - If you don't need the full version of Photoshop, this is a great place to start. It has most of the Photoshop editing capabilities at a one-time price. Less than $65!

Deals on Printing, Cards, & Albums

*This section will be updated as I find new codes and deals!*

  • Chatbooks - My very favorite place to make EASY photobooks and holiday cards! Access the online version or download the app.  Use code BLACKFRIYAY or CBMEGANC20 to save! (Read more about why we love Chatbooks on this post.)
  • Shutterfly - I often order calendars from Shutterfly because they make amazing Christmas gifts. The code is on their homepage.
  • Minted - has super nice cards and the best designs. The code is on their site!
  • Mixbook - We use Mixbook for photo books and calendars!
  • Nations Photo Lab - Another great print shop and they have 40% off everything.
  • Mpix - 50% off cards! A great place for high-quality prints and products.

Other Awesome Deals

*This section is continuously updated as I find new codes and deals!*

  • Yoto Audio Player - this little player is the best for kids! Kid-friendly, no screen, and loved by all ages. They can put cards in and listen to books, music, kid radio, etc. Everything is in their control, and there are tons of age-appropriate story cards from famous readers and authors. We LOVE ours, and we own both a mini and a regular size.
  • Movie Projector - Movie projectors are great for outdoor movies. Don't forget to click the coupon box too!
  • Hilarious Waving Guy - I got this for a funny stocking stuffer. It's so silly and fun!
  • Apple Air Pods - One of the lowest prices it's been all year! Cordless, wireless charging, Siri... they do it all.
  • Kindle Paperwhite - I can't tell you how much I love my Kindle! I keep it in my purse so I can steal a few minutes in the school pick-up line or read it at night.
  • Tough Ties - The best place for cute, trendy, matching daddy & son ties! They are machine washable, totally spill-resistant, and have super fun patterns. Code it on their site.
  • Amazon Echo -The Echo is a super convenient way to manage your home, play music, call family members, set alarms, check the weather, and more.
  • Amazon Fire Stick - Hook your Fire Stick up to your TV to stream from different services, watch live TV, and use your voice to search and launch shows across multiple apps.
  • Jumbo Pop It - My kids love these fidget toys, and now you can get a massive one. There are also these super cute ornaments!
  • Instant Pot - If you don't have one of these yet, now's your chance! You can get $45 off!
  • Roomba - Save 37% on a Roomba and never vacuum again. You can also get this one with even more features.

GAMES & TOYS

Grab these games for cheap. The deals have already started!

Subscription Boxes for Kids

  • Oyster Craft & Code Kits - Save 50% on your first box with code HALF. Work on code with fun projects! I just ordered this for my 9-year-old to try. Confetti Cannon, Pet Aliens, Robocars, and more!
  • Pipsticks Sticker Subscription - Love stickers? Need some magic at home? Pipsticks has you covered! They send adorable stickers in a monthly subscription! Codes on the site.
  • Annies Craft Kits - If you have a daughter who is really creative, these Creative Girls Craft Kits are amazing! They are letting you try the first month for 50% off! with code SAVE50, plus shipping (which is cheap, like ~$4). Two crafts come in each shipment!
  • Creation Crate - These kits teach your teens actual skills with real materials. Work on circuits, coding, and more with 1, 3, 6, 12-month subscriptions. Code on their site!
  • Lock Paper Scissor Kits - These are printable escape room kits to set up and use at home! Their one-day sale includes 6 different games for 80% off of their total value! You can print and play as is, or make them more elaborate as an experience for a party. They include very detailed set up instructions and great graphics.

Books, Movies, & Music

Buy 2 get 1 free on movies, music & books at Target

Amazon has "Buy 3 for the price of 2" as well.

Here are some of my favorites (some are not included books in the Amazon sale):

More Books on sale

  • 25% off already low prices for books at KidsBooks.com - This is a great site-wide discount off already cheap prices! I love this site for activity books, puzzles, new kid novels, sticker books, and more. Free Shipping is slow but it's worth it.

50% off or more deals:

Scribble Scrubbies for 50% off - Little kids love these reusable color and wash toys. I just bought this set of 12 for what the price usually is for only 4!

6lb of Kinetic Sand for less than $20. This is running for $50 on Amazon, so the Target link is a great deal.

Clothing For The Family

Little Sleepies are our new favorite pajamas! They have the cutest matching sets for families, in holiday styles or regular patterns. Bamboo, super soft, and so cuddly.

Gift Guides Ideas

In case you want other ideas for great gifts for the upcoming holidays, check out these gift guides!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Danielle @ Follow My Gut says

    I swear it looks like you found every deal on the planet here, this is so awesome!!! I think my fave are the bags. The JoTotes are so cute and can seriously hold everything. Thanks for compiling and sharing all of this!!!

    Reply

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