If you've been following this blog, then you may already know that I collect lens replica mugs. There are some cheap versions, but the best ones have the stainless steel insert and are 1:1 scale to the real lens, even down to the AF and IS switches.
Recently a new one has shown up in the form of a Canon EF 24-105mm F/4 IS Tea Cup. These are very small (shot glass like) tea cups with the Canon Lens inspiration. Sure, it's a novelty and great fun for collectors, but keep in mind these always make perfect gifts this time of year that won't ever get thrown away. These Lens Replica mugs come in Canon and Nikon in all the popular lens sizes. Some replicas are exactly to scale, and the new smaller cups are also available via eBay (click here).
Canon 24-105mm F/4 Lens Replica Tea Cup Shot Glass
Geek Post. If you follow this blog, you'll find that I collect lots of random Canon and Nikon Replica Lens Mugs. Some for myself and some I keep around for last minute gift ideas to other geek friends. I mainly use it as Pen Holders on my desk. Some of these Replica lens Mugs / Thermos are designed to scale with very accurate details.
The latest replica lens mugs (actually thermos) is two new Nikon 70-200mm. As far as I know, there isn't a good Canon Thermos like these Nikon versions. Both versions have a Stainless Steel insert, and one is designed with it's own plastic cup that's actually part of the Nikon Thermos Lens Replica. The other Replica Lens Thermos looks like it has some very accurate detailing of the Nikon 70-200mm F/2.8G.
Canon at one point sold these little 300mm/400mm Image Stabilized Lens Replica Keychain LED Flashlights which quickly sold out. I managed to track one down for my random collection. The Flashlight is only about 2" long and 1" wide with a single LED bulb. There are no on/off buttons to manage the flashlight. To turn on/off the flashlight you'll need to turn the lens body which seats the battery connection inside. On the side of the lens is the keyring which includes a Canon charm (opposite side stays 'Image Stabilized').
Old video - The 24-105mm has been upgraded with Stainless Steel Inserts
If you're out of gift ideas for what to get your camera geek buddies, you may want to check out the Coffee Mug Lens Replicas. I'm all over this one. After the initial release of the Canon 70-200mm F/4 at the Olympics, there's been quite a few new additions of 'Lens Replica Coffee Mugs' including Nikon versions. The Nikon version i'm showing in my gallery actually 'Zooms' in and out, which is quite whimsical. The details on these replicas are incredible with the recent versions being over 95% detailed to match the real deal. The new versions also include stainless steel inserts for hot beverages, perfect for both Camera lovers and Coffee Drinkers. I have quite a few myself which you can check out in the galleries below. The 24-105mm Lens mug you see in my gallery is the old one. The new Canon 24-105mm F/4 Replica Lens mug now has a stainless steel insert and is more accurate in replica details.
Originally these items were crazy over priced upwards of $100 dollars each with rare finds, but now the the trend has died down and there's more sellers available. The new cheaper prices sometimes found for about $10 dollars for these things make for the perfect Christmas gift for any Camera enthusiast. A gift you know won't end up being recycled back to someone else, LOL. You'll find local sellers that can get you one in short time, but if you're looking to get this by the big Holiday for cheap over seas pricing, you may want to pad for some shipping time and order soon.
Canon 24-105mm F/4 Lens Replica Tea Cup Shot Glass
