Your dad might not expect more than a hug from you this coming Father’s Day — let alone Father’s Day photography gifts — but that doesn’t mean he won’t be giddy when you hand him a small (or big and expensive, depending on how deep your pockets are) token of your affection that day. After all, though hugs and cards are lovely, making that extra effort of finding the perfect gift to show him just how much you appreciate everything he’s done for you will certainly go a long way.
For photo-loving dads, finding the right gift might be a little tricky. Other than asking him straight out what he’d like to add to his gear collection, you’ll have to get a little creative to find him a gift that isn’t a camera keychain or silly photographer mug.
Here are better ideas for Father’s Day Photography Gifts, depending on your budget.
Best Value: Capture Camera Clip V3
Click HERE to purchase from Amazon.com!
If you’re a photographer – pro or otherwise, you’re likely familiar with how frustrating camera straps can be. They’re not exactly the most comfortable, they’re a strain on your neck when you’ve been wearing them for a while, and sometimes, they just get in the way of things, let alone your shooting process. In fact, we’re pretty sure that if your dad has clocked-in considerable time behind the lens, he knows exactly what we’re talking about.
All that is our long-winded way of saying that you need to get him a Peak Design’s epically-monikered Capture.
So what is Capture, and how does this help us with dealing with pesky camera straps? Well, in short, it makes them obsolete. This camera clip, now in its much enhanced third version, allows you to, well, simply clip your camera, eliminating the need for straps.
Capture comes in two main pieces: the clip itself, which attaches on to any strap or belt that’s up to 2.5-inch wide and 0.6-inch thick, and the plate, which screws into your camera’s tripod mount and locks in place unto the clip.
The whole thing is made of anodized aluminum, which means it is solid and tough. In fact, the locking mechanism can handle up to 200lbs of force so you know that once that plate is locked on, use camera is pretty safe. And of course, there’s an aluminum quick release button to release the camera for shooting.
Capture V3 is one of those Father’s Day photography gifts your dad will definitely appreciate and get a lot of use out of. Plus, it isn’t that pricey, which is why it gets our vote as the best value on this list.
Budget: Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod
Click HERE to purchase from Amazon.com!
If you’re a little strapped for cash while looking for Father’s Day photography gifts, worry not. You certainly have several useful yet affordable options with which to gift your dad, including the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod, which will set you back less than $20.
Of course, this tiny little thing will not replace an actual full-sized tripod. Far from it. However, because it is small and compact, not to mention lightweight and easy to setup for use, it’s an ideal option for certain shooting situations – hiking, backpacking and a visit to Disneyland, to name a few.
It’s also excellent for super-low angle shots, and because the legs can be tucked for easy storage, it can also be utilized as a makeshift stabilizer when taking videos. Just remember that this tiny tripod is only meant for lighter camera setups.
Mid-Range: G-Technology 4TB G-DRIVE USB-C
Click HERE to purchase from Amazon.com!
With the massive file sizes photos have these days, it’s almost impossible for photographer to only rely on their laptop or computer’s storage drive – unless, of course, they’ve splurged on specs and have a 2TB solid-state. Even then, they need an external drive for back-up so that they won’t use all those precious photos when something happens to their computer.
If you’ve got $150 to spare, shell out a little more on that gift for dad this Father’s Day with G-Technology’s 4TB external G-drive with USB-C. This hard drive touts 4TB of storage space, more than enough for a hobbyist who goes out every weekend to shoot.
Best of all, it’s very sturdy and enclosed in an all-aluminum chassis keep your files save. For compatibility, there are USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables included in the box.
Splurge: Sony a7R III
Click HERE to purchase from B&H Photo-Video!
or
Click HERE to purchase from Amazon.com!
If you’ve missed a few years’ worth of Father’s Days and birthdays, this Father’s Day might be the best time to make up for all of them, especially because a few previously pricier camera bodies are now cheaper than ever because manufacturers are rolling out their newer models.
Not that these cheaper bodies are any less excellent. On the contrary, they’re still some of the best cameras on the market, and professional photographers still stand by them.
Take the Sony a7r III, for example. It’s still one of the best full-frame models out there, and it’s hardly two years old. Don’t believe us? Read our comprehensive review HERE. Yet, Sony just dropped its price from $3,198 when it was first released in October 2017 down to $2,598 – that’s a whopping $600 drop.
Sure, it’s still pretty expensive, but after everything dad’s done for you (let’s not mention all the sweat, tears and possibly, blood they’ve poured into raising your little monster self), $2K+ is practically nothing.
