“A good father is a man who buys your toys before he buys his.” – Author Unknown
A great dad puts his family’s needs before his own. This is the time of year where all those fortunate enough to celebrate Father’s Day with their dad should remember all the cool toys he got you and get dad a cool toy of his own. This list will give children of a photography-loving father a hand in getting dad something that he likely doesn’t already have. I looked through my own gear as well as my gear wish-list when choosing the below items.
1. Peak Design CapturePRO Camera Clip with PROplate
Win one for the Clipper
The CapturePro from PeakDesign is the perfect tool for the dad who wants to keep his camera at the ready. Clipping his camera to either the strap of a backpack or a belt and using the quick release system allows for safe, hands-free, and rapid access to his camera, even with a large zoom lens attached. It is the perfect gift for hikers, bikers, landscape photographers, street photographers or any type of photography where you need quick access or a comfortable way to transport your camera. This company has excellent customer service and is innovating in their field. Check out their other cool products and keep an eye out for new products from them.
2. ExpoImaging ExpoDisc 2.0 82mm Professional White Balance Filter
Harold and Kumar Check Their White Balance
If your dad takes a lot of pictures or videos and spends even more time editing them, the ExpoDisc 2.0 will save him quite a bit of time. By getting the white balance correct when he snaps the shot or captures the video, the colors will look exactly as they should, potentially avoiding any editing. By placing the ExpoDisc in front of the lens and pointing it at the light source the disc will determine the precise white balance. I have selected the 82mm version to ensure that he will be able to use this tool with almost any lens, as there aren’t many lenses with front elements wider than 82mm.
3. Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal System Cloud
The Fantastic Mr. Fong
If your dad has been looking to expand his photographic skillset by using an on-camera flash for indoor situations such as events or in outdoor locations to fill in shadows, then the Gary Fong Lightsphere is the perfect gift. The Lightsphere attaches to his on-camera flash, no matter which model he has, and diffuses the flash’s light, softening it and avoiding the harsh shadows that flashes normally produce. Gary Fong has become the go-to name for Flash Diffusers and for good reason. His design works exceptionally well at maintaining a high output, with a pleasing look all while being adaptable and simple to attach.
4. WD 1TB My Passport Wireless Mobile Storage Device, USB 3.0, 5GB/s Data Transfer Rate
North by North Western Digital
For data transfer on-the-go there is no better device than this. It is USB 3.0, can transfer files wirelessly, stream videos, photos or music to a connected TV,has a built in SD card slot and up to a 20 hour battery life. If your dad’s camera is Wi-Fi capable or records to SD cards this drive is the perfect field storage device. It also allows him, or one of his technologically savvy kids, to upload photos and video from a smartphone or tablet, iOS or Android. Potable, wireless, connected. This is a very useful device.
5. Eye-Fi Pro X2 16GB WiFi Class 10 SDHC Memory Card – write speeds of 22MBps
All Quiet on the Wi-Fi Front
Another great way to transfer pictures or videos off of dad’s camera for instant backup or to access via your phone or tablet is via the Eye-Fi SD card. This Wi-Fi card is the best in class. This is even more portable than the Western Digital wireless drive above.
6. SteadiCam Smoothee Video Stabilizer for iPhone 5/5s, GoPro Hero & Other Action Cameras
What I do have is a certain stabilization skill set
If your dad is into shooting video using either his iPhone 5/5s or a GoPro or another action camera, this device will stabilize his shots and remove the handheld shake that you often see in videos. The SteadiCam Smoothee will have your dad feeling like a professional filmmaker.
7. Lowepro Passport Sling III – Black
That is my bag baby!
This sling is the perfect everyday bag. It is roomy enough to carry a DSLR, a couple lenses, extra storage and batteries and a tablet or small laptop. This bag is very comfortable to carry on longer day trips with a well-padded shoulder strap. This is an ideal bag for the dad who doesn’t want to draw too much attention to his camera gear, but wants to always have it with him. The best camera is the one you have with you. This bag will allow him to keep his camera with him all the time.
8. Leatherman Wave Stainless Steel Multi-Tool with Leather Case, 18 Tools in 1
He has the tool, he has the talent
Your dad will eventually need to fix something. Whether he is handy or not, the Leatherman makes him look like and feel like he knows what he is doing! The Leatherman contains many of the tools necessary to make repairs to not only his equipment, but to pretty much anything. This is the perfect tool to throw in the camera bag for anything that would need to be repaired in the field. An additional accessory that makes this multi-tool even more useful is the Leatherman 21 Piece Tool Steel Bit Kit. This bit set makes use of the bit driver and comes with many of the most commonly used gauges of Hex, Torx and Phillips bits.
9. Interfit Photographic Macro Ring Light with 6 Adaptor Rings
One ring to rule them all.
This ring light will allow your dad to get more artistic with his portraits or close-up macro photography. This light is perfect to use as an eye light to give his subjects that glint in their eye just like the pros do.This ring light comes with several different sized adaptor rings (52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm) to screw onto nearly all of his lenses. It works in both flash mode and as a continuous light, which is great for videos.
10. GoPro 3-Way 3-in-1 Mount for All GoPro Cameras
Close Encounters of the 3-in-1 Kind
For the adventurous dad with a GoPro this 3-in-1 mount for his GoPro may be the only accessory he needs. The three different uses are as a camera grip, extension arm or a tripod. At full extension it is 20” long and it folds down to a compact 7”. For the dad who takes selfies or follows his kids down the mountain this is a great item. The tripod, which is stored in the base of the handle can be attached in several ways allowing for even more flexibility. This will be a great gift for the dad who loves his GoPro and give him even more ways to use it.
