Cameras aren’t made in America anymore — and they haven’t been so in many years. But there’s a lot of other gear that’s made in America and that photographers tend to use often. Over the years, the Phoblographer has tested camera and photo gear from all around the world. And we’ve used some of the best photo gear made in America, too. So, we’re rounding up some of the best that we’ve tested for those of us who are curious. Yes, that means that we’ve actually done reviews of this stuff.
Why Choose Photo Gear Made in America?
In today’s world with so much phenomenal photo gear made in Asia, Canada, and Europe, why choose America? Well, there are a bunch of reasons that truly have more to do with the feel-good factor along with how durable many of the American-made products are. Here’s a good idea:
- Domke bags have been made in America for many years and many of them have probably outlasted some photographers’ careers.
- Supporting local: while it isn’t hyper local, there’s something special to be said about supporting another brand based in America.
- Warranties are often better: many American companies usually have lifetime warranties and explain that to mean forever. Some brands use the words “lifetime warranty” to mean the lifetime of the product. Peak Design, for example, is big on doing this while making their products in Asia. While there’s surely a market for their wares, it’s not what we’re talking about today.
- Shipping: Shipping can often be cheaper
- Supporting small businesses: Many of these companies are often very small businesses and aren’t even necessarily carried at big retailers in the photo industry. Without smaller businesses, the bigger guys have all the reigns of the field.
- Ethics: Because many of the American companies are smaller, you can have a pretty good idea that the ethics of the labor is often something that you can be happier about. Holdfast Gear, Oliday, and Tap and Dye for example are all very small teams.
- Don’t be silly: Some thing remember: buying American doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting better quality. I’ll admit: of everything on this list, I only really use one Holdfast Gear strap, a few Vi Vante straps, and Tiffen filters. Otherwise, all the camera bags and straps I own are made in Europe. Lots of brands like to say that just because something is made in China or elsewhere, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t better made. Well, we’re the journalists who’ve been testing gear for 15+ years. We’ll be the deciders of that statement.
Pelican: The Obvious Choice
Pelican gear cases are the industry standard for transporting camera gear. They’re often dropped out of planes and are perfectly fine as long as everything inside is neatly packed and the foam around the items is cut to fit. Now, we’re not saying that you should go ahead and abuse the heck out of your Pelican gear. But you should instead know that even if you’re giving your gear some roughhousing — it’s going to survive. That, and Pelican gear has traditionally been made in America.
Vi Vante: A Bespoke Strap Maker
Vi Vante is a strap maker based in Florida that does some incredible work involving braiding leather to make straps that are durable, beautiful, and some of the most comfortable that I’ve ever used. One of my favorites is the Tiger Lambskin strap, and I often use it with various mirrorless cameras.
Tap and Dye: Quality and Fashion
While Tap and Dye’s Horween straps have made our list of some of the best we’ve used, they make lots of great products for photographers. Touted as a single owned and operated business, Justin Waldinger makes his wares with lots of care and time. The process often involves leather, beeswax, and many other all natural ingredients. The hardware itself has matured and improved as time went on — and we can throw our approval behind this company in so manty ways.
Oliday: Affordable Photo Gear Made in America
Oliday is a very special company on this list. The Oliday Journeyman was the one backpack for me many years ago until the demands for what I need in the field became even greater. But these bags are made out on the West Coast and balance being stylish and durable for the needs of most photographers. This bag is weather resistant, stylish, can hold lots of gear, and is also very comfortable. It’s also genuinely one of the most affordable camera bags that I’ve ever used for what it is. On top of that, you should know that it’s the only camera bag that I’ve bought twice.
Simplr: The Best Photo Gear Made in America That’s Affordable
I’m not one that really reaches for basic camera straps, but Simplr is worth mentioning for how affordable, durable, and functional they are. They often use nylon or other materials. In our tests, we were shocked that these small straps were even able to hold heavy DSLRs with big lenses.
Tiffen: The Hollywood Look
The makers of Glimmerglass and Black Pro Mist filters make their products in America from what we understand. So if you’re looking for a great filter brand to consider, we think you should pick some of these up.
Holdfast Gear: Durability that Rocks
Holdfast Gear makes everything in America using leather, canvas, and other materials. Their products are very popular amongst the wedding photography crowds who want something more stylish but also want functionality. Their Money Maker system is a way to dual-wield cameras when you’re out shooting gigs. And one of our favorite items is also their Sightseer lens pouches. “The Sightseer Lens Pouches are made for photographers who need fast access yet comfortable carry for all-day wear,” is what we said in our review. “I could swap lenses twice as fast as using a backpack. And I can customize the modular system to my gear and shooting style.”
We’ve been using their gear since Holdfast was launched; and nothing has broken on us.
Domke: Time Tested
When I first started out as a photographer, I used Domke camera bags because of how much gear they could carry. And while we haven’t reviewed one in a while, we can say with certainty that Domke bags are very durable. We’re not necessarily saying that about the new ones — instead, try reaching for the vintage ones. If they’re beaten in a bit, then they’re going to be field-tested already.
In our closet, there’s a Domke bag currently holding a large format camera system. And it still works just as well as it ever did.
Jo Totes: For the Ladies, Specifically
They’re not the typical brand that you’d think of when we talk about something made in America, but Jo Totes it totally one of those brands. A while back, we reviewed the Bellbrook backpack. “The Jo Totes Bellbrook backpack is a great looking, waxed canvas bag,” we said in our review. “It’s ideal for crop sensors and smaller mirrorless cameras and 1-2 extra lenses. Without a large opening and with thinner straps, it’s not the best choice for larger cameras or heavy loads.” These bags are marketed and designed more for women rather than trying to be gender neutral the way other brands make their products. So keep that in mind when you’re considering photo gear made in America.
