No, it's not the same thing as duct tape. This thick, black tape is perfect for solving a wide variety of problems commonly faced by photographers. Broken clamp? Cracked lens hood? Snapped strap? Lighting wire tripping people? Nothing a couple strips of this sticky stuff can't handle. And, unlike duct tape, it won't leave a sticky mess once you peel it up. While it may not seem like the most exciting gift you can give, they'll certainly appreciate it when it saves their proverbial butt when out on a shoot. It truly is the gift the keeps on giving.