Monthly Archive for February, 2010

Think Tank Announces the Retrospective 10, 20 and 30 + Retrospective lens changers

Published
by
Dan Carr
on February 28, 2010
in Think Tank
. 0 Comments

At the PMA tradeshow Think Tank Photo announced the introduction of an entirely new line of camera bags, the Retrospective series,  designed to be discrete but very stylish.

“As camera bag designers and frontline photojournalists, we honor the role of reportage and its influence on photojournalism,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s president and lead designer. “We understand that photography is more than an assignment or a paycheck, but a way of life and an art form. To quote Cartier-Bresson: ‘To photograph is to hold one’s breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It’s at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy.’”

5 products will start the new lineup , The Retrospective 10, 20 and 30 and the Retrospective lens Changer 20 and 30.  All the bags feature the award winning design aspects of the regular Think Tank bags, but with a discrete design to draw less attention to you and your shooting equipment.  These look like they could be some great bags for city street shooters, travelers and photo journalists.  With the 3 sizes of bag Think Tank has catered for people using pro sized SLRs or smallers sized cameras.  The lens changer 2 carries 2 lenses (pictured below) and the lens changer 3 carries 3 lenses.  The Retrospective 10,20 and 30 also feature organizer sections for all the little extra bits and pieces, as well as compartments for flashes and flat pockets for paperwork/magazines etc.

3642_think_tank_retrospective_thumbRetrospective-Lens-Changer-3-Pinestone-1Retrospective-Lens-Changer-3-Pinestone-4Retrospective-30-Pinestone-1Feature-Retrospective-30-Pinestone-3Feature-Retrospective-30-Pinestone-15Feature-Retrospective-30-Pinestone-9Feature-Retrospective-30-Pinestone-8Feature-Retrospective-30-Pinestone-7Retrospective-20-Black-4Retrospective-Lens-Changer-2-Pinestone-3

When the products become available in the spring time, purchasing with this link from the official Think Tank site will entitle you to a free bag at the checkout!!

thinktank-retrospective10-bagDirect links to Think Tank Site:

Retrospective 10 (pinestone)

Retrospective 10 (black)

Retrospective 20 (Pinestone)

Retrospective 20 (black)

Retrospective 30 (pinestone)

Retrospective30 (black)

Retrospective Lens Changer 2 (pinestone)

Retrospective lens changer 2 (black)

Retrospective Lens Changer 3 (pinestone)

Retrospective lens changer 3 (black)

Here is Think Tank’s official press release and specifications:

SANTA ROSA, CALIF – Created as an homage to classic photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank, Think Tank Photo has created five soft-sided shoulder bags in its new Retrospective™ series. Designed for the professional photographer that wants to remain inconspicuous in any situation, the three shoulder bags’ and two lens changer bags’ retro look mixes “Old-School” with “New-School” that is a throwback to the days when bags where visually simple but highly functional.

The Retrospective series is made up of two styles: three Retrospective Soft-sided Camera Shoulder Bags and two Retrospective Soft-sided Lens Changer Shoulder Bags. Their soft and supple fabrics conform to the body and feature two color options: Pinestone Cotton Canvas and Black Poly Spun Canvas. And, as with all Think Tank Photo gear, they are filled with innovations for today’s professional photographer.

There are three models of Retrospective camera shoulder bags—the Retrospective 10, Retrospective 20, Retrospective 30. Their features include:

• Carries a pro size DSLR with zoom lens attached
• Accommodates up to a 70-200 f2.8 lens (hood reversed)
• Front pockets hold pro size camera bodies (without lenses attached)
• Organizer pocket built into main compartment for pens, note pad, batteries, etc.
• Seam sealed rain cover included for protection against the elements
• Soft, adjustable shoulder strap with cushioned non-slip pad
• Hook and Loop “Sound Silencers” on the front flap eliminate noise while opening the bag
• Side pockets and side webbing loops carrying for additional accessories
• Clear business card holder and removable carrying handle

There are two models Retrospective lens changer shoulder bags—the Retrospective Lens Changer 2 and the Retrospective Lens Changer 3. Their features include:

• Lenses carried in separated compartments for rapid access while changing
• Carries two or three lenses plus small accessories
• Accommodates up to a 70-200 f2.8 lens (hood reversed)
• Organizer built into rear pocket for pens, note pad, batteries, etc.
• Seam sealed rain cover included for protection against the elements
• Soft, adjustable shoulder strap with cushioned non-slip pad
• Hook and Loop “Sound Silencers” on the front flap eliminate noise while opening the bag
• Clear business card holder under front flap
• Convenient carrying handle

“As camera bag designers and frontline photojournalists, we honor the role of reportage and its influence on photojournalism,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s president and lead designer. “We understand that photography is more than an assignment or a paycheck, but a way of life and an art form. To quote Cartier-Bresson: ‘To photograph is to hold one’s breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It’s at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy.’”

Specifications:

Retrospective 10
Colors: Pinestone & Black
ID: 12” W x 9.5”H x 6.0”D (30.5 x 24 x 15.2 cm)
OD: 13” W x 10.5” H x 7” D (33 x 26.7 x 17.8 cm)
WEIGHT: 3.0 lbs (1.4 kg)
PRICE: $149.00 (US)

Retrospective 20
Colors: Pinestone & Black
ID: 12” W x 11.75” H x 6.5” D (30.5 x 29.8 x 15.2 cm)
OD: 13” W x 12.5” H x 7” D (33 x 30.5 x 17.8 cm)
WEIGHT: 3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
PRICE: $159.00 (US)

Retrospective 30
Colors: Pinestone & Black
ID: 15” W x 9.5” H x 6.0” D (40.6 x 24 x 15.2cm)
OD: 16” W x 10.5” H x 7” D (43.2 x 26.7 x 17.8 cm)
WEIGHT: 3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
PRICE: $179.00 (US)

Retrospective Lens Changer 2
Colors: Pinestone & Black
ID (each lens section): 4.75” Diameter x 10” H (11.5 x 25.5 cm)
OD: 10.25”W x 11.25” H x 5”D (26 x 28.5 x 12.5 cm)
WEIGHT: 1.6 lbs (0.7 kg)
PRICE: $99.00 (US)

Retrospective Lens Changer 3
Colors: Pinestone & Black
ID (each lens section): 4.75” Diameter x 10” H (11.5 x 25.5 cm)
OD: 15” W x 11.75” H x 5” D (38 x 30 x 12.5 cm)
WEIGHT: 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg)
PRICE: $119.00 (US)

thinktank_freebag

Think Tank announces the Logitsics Manager

Published
by
Dan Carr
on February 28, 2010
in Think Tank
. 0 Comments

3634_logistics_manager_two_thumbAt the PMA tradeshow Think Tanks announced a couple of cool new products. The first one, the Logistics Manager , is Think Tank’s largest bag to date.

The rolling bag is designed to hold multiple cameras and large lenses or lighting equipment and is deep enough to hold many of the popular large strobe heads vertically.  For photographers traveling with large amounts of studio lighting gear this is the case for you.  Of course the case comes fitted with all the usual Think Tank accessories such as TSA combination locks and enough padding and dividers to provide a nearly infinite amount of configuration combinations.

Feature-Logistics-Manager-18Feature-Logistics-Manager-16Feature-Logistics-Manager-12Logistics-Manager-4

When the bag becomes available, purchasing with this link , from the official Think Tank site will entitle you to a free bag when you checkout!!

“The Logistics Manager provides the answer to a question often asked by working photographers, which is, how can I transport all of my gear into the field, have quick access to it, and secure it from loss or theft,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo president and lead designer.  “We took the design and engineering principles we pioneered in our line-up of award-winning rolling camera bags and applied them to this very roomy pro photographer logistics solution.”

3640_logistics_manager_interior_01

Feature-Logistics-Manager-1Feature-Logistics-Manager-2Feature-Logistics-Manager-4Feature-Logistics-Manager-5

As with all think tank roller bags there is a good sized organizer pocket(pictured above) on the front of the bag for all your memory cards, business cards , pens etc.  They have also included 2 new cable management bags with this case which is a nice touch to keep all your wires organized.  At the rear of the bag is a cable and combination lock to keep the bag secured on location  and side straps allow you to connect tripods and other accessories.

Feature-Logistics-Manager-11Feature-Logistics-Manager-19


Direct link to the product on the Think Tank website

This is Think Tank’s official press release and specifications.

Santa Rosa, Calif. – Think Tank Photo announces the release of the Logistics Manager™, its first rolling equipment case for lighting and photographic gear.  The rolling case’s endless interior layout options adapt to numerous equipment combinations and help manage all of the logistics of transporting and using a lot of gear while on location.

Its roomy internal dimensions of 13.75”W x 27.5”H x 8.25-10”D (35 x 70 x 21-25.5 cm) allow it to hold multiple combinations of cameras and lenses, lighting gear such as strobes and reflectors, and accessories of all kinds.  As there are many instances when photographers shooting on location must leave behind some or all of their gear, Logistics Manager offers a three-tier security system:

A TSA combination lock to secure the main zipper.
A rear security cable and combination lock allow the roller to be locked to immovable objects.
A Security ID Plate with online plate registration allows lost gear to be identified and returned to the owner.

Its additional key features include:
Extendable handle for easy transport and maneuverability and replaceable wheels within protective housings for greater longevity.
Attachment points on both sides for tripods or light stands
A stretchable lower pocket in front that expands for cords, reflectors, and other grip items.
Upper front pocket with built-in organizer and key loop.
An organizer side pocket for secondary storage.
Clear interior pockets for accessories.
“No Rhetoric” lifetime warranty

Specifications:
Internal Dimensions:  13.75”W x 27.5”H x 8.25-10”D (35 x 70 x 21-25.5 cm)
External Dimensions:  15.75”W x 30”H x 11.5”D (40 x 76x 29 cm)
Weight:  16 – 24.5 lbs (7.3 – 11.1 kg) depending on accessories used
List Price:  $599.00

About Think Tank Photo
Think Tank Photo is a group of designers and professional photographers focused on studying how photographers work, and developing inventive new carrying solutions to meet their needs. By focusing on “speed” and “accessibility,” we prepare photographers to Be Ready “Before The Moment,” allowing them to document those historic moments that reflect their personal visions and artistic talents.  We design products that help photographers travel easier, take pictures faster, and organize their gear more efficiently.

thinktank_freebag

Photography news – Feb ‘10

Published
by
Dan Carr
on February 27, 2010
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

109228_aperture_mainI’ve been on the road for the majority of the last month so posts have been a little sparse.  Over the last few weeks though there have been quite a few announcements in the photography world with the PMA tradeshow taking place in the US.  In case you missed any of them, here is a quick run down of new developments.

  • Apple has announced Aperture 3. The third iteration of the popular image cataloging program features some big advances that look likely to bring it more in line with Adobe Lightroom.  It even features full support for video including options to edit the videos in Aperture.   Available to purchase here.  You can download a free trial from the Apple website and give it a try for a month.  At the moment I am using Lightroom 2.0 but I have been unimpressed with the speed of it.  I’m definitely going to give Aperture 3 more than a passing glance, especially with its video support.  I’ll report my findings but feel free to chime in with comments below of you have already given it a trial.
  • afs_16_35_vr_l_minNikon announced 2 new lenses , the 24mm 1.4 and the 16-35 f4 VR.  With the 24mm lens Nikon is just playing catch up to Canon’s stunning 24mm 1.4 that I have recently purchased myself.  I’m sure Nikon users will welcome the addition to their prime lineup.  With the 16-35mm f4 VR though , Nikon looks to have produced a fantastic and currently unique lens, the only wide angle stabilized zoom available on the market.  Previously Nikon had no compact f4 zooms where Canon now has a nice selection.  Something that has been a frustration for Nikon shooters who would benefit from lighter weight lenses.  With this lens though, Nikon has jumped right into that market AND added VR (for the canon shooters that is simply Nikon’s version of IS).  If I were a Nikon shooter I would jump on this lens!!
  • EOS-550D-FULL-FRT-w-EF-S-18-55mm1Canon has announced a new Camera, the Rebel T2I or the 550d depending on which part of the world you live in.  The camera features the same 18MP 1.6 crop sensor from the 7d and impressively retains all the same video functions as its more pricey brother.  This is a very nicely specced camera for those looking to get into photography without breaking the bank.  The 7d’s sensor is very capable of producing great images the the video functions of the T2I are much better than the other Rebels in the lineup.  Obviously the T2I lags behind the 7d in terms of weather sealing and build quality as well as autofocus system but nonetheless its packing some impressive numbers for a camera retailing for much less than $1000!
  • 8-16mm-F4.5-5.6-EX-DG-HSMSigma introduces a slew of new lenses at PMA but the one that caught my eye was the new 8-16mm f4.5-5.6.  This is a rectilinear lens designed for crop body sensors and produces the widest available non-distorted view yet for these types of cameras.  All you guys out there shooting the 7d should definitely keep an eye out for a review.  Looks like an interesting product.  They also announced an 85mm 1.4 lens.  Given the prohibitive price of the Canon version of this lens, this could be a winner too if the IQ is in the right ball park.  We’ll have to wait for some reviews.
  • EX1_FS_B_GlobalSamsung has now joined the field of high quality pocket friendly digi-cams with the new EX-1.  Featuring an f1.8 24mm lens it sets itself up firmly against the likes of the Panasonic lx3 and the Canon G11 or S90.  The f1.8 lens is the fastest in it’s field and it also features a flip out screen like the G11.  Again, this has just been announced so we will have to wait for some reviews but it’s one to keep an eye on if you are interested in a high quality point and shoot that lets you capture RAW images.

Canon was not present at the PMA show but they will have a strong presence at the upcoming WPPI show next month.  Expect at least a couple of new lenses from them, including the oft-rumored 24-70 2.8 IS (via CR).  We should also be seeing the firmware update for the 5dMKII early next month that will enable 24p mode.  Recent rumors have also indicated that there will be some new audio features enabled too , audio meters and maybe a live on-screen histogram.  There were a lot of other things announced at PMA but the majority were consumer p&S cameras that I have no interest in.  These are just the things that caught my eye though.

Camera choice, thoughts from an over crowded camera bag.

Published
by
Dan Carr
on February 6, 2010
in Uncategorized
. 17 Comments

100114_0740_dancarr2I’m in the lucky position right now to have all three of Canons latest cameras sitting here in front of me. I have been using the 5dMKII since January last year , I purchased a 7d in August and just over two weeks ago I picked up the new Canon 1dMKIV.  Whilst I’m not going to do exhaustive comparative testing between all the cameras (I simply don’t have the time to do this and plenty of websites out there will do this anyway) I thought I should collect together some of the thoughts I have had whilst using these cameras.  These 3 cameras cover a broad spectrum in pricing so they are likely to appeal to both professional and amateur photographers.  Which camera would I chose for a particular task?  Read on to find out. Continue reading ‘Camera choice, thoughts from an over crowded camera bag.’

All Content © Dan Carr 2008