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Archive for the 'Think Tank' Category
UPDATE:
These think tank bags are now available. Someone has posted a very nice review on one forum here http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=875517
Purchasing through the links below will allow you to claim a free gift from Think Tank when you check out your order!!
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.
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!!
Direct links to Think Tank Site:
Retrospective 20 (Pinestone)
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)
At 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.
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.”
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.
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.
Think Tank Photo today announced the long awaited Hydrophobia 70-200.
Purchasing the Hydrophobia through THIS LINK will allow you to claim a free smaller Think Tank bag when you checkout !
Press Release
Rain Cover for 70-200 and Smaller Lenses Released!
To help you get the shot in even the harshest conditions, we have released two water-resistant, seam-sealed rain covers for 70-200 and smaller lenses: the Hydrophobia® 70-200 and the Hydrophobia® Flash 70-200 with built-in flash protector. It includes a camera strap that supports the camera’s and lens’ weight from the outside without sacrificing the rain cover’s water resistance. There is also no need to remove the strap that is already attached to the camera. A camera strap retainer loop inside the Hydrophobia stows the camera’s strap underneath the rain cover. And now, without exposing your expensive DSLR and lens to the elements, you can change memory cards and batteries without taking off the rain cover. Another key feature is the wide arm sleeves located on both sides for focusing, zooming and accessing controls. Other features include:
· A clear window for viewing LCD and controls
· A fabric cover for the end of the lens.
· An eyepiece storage pocket (eyepieces sold separately)
· A detachable camera strap
· A breathable mesh bag for transportation and storage
We created a short video that highlights these features.
Note: The Hydrophobia requires that you have the proper eyepiece for your make/model of camera body.
Specifications
Hydrophobia 70-200
Dimensions: 7.5″ W x 17″ L x 5.5″ D (19 x 43 x 14 cm)
Weight (rain cover only): 9.6 oz. (272 g)
Price: $139.00 (US)
Hydrophobia 70-200 Flash
Dimensions: 7.5″ W x 17″ L x 5.5″ D (19 x 43 x 14 cm)
Weight (rain cover only): 13 oz. (367 g)
Price: $145.00 (US)
Regular readers of my blog will know that I am something of a fan of Think Tank products. I own many of their bags and they all have very different and specific uses for me. One thing that they have become very well known for, is their line of roller bags for airport travel. There are several bags in the range that are suitable for both international and domestic flight.
The new bag in the range is called the Takeoff. And what makes this one special is the shoulder straps that lie concealed in the back panel. A roller bag is ideal in many airport situations, but occasionally you can come across a time when it pays to have shoulder straps. For example…. try dragging a roller bag across gravel or other rough surfaces! Last month I found myself in bit of conundrum on a photo trip to New Zealand. I had a roller bag (Think Tank Airport International) and a rolling pelican case (1610) as well as a rolling ski bag. Three roller bags and only 2 hands is fine when you have a luggage trolley, but when a bus drops you in a city center 500yds from a taxi rank…….problem! I could have done with shoulder straps in that situation.
With airline carry on restrictions getting tighter by the day, I have also noticed an increasing trend. Rolling bags get weighed when boarding a plane, bacpacks do not…… could this new bag help you sneak a few more KG of gear onto the plane? maybe, just maybe.
The deployment of the straps is ingenious and they are very smartly hidden behind a panel when they are not needed. But when they are needed, these straps are nice and chunky and will spread the weight of the pack very well.
The sizing of the bag is slightly smaller than the airport international which is also welcome as size allowance also seems to be shrinking. Its also quite a bit lighter when empty. The front pocket will accommodate a laptop sleeve and they have provided a locking cable to secure that to the bag.
If you decide to purchase any of the bags, Think Tank has a special offer on at the moment. If you visit their website via this link to buy their products, you will receive a free gift/bag at the checkout!
Tech specs:
- ID: 13”W x 18.5”H x 5.25 – 6.75”D (33 x 47 x 13 – 17cm)
ED: 14”W x 21”H x 8”D (35.5 x 53 x 22cm) - Weight: 8.6 – 10.3 lbs (3.9 – 4.7 kg) (depending on accessories used)
The Audio Recorder is part of Think Tanks new multimedia Wired Up collection.
The on board microphones on many cameras and video cameras just don’t cut it. Many multimedia professionals use separate audio recording devices that produce much higher quality sound. Sound,although often overlooked, is a huge part in any video production and many photographers are looking to record ambient sound these days to play along with sideshows.
The Think Tank Audio Recorder is the perfect size for recorders such as the Zoom H4N or the Edirol R-09HR.
A stretchy front pocket can be used to store a microphone and a handy magnetic closing tab can be used when you want to keep the main zip open, but still be able to access the recorder quickly and store it securely. As with the other bags, the Audio Recorder has exit and entry holes for cables at the top and the bottom.
If you decide to purchase any of the bags, Think Tank has a special offer on at the moment. If you go to their website here and enter the promo code AP-316 you will be able to claim a free bag when you get to the checkout!!
The Mic Drop In is part of Think Tanks new multimedia Wired Up collection.
For those familiar with Think Tank products, the Mic Drop In is similar in design to the Lens Drop In that is in the current modular range. A drawstring opening on the top can be left open for quick removal of the microphone. The bag can also be lengthened using the extendable zippered section on the bottom, adding approximately 3 inches to the length of the bag to accommodate larger mics. On the front of the bag is stretch pocket for extra cables,XLR adapters, dead cats or whatever else you might need.
One new feature that all the Wired Up Collection bags have in common, are cable pass-through holes. Small holes in the bags in strategically placed positions to allow cables to be passed between bags to link up with cameras and audio recorders. All the holes are marked with a small blue tab for easy finding.
Of course the Mic Drop In is fully compatible with Think Tanks existing modular rail system for attaching the bag to a speed belt and the bag will be available for $39.95
If you decide to purchase any of the bags, Think Tank has a special offer on at the moment. If you go to their website HERE and enter the promo code AP-316 you will be able to claim a free bag when you get to the checkout!!
This Month, Think Tank Photo will be releasing an entire new collection of camera bags designed specifically with the Multimedia photographer in mind. With the advent of cameras such as the Canon 5dMKII and the the Panasonic GH-1, more and more photographers are being asked to shoot video and/or audio on photographic assignments. More to shoot means more to carry and these new bags are designed specifically to meet the new challenges associated with multimedia shooting.
If you decide to purchase any of the bags, Think Tank has a special offer on at the moment. If you go to their website HERE and enter the promo code AP-316 you will be able to claim a free bag when you get to the checkout!!
The lineup features 6 different bags, 4 belt pouches and 2 belt packs. Each different bag has a specific use so lets take a quick look at them:
Think Tank Mic Drop In
For those familiar with Think Tank products, the Mic Drop In is similar in design to the Lens Drop In that is in the current modular range. A drawstring opening on the top can be left open for quick removal of the microphone. The bag can also be lengthened using the extendable zippered section on the bottom, adding approximately 3 inches to the length of the bag to accommodate larger mics. On the front of the bag is stretch pocket for extra cables,XLR adapters, dead cats or whatever else you might need.
One new feature that all the Wired Up Collection bags have in common, are cable pass-through holes. Small holes in the bags in strategically placed positions to allow cables to be passed between bags to link up with cameras and audio recorders. All the holes are marked with a small blue tab for easy finding.
Of course the Mic Drop In is fully compatible with Think Tanks existing modular rail system for attaching the bag to a speed belt and the bag will be available for $39.95
The second bag in the lineup is called the Audio Recorder.
The on board microphones on many cameras and video cameras just don’t cut it. Many multimedia professionals use separate audio recording devices that produce much higher quality sound. Sound,although often overlooked, is a huge part in any video production and many photographers are looking to record ambient sound these days to play along with sideshows.
The Think Tank Audio Recorder is the perfect size for recorders such as the Zoom H4N or the Edirol R-09HR.
A stretchy front pocket can be used to store a microphone and a handy magnetic closing tab can be used when you want to keep the main zip open, but still be able to access the recorder quickly and store it securely. As with the other bags, the Audio Recorder has exit and entry holes for cables at the top and the bottom.
The next bag in the lineup is the Think Tank Big Audio. You can see it in this picture attached to a pro speed belt with the Mic Drop In next to it. The Big Audio is essentially just an enlarged version of the Audio Recorder for use with larger multi channel recorders or mixers. It features the same magnetic clasp and exit holes but holds a lot more in the outer elasticated pocket. Interestingly, it will also hold some smaller net books like the Dell Mini 9 for the photographer that needs to transmit on the the fly. It is available for $49.95
Next up we have the Think Tank Wireless Mic Kit. The bag is designed to hold 4 wireless mic units. Most people will probably have 2 transmitters and 2 receivers. Also included with this bag is a new cable management pouch for storing your lavalier mics and all the various cables and adapters you need to get these wired to your recorder or your camera! The red bungee cords are very useful!! This one sells for $49.95
The final 2 products in the lineup are much more than pouches on a belt, they are belt packs, something that Think Tank has traditionally done very very well. The Wired Up 10 and Wired Up 20 complete the lineup. Owners of the Think Tank Change Up will be familiar with the design but these new packs are larger and feature a ton of multimedia specific features.
Large or small audio recorders can be stored in the front pouch, kind of like a built in Big Audio (mentioned above) and it has all the necessary exit holes both in the front pocket and main pocket. The large stretch pockets on each side can hold your shotgun mic or a bottle of water on a hot day. The support system is very similar to the Change Up. Generously sized hip supports on the belt spread a heavy load very nicely and the provided additional straps allow you to add a shoulder harness to further spread the load onto your shoulders. The hip supports also offer a space to put extra modular components such as a Mic Drop in. Both the 10 and the 20 also come complete with a handy cable management pouch similar to the one that comes with the Wireless Mic Kit.
The interior of the main pocket will accommodate up to a 70-200 2.8 standing vertically in the Wired Up 20 but not the Wired Up 10. Both the 10 and the 20 though will happily hold your camera with 24-70 attached and another wide zoom such as 16-35 and a flash. The interior padded section is also removable which can be useful for reducing the bulk a little bit if the bag is nearly full.
Other features include a handy hook to hang monitor headphones on , and flat wide pocket at the back which is ideal for notepads and pens and of course the usual Think Tank rain cover that comes with all their packs and bags. The wired up 20 comes in at $169.99 and the wireless 10 is $139.99
Wireless Mic Kit, Audio Recorder and Mic Drop In on a pro speed belt.
Audio Recorder and Mic Drop In on speed belt.
Mic Drop In and accessory headphone hook.
This line of products marks another step in a new direction for many photographers. The fact that these bags are designed by photographers is clear from the start. Every little detail has been thought out and there is a combination here for everyone. Of course not all these bags need to be used for multimedia purposes. The wired up 10 and 20 are nice upgrades to the popular Change Up for someone who needs a lot more space and it ensures you are ready for the multimedia future if it comes your way.
If you decide to purchase any of the bags, Think Tank has a special offer on at the moment. If you go to their website HERE and enter the promo code AP-316 you will be able to claim a free bag when you get to the checkout!!
I thought it was about time I did a review about one of my favorite camera bags. This is one of the most versatile camera bags that’s ever been made. Part belt pack , part shoulder bag and part backpack. Everyone will be able to find a great use for this bag. And the system is totally expandable using the Think Tank modular components added to the side.
So on to the bag….its hard to know where to start so i’ll start with the various pockets. Click on the photos to see the larger!
The front and sides have elasticated pockets pockets for lens caps, water bottles etc
Inside the front zippered pocket is a smaller pocket for memory card holder to be hidden away.
The front zippered compartment itself has plenty of room for pens , keys, ipod, lens cloths and all manner of other trinkets.
At the back there are two more pockets, this one is great for flat items like maps, guide books, extra dividers, passport etc
Behind this one is also a non zippered but deep pocket and pen holder for pen and notepad.
Inside the main compartment next to the camera padding….yep you guessed it, another pocket and a loop to attach a memory card holder.
The main compartment can be configured in a few different ways using various dividers. You are given dividers to have either the camera attached, or the camera on its own. This is what i use for my walk around setup. 5dMKII, 24-104, 70-200f4IS.
You can also put it in with the 24-105 attached and this leaves room on the right hand side under the body for a 50mm or 85mm too though the bag feels a little bulkier in this configuration.
The interior padding is completely removable if you want to go lightweight and easy to pack in a suitcase.
It also comes with a rain cover which can be stored in one of the side elasticated pockets.
If you decide that you need extra room, the belt part of the bag has the modular rail system on it so Think Tank modular components can be added if you want to take more lenses, flashes etc with you.
But if you dont want to use the belt part at all it can be tucked away in the back.
The buckles also tuck very neatly inside the belt so if you want to leave the rail system available but do not wish to wear the belt , choosing instead to use shoulder straps, they can be kept out of the way.
So what is this bag good for? Well i use it in a number of ways and im sure other people have numerous other ways too. I think its a great travel bag for a small kit. You can use it as a shoulder bag but then when you want to walk some distance you can quickly use the belt part to support the weight. I find that leaving one side of the belt out provides the most comfort when using it as a shoulder bag.
If you are using it for journalistic purposes and have extra components attached you can attach the harness and use it over your shoulders with the pack on the front. Weight is distributed very nicely in this configuration and I use it a lot in this way for my adventures into the backcountry for my work in the ski industry.
Sometime if i am just skiing i switch it around and wear it in the same configuration but on my back with the straps crossing over on my chest. Skiing with a heavy pack all day can be cumbersome but when i just use this bag you can forget its there as the weight is so well spread through the belt and harness.
I guess the bag will hold a similar amount of gear as the UD30 but for me the versatility of this outshines all the other similar sized packs. By adding modular components you can carry a substantial kit or you can just keep it to 2 lenses and a body along with travel necesseties for a city visit or something like that. The bag doesn’t scream CAMERA BAG too much either and whilst its not as discrete as the UD series I think it is not too bad.
If you decide to purchase the bag, Think Tank has a special offer on at the moment. If you go to their website HERE and enter the promo code AP-316 you will be able to claim a free bag when you get to the checkout!!
Please leave comments and let me know what you think of the bag if you have one too.
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