Product Reviews

• Think Tank Retrospective 10 Camera Bag

  Think Tank Retrospective 10 Camera Bag

  
  Foreword and Disclaimer: 
  
  Today’s review is the new Think Tank Photo Retrospective 10 shoulder bag. It is designed to mimic camera bags of old, before all the crazy colors and logos that you see these days. 
  
  Here’s what Think Tank has to say about the new line: “The Retrospective series is comprised of three shoulder bags and two lens changer bags.  Created for the professional photographer that wants to blend in with the crowd and remain inconspicuous in any situation.  Our product designers have blended the look and feel of "old-school" camera bags and infused it with "new-school" features and technology for the digital imaging age. “
  
  I personally think the bags are quite similar in appearance to the Domke line, which is a good thing in my book, I’ve been a Domke user for quite some time.
  
  Disclaimer: I am now part of the Think Tank Affiliate program, If you follow my Affiliate link (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/affiliates.aspx?code=AP-593) and purchase something from Think Tank of $50 or more you will receive a free gift of your choosing! Sweet deal huh?
  
  Review:
  
  The Think Tank Retrospective 10 is a small shoulder bag that can hold a surprising amount of gear. If you’d like the specific details on the bag have a look at Think Tank’s site. (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/retrospective-10-black-shoulder-bag.aspx?code=AP-593)

  
  
  

  First Impression:
  
  When I first received the bag, I was not quite sure what to think of it. I really liked the size of it and I found the shoulder strap to be well padded and quite comfortable, however, the strap is a little short. This may only be a factor for some because I am taller than average at 6’3”, the bag will rest right at my waistline which is just fine for my tastes, I just like to have the option to have a longer strap if/when needed. I appreciated the additional inserts provided, but it wasn’t exactly clear-cut how they would be effective. I decided to just load the bag up and see how it went!

  
  
  I loaded up the bag with a few lenses and a camera and took off for a walk. I packed in my 7D (gripped) with a 70-200 f/2.8L, 16-35mm f/2.8L and a 24-70 f/2.8L mounted on the camera. I was able to easily fit all of this gear in the bag without it being over-loaded. I found it to be quite comfortable on my shoulder while walking and it felt really well-balanced. I also really liked all of the hidden pockets in this bag, it makes it very easy to keep things out of the way but still organized!

  

  

  

  

  
  
  Spending More Time:
  
  After my first impression, I took the bag with me to a live concert shoot and this is when I was really impressed with how much the bag stayed out of my way. It was so easy to change lenses when needed, and swap memory cards as needed. I never felt like I had to put the bag down to do any of these things. This was a huge development for me because I typically would have to remove my shoulder bag or backpack in order to change lenses or other accessories, to not have to do this during a shoot is a big deal and a huge value for me and any photographer that needs a smooth carrying system for their gear. 
  
  Conclusion:
  
  I think that the Retrospective line of bags is one of the best new products to come from Think Tank. They have done an excellent job with creating a simple carrying solution that doesn’t get in your way while shooting, and doesn’t look like anything more than a basic shoulder bag while you’re out shooting in public. I highly recommend this bag to anyone looking for a good, simple carrying solution!
  
  - Abram