Product Reviews

• Think Tank Retrospective 5 Camera Bag

  Foreword and Disclaimer:

  Today's review is the new Think Tank Photo Retrospective 5 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 Retrospectives combine classic design with room for modern camera gear to create the perfect shooter's bag. These lightweight shoulder bags come in two fabrics that offer a sense a style that matches your shooting needs." & "The Retrospective series is comprised of four 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."

  What they have created with these bags is quite special actually, they are designed around the focus of being inconspicuous, yet provide easy access to one's gear. This second bit is what's most important in my book. Let's continue on to learn more!

  Disclaimer: I am 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 choice, pretty sweet deal huh? That being said, I purchased this bag with my own money and I have not been directly compensated to review any Think Tank products. I am a fan of their bags, but I keep my reviews unbiased and fair.

  

  First Impression:

  When I first purchased the Retrospective 5 ("R5" from here on out) I obviously knew it would be smaller than the Retrospective 10 than I had been using for a couple years previously (Note: I still have and use that bag regularly) but at the time I wanted something smaller to carry around my Rangefinder and Fuji X100 (Ironically, neither of which are still present in my equipment) because they were much smaller systems and did not need the volume of the R10. When it arrived it was about the size I expected it to be (which is nice, because we've all ordered camera bags online and had them either be too large or too small for our needs).

  If you would like to read up on the bag straight from Think Tank, just follow this link directly to their site: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/retrospective-5-pinestone.aspx?code=AP-593

  

  

  In Use:

  As is typical with all Think Tank products, the R5 is very well designed and made, they have included all of the things I enjoyed about the R10, such as; the very comfortable shoulder pad, sufficient pocket space for extra accessories, and the key clip which is SO useful for me as I always manage to misplace my keys. Though the clip also doubles as an attachment point for a memory card wallet, or really anything you would want to clip to your bag.

  

  

  As I would take the bag out with me on day trips or just having it in my car ready to go, I really came to appreciate the size of the bag, even when I didn't take my smaller cameras and I dropped a 5DmkII + a couple lenses in there, and it was still perfect. I also found it to make an excellent lens changer bag when one has two cameras strapped to them and you just need something to hold the extra lens + flash (or whatever else you're carrying) during the shooting event. To me, this was my favorite thing about the size of the bag. I love the R10 but if I was shooting and only had 1 or 2 lenses in the bag with nothing else it felt a bit like a diaper bag on my hip ;).

  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  Now, Think Tank has said that this bag is really designed for M4/3 (or any other mirrorless camera system), Rangefinders, or small DSLRs. In my experience with the bag, and as I mentioned, I've found that the largest camera I could fit in the bag with a lens attached was a 5DmkII + 35mm f/1.4L (with another lens off to the side, I managed to fit lots of different sizes of lenses in the extra space, the largest being a 135mm f/2L). With this gear in the bag it was still comfortable, not "overstuffed" and still able to close easily. That being said, I think that if you are a full-size DSLR shooter with a moderate-to-large equipment list, this may not be the ideal solution for you.

  
  

  

  In Conclusion:

  As with all of the Think Tank products the R5 is a very well made product, and while it is ideally suited for mirrorless or rangefinder camera systems, it works great for a minimal DSLR kit, or even acting as a lens changing bag. If you are ok with a very small sized bag then you'd be hard pressed to find a better one in my opinion.

• Think Tank Photo Product Test-Drive!

  

  Test Drive one of Think Tank Photo’s new Modular Rotation Systems free for 28 days.  If you like it, keep it and your credit card will be charged.  If not, return it to Think Tank no charge. The Modular Rotation System is the choice of working professionals who shoot sports, weddings, nature or any situation where the need to stay mobile and rapid gear changes are essential.
  
  The Modular Component Set™ V2.0 consists of two individual lens changer pouches, a flash pouch and an accessory pouch that lock to or slide around any Think Tank Photo belt. Since the pouches are modular, the carrying system can be reconfigured to match any assignment, under any condition.

   

  The Modular Skin Set V2.0 consists of two individual lens changer pouches, a flash pouch and an accessory pouch that lock to or slide around a Think Tank Photo belt. Components are lightweight, compressible and easily collapsible. Perfect for traveling.The "Sound Silencer" feature adds stealth by eliminating hook-and-loop tearing noises.

   

  This offer ends on March 31, 2012 or when 100 of each modular set has been reserved for the Test Drive program.
  
  * This offer is only available within the United States because of the shipping costs of delivering the product from and to the U.S.

• Think Tank Photo December Bonus!

  Buy any Think Tank Photo Retrospective shoulder bag and get money back!

  Between now and the end of December, whenever you order any of Think Tank Photo’s Retrospective shoulder bags, you will receive up to $20 back.  The Retrospective bags are inconspicuous, soft-sided shoulder bags with a simple exterior that blends into the environment.   They range in size from the Retrospective 5--which carries one standard size DSLR with one to three lenses or a complete Micro Four Thirds or rangefinder camera system—to the Retrospective 30, which holds two pro size DSLRs plus three to six lenses.  Click on the “Support” tab on each Retrospective product page to download your rebate form.  And don’t forget, in addition to receiving the rebate check from Think Tank, you also get to select gear to receive for free with your order when you order using my special code!

   http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/shoulder-bags/retrospective.aspx?code=AP-593

  
  

  

• Wapiti Camera Straps

  Wapiti Camera Straps 

  

  
  

  Today I am reviewing a new camera strap that I have picked up for my Canons. I ordered them directly from David Grubb’s website (http://www.wapitistraps.com). I am not affiliated in any way, just a consumer looking for a product that works. I have been looking for a good, sturdy, comfortable camera strap for quite some time now. I’ve tried them all, and there is always something that just doesn’t work with each one I’ve tried.

  I came across David Grubb’s site by chance and I was immediately interested in his design. 

  With that, let’s dive right in and take a look at the Wapiti Strap.

  

  Design:

  The Wapiti strap is a strong and simple design that uses natural Elk leather for the shoulder pad, I’ll let you read what David has to say about the strap: "I crafted the Wapiti Strap from strong nylon webbing with a shoulder pad made of Montana Elk leather. The wapiti hide allows you to hang a heavy camera off of your neck for extended periods of time with comfort. The leather soaks up sweat during those hot summer ball games and won't allow the camera to slide off the shoulder of a slippery winter coat."

  When you place your order for the Wapiti strap  you start with three main choices and then refine from there. You can choose the C1 (for Canon) the N1 (for Nikon) or the Adjustable “Bugle” strap. Naturally being a Canon shooter I chose the C1. Once you choose which strap you want you have the choice of 3 pre-made sizes or a custom length strap. This is totally important to know BEFORE you order because the straps are non adjustable. You can choose from 32”, 36” or 40” for the pre-made lengths, but any length is available at no extra charge.

  In Use:

  I went with a 46” length strap personally, which may have been a little long to be honest, but it is still very comfortable on my shoulders and if need be I can still sling it across my chest. I really like the quality of the nylon webbing. It is very thick (yet still flexible enough to easily wrap around one’s wrist) and this inspires confidence in the strap. Up to this point I had settled on Domke straps, which work well enough, but A) they aren’t very comfortable, and B) they tend to wear out right at the strap lugs on my cameras. I never had one actually tear, but I’ve seen it happen and that always worried me. I don’t think that would happen with the Wapiti strap, the mounting point is exceptionally secure and I could not get it to slip no matter how hard I tried.

  

  The mounting point (on Canon) loops through the lugs like a normal strap would, but it is suggested that you loop it back through the tri-glide and then tuck the excess into the sliding “buckle”. Doing this gives you an exceptionally secure mount and also keeps the camera from twisting TOO much which is what always caused the wear and tear on my other straps. Once I had the strap adjusted on my camera It was nice and secure no matter which lens I had mounted. The shoulder pad is made from Elk leather (if you’re ordering within the US) and is exceptionally comfortable. I had initial concerns that it would not be “grippy” enough, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was a second shooter at a wedding just recently and my camera stayed put on my shoulder and never slipped once (even on a not so grippy surface like my dress shirt).

  The weight of my cameras are definitely felt on the shoulder, but the leather provides “enough” padding to still be very comfortable. Personally I prefer a thinner strap over a huge bulky one. For example, the Canon CPS strap is a very wide Op-Tech neoprene strap, it is exceptionally comfortable on one’s shoulder, but it is just way too bulky for me and I almost never used it.

  If I had to find one thing to say I didn’t like, it would be that the non-adjustable nature of the strap means that if you pick the wrong length, you’re stuck. I initially felt that my straps were a bit longer than I expected, but I have already acclimated to the length and it’s no longer a concern. I’m flexible, but others may not be, strictly a personal preference.

  

  In Conclusion:

  To conclude, I ABSOLUTELY recommend the Wapiti camera strap. David Grubbs made plenty of effort to answer my questions before ordering, even taking the time to call me. That is the kind of customer service you simply don’t find enough of these days. Aside from David’s service, his product is excels in both craftsmanship and functionality. I will use these straps on every camera from here on out. If you would like to order one (or two!) for yourself, simply visit http://www.wapitistraps.com and place your order!

  If you would like to reach David via email, send your messages to: wapiti@wapitistraps.com

  Thank you for taking the time to read my review, and I hope it was helpful to you.

  - Abram

• 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