[Interior of the Retrospective 5 Camera Bag ©Think Tank Photo]
To understand a Think Tank bag you have to understand the company behind the bag. Their mission statement says it all:
- 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. For some companies, it is only about the product. For us, it is more: It is about supporting photographers doing their job. If we can design products that help photographers travel easier, take pictures faster, and organize their gear more efficiently, then we will have accomplished something beyond the bags themselves.
[Exterior of the Retrospective 5 Camera Bag ©Think Tank Photo]
Features: My love for the Think Tank Retrospective 5 bag is in its details. Here are some of my favorites features…
- Brilliant “Sound Silencers” for better covert photography!
- Description from the website: “Eliminate the loud tearing sound hook-and-loop makes while opening the bag. Simply release the Sound Silencer panels and cover the hook-and-loop strips to prevent the hook-and-loop from contacting.”
- How it works for me: I am able to firmly secure the front flap when not shooting and then cover the noisy “hook-and-loop” velcro threads when I’m out prowling the streets for candid shots, walking quietly on a trail shooting wildlife, photographing in a serene place of worship, or working with young children. With the treads covered, the front flap opens in complete silence!
- Expandable front pocket – big enough to hold my Canon DSLR body, leaving the entire interior space open for my Speedlight and/or lenses.
- Compact rain protective shell – folds up small and fits into the front pocket. It takes a try or two to figure out how to get the shell around the bag, but once you do, it fits the bag perfectly.
- Enough dividers and pockets to keep you organized.
- Inconspicuous – looks like an understated book bag – definitely does not scream “expensive photo gear.”
Fit: When I use this bag I amaze people by pulling endless equipment out of this seemingly bottomless, small bag. I am a modern, bad-ass, street-photographer version of Mary Poppins. 🙂 If I place the body of my Canon DSLR in the expandable front pocket, then I can fit both my 50mm and 28-135mm lenses as well as my Speedlight in the main compartment and still have room left for media cards, a spare battery, a small notebook, a pen, my lens cleaning cloths, a cell phone, and a compact and lipstick.
[Interior of the Retrospective 5 Camera Bag ©Think Tank Photo]
Review: [rating system = 1-5 with 5 being excellent and 1 being poor]
- Sex Appeal: [2.0] This bag has a retro simplicity to it. It is not trying to be sexy – it is deliberately understated and subtle. Note that it also comes in black.
- Sport Appeal: [3.0] Not sleek and sporty in its look, but rugged and ready for a long bike ride, a cruise on your motorcycle, a hike in the woods, or a trek in a jungle.
- Day-tripping: [4.0] Absolutely – good for small shoots that don’t require big equipment and ready for your next road trip.
- World-trekking: [4.0] Yes – with a little planning this bag would be a great day/camera bag.
- Wearablility & Comfort: [4.0] Very comfortable.
- Dimensions: 10″ W x 8.5″ H x 6″ D
- Price: $129.00
- Price-to-coolness ratio: [4.0] Comes with a lifetime guarantee.
- Comments from women: 60% positive. Those that I showed it to either loved it or hated it; everyone thought it’s features were awesome but some were turned off by the fact that it’s so plain. If your look is Emo you could pull it off but it is not the bag for the trendy and chic*.
- Comments from men: 90% positive! This bag does not claim to be a camera bag for one sex or another and many men found it’s rugged, simple practicality and good design very desirable.
- Drawbacks: *This bag only blends in if you too blend in – it will not compliment your cocktail dress, play well with your Prada, or disappear against a red silk blouse.
- Highlights: See above “Features” section.
- General Website: http: www.thinktankphoto.com
- Direct Link to the Retrospective 5: The Retrospetive 5 Bag
- Think Tank Photo on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/thinkTANKphoto
- Think Tank Photo on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thinktankphoto
In joy,
Melinda
View more camera bag reviews! Click on the “Reviews: Camera Bags” link under “Categories” at the top left of this page.