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Archive 2012 · ThinkTank 10 arrived...

  
 
SaberOne
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · ThinkTank 10 arrived...


The ‘Retrospective 10’ just arrived and boy is it ever larger than the ‘Retro 5’. The color is also a completely different shade of ‘Pinestone’. The Retro 5 was actually a warmer pleasing hue of taupe vs. greenish. Oh well, it is what it is and both have that cool stonewashed appearance.

This bag is substantially bolder than it’s little brother and the build is quite nice. Comes with three removable dividers and they are all different configurations, which is also nice. I really thought it was going to be too large but as soon as I dropped the A900 w/135 nose first into the center, it was a perfect fit with no sloshing potential. BTW: The website shows a full-pro body/grip which I simply can't imagine in this bag unless you're into the bowling bag look. On each side there is just enough room for your flash, cable accessory glob or an extra lens. The interior nylon end pockets can either be used or simply pressed out of the way. There is also two interior zippered/velcro pockets on back side and front side, for slim things like a cables, airline tickets or whatnot.

The closure flap is large with tricked-out adjustable Velcro that can provide a super tight fit or the Velcro can be blocked (covered) completely for silent operation. The exterior end pockets (more like slots) are tight heavy canvas like the rest of the bag and frankly, I’m not sure what I’d use them for. On the backside is another full-length zippered pocket that can hold an iPad and is so tagged. It's a very tight and it would have been much more practical with small side gussets. My iPad2 w/leather case will not quite fit whereby I can zip it closed, so it's only marginally useable.

The front side gusseted pocket is easily accessible and comes with the detachable rain cover. I took that off right away because the pocket is much more useful for other kinds of stuff. The strap is unique with a soft effective pad that matches the whole low-key look. Makes you feel like wearing waffle cords and listening to the Rolling Stones.

Overall, it’s quite the set-up for traveling and it could easily pass for some other identity other than a camera bag. Lets face it, any black ballistic nylon bag screams camera from 30-feet away. For me, I’d say this thing' is a keeper.


Edited on Jan 19, 2012 at 09:18 AM · View previous versions



Jan 16, 2012 at 05:23 PM
pixelrandy
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · ThinkTank 10 arrived...


Thank you for taking a time to review your Retrospective 10! I'm happy to hear it's working out for you too. I mostly lurk here, but I thought I'd pipe with a little inside info.

The color does absolutely change a bit from run to run. It has a lot of gray in the canvas, so it also tends to pick up the color of the light that's hitting it. I'm sorry if the new bag's color isn't quite as pleasing as what you had before. We've only received a little feedback about the color differences, and it seems like the preference is split right down the middle as to which one is liked the most.

I frequently use the Retro 10 to haul around our D3S with the 24 - 70 attached, an SB-900 and usually a small fast prime. Out our bag offerings, I think the Retros are probably the easiest to work out of (well, so are the Speed Convertible Belt Packs, but they're a different beast all together). The Retrospective 10 was specifically sized to fit the square 6 x 6 +/- shape of the pro-sized bodies. I just measured the dividers, and they are 6" long. They squish when using standard size bodies, giving the bag a slimmer profile. I agree that bag does bulge out a little with a pro or gripped body, but just a tag and it's not awkward looking and feels natural when carrying it. I recommend giving it a go sometime. I haven't had a customer complaint about that yet. Whew!

Thanks again for the feedback. Just reply here or email/call us if you have any questions or further comments.

Kind regards,

Randy Wentzel
Think Tank Photo Product Specialist / Photographer
[email protected]
866-558-4465 ext 1





Jan 16, 2012 at 06:18 PM
Beni
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · ThinkTank 10 arrived...


I'm dying to buy a 10, never quite gotten round to having the spare cash unfortunatly.


Jan 17, 2012 at 12:16 PM
carnac
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · ThinkTank 10 arrived...


I have a Think Tank Retro 10 and am very happy. I use it with a gripped 50D and 17-55/2.8 IS in the center compartment. I usually add either a flash and a lens or two lenses on either side. I agree with SaberOne's excellent review that the outside side pockets are very tight - to the point of not being of much use. The carrying strap is wonderful - plenty of length to wear across chest if desired and very comfortable pad.

I might want to go to the Retro 30 for the additional room, but have found for a gripped body, attached lens and two additional lenses the 10 is great bag.

I LOVE the Pinestone material and the construction is first rate - the best made bag that I have seen (and I have purchased quite a few bags over the years).

My next purchase will probably be a ThinkTank Airport International 2.0.

Cheers - Jim



Jan 17, 2012 at 12:44 PM
SaberOne
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · ThinkTank 10 arrived...


Yes 'Beni', I too had to think about the price. It seemed rather high for what it is but once it’s in your hands the quality is obvious. If I could have justified two, I would have kept the Retro-5 for street use for just my camera and primary lens. Comparatively speaking, it’s a very minimalist approach. For me, the Retro-10 is a great 'travel bag' for a body with lens (or two), flash, charger, CF reader, iPad, cabling, etc.


Jan 17, 2012 at 12:44 PM
Beni
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · ThinkTank 10 arrived...


It's not overexpensive or anything, from what I read it's anything but overpriced. Seems a very fair price. It's just that I have a perfectly serviceable crumpler that does the job which makes spending on another bag harder to do.

My TT UD60 has travelled with me on some 240 international flights over the past 4 years as my carry on bag, whether packed full of gear (and boy do I pack that bag full!) or just with a camera, book and sandwitches or indeed as my main wedding bag these days as well as for travel, it is still mind blowingly incredible. I wouldn't mind the mkII but again, it's hard to spend when you're still doing great with what you have.

More incredible however is the TT service. After some years hard use of travel the buckle on the strap snapped in the airport on route to the plane. I emailed a picture of the snapped piece to TT on Thursday night, by Sunday Fedex had delivered me a new one in Jerusalem. Customer Service like that, not withstanding the quality of the products, must be championed and supported!



Jan 17, 2012 at 03:04 PM





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