Think Tank Photo Beltpacks V2

This just in! Think Tank Photo has updated their belt packs to version 2!

I was just about to post this...Can't wait to see them!

Look like a girls purse (the round form), even though im sure it's very functional if your after such a setup.

If you read the description, they call it a shoulder bag first, that happens to have a concealed belt.

I'm getting a speed freak ASAP for review...

can't wait as I've been trying to get ahold of the old version for a few months now and they've been out of stock. Now I know why. This will be replacing my mountainsmith decent for my skiing rig, but I'm also curious to see how it behaves as a shoulder bag -vs- the retro line since that's one of the ways they suggest using it. I also wonder how well it'll work with their chest harness.

I have the v1 Speed Racer, as a compact shoulder bag it's ok as a belt pack for walking/hiking I do not like it. No compression straps, like a Mountainsmith lumbar pack, to pull the bag to your body. The result is that you have a bag with 10 pounds flopping about. Not a comfortable way to carry gear. That being said, it's a good bag to shoot events out of, 1 or 2 bodies hanging from you shoulder and a couple of lenses and a flash in the bag. I was hoping v2 was going to add the compression straps but it does not appear so. I find myself using my Retro 30 or Timbuk2 for most situations, more comfortable shoulder straps.

I don't think these were ever meant for walking around with. Version 1, and maybe Version II (despite it's new emphasis as a shoulder bag), was always a sideline shooter's bag. Meaning minimal movement done in the process of acquiring your shots. Think of it as a handy bag to have on you while holding your giant lens on a monopod. You have hands free on the rig while your stuff it right in front of you.

Looks pretty good, does anybody know the differences between the old and 2.0 version?

looks like mine shipped and will be here next week.

I'm jealous. Can't wait for your appraisal!

OK, I just opened the box. This thing is NICE. It's not as good looking as a retro bag, but I can see there's a lot of functionality here that the retro doesn't have with the way the top opens and the belt. I'm excited to use this for a bit then review it to see how I like it. I'm thinking this is a better bag when you don't care how you look (landscaping and sports shooting) where the retro is a better looking bag for those times (events, family, around town). The speed demon might have been the better size for me, but time will tell when I get it loaded (I might also be reacting to the fact it's sitting next to my R5).

Hi Ben,
I was wondering if you (or anyone else) have some updated perspective on the TT Retro 10 vs the Speed Racer/Freak, now that you've had it for a bit...

I'm considering the Racer as it seems similarly sized to the Retro 10 and I like that it's got the option to convert to a belt. I'd look to use it as a shoulderbag when using casually and use the belt when going on hikes.

I like the velcro silencing options on the Retro, heard that the strap is really comfy, like the option to attach pouches on the sides....don't care about the "doesn't look like a camera bag".

It seems that the Speed Racer wouldn't have the velcro sound issues (since it's zippered), can only attach pouches when in "belt mode" and may not have as much room inside (assuming the dividers are thicker than the Retros). Also, I'd like to understand how comfortable the shoulder strap set-up is when the bag is "loaded".

For me, I'd like the bag to carry: 7D, long lens and 2-3 short-lenses, and a filter pouch (inside or attached).... any observations would be helpful.

here's my speed -vs- my R10:

Awesome. Many thanks--I look forward to your video review!