DIY Messenger vs Think Tank Retrospective 10

So I know I want a messenger bag, and I'm quite fond of the construction of the Think Tank 10, but I'm also a 24 year old that is about to graduate from college and is trying to save for a wedding for next summer. I've seen the insert on Amazon, but I'm wondering if it is worth just spending the extra to get the Think Tank. Any input is appreciated.

I got the insert from Amazon and shoved it in a black messenger...actually a diaper bag lol works great until I can afford what I really want.

You might wanna check this thread out, it's about the DIY bags

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1010634

I have one of the stated DIY bags in the thread, and I love it.

I have had a TT Retro10 and don't any longer....there are times when I consider getting another one. Perhaps a Retro20 instead? It's a great bag. Horribly expensive in Canada, but that's probably the retailer's fault. I want weather protection; I didn't enjoy the raincover on the TT bag; but that's just me. Put it on the bag, and you can't get into the bag. Camera is out of action, even if I was just anticipating a heavy storm. YMMV.


I've also had a Tenba Messenger with their insert for quite a long time.
Currently use a Tenba insert in my Mountain Equipment Co-op messenger bag. $24 when I priced it.

Domke has some cool bags; they have been priced in never-never land in Canada, like TT bags are locally. Pricing on both bag lines make Billingham bags look like reasonable purchases! <<shock!!>>

Point in mentioning all this is bags that are common sense purchases, and economical in the US may not be here where I live.

starrynite905 wrote in post #14293433
I got the insert from Amazon and shoved it in a black messenger...actually a diaper bag lol works great until I can afford what I really want.

See, I don't really want to buy the stuff to make one if I'm just going to wind up wanting the Think Tank anyway. Plus, I don't have any spare diaper bags.

chrisandaivi wrote in post #14293533
You might wanna check this thread out, it's about the DIY bags

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1010634

chrisandaivi wrote in post #14293541
I have one of the stated DIY bags in the thread, and I love it.

I saw that thread and gave it a brief look through. I guess I ought to look through and see if there is anything comparing to other bags.

Thanks for the help so far.

EDIT: What all can you fit in your bag?

I can fit the camera body with the lens hood attached (24-70mm), and two flashes. Outside pockets contains gels, and extra ettl cords.

If I don't attached the lens hood I can put another lens in it.

Thanks. I read the entire other thread through, and I'm leaning fairly heavily toward the DIY route as it is $100 cheaper.

I was seriously considering a DIY bag until I stumbled upon the LowePro Event Messenger 250 at a brick and mortar store last weekend in Portland Oregon. I had previously seen the bag online but it wasn't until I could physically inspect the bag that I knew I had to have it. And at $69.99 USD (again, this was an in-store purchase) I felt the price differential between the LowePro and the DIY was small enough to justify a purchase. The price comparison between the LowePro and the Think Tank is a no-brainer if you ask me. Anyway, just thought I'd share. Good luck with your decision.

http://www.lowepro.com​/eventmessenger

Daphatty wrote in post #14295452
I was seriously considering a DIY bag until I stumbled upon the LowePro Event Messenger 250 at a brick and mortar store last weekend in Portland Oregon. I had previously seen the bag online but it wasn't until I could physically inspect the bag that I knew I had to have it. And at $69.99 USD (again, this was an in-store purchase) I felt the price differential between the LowePro and the DIY was small enough to justify a purchase. The price comparison between the LowePro and the Think Tank is a no-brainer if you ask me. Anyway, just thought I'd share. Good luck with your decision.

http://www.lowepro.com​/eventmessenger

That seems a lot like the Think Thank Retro series. It must be new, I don't recall seeing that a few months ago when I bought a Retro. I need something like that but weatherproof for the beach.

whmeltonjr wrote in post #14293242
I've seen the insert on Amazon, but I'm wondering if it is worth just spending the extra to get the Think Tank. Any input is appreciated.

I bought the BPP insert from Amazon to go into my old Adidas messenger bag (or airline bag as it might have been once called) - it was a perfect fit in the bag and fine for a T3i with kit and 50mm lens. However, once I got my 7D with the 24-105 there wasn't much room for anything else - and forget trying to pack it with the battery grip still on.

So, the choice for me was Crumpler 7MDH or Think Tank Retrospective 10. I chose the latter purely on the basis of website pics showing a gripped DSLR fitting in (albeit snugly). I didn't expect it to be as "square" as it is but I like it all the same.

I managed to fit all the following in:

Gripped 7D with 24-105 fitted
Sigma 50mm in it's case
580 EXII
Charger
Books
iPad
Cables
Elph 300HS with its own charger

and I could probably get it some more odds and ends if I wanted. And luckily I bought BPP insert from Amazon so it went back this morning.

Daphatty wrote in post #14295452
I was seriously considering a DIY bag until I stumbled upon the LowePro Event Messenger 250 at a brick and mortar store last weekend in Portland Oregon. I had previously seen the bag online but it wasn't until I could physically inspect the bag that I knew I had to have it. And at $69.99 USD (again, this was an in-store purchase) I felt the price differential between the LowePro and the DIY was small enough to justify a purchase. The price comparison between the LowePro and the Think Tank is a no-brainer if you ask me. Anyway, just thought I'd share. Good luck with your decision.

http://www.lowepro.com​/eventmessenger

I saw that today when I was looking at the Think Tank. It was pretty nice. After you reminded me about that, I think I would probably do that over the DIY. Like you said, not much difference in price.

Gruffalogill, that pretty much eliminates the DIY route for me. I've got a grip for my 5D, so it would definitely be too big.

Sounds like I need to go and check out the Lowerpro and the Think Tank one more time and pick one of the two. Thanks everyone.

I just tried fitting the camera with a grip into the DIY bag... and it fits,, albeit a little snug.

chrisandaivi wrote in post #14297485
I just tried fitting the camera with a grip into the DIY bag... and it fits,, albeit a little snug.

Is the messenger bag made of fairly thick material? That would be my big complaint about the lowerpro. It seemed like it wasn't going to be as durable as the think tank.

You keep on going back to the Thinktank option, I think you already made up your mind, and just trying to justify the cost. Jus get the Thinktank I think you would be very satisfied with it.