Today's review will cover the ThinkTank LensChanger 75 PopDown
and LensChanger 50. I apologize for the images but it was done on a P&S. Hopefully, it's enough to get the point across.
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What is it (per ThinkTank Website)?
LC 75 Pop Down™
Unique “Pop Down” feature increases the bag’s depth for longer lenses, such as the 70-200 2.8 and similarly sized lenses, with the lens hood and tripod collar attached.
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Lens Changer 50
Haul your zoom lenses, such as the 16-35 2.8 and 17-40, with the lens hood attached.
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Review
I will focus on two of the Lenschangers and I will go under the assumption that the other LensChanger are just different in size. I will note that the LensChanger 75 Pop-Down is a bit different in that it has "pop-down" capability, which is similar to the review I did for the Digital Holster 50.
Quality
My initial impressions regarding this was that it was pretty rigid in construction with little flex to it. Maybe it hasn't worn itself in yet so I'm giving it some time to make it a little bit more flexible so to speak. Per ThinkTank's website, it states that it should be compressible. It is to some degree but I'm afraid that it will deform it's shape. Either way, it's no big deal.
Like many of my previous ThinkTank Reviews, the quality is made out of the same nylon material. The look and feel is definately high quality. Every portion of the lenschanger is remarkably durable and above all, you get your money's worth.
Design and Functionality
Once again, there isn't really much about these LensChangers. It's pretty straightforward as to what they are used for. They essentially give you an "extra hand" and allow you to also easily access your lenses.
I will say this, they are NOT lens carriers. Although it has a corded draw string (stretchy kind), it doesn't completely close. You definately don't want to have any lens in this if it begins to rain!
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This leads me to point out that the lenschangers do come with a seam-sealed rain cover. Tucked within the lenschanger and attached by velcro, it's pretty handy.
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As you can see, it's really pretty straightforward.
What's so special about the LensChanger 75?
As simply as I can put it, to allow you to not have to reverse the hood on a 70-200 or 100-400 lens. Need I say more?
What's so special about the LensChanger 50?
To allow you to accomodate a wide angle lens like a 10-22 with a hood. Did I lose you?
Given the circumstances that there are other LensChangers out there, a 15, 25, 35, they essentially vary in size. If size was a concern for you then find one that fits your needs.
I figured I'd get the pop-down LensChanger 75, in the event I want to be "faster" with my lenses and if not, then I keep it not "pop'd down". In addition, I went with the LensChanger 50 because it can accomodate a wide angle, as well as any other prime lens, walk-around lens (24-70, 17-55, etc.) The only downpoint with the LensChanger 50 is that you can't have your "walk-around" lens with the hood not reversed. Either way, the other "changers" can't accomodate a wideangle and well, I wanted to at least be able to use it (not considering the hood) with my other lenses.
It is a worthy note that there are convenient pockets on the outside, room for small items (i.e. Lens Cap, battery, etc.). Also, there are webbing attachments where if you had a spare shoulder strap, you can attach it to that as well.
Summary
Overall, I hope this helps anyone who is thinking of getting one of these. I found it very helpful and you can tote your lens temporarily in this by just tightening the drawstring.
I wouldn't use it to store my lens per say when travelling but if I'm out shooting and need somewhere to store my lens temporarily, this is it!
I'll leave you with a couple more pictures. Enjoy!
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If you're interested, there are other reviews here that I did (just search for it).
