.:Think Tank UD30 PREview:.

I think I've had my UD30 for two years and it's received the bulk of the work. I also have the UD20 and UD40 + a Crumpler 6MDB which gets used when I really need to have the camera ready with my 85L attached and either a 24-70 or 580EXII along.

But the UD30 is what the MKIII and two lenses, spare battery, polarizer, flash cards, lens cloth, shutter cable - this is where it all goes when the camera is put away at the end of the day, camera set to my standard put away settings.

My only complaints have been that the side stretchy pockets are too tight for my 580EXII's, they've stretched them so that the top piping has torn out the stitching but I seldom carry speedlights anymore so it's not that big of a deal. I hand stitched the repairs and carry a battery in one and my iPhone in the other.

The only other complaint which is a little less noticable with the UD40 is that the zippered top for access to lenses, grabs at the lenses (reversed lens shades like on the 24-70 and 100-400 or 70-200 2.8) is tight enough that in a hurry I have to be extra careful as they can grab a lens right out of my hand as I try to pull it out of the bag. If there was some way to open this clam shell effect a bit wider would be a great help.

Normally it carries my MKIII, 24-70 and 85L or my 24-70 and 100-400. I may get their simplified shoulder strap kit to wear it on my back when shooting so the bag doesn't swing forward when I bend over and just to get it out of the way. I don't know how comfortable that will be though, looking at the photographs so I've put it off.

But this is my #1 go to bag, my storage ready bag, I may swap a few things around but mainly I like to keep it light and simple and this bag does that well.

But they also have a new shoulder bag where I can keep my MKIII with the 85L mounted and the 24-70 in another slot and looks even less like a camera bag - I'm looking at one of those when they come to my store, in additon they have in the same line, one that will carry just two lenses and no camera body which might be nicer for working out of.

Think Tank is constantly designing new bags, very thoughtful and ever changing to our needs, I like this a lot.

timnosenzo wrote in post #10143471
Which 70-200?

2.8 IS.

xMClass wrote in post #10143014
Question: Can I fit a 24-70, 70-200 AND a 580EX II inside the main compartment? I'm considering this bag for day to day shooting.

I would bet yes as I've had thicker lenses in there in all three tubes, you'd be swapping out a lens for a flash.

xMClass wrote in post #10143014
Question: Can I fit a 24-70, 70-200 AND a 580EX II inside the main compartment? I'm considering this bag for day to day shooting.

You might take a look at the new Think Tank "Retrospective 20" for that kit. It appears to have a special inside pocket for the flash, and looks like it will be great for those 2 larger lenses, either one mounted to the camera. I like the wide-open top for easy access to the gear without fumbling with the zipper-slit opening.

-howard

selling my UD30 for the new retro10 if anyone is interested: https://photography-on-the.net …p?p=10210461#po​st10210461

^ should be here tomorrow!!! I'm stoked

PhatheadWRX wrote in post #10239385
^ should be here tomorrow!!! I'm stoked

You should be! This could very well be the last bag I need to buy... for a little while anyway...:o

Thought I'd add my 2c here since I took delivery of the UD30 today and already loving it very much. I purchased it online on Friday having watched Ben's youtube video review ( Thanks Ben )

It really was a choice between this and the Retro 10 and the UD won out because it could be secured and it was the right size for my needs. I intend it to carry my 1D4 and a couple of lenses plus a 580ExII on occasions when I only expect to use one body. While I originally intended to carry the 1D body in the front pocket, I found that doing so rather made the bag a little front heavy, not to mention bulky. I have thus far cramped the 1D, 24-70(hood reversed), 16-35 and flash into the main compartment which also holds the hood of the 16-35 and a Giottos rocket blower. You can create a little more space by moving the end dividers right up to the edge of the sides of the bag and still keep your AAs in the slips. The UD30 comes with a set of 6 spare velcro'd dividers which I use as padding to protect my gear.


Y'all have a nice evening

UD30 is nice and small and holds a lot. I tried the UD35v2.0 and found it too much like a small suitcase hanging off of me. Too bad they are no longer making the 30. Some stores still have the UD30 though.

@Ben, great review as always

Savas K wrote in post #11755065
UD30 is nice and small and holds a lot. I tried the UD35v2.0...

Not sure what version I have, but I just picked up the UD35 as I was trying out the Shape Shifter. the Shape Shifter is truly a unique backpack and I can imagine a need for it however for my immediate requirements, I decided the UD35 was just the thing. It appears to be identical in concept & construction to Ben's UD30 but (as you pointed out, Savas) it's a bit larger:
UD30: 10x11x4.5" (25.5x28x11cm)
UD35: 10.5x13.5x6" (26.4x34.5x15cm)

The extra space is essential for me as I wanted the option to carrry my 11.6" Netbook* with me. However, this is not the only difference; if you're using a grip,you can fold back the top of the camera/Netbook divider and voila, you now have the extra depth necessary for the grip

I'll be able to fit in my 50D+24-105 f/4, my 70-200 f/4, my 580EX and even my Lumiquest diffusor and a few odds & ends. There won't be room for much else (i.e. no lunch / Notebook AC adapter or otherwise), but that's ok for my needs.

*Heck, just tossed in my Dell XPS M1330 13.3" and that "big" sucker fits great too!

The 35 v2.0 is a fantastic option when you need to have the equipment you mention. My opinion was just for me as my intentions were for wearing the bag to museums and whatnot, while still having ability to carry a locked and loaded 70-200 f/2.8 L IS. My ego got the best of me when doing the mirror walk.

btw - I scored a 30 the other day....

Savas K wrote in post #11797081
The 35 v2.0 is a fantastic option when you need to have the equipment you mention ... btw - I scored a 30 the other day...

Congratulations on your new UD30

Regarding the UD35, I just packed it with everything I noted above, added some filters, extra battery pack and even snuck in an EF-S 60mm just below the 24-105 (attached to my 50D). It all fit and there's ample room just above the gear for my Sun Sniper strap (which is pretty bulky) too!

But that's pretty much it. No room for anything else (i.e. sunglasses and what not). But being able to fit that much gear into it has it's down side... the weight! I usually carry that much gear in a backpack and thus the weight is distributed over both shoulders. It'll take some getting used to to carry that kind of weight over one shoulder. I am wearing it like a messenger (bag behind left hip, strap over right shoulder).

Things become more enjoyable when I take out the 50D+24-105 and sling it over the other (left) shoulder, with the camera sitting over my right hip. This helps to distribute the weight. And if I remove the Netbook, then weight is no longer a topic.

Time will tell if I'll manage to carry it all over the one shoulder. Think Tank's shoulder pad is thick but quite stiff (when new, at least)... . Carrying / wearing tips appreciated

You have available with the v2.0 series the optional straps that allow rigging to your bag a pouch for sunglasses, an extra lens, or whatever. Or sunglasses can be in the case they came in and maybe inserted into the outer stretch pockets. You can lash a small tripod to the bag with the aforementioned optional straps. You also have the optional backpack straps for doing a long duration carry with the fully loaded bag. Of course, there's skin accessories. I have fashioned a skin belt with a skin 50 pouch for carrying a grip-less, lens-less body; during when I want more lenses in the 30. Pull the body, flatten the pouch and then the shoulder bag is a little bit lighter going into shooting mode. The skin 50 can help augment lens swaps while in the standing position.

jacobsen1 wrote in post #10210805
selling my UD30 for the new retro10 if anyone is interested: https://photography-on-the.net …p?p=10210461#po​st10210461

Ben--could you provide a link to your thoughts on a Retro 10?
Just watched your video. helps. Finally bought a Retro 10 PineSol today. Encouraged! Henry's discounted from the unreasonably high Cdn price even though they had little stock.

Best

2mnycars wrote in post #11819798
Ben--could you provide a link to your thoughts on a Retro 10?
Just watched your video. helps. Finally bought a Retro 10 PineSol today. Encouraged! Henry's discounted from the unreasonably high Cdn price even though they had little stock.

Best

that's what dedicated threads are for:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=978508