Thinktank retrospective 10 reveiw:

I'm considering the bag... two questions.

1) Too big for XSi + 17-55 and either Tokina 12-24 or 70-200 F4 IS?
2) Too small for all three of the above lenses?

I have a 5 MDH currently and the Tenba Messenger (small -- not mini), but I'm considering adding a third lens, and if I consider the Tenba too big, maybe the R10 might be a good in-betweener?

It will EASILY fit all three of the above.
it might be a tad big, depends on what else you want to bring and how much extra space is too much.
the retro 5 would also fit any 2 of the lenses you listed, but not with a camera on the 70-200.

Great review!

I ordered a timbuk2 snoop and it arrived today, great bag, but doesn't hold all my accessories easily. Ive wanted a think tank bag for a while, and should have bought one to begin with. I got spoiled with the padding on a crumpler, but again, no room for accessories without it bulging. Could you elaborate on the padding of these bags? Does it feel solid and safe? Especially on the bottom.

My main concern with the retrospective bags is security since they don't have a buckle closure. Especially since I travel a lot and take public transportation often. Can you comment on the security of these bags?

with the velcro fully exposure (ie using the whole thing) it won't open w/o you knowing it, or accidentally. As for the padding, it's on the thin side but I think it's perfect honestly. If you want more it's pretty easy to add under, on the ends, and even the front and back as needed if you're crafty.

jacobsen1 wrote in post #12639764
with the velcro fully exposure (ie using the whole thing) it won't open w/o you knowing it, or accidentally. As for the padding, it's on the thin side but I think it's perfect honestly. If you want more it's pretty easy to add under, on the ends, and even the front and back as needed if you're crafty.

That's good, as long as it's not super thin. I think if other people safe with it I probably should too. Like I said, though, I was spoiled with my Crumpler 7MDH. That thing was stiff and thick.

Well, I just ordered one. Here's to hoping the padding isn't too thin. I can't imagine it being thinner than my timbuk2 or canon bags.

I got a free pixel pocket rocket for using the Jared Polin affiliate link, so now I have two of them haha.

I have always found the padding on Think Tank UD and Retrospective series bags to be perfect ... but I don't drop or throw around my bags full of gear either.

I no longer use many LowePro or especially Crumpler bags because of the over-padded walls and dividers which made them so big and stiff to carry. It was like hanging a cooler full of beer over your shoulder. Way more padding than necessary unless you were planning on shipping them in the bag!

I also think you will find the flap-security more than adequate when the full velcro is exposed by the silencer flaps. That bag isn't going to open by itself! But, when you are shooting and want quick and quiet access, the "silencer" flaps work well either fully covered, or partial covering to achieve just the amount of stick you desire.

Good luck with your new Retro 10 ... hope you enjoy it!

-howard

You have a point! I also don't throw my bags around full of gear, lol. If It needs more padding, I'll DIY some in there.

I'll be able to really put it through the works on Saturday at a wedding I am assisting.

hfgarris wrote in post #12640267
I have always found the padding on Think Tank UD and Retrospective series bags to be perfect ... but I don't drop or throw around my bags full of gear either.

I no longer use many LowePro or especially Crumpler bags because of the over-padded walls and dividers which made them so big and stiff to carry. It was like hanging a cooler full of beer over your shoulder. Way more padding than necessary unless you were planning on shipping them in the bag!

I also think you will find the flap-security more than adequate when the full velcro is exposed by the silencer flaps. That bag isn't going to open by itself! But, when you are shooting and want quick and quiet access, the "silencer" flaps work well either fully covered, or partial covering to achieve just the amount of stick you desire.

Good luck with your new Retro 10 ... hope you enjoy it!

-howard

I think the amount of padding is fine on the Retrospective series, but I do wish the dividers were a little stiffer and didn't buckle so easily.

StayLucky wrote in post #12640194
I got a free pixel pocket rocket for using the Jared Polin affiliate link, so now I have two of them haha.

thanks for using my link (that's all over the review on my site)...

jacobsen1 wrote in post #12640705
thanks for using my link (that's all over the review on my site)...

I had honestly forgotten about yours. I read your review late last night and went back to researching early this afternoon and saw his in a video and clicked on it. I apologize.

jacobsen1 wrote in post #12638067
It will EASILY fit all three of the above.
it might be a tad big, depends on what else you want to bring and how much extra space is too much.
the retro 5 would also fit any 2 of the lenses you listed, but not with a camera on the 70-200.

Interesting. Thanks. What you're saying, then, is that the R5 would work with either of the wider lenses mounted and the 70-200 unmounted, just not with the 70-200 mounted?

I currently have my Retrospective-5 (the tiny one) configured with a T2i mounted to a 15-85IS with a 200mm f/2.8 sitting next to it. The bag is comfortably full, but really nice sized for carrying. Any prime less than that would fit in there fine, or a regular flash.

-howard

tigerotor77w wrote in post #12641586
Interesting. Thanks. What you're saying, then, is that the R5 would work with either of the wider lenses mounted and the 70-200 unmounted, just not with the 70-200 mounted?

correct. I use mine with 2 different configs:

Landscaping:

• 5Dii w/17-40L attached
  
• 70-300 VC along side
  
• NEX5 in left over main compartment space
  

• 5Dii w/24L II attached
  
• sigma 85mm 1.4 next to it
  
• NEX5 in left over main compartment space
  

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …s/benjacobsen/5​690777307/

Cool, thanks! Appreciate the link to the review, too... I didn't see it on your site (or here) when I did an admittedly cursory glance around.