Think Tank or Domke?

[Techy Guy]

Ok, I'm sure this will have been asked at some point so apologies if it's been discussed at length already

I want a 'new' (aka previously loved probably!) bag to replace my Lowepro 202AW which is only months old but I've decided that rucksack style is not for me. Looking at either a Think Tank Retrospective 7 or a Domke F2 probably, although I'd consider maybe an F3 and others which are generally similar in style, size and quality. Any comments / advice? All appreciated.

Will tend to carry a gripped D300, 35mm, 50mm, 16-85mm, flash, a few filters, the usual other accessories that I always seem to carry and seldom ever use and occasionally an 80 - 200 f2.8, although that could be carried separately.

Thanks!

 

[kokakaste2]

Either will be a really nice bag. Also look at Billingham bags, they make similar looking bags. Be careful with how much you carry around in a shoulder bag, with all the gear you listed I wouldn't imagine to do a full day out walking.

Also note that Lowepro bags have overly excessive padding, more than actually necessary. ThinkTank Retro bags and Domke have a lot less padding (enough to protect the gear, but not add extra weight). Just something worth mentioning as it freaks out some people.

 

[seriousrikk]

My experience of going lowepro to think tank recently was very positive.

I got a much bigger retro bag for when I shoot gigs, the 20, but the build quality is superb. The bag is flexible enough to mold to my side when carried over my shoulder, so doesn't feel that bulky. I like it so much that I am now looking at a smaller version for when I travel light!

All the pro grade bags are going to be good, it just turns out Think tank work well with me.

 

[danbroad]

All good names. One thing to think of, though... In the event of changing gear and wanting to sell on your bag secondhand, though, Domke and Billingham command better prices - just look at 20 year old bags subject to bidding wars on eBay.

No bad choices here when it comes to build quality or reputation, though.

 

[Techy Guy]

Thanks everyone so far, very reassuring. Good point about re-sale values too Dan, and will add Billingham to the potential list.

 

[kokakaste2]

My experience of going lowepro to think tank recently was very positive.

I got a much bigger retro bag for when I shoot gigs, the 20, but the build quality is superb. The bag is flexible enough to mold to my side when carried over my shoulder, so doesn't feel that bulky. I like it so much that I am now looking at a smaller version for when I travel light!

All the pro grade bags are going to be good, it just turns out Think tank work well with me.

I have three ThinkTank bags, all great. But I would not get smaller Retro bag for travel, backpack is much much better choice.