Think Tank Retrospective 20 - Review

ChrisHeathcote

ChrisHeathcote

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Recently I have been trying to evaluate how I carry my kit. During my search I have looked at modular systems, holsters, beltpacks, dual strap systems even the Spider holster systems and in the end I have settled on the Think Tank Retrospective 20. As this is something that comes up a lot I thought I would share my thoughts, I hope others may find it helpful. (Mods, feel free to move this to the review section. For some reason I do not have sufficient privileges :( )

Quality
This feels as though it was built to last. With a very heavy duty cotton and substantial stitching. The only down side is that the 2 external side pockets are a little awkward to access because of how stiff the material is (this may ease with use). It also comes supplied with a rain cover which is in a detachable pouch, so that if it isn't needed it can be removed (see pouch inside front pocket on pictures) All the straps and handles are very well made with heavy duty buckles. The strap is well made with a nicley padded sleeve, which has rubber grips to stop it from slipping off the shoulder

Security
This was one area that concerned me because of it not having any zips. However the velcro patches are incredibly strong and take a good yank to lift the front flap. This is accompanied by a very loud ripping sound, so I think you would need to be unconscious to not notice someone trying to get in.

Style & size
This was one of the big attractions, it doesn't look like a camera bag. It also isn't too bulky so you dont have to worry about knocking things over if you turn around.

Side by side comparison with Fastpack 350

IMG_2129.jpg by Chris Heathcote, on Flickr

IMG_2130.jpg by Chris Heathcote, on Flickr

Capacity
I guess this is the crunch point, after all its no use if I cant get my things inside. This is this bags strength, its like the Tardis. See the pictures


IMG_2117.jpg by Chris Heathcote, on Flickr

fits into


Full.jpg by Chris Heathcote, on Flickr
(removable rain cover attached to the red tag)

This is what is inside:
Sigma 150-500 OS HSM (Tripod ring attached, hood removed), Canon 60D with Grip attached, Canon 430EXii, Canon 5D mk iii with Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 Vc attached (Hood reversed, ring removed), Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC,Canon 50mm f/1.8, Ipad 2. There is still room in the inside pouches for memory cards, batteries, cloths, charger & cables. A monopod could be attached to one of the external straps

This is what I will normally carry


IMG_2128.jpg by Chris Heathcote, on Flickr

5D mkiii & 60D (both gripped), Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC (attached to 5D mkiii with lens hood ready to go), Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 VC (ring attached with hood reversed), Canon 430exii, Canon 50 f/1.8 & BR Sport alomg with memory cards, batteries etc.


IMG_2123.jpg by Chris Heathcote, on Flickr

This fits in with room to spare.

Conclusion

At £110-130 This certainly isnt cheap, however it is a solidly made bag that is built to last. Its size and looks makes it ideal for days out. The only times I can see this carrying my full gear, may be on wildlife outings, however I tried this with my BR strap over my left shoulder (camera on right) with 5D mkiii and 70-200 attached and the 60D with 150-500 attached in the bag over my right shoulder (bag to the left and yes it does fit). This worked really well as when I needed extra length I could leave my 70-200 by my side and grab the other out of the bag. I also prefer this to walking round with visible cameras dangling on both sides. I would highly recommend this bag
 
Today I took this out for its first trip, so I thought I'd add my experience.

The bag was loaded as in the second set up, however I removed the grip from the 5D3. My wife commented on the weight of the bag, however after carrying it around all day, it didn't feel heavy or uncomfortable. Gaining access was a dream too. Normally I would use my sling, but today I used the Velcro "silencers" to stop the flap from fastening down and just reached in and grabbed the camera as and when needed. I had the 24-70 fitted with hood in the ready position. On one occasion I wanted to grab my flash to add some fill light, as this is below a divider that sits under the middle section I just pulled up one side of the Velcro and grabbed it. In short I love this bag more, I think it is fast becoming my best friend :)
 
Many thanks for this Chris - after reading this I found some reviews on YouTube that also praised this bag highly so I have one on the way - there is a supplier that has them at a good price at the moment. Looks like the everyday bag I have been searching for :)
 
You're welcome, I'm glad it helped. Having trawled through various sites trying to come with a workable solution, I thought is write this to help others. Enjoy trying to fill it when it arrives :)
 
Really good review. This is one of the bags I am considering, so it's good to see some photos of one with similar kit packed in. Thanks. :)
 
Good write up. I can echo the comments re the quality of this bag as I use a Retro 10, same length and width but not as tall. I have it set up to take a 1D MkIII with a 24-105L attached, lens down, in the centre of the bag, with a divider either side. To either side I have a 17-40L + 580 EXII. My Gitzo 1542T goes nicely under the flap. The other numerous pockets take the usual batteries, cards, cable release, meter etc. etc. This is my usual walkabout kit and I can carry the bag comfortably all day with this kit in it. The exterior end pockets are a little tight, but one of these holds a telescopic umbrella securely.
 
Chris theres no doubt this bag can hold plenty of gear, I had one myself. but what I found, trying to load it up with all your kit made it a bit of a fumble getting stuff in and out of it. but the biggest drawback was how heavy this bag can get and it how uncomfortable it is on your shoulder. my advice don't overload it, just take what you need. I didn't keep this bag very long and bought a Thinktank Slingomatic 30 instead and customised it with a Thinktank comfort trap. but each to there own and the retrospective is a stylish bag.

Almost forgot, the side pockets on the bag I found are almost useless as they were too tight to get anything into other than something slim like paper, cards or batteries
 
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I agree if you load it up it does get rather heavy, however I think the main use for this bag would be as a day bag, most of the time mine will carry both bodies, 70-200, 24-70, 50mm and a 430EXii. I carried this lot around clumber park on Sunday and found it comfortable and didn't have any issue getting things out. As to the side pockets, not quite sure what I'd use them for, however I have found that my Giottos monopod fits nicely through one of the loops on the side. (I'll post a pic shortly).
 
I have the same bag and found the side pockets aside from pens a little pointless as well because they have no give. The back pocket is the perfect size for an iPad aswell.
I tend to use it when I don't want to stick out as Mr Photographer or know I'm going to family do and can leave it in the corner. Otherwise I prefer backups and have the Streetwalker Pro and recently the Lowepro Flipside sport which I wore snowboarding :)
 
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