Think Tank Retrospective 7

[wyx087]

anyone use this bag? how is it? any better alternatives?

using Lowepro Nova 160 at the moment, love quick access to the camera with a single flap, so looking for a similar style of shoulder bag. (read flap access messenger styled bag)

problem I have with Nova 160 is its size, it's just not large enough for a full frame and 1 L lens, let alone the accessories I want to put in it. :shake:

would Retrospective 7 able to hold:
-5D mark 2 with:
-either 24-105L with hood attached or 17-40L with hood attached
-space for the unattached lens and its hood
-50mm nifty fifty
-space for either Tamron 70-300mm or the 430exII flashgun
-spaces for filters and accessories
-somewhere to hang a gorillapod
-wallet, keys, pens and other stuff.

so far, the Retrospective looks promising. but just want to get people's second opinion, and perhaps other bags that more suits my need.

 

[HoppyUK]

No. And I know that without even checking.

Go to the ThinkTank website, take the internal dimensions, and you'll soon see what's possible. The softish Retrospectives have a quite a lot of 'give' in them though, if you don't mind it bulging a bit.

My advice is, when in doubt, go one size up. You'll be sure to get it all in, and if you're not tempted to cram it to the brim, everything will be that much easier to get at.

 

[r1bazza]

I have the retro 10 and so far I've got the following in;
D300+16-85,55-300 and 40mm lenses,SB-800 flash gun plus various bits(cleaning stuff,Cokin filters etc and small lunchbox ).Still could cram another lens in but it would probably be a tight fit.Luurverly bag though.

 

[wyx087]

video reviews say it fits Nikon's 12-24, 24-70 and 70-200 f2.8 lenses without problem. mine stuff isn't any bigger than those.

also don't like the idea of having a overly large bag. want a just-enough bag.

also, the 10 doesn't seem to have space for notepad/ipad, whereas the 7 seems newer with space for ipad.

 

[HoppyUK]

video reviews say it fits Nikon's 12-24, 24-70 and 70-200 f2.8 lenses without problem. mine stuff isn't any bigger than those.

also don't like the idea of having a overly large bag. want a just-enough bag.

also, the 10 doesn't seem to have space for notepad/ipad, whereas the 7 seems newer with space for ipad.

Website says "Accommodates a Nikon D700 w/ 24-70 f/2.8 attached, 70-200 f/2.8 detached + SB-900 Speedlight." So where are you going to hide two more lenses and a Gorillapod?

 

[SteveF]

Regardless of what the reviews say ...the retrospective are not a comfortable carry if overloaded...trust me i use a 10 and have just purchased a 20 which will be loaded with less gear than you wish to carry.....hoping that it will be just the business.

 

[wyx087]

hum, 10 seems same size as 7. in fact less wide! 20 seems to be only taller, which I don't need?
7: 12.5” W x 8.8” H x 5” D (31.8 × 22.4 × 12.7 cm)
10: 12” W x 9.5” H x 6” D (30.5 x 24 x 15.2 cm)
20: 12” W x 11.75” H x 6” D (30.5 x 29.8 x 15.2 cm)

really not sure to be frank. it's supposed to be a travel-light bag, may be I'll have to re-think the space requirement on the bag:

17-40L and 24-105L is absolutely minimal, plus a flashgun would probably be enough. question is would there be enough room in the bag with the hood attached on those 2 lenses?

SteveF, are you looking to sell your Retro 10 bag?

 

[simonblue]

I use an 10 & 30,i used to have an 20,i use the 10 for mirrorless kit & the 30 for DSLR kit.

The problem i find with any bag,its just not the kit that get put into it all the bits and bobs that seem to end up in it,i take a bag out with me 24/7.

I would say alway go for a bit bigger than you need

 

[HoppyUK]

If it helps, I have a similar outfit to yours, and after testing over a dozen or more options, recently added a Lowepro Event Messenger 250 to my collection http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-lowepro-event-messenger-250-shoulder-bag-mica/p1529347

It is perfect for: 5D2 with 24-105L attached inc hood, 17-40L (hood separate), 70-200L 4 IS (2.8 version would fit just as well), and flash. Plenty of space for filters, batteries, triggers etc, iPad slot, and each elasticated end pocket will take another 580EX gun. I don't carry it far like that though!

Bag advice is very difficult. There are hundreds out there, every outfit is different, and personal preferences vary a lot. But that bag will certainly take your outfit, it's messenger style (but doesn't have that huge flap like the Retrospectives that gets in the way) and I like the colour

 

[SteveF]

hum, 10 seems same size as 7. in fact less wide! 20 seems to be only taller, which I don't need?
7: 12.5” W x 8.8” H x 5” D (31.8 × 22.4 × 12.7 cm)
10: 12” W x 9.5” H x 6” D (30.5 x 24 x 15.2 cm)
20: 12” W x 11.75” H x 6” D (30.5 x 29.8 x 15.2 cm)

really not sure to be frank. it's supposed to be a travel-light bag, may be I'll have to re-think the space requirement on the bag:

17-40L and 24-105L is absolutely minimal, plus a flashgun would probably be enough. question is would there be enough room in the bag with the hood attached on those 2 lenses?

SteveF, are you looking to sell your Retro 10 bag?

I would say the 10 is ok for 1 body with a medium zoom attached + 1 additional lens + flash but i caveat the "lens"....for me the D700/24-120 f4 + 16-35 f4 was about at its limit, not just for weight but also the bulk.

I'm hanging onto the 10 to be honest and going to use it far a Micro 4/3 kit.