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UOFMTIGER'S DEN

ThinkTank Retrospective 20 Review

1/21/2013

2 Comments

 
Picture
I have been looking for the perfect over the shoulder bag and I think I finally found it.

I have several shoulder bags because I never really found what I was looking for, but each new bag had a feature that a bag I owned did not have.  

When I first read about the Retrospective 20, I thought it may check every single box on my wish list.  Here are a few of my requirements:

1.  Needs to be nondescript on the outside - I didn't want a flashy bag that looks like it houses expensive camera equipment.  The Retrospective 20 is as simple as it gets and the color (Pinestone) is something you don't see in a camera bag very often.

2.  Needs to fit a 100-400mm with body attached - This was my main requirement and it is very rare for a should bag.  The Retrospective can fit a 100-400mm with body  attached and the lens hood reversed.  In addition, it also has room for a 70-200 f4 at the same time.  As far as I know, this is unheard of in a shoulder bag.  

3.  Needs to have a few pockets for accessories - The bag has a large pocket in front that will fit a BookBook iPad case and another in the back that can fit an iPad with the smart cover (just to give you an idea of the sizes).  There is also a pocket inside that zips and a couple side pockets that can fit an iPhone.

4.  Needs to be comfortable to carry - The carry strap on the bag is fantastic.  

5.  Needs to sit flat - In other words, it needs to be flat on bottom so that I can sit it down without it tipping over.  This would typically be an issue with a messenger style bag, but the Retrospective sits without issue.

It filled every major requirement.  The only gripe I have is the way they keep the bag closed.  They used very loud velcro.  They do have a way to cover up the velcro for when you want to just lay the front flap over the top without securing it.  However, I would have also liked to see a snap for when you don't want to use velcro.   I do like the loud velcro because there is no way someone could get into your bag without being noticed, but I want something quiet and somewhat secure for times I want to be stealthy.  I may look into adding a snap of some sort.  I should mention that they included a nice rain cover if you get caught in a heavy downpour.

All in all, it is the perfect over the shoulder bag for me.  I should mention that it is taller than the average shoulder bag, but I am tall so it is not a problem.   If you are in the market for this type of bag, do yourself a favor and try out the Retrospective 20.   I may have purchased my last bag.

2 Comments
Charlie-Boston
2/25/2013 06:53:39 am

Hello.

I came across your reviews for both the BBK4 and ThinkTank Retro 20 the other day. I'm an hobbyist photographer that is beginning to carry my camera with me all the time. I am on an endless search for, "the" messenger bag that is primarily 1) a daily use laptop bag, then 2) safe enough to hold my D600 with prime 85 mm lens and a spare prime.

I read your review of the BBK4 Camera Bag back in June'12. How did the BBK4 hold up over the 6 months? Are the materials as durable as they look on screen? My concern is how can a bag this cheap, look this good, and be that durable? I'm also concerned about ordering directly from China without ever seeing the product in a store somewhere. What are your thoughts comparing the BBK4 to the ThinkThank Retro 20?

Reply
uofmtiger
2/25/2013 10:36:12 am

Hi Charlie,

I am not sure that either case will work for a 15 inch laptop. I don't have a smaller laptop to test, but the iPad fits just right. I usually carry a separate case for my laptop if I bring it along. I do have a couple backpacks that work with a laptop, but I don't have an over the shoulder bag for cameras that works with one.

The main reason I have the over the shoulder styled camera bags is for shorter trips and for city use, so I have never really looked into the bigger bags that you are referring to.

I have not really put either bag through a rough work out...I do most of my photography in spring and summer, but the BBK4 seems to be put together pretty well. So far, so good.

The main difference between the two bags is that the ThinkTank will fit a 100-400mm attached to the body and the BBK4 won't. I do prefer the looks of the BBK4, but because of the ability to keep a longer lens attached, I will mainly be using the ThinkTank.

When I take longer trips and want one bag, I always take a backpack with my laptop. It is easier to carry the weight on the back rather than the over the shoulder.

It seems that your needs are a bit different. I know Retrospective makes a larger over the shoulder bag that may work for you. They have one that is supposed to work with a 13 inch laptop (Retrospective 40) and another that is supposed to work with a 15 inch (Retrospective 50).

If you have any other questions, please let me know.

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