Best Think Tank Retrospective 7 Tall Shoulder Bag - Blue Slate Cotton Deals

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I've amassed quite a collection of camera bags over the years, including a couple of LowePro Slingshot bags, a Tamrac Velocity 9 and now the Think Tank Retrospective 7. I was looking for a bag that would hold a bit more than the Tamrac, including an iPad, but wasn't huge and could be worn at my side. If it didn't obviously look like a camera bag, more the better. I saw a review of the Think Tank Retrospective 7 on a blog and decided to give it a try.

The main compartment of the bag has generally three spaces, a center one for a camera body plus lens, and one on each side for other lenses, flash, or whatever. There is a divider with pockets, there are pockets in the flap, and then there's the separate zippered pocket that will hold an iPad or a small laptop. I like that the flap can either be secured with two large Velcro patches, or you can cover the Velcro hook side with a sewn-in flap to allow for "quiet" opening (since the Velcro is anything but quiet.)

I was especially pleased that the shoulder strap could be adjusted to be very long being 6'4", I often find I run out of strap, but not this time. There is also a shorter fabric strap handle you can use to carry the bag.

The inside of the bag is reconfigurable, with some extra dividers provided. It protects and organizes well and doesn't draw attention to itself. There's even an outside pocket on one end and a strap on the other from which you can attach accessories.

I plan on using the Think Tank Retrospective 7 when I go on vacation when I also want to take my iPad. It's not much bigger than the Tamrac Velocity 9 and is more flexible in use.

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I bought this messenger bag for upcoming two weeks business trip in China where I hope to get a few shots in the evenings and during the weekends. Going light, low profile and comfortable were the criteria. It was going to be humid, and I plan to do some walking.

So for the upcoming trips and to avoid carrying multiple bags for meetings and touring the locale, I decided to look for a rugged and inconspicuous bag that can house a semi-pro body (D800) and couple of lens and accessories. Unfortunately like many photo enthusiasts with too many gears and choices, none of my other 5 bags (Lowepro flipside+Nova, Tenba large shoulder, Tamrac expedition+backpack) could fit the bill. Mental note: women buy many bags, and photographers tend to buy too many camera bags. Being cautious of buying yet another bag, I watched many videos and read reviews online of what Domke, Think Tank, Tenba, Lowepro, etc. have to offer. Ultimately I went with this retrospective 7 bag after considering a 5 or 10 also. After receiving the bag and walking around with it for a couple of days with different gears, I am pretty impressed and happy by the raw yet practical aspects of the bag.

Here are some of the details that got my attention:

HEAVIER THAN IT LOOKS: First of all, it feels heavier than it looks. The material is rugged and adds weight.

RETRO AND WORN LOOKING: It has a retro look all around and already a worn look. The squared corners like the ones on the front pouch will wear out faster with regular use.

TOUGH STRAPS BUT COMFORTABLE: The straps are heavy duty and more than adequate for any weight you can pack in the bag. The shoulder pad on the strap is well cushioned for comfort.

VERSATILE AND PRACTICAL: The main compartment of the bag can easily fit two D700/D800 with up to a 6" long lens. In my case, loosely fitted A d800 with a 50mm, a 105mm, and a 17-35mm. The outside pocket fits my SB600 with caps and blower. I also carry an iPad with the bag. A water holder can be strapped to the side of the bag also. There are plenty of space of other loose items like my HTC DNA, ear plugs, business cards, pens, and a pills tray. BTW, I can easily fit the D3 with a 24-70 vertically, but that is not the everyday configuration I had in mind.

VELCRO COVER IS MEH: The velcro'd flap with silencer is okay, but personally adding a couple of under flap clips would be marvelous IMO.

I can see myself tossing this bag into the truck and go. Many reviewers like the inconspicuous, low profile nature of this bag, and I would fully agree that the Retrospective does not announce itself a camera bag. Ultimately my business travels and interest with photography can be met with this bag as it offers a balance of practicality, ruggedness, and going low key.

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I already have several bags from TT, and the R7 like the others is a well designed and functional bag. I can carry my OMD-EM5, four lenses, full sized flash and bracket and extra batteries with ease. highly recommended.

Honest reviews on Think Tank Retrospective 7 Tall Shoulder Bag - Blue Slate Cotton

Now I wish I have different sizes as well to fit my different needs.

This particular one is fairly small feels light when you want to go light. It does not mean however that

it does not have space! As written on subject, I've used this on a recent outing carrying 3 lenses + 1 flash.

Build material seems to be good. Strap does however tire your shoulders out slowly under some load.

I've heard Retrospective 10 has wider strap which is much better than 7 have not verified it myself however.

I think I could have gone with slightly larger size but this works well too.

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Great product and I highly recommend it to all photography enthusiasts. Even though Amazon is making me type more and waste my time I believe I have said enough!