The original Speed Freak (V1) was my go to bag for any event work I do. It was comfortable, held as much stuff as I needed with plenty of room to spare, was very well laid out, built like a tank, and didn't look at all large or cumbersome. Version 2 (V2) makes some things better and simplifies others.
I'll provide a video comparison shortly and wanted to post the text now when it might do the most good.
The big differences are:
Waist belt: V1 had a rather bulky belt with both halves tucked into a pocket in the back of the bag. V2 has a thinner belt that tucks into separate Velcro and zipper sealed pockets along the sides. (Zippers hold the pockets closed when the belt is stowed and Velcro when it's in use. That gives you two more usable pockets.) The result is the V2 bag is considerably thinner when the belt is stowed. The V2 belt also more comfortable, conforms better to my waist, and makes for a better and more secure fit.
Shoulder strap: V2 adds some anti-slip material. Also, the V2 buckles are "beefier" and much easier to adjust.
Interior padding: V1 allowed you to remove a layer of padding (which I always did to get additional space). V2 has it permanently attached. However, the padding that is permanently attached is a bit denser than with V1 and there are less layers of material since the Velcro needed to hold the V1 removable lining in place is eliminated. The result is the internal volume of the V2 bag with padding is about the same as the V1 bag without.
The two end pockets on the V1 are mesh and solid material with the V2. The result is with the V2 nobody sees what you have there. For me it's usually a lens cap and a light meter.
The top zipper that runs across the top and which many people don't understand is still there. It's one of the best features of the bag. Please indulge me while I explain. It's not meant to allow you to move a camera in and out of the bag, something I've seen complaints about. (Grammar, who needs it :) ) What it does do is allow you to change lenses while the top flap remains closed.
Zipper pulls are plastic tabs instead of knotted cord. (OK, this isn't a "big difference".)
If you already have a V1 all this may not be reason enough to "upgrade". And unfortunately because of they way they build these things (like tanks) your old bag isn't likely to wear out any time soon. However, if you are looking for a versatile mid-sized bag with lots of features and were on the fence before, these changes may be enough to sway your opinion.
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Are you serious? I had a Lowepro bag for about a year now till I decided to spend some money on the Thinktank brand since many photographers seem to love it. I have to tell you that I will be nearly impossible for me to go with a different brand. The engineering that goes into the Thinktank bags is exceptional.
Thinktank thinks of everything and on top of that they throw in a rain cover for every bag. The material is strong and feels very professional. Attention to detail is what photographers are known for, and the Thinktank brand brings it in their bags.
The speed freak v2 is just what I was looking for; I usually carry it on my waist, and I remove the shoulder strap. Inside the bag in the center I have a Canon 60D with a Canon 24-70 L 2.8 hood reverse, on the left of the camera a Sigma 70-200 hood reverse with a lens collard, on the right of the camera a Canon 430EX Flash and a Rocket Air Blaster (Large), in the front I have a few filters and a battery charger. To the belt I attached a Benro Travel Angel tripod A0690T. There is more room on the side pockets and more space in the belt for attachments, but I want to move light so my set up works for me.
The ease of access and the weight distribution to the hips makes this bag the perfect solution for a long day of shooting. Yes the price seems high if you never had a Thinktank bag, but once you buy it you will never buy another brand.
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This is my first Think Tank purchase. I twisted and twisted on if i should spend this much on another bag, but being the proud owner of a closet full of camera bags by Lowepro, Crumpler and Domke, i gave in and gave them a try.
My first impression was WOW.
Then i realised that the people who made this bag thinks about what they are going to make, and taught alot about the photographer that is going to use it.
The quality and craftsman ship on this bag is outstanding, and actually makes it look as if it is as strong as a tank.
So this bag manufacture deserves to call themselves Think Tank.
It was a pleasure to see that it can comfortably fit my
In the centre Nikon D300s with 17-55 lens attached, hood reversed.
to the left side Nikon 70-300 vr lens and sb900 flash.
to the right side Nikon 35 lens ans Sigma 8-16.
The only negative i found on this bag is that it made all my other bags oboslete.
Its the best of two worlds
A shoulder bag for accessability, with a built in waist strap for security and comfort.
UPDATE 21st july 2011
FWIW even with the same stuff listed above in the bag, the D300s with grip fits. the bag will loose its kidney shape, but will still close comfortably.
Honest reviews on Think Tank Speed Freak V2.0 Waist Pack
The Think Tank Speed Freak bag, sized between the smaller Speed Demon and the larger Speed Racer, is highly functional, comfortable, and rugged.
First, functionality: In the main compartment, which I divided into three sections with the provided padded dividers, I can carry the following: in one end section, a Canon f/4 70-200 zoom lens with hood; in the other end section, a wide-angle lens on its side, and below it, separated by a horizontal padded separator, a cleaning kit and other small items (if your wide-angle lens is large, you may have to store it vertically); and in the center section, a Canon 60D with a Canon 24-105 zoom mounted. The bag also has a surprising number of external and internal compartments for filters, cards, batteries, and other gear. Two external mesh compartments will hold either lenses for quick access, or water bottles, a folded hat, etc. The zippered top of the main compartment opens toward you, which makes gear access much easier. A nice touch: The bag has its own, built-in rain cover.
Next, comfort: The bag has a curved shape that fits snugly against your hip and distributes the pressure against your body. The shoulder strap is nicely contoured, well padded, and has a grippy material on the underside that holds it in place. The loaded bag feels lighter than it is. A wide waist strap, which tucks neatly out of sight when not in use, provides extra support and secures the bag more tightly against you when you need it. Frankly, I thought I'd use the waist strap more than I have; the only time I think I'll need it will be when I wear the bag for long periods or take it on hikes, where a free-swinging bag is a bother.
Finally, ruggedness: This bag is built like a tank. The fabric is very tough, the zippers and clips are oversize, and the construction quality is very high.
I had the benefit of trying on several bags and sling packs before choosing this one, which went quickly to the top of the pack.
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I have several camera bags and all serve different purposes. This bag is the most versatile and well designed of all of them. It has gobs of well designed and secure storage compartments. On the front of the bag is a strong zippered pocket to hold pen, spare memory cards (I use a pixel pocket rocket, love it and it secures to a loop in this pocket). The included rain pouch is stored neatly here. The inners of the bag are highly configurable. My 70-200 zoom fits in the bag with hood removed, standing up. My D200 will stand without lens attached vertically and in the last compartment I can store a strobe, spare lens. There is also another space inside of the back of the bag that is secured at the top with velcro. In there I put my camera manual and filters. The filters are well protected in there with much padding. On each side of the bag are neoprene pockets that comfortably hold a water bottle, and my Seconic light meter. The strap is sturdy and adjustable with nonslip material that is brilliant. I can sling the bag around to rest on the small of my back and it stays there. I have not used the included storable belt but will give it a run the next time I use the bag. I have no doubt it will work well, and if I leave the strap on it will provide additional support since I can cinch the strap tight to hold up the belt and bag. Padding is excellent, all will be secure. Oh, inside of the top flap is an opaque zippered pocket in which I put spare batteries and my eyepiece cover. This bag is well thought out and just awesome. It makes carrying the kit a joy. I love think tank products. I also own the street walker pro hard drive and it is the most comfortable backpack I have EVER used going back to the old book days in college. Wish I had it then. Cheers. Get it you will not be disappointed.Think Tank Speed Freak V2.0 Waist Pack
