Think Tank Bag Question

[Comanche]

I now have more bags than any one person should have, but I just can't find exactly what I want. Maybe some of you can help.

I know the Think Tank line has an excellent reputation. I have been thinking about getting a belt-type bag (like a fanny pack) from them, but don't know which one. I need something to use when I am shooting sports or a news story.

I normally carry my camera on my shoulder with a 24-105 lens on it. But, as often happens, I may need my 70-200 or my 17-40 or 1.4X extender. I usually don't carry a flash, but always have a spare battery and a few extra CF cards. So - - I'm looking for a "fanny pack" for the extra stuff, not the camera.

Ideas?

[LoungeLizard]

Not a fanny pack, but take a look at the Think Tank Urban Disguise line. I have the UD30 and UD40 both. In my UD30, I can fit:

One camera body with grip
70-200 with hood upright
24-70 with hood upright
another small lens (or two) on top of the 24-70
580ex on one of the outside pockets
CP-E3 on the other outside pocket

The UD40 adds another "stack" and a pocket for another camera body.

They both have rain covers built-in.

[KdLaneJr]

Doug, I went with the Modulus 6 by Think Tank. It comes with enough stuff to do you are asking for with one exception. You will need the lens changer 75 or the whip it out for your 70-200.
I'm still getting used to mine, but find it very effective. It is nice to have everything where you can reach it and not have to take a backpack off to get at extras.
It is very configurable. They also make a "chimp cage" designed to carry a spare body on the belt.

[Comanche]

Originally Posted by KdLaneJr

Doug, I went with the Modulus 6 by Think Tank. It comes with enough stuff to do you are asking for with one exception. You will need the lens changer 75 or the whip it out for your 70-200.
I'm still getting used to mine, but find it very effective. It is nice to have everything where you can reach it and not have to take a backpack off to get at extras.
It is very configurable. They also make a "chimp cage" designed to carry a spare body on the belt.

Thanx, Ken - I just wandered around the Think Tank site. I had never thought of the Modulus system before, but the more I look at it, the better it seems. I don't have to take an entire bag along with me - just for what I need for that shoot.

How does it feel on your hips when you have 2-3 lenses on it? Comfortable, or do you think you will get the shoulder harness?

[AndrewCCM]

I have considered one of those for awhile too.. But dang it if I can't keep my pants on without the extra belt around my waist! Wait, did I just say that? LOL

[Comanche]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

I have considered one of those for awhile too.. But dang it if I can't keep my pants on without the extra belt around my waist! Wait, did I just say that? LOL

Wait a minute - are you saying you can't keep your pants on, Andrew?

[AndrewCCM]

Yeah... pretty much..

[athompson]

Doug: I have been using the Modulus Speed Set (6 piece) for almost two years and can not speak highly enough of it. I use it for sports and events. The ability to carry only which pieces you need and to be able to move them around as you change position etc, is wonderful. Never have problems getting through crowds with it, either.

Click on the link from the Nikonians web page, and you get a free gift also.

Happy as I am with Think Tank, I'm also looking at the Newswear Chestvest.

[KdLaneJr]

Doug, It feels plenty comfortable as long as you stay standing up. I did a shoot recently that required me to kneel quite often and the belt felt too tight to me when I was bending to get back up but I had it cinched pretty snug to start with. I was carrying all the components plus a whip it out for my 70-200. Lenses on the belt included the 24-70, 85 mkII and the 70-200. I pretty much used either the 24-105, 85, or 70-200 for my shots. Could have left the 24-70 at home. The stowage back had a spare set of batteries for the 5D which I ended up needing, 16 rechargable alkalines and my sekonic lightmeter.
Whether or not the belt pulls down on not seems to be driven by how well you balance your load.
Later that evening I used it on the San Antonio riverwalk. Loosen the belt, left a couple of lenses and home and really enjoyed it. The flash case was easy for me to reach, open and grab the flash out of even when I left it on the back of my hip.
I don't think you'll be disappointed with the modulus system.
I don't expect to buy the shoulder harness just yet.

[mdurisseau]

I have the Think Tank Speed Belt with The Chimp Cage (holds two batteries for the 1D, two batteries for the 20D, a large plastic bag, spare AA batteries, digital audio recorder, 1.4x converter, two CF cards, and the rain cover for the Chimp Cage), the Lens Changer 75, and the Lens Changer 50...one of the best investments I've made...

p. s. I am going to answer your request...just taking a break on a project right now...

[jhom]

TT has many different options. I have been using the Speed Belt system for a couple of years. Love it. I bought the TT Change Up. It is my favorite pack/belt/shoulder bag. It will do what you have in mind. It is made to hold a 70-200 plus another large lens such as a 24-70 or a 16-35. Like you, I typically have my camera on my shoulder or in my hand with a lens attached. The CU holds the other two lenses I typically carry.

The CU is easily converted into a belt pack or belt system. You can attach additional Modulus components as needed. The best part of the bag is that you can wear it with its chest harness. This makes movement as well as carrying your gear very comfortable for a long haul.

You might want to check the various configurations for the CU on the TT website: http://thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ChngUp.php

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by jhom

The best part of the bag is that you can wear it with its chest harness. This makes movement as well as carrying your gear very comfortable for a long haul.

In other words, it'll help me keep my pants on??

Or at least not contribute to the depant'ing

[Riff Raff]

I've been looking seriously at the Think Tank belt system. It seems like it'd be fantastic for indoor event shooting. It worries me a bit though for outdoor shooting though. All of the lens changer type cases appear to be open at the top with a drawstring type thing. I realize they all come with rain covers also, but I'm having trouble imagining myself trying to get multiple rain covers unstowed and situated in a hurry if it starts raining suddenly. How easy are those to use?

[jhom]

The rain covers are tethered to the cases. You can just remove it and let it hang while accessing your gear, especially if you are in a hurry.

[mdurisseau]

Originally Posted by jhom

The rain covers are tethered to the cases. You can just remove it and let it hang while accessing your gear, especially if you are in a hurry.

I haven't been able to figure out how those actually are 'tethered' to the case...I know there's velcro on it...