ThinkTank Belt/Modular 6 Set?

[AndrewCCM]

Any thoughts on this Modular system and what belt do you guys suggest?

I have been contemplating a belt system for awhile...Seems like I have bags for everything...(Giving Abel a run for his money).. I'll be covering more sporting events soon and would like something that I could carry instead of a bag. If there are other suggestions besides a belt, please let me know. I am very fond of the ThinkTank line of products...The new "Shape Shifter Backpack" looks interesting as well.

For the most part, I'll be covering Dallas Stars Hockey, some football and soccer. For the hockey matches, I'll be doing dual coverage of both the game/ice and also some up close work with the Ice Girls. So I'll more than likely be shooting with several lenses (16-35, 70-200, 300 F2.8), flash and no flash...

Anyway, I just thought I'd solicit some thoughts here. I'll repost in the Sports section as well...

Thanks for your opinions.

[Tom]

nm - I'm retarded.

[JPalmer]

Honestly, I have been happier with my MountainSmith Tour waistpack than several of the ThinkTank products I've used.

There is enough room to throw any of the Domke padded divided inserts in the Tour Pack, and it cinches a lot closer to your body than the Think Tank products.

The downside... the bag itself isn't padded (but that's what your padded backpacks are for). Carry the gear to the location with the padded backpack, then put what you're not carrying in your hands in the waist bag.

[CFord]

I got the Think Tank belt system as a door prize at least years TPF Christmas party and I really like it for any event where my normal bag is inconvenient. Able told me to make sure I upgraded to the steroid belt to hold the modules and I have to second his recommendation. This systems works great for anything up to the 70-200 but I would recommend adding the glass taxi for the bigger telephotos.

[AndrewCCM]

Thanks guys.. I appreciate it..

Think I'll go over to Arlington Camera and try out a few things..

[Abel]

definitely recommend getting the Steroid Belt.... The kits is a great buy indeed.

I'd buy the kit as well as the Steroid Belt. The SB is so much more comfortable than the included Pro Belt... If you see the two in person you'll be able to see what I'm talking about.

edit: ha! just saw the bag comment... i got the shapeshifter email as well and it looks cool but it will be tough to find a replacement for my Glass Taxi.

[AndrewCCM]

I need to look at that Glass Taxi too.. Right now I am mainly using my Airport Security Roller and Urban Disguise 60. I really just want to have something that stays on me all the time while moving around and shooting. I just know eventually I am going to walk off and leave my bag where I shouldn't. I like the modular designs, but am a bit worried about comfort...Not sure I'll like stuff hanging off me or pulling my pants down. LOL

As far as straps go, my shoulders are sloped and camera straps just fall off, thus I either use the Black Rapid and/or wrist straps with my bodies.

I never can seem to find the perfect product for everything, so I just accumulate a lot of things. Thinking I may just keep the 300 on a monopod, and build a system around the other body/lenses/accessories that I carry.

Thanks again...I certainly appreciate the valuable advice.

[Riff Raff]

I love my ThinkTank belt system. My only issue was that I ended up buying so much of it, since there was always just one more thing that would be useful for various situations. What I take with me for hiking photography nowadays:

Pro Speed Belt
Digital Holster 40 (gripped 40D and 16-35mm lens with hood in place)
Lens Changer 50 (85mm f/1.8 lens with hood in place, but can hold the 16-35mm when lenses are swapped)
Modulus Pouch (car keys, small rocket blower, map, lip balm)

Plus an "R U Thirsty?" sometimes for an extra water bottle (if the three liter Camelbak isn't enough). I've hiked up to seven miles wearing that with no problem, including scrambling up rocks around waterfalls and such. It's rained on me several times, and the rain covers work as advertised. Then this is what I'm using for covering events:

Pro Speed Belt
Pixel Racing Harness
Digital Holster 50 (gripped 40D and 24-70mm lens with hood in place)
Whip It Out (70-200mm lens, no tripod collar)
Lens Changer 50 (16-35mm lens)
Lens Changer 15 (50mm f/1.4 lens)
R U Thirsty? (water/soda)

Bit heavier certainly, but no biggie with the shoulder harness.

[AndrewCCM]

Cool.

I just contacted Arlington Camera. They have the Moduler system in stock, but not the belt itself nor the harness. I would like to have the system before Friday so I could give it a test...but...regardless, I think I'll go take a look over at AC before deciding..

Perhaps I'll just get the shoulder harness and use it on my Urban Disguise 60 for the time being... Hrmm..

Thanks again.

[dartlrt]

I also have the Think Tank System, I have the Pro Speed belt and just bought the harness this year. If you have a full belt of gear and end up wearing it for 6 or 8 hours the harness does help. The other thing to remember is to move your gear around so that the weight gets redistributed.
I don't know what the rules are from Arlington Camera, but when you purchase from Think tank they do give you some time to try the equipment out and see if it is what you want. The folks at Think Tank are great to work with.

[AndrewCCM]

Thanks for input Phil. AC is holding the modular 6 system for me, but they are out of belts and harness. Anyone got a good resource for those that could get it to me before Friday (without paying a bundle for shipping). Perhaps HCE? I got my Airport Security from them...

[dartlrt]

Andrew,



I have an extra pro speed belt size large, brand new still has the tags on it. I can ship it to you tomorrow if the size works. Try it out for the weekend and then ship it back to me when you get yours from Arlington Camera.



Phil

[Davidtxs]

Andrew I have the Steriod Belt in XL if you want to try it out

[AndrewCCM]

Wow.. Thank you guys so much. I have a couple of inquiries in with vendors so we'll see if they go anywhere.

How do you guys feel they fit compared to your normal pants size? I would be in the LG size if it matches up, but I read that you really should get something a bit larger than pant size... This would probably move me to the XL. LOL

[Davidtxs]

Probably pretty close I just pulled mine out and the XL has PLENTY of adjustment it should fit a large also