For Part 2 of my review of the Think Tank Shape Shifter camera bag I thought I’d try something new… a video review. Demonstrating or highlighting components and qualities of the bag just seemed to flow better on video than in writing. Quite a few people contacted me about the bag after posting part 1 of the Shape Shifter review. I’m pretty certain I’ve answered the questions I’ve received, but if I missed something don’t hesitate to ask.
[tags]review, Think Tank, Shape Shifter, camera bag, photo, photography[/tags]
Thanks for linking the design to one’s style of shooting, it’s a pretty important point when thinking about a product’s value and worth.
(Btw, I like the video format. Perhaps you could also write down a couple points to highlight your main thoughts and help people skim? Just an idea.)
Jim, thanks for the video review. If confirmed manyof the things that I think about this bag. I purchased mine just in time for a trip to Vienna. I have been here just over 2 weeks and have been using the bag daily and while I am very happy with the overall versatility, design and materials, there are a couple of things that I think are lacking:
* An exterior pocket/place to store a bottle of water would be really nice. I realize that this bag is usable with the Speed belt system and I do have one, but I don’t always take the Speed belt with me.
* While there are numerous places to store memory cards, for $250 TTP could have included one of their Pocket Rocket media wallets.
* The sternum strap on my bag seems to loosen itself as I wear it which seems odd.
* This isn’t so much a knock on the bag, but I did manage to get the large expansion zipper stuck with some of the expansion fabric in it. This was really difficult to get unstuck. Now I am much more careful whenever I am closing this zipper up when shrinking the bag.
Some points that I really like about this bag:
* The tripod/monopod straps are completely removable
* The included waist straps are removable as well
* I used this bag in a short rainstorm without the rain cover and nothing on the inside felt damp at all
* Very comfortable to wear for hours
* Tons of space, even when not using it to carry my photo gear
Steve
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Great review, and quite timely considering my current circumstances. I’m in the market for a backpack of sorts, and I have heard some things – both good and bad – about this one…but none so intuitive or illustrated so well. I think the video review really helped. I think this is a bag that won’t be on my list.
OMG… through out the whole video.. i was worry about your 1Ds on the edge of the table!! especially when u spinning the bag around ….. gees!!!!
BTW.. good review tho… not sure if i can adjust to that way of using the bag.. will see
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Hey Jim, this is a super review. Really glad I came across it, it compliments my own review of the Shapeshifter ( which you can check out at my Shapeshifter review page. Thanks again 🙂