My good friend Chris Diset comes over yesterday and tells me that his significant other Debra has come up with a solution.

Fortunately we all had some of the small Think Tank Photo Pixel Pocket Rockets (for 6 CF cards) laying around that Think Tank Photo had given away in a recent promotion.  The trick here was to cut the separator out of each pocket, this way the gels would be able to fit into the pocket perfectly. This is not the easiest thing in the world to do, you need to be careful as the material in the back of the pockets will tear easily.

Since I use a Large Pixel Pocket Rocket for my CF cards, and its a different color than the small one, this wouldn’t be confusing during the heat of a shoot.

The result is better than I expected as the gels fit absolutely perfect into the pockets. The next decision was how to organize them, and while you may do it differently I figured I would explain how I decided to do it.

The top pocket holds my main color correction gels, this includes the CTO’s (Color Temperature Orange) or the green’s for correcting in fluorescent lighting. This middle pocket holds the color effects gels which is all of the rest of the colored gels. The bottom pocket holds all of the Neutral Density gels. This layout makes it very simple to find the gel you are looking for, and if you happen to drop it in the wind, the gels are not going to go flying everywhere.  This is such a perfect solution for storing gels that I am actually going to encourage Think Tank Photo to offer a version of this pouch like this.

So thanks to Chris and Debra for this awesome quick tip. If you have your own quick tip that you would like to share, please post in the comments section.

• The Credential Holder features a clear window that always keeps credentials of various sizes in view, an adjustable neck strap, a zippered business card pocket on the front flap, a roomy interior pocket that fits a smart phone, and a back side that has two pen pockets and a pocket that fits a reporter’s pad or small note pad.  Exterior dimensions:  5.7″ W x 7″ H x 0.3″ D (14.5 x 17.8 x 0.8cm).  Weight: 0.1lbs (0.05kg).

• Small AA batteries are one of those accessories that tend to fall to the bottom of whatever bag being used.  The AA Battery Holder lets photographers store eight AA batteries in a soft, compact case that folds in half and is easy to find.  Exterior Dimensions:  3″ W x 3″ H x 0.5″ D (7.6 x 7.6 x 1.3cm).  Weight: 0.05lbs (0.02kg).

• Travel humid or inclement weather can beat up a passport.  With the Passport Holder photographers can carry one passport, airline ticket, credit cards and other identification in a sleek leather case.  It features a front pocket for airline ticket stubs and three small pockets for additional identification, coffee gift cards, frequent flyer membership cards, and the like. External dimensions:  3.8″ W x 5.5″ H x 0.5″ D (9.7 x 14 x 1.3cm).  Weight: 0.1lbs (0.05kg).

• When forced to mix photo gear and clothing in a roller or backpack, clothing often gets wedged into a corner.  The Travel Pouch-Large is designed to hold clothing and other items that need to be protected in a lightweight and soft pouch.  It folds easily when empty and the mesh front keeps the enclosed items visible.  It features a webbing carrying handle.  External dimensions:  11.5″ W x 15.5″ H x 3″ D (29.2 x 39.4 x 7.6cm). Weight: 0.3lbs (0.1kg).

• The Travel Pouch-Small is a smaller pouch for organizing non-photo gear, such as toiletries and socks.  It is lightweight and soft, and folds easily when empty.  The mesh front keeps enclosed items visible.  It features a webbing carrying handle.  External dimensions:  6.7″ W x 10″ H x 2.5″ D (17 x 25.4 x 6.4cm).  Weight: 0.2lbs (0.1kg).

For more information, be sure and visit Think Tank Photo’s Website.

Think Tank Photo: http://thinktankphoto.com

This is a briefcase style gear bag for traveling in style and protecting camera equipment without attracting attention as an obvious camera bag.  The interior is cavernous and accommodates a host of camera configurations that enables photographers to keep all their necessary gear in one secure bag.

Top Features:

• Ballistic Nylon Fabric / YKK RC-Fuse Zippers
• “NO RHETORIC” WARRANTY
• Non-slip shoulder strap
• Professional luggage appearance

Gear Profile:

• Two regular or pro size DSLRs with lenses attached
• Holds 70-200 f2.8 attached to a pro size DSLR body

Photographer Profile:

• All photographers, from pros to serious enthusiasts.

Technical Specifications:

• ID: 14.5” W x 12.25” H x 6.5” D (37 x 31 x 16.5 cm)
  ED: 15” W x 12.5” H x 7.5” D (38 x 32 x 19 cm)
• 2.2 – 3.8 lbs (1.0 – 1.7 kg) depending on accessories used
• Lifetime Warranty

The Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise 70 has a retail price of $189.00

Source: Think Tank Photo

Features

The new Think Tank Airport TakeOff is a new roller bag…no wait..its a backpack bag…no, it has wheels and and handle so it’s a roller…noooo…it has straps so its a backpack…ok, so maybe Think Tank Photo should have named this the FrankenBag or maybe the Schizophrenic. Regardless of the name, the Airport TakeOff is both a roller bag and a back pack. As we all know, usually when you try to make a hybrid of something, you end up with something that doesn’t do anything well. Knowing the folks at Think Tank Photo, our bet is that they managed to pull it off.

Designed to comply with international airline carry-on requirements, the Airport TakeOff accommodates pro-sized photography gear, including two pro or regular size DSLR bodies with or without lenses attached.  Its features include:

• Holds up to a 300mm f/2.8 and other assorted lenses
• Quickly deployable and concealable backpack straps
• Front cable and lock to secure laptops
• Lockable zipper sliders
• Transports tripods or monopods easily
• Adjustable sternum straps for tailored usage
• Holds Think Tank’s Artificial Intelligence 15 protective laptop case

Specifications

• Internal Dimensions:  13”W x 18.4”H x 5.25-6.75”D (33 x 47 x 13 cm)
• External Dimensions: 14”W x 21”h x 8”D (35.5 x 53 x 22 cm)
• Weight: 8.6 – 10.3 (3.9 – 4.7 kg) depending on accessories used

Setup

Like most Think Tank Photo bags, the insides have a virtually unlimited amount of flexibility and come with tons of pieces to allow you to create almost any configuration you would want. Included are same layouts for Nikon and Canon equipment or you can customize it to suite your needs.

For traveling, I want my bodies to be in the bag like their example, but going to a local wedding or engagement shoot I will have my primary body and lens outside the bag as I am always ready to get a shot right when I arrive or as I am leaving an event.

Regardless of how you want your setup to be, odds are you can manage to get there with the AirPort TakeOff.

Usage

At first glance, it appears that the TakeOff is a little smaller than the Airport International 2.0 although they are really both designed for international carry-on sizes. The main differences from the front is that the take-off has a very expandable front pocket with a latch while the Airport International 2.0 has a pocket but once you have any gear inside, the outside pocket is useless for anything fatter than a manila folder. Because of this, I have kept my reflectors in a bag outside of the Airport International 2.0. With the Airport TakeOff, I can fit two large reflectors in the pocket and still get my 14” laptop into it. Both bags allow me to strap my tripod to the outside securely and both roll easily while fully loaded with gear.

From the side you can see how the reflectors make the outside pocket bulge out in the front and I am a little bummed that the zipper lock from the Airport International 2.0 is missing from the Airport TakeOff. While there is a lock in a pocket under the front flap that can be used to lock the zipper, the cable isn’t long enough to lock the bag to something like you can with the Airport International 2.0. The ability to lock the bag securely and to lock it to a table or other immovable object is a a real win for the Airport International 2.0.

As a backpack, the TakeOff feels pretty balanced and the shoulder pads are comfortable and easily adjustable for different size people.

As for packing my gear into the TakeOff, I was surprised that I could actually fit everything into it very easily and although my 70-300mm won’t stand up in it, it still fit nicely and also made for a nice spot to put my Cable Management 10 on top of it. This is a typical wedding configuration with 4 lenses in the bag, a backup camera body, Lensbaby Composer, two flashes, video camera, light meter, filters, diffusers, grids, snoot, bounce card, cleaning cloths, Rocket Blower, Wolverine ESP backup system, SensorPen SensorLoupe, Canon CP-E4 Battery pack, roll of Gaffers tape, Pixel Pocket Rocket, as well as a stash of batteries, WhiBal card, cable releases, and a bottle of sunscreen. On the outside pocket I can fit my laptop, two large reflectors, and a tripod.

Results

Quality of a Think Tank bag is second to none, the zippers are the best quality, the seams and material are top-notch. Every single feature, pocket, corner, strap, D-Ring, and component has been chosen to provide a photographer with a camera bag that is going to hold up to the rigors of every day use. These are not cheap overseas bags. These bags are professional quality, so they do not come at cheap, eBay prices. With an MSRP of $299, even with discounted street prices, the Airport TakeOff is still going to be a fairly pricey investment but if you want a professional quality camera bag that is going to last years of hard-core daily use and help keep your gear is top shape, then its hard to go wrong with a bag from Think Tank Photo such as the AirPort TakeOff.

Score Card

Think Tank Photo Website: http://thinktankphoto.com

What do you do when your Airport International is just too big to lug around for a small shoot but your ShapeShifter bag won’t carry enough gear? Think Tank Photo has answered this question with the new Airport TakeOff camera bag.

Thank Tank Photo’s designers have invested a great deal of creative and engineering time into developing our backpacks and rollers.  And, as might be expected, photographers have asked “couldn’t you create one bag that serves both purposes?”  In response, Think Tank Photo just released a new concept in rolling camera backpacks, the Airport TakeOffâ„¢.

The key is that with most rolling backpacks you have to zip up the cover every time you’re not using the backpack straps.  This means that there is no way to roll it with the shoulder straps out.  You could, but the straps will drag on the ground.  So with the Airport TakeOff you can simply tuck the bottom of the straps under the bottom pads and roll. This is really the product’s key functional invention.

The Airport TakeOff™.  It is designed as a transportation solution that combines the portability of a backpack with the ease of a rolling suitcase.  Converting it to and from a rolling camera bag to a comfortable backpack is so easy because the straps can be simply tucked away to start rolling immediately, or, they can be completely zipped inside the rear panel.

Designed to comply with international airline carry-on requirements, the Airport TakeOff accommodates pro-sized photography gear, including two pro or regular size DSLR bodies with or without lenses attached.  Its features include:

• Holds up to a 300mm f/2.8 and other assorted lenses
• Quickly deployable and concealable backpack straps
• Front cable and lock to secure laptops
• Lockable zipper sliders
• Transports tripods or monopods easily
• Adjustable sternum straps for tailored usage
• Holds Think Tank’s Artificial Intelligence 15 protective laptop case

Specifications

Internal Dimensions:  13”W x 18.4”H x 5.25-6.75”D (33 x 47 x 13 cm)External Dimensions: 14”W x 21”h x 8”D (35.5 x 53 x 22 cm)
Weight: 8.6 – 10.3 (3.9 – 4.7 kg) depending on accessories used

MSRP:  $299.00

For more information, please visit http://thinktankphoto.com

A common complaint of female photographers is that photo backpack shoulder harnesses are designed for average-sized men. The shoulder straps on the StreetWalker have been specifically engineered to fit a wider range of sizes for both genders.  Women in particular will appreciate the StreetWalker’s very narrow and vertical profile, especially when combined with the shoulder harness design.

The three new StreetWalker backpacks are:

• StreetWalker — This slim, lightweight backpack will hold a Pro Size DSLR with 70-200 2.8 attached and hood in position. It includes a monopod/tripod mounting system, a contoured harness and air channel for increased comfort, and lots of pockets and organizers for customization.
• StreetWalker Pro — This backpack is designed for a Pro Size DSLR with up to a 400 2.8 attached, or a 70-200 2.8 attached and hood in position. It also includes the monopod/tripod mounting system, the contoured harness and air channel, and lots of pockets and organizers.
• StreetWalker HardDrive — This backpack will hold most 15″ laptops and a Pro Size DSLR with 70-200 2.8 attached and hood in position. It also includes the monopod/tripod mounting system, the contoured harness and air channel, and lots of pockets and organizers.

The StreetWalker backpacks were designed by veteran camera bag designer Lily
Fisher.  “First and foremost  these lightweight backpacks give photographers quick access to their gear while allowing them to maneuver easily through crowds,” said Fisher.  “Additional benefits are the slim profile and adjustable sternum straps.  These backpacks also offer a unique benefit to women photographers, which is that the shoulder harness has been designed to  fit our unique body types.”

Specifications:

StreetWalker
Internal Dimensions:  8.5″ W x 16″ H x 5.5″ D  (22 x 41 x 14 cm)
External Dimensions:  9.5″ W x 17″ H x 6″ D (24 x 43 x 15 cm)
Weight:  2 lbs – 2.8 lbs (0.9kg – 1.3 kg) (Varies based on accessories used)
Price:  $139.00

StreetWalker Pro
Internal Dimensions: 9.5″ W x 16.5″ H x 7″ D (24 x 42 18 cm)
External Dimensions: 10″ W x 17.5″ H x 7.5″ D (25 x 45 x 19 cm)
Weight:  2.6 lbs – 3.4 lbs (1.2kg – 1.5kg)  (Varies based on accessories used)
Price:  $159.00

StreetWalker HardDrive
Internal Dimensions: 11″ W x 17″ H x 6-7″ D (28 x 43 x 15-18 cm)
External Dimensions: 11.5″ W x 18″ H x 8.5″ D (29 x 46 x 22 cm)
Weight:  3.6 lbs – 4.4 lbs (1.6kg – 2kg)  (Varies based on accessories used)
Price:  $179.00

Source: Think Tank Photo

One lucky listener will will a Shapeshifter backpack by going to http://thinktankphoto.com/shapeshifter and finding out the name of the other photographer who has done a review of the Shapeshifter. Send your answers along with your name, phone number, and address to podcast@cameradojo.com. Only one entry person. All entries must be received by midnight on November 30th 2008. The winner will be drawn on December 1st.

Show Hosts

Kerry Garrison (http://kerrygarrison.com)

This podcast is also available on iTunes.

Show Links
http://canon-usa.com

http://thinktankphoto.com

You can listen to this podcast now using our player widget in the right hand sidebar

This podcast is also available on iTunes.

• It can be compressed to 3 inches in width once your equipment is removed.
• Dedicated neoprene pockets for 2 pro size DSLR’s, 70-200 2.8, 24-70 2.8, wide angle 2.8, and strobes.
• Holds up to a 17″ laptop in rear compartment.
• Front pocket organizers for your digital essentials.
• It can carry tripods and monopods.
• The Pro Speed Belt can be attached and quickly released.

After your gear is removed, you can continue to carry your laptop and accessories, but in a much smaller package.

Overview
When you are on the run constantly, your camera bag is the home for all your equipment and having confidence that your equipment is safe and secure shouldn’t have to be something else for you to have to think about. A good camera bag should protect your equipment from the inevitable bumps and impacts but it also has to travel well and be able to help keep you organized so you aren’t scrambling around trying to find something. The very first line of Think Tank’s mission statement really gives you a clue what to expect:

“We are a group of designers and photographers focused on studying how photographers work, and developing innovative new carrying solutions to meet their needs.”

If you have ever used a cheap no-name brand bag and then got yourself a Think Tank bag, you would simply be amazed at the difference.

Features
As I mentioned in the intro, the Airport International 2.0 roller is an ideal choice for someone that carries a good amount of equipment and has to travel. The Airport International 2.0 was designed to fit all international carry-on requirements to help ensure that you should never have to check your bag as luggage. While that doesn’t guarantee that a plane won’t be overloaded and they may force you to check your bags, at least it won’t be because the bag doesn’t meet their requirements. Hidden in the back is a hefty cable and padlock that can be used to secure the back to an immoveable object. In the front is a smaller cable that can be used to secure your tripod or other bags, and on the side is a unique lock that will secure the front zippers to make sure nobody can get access to your equipment.

Inside is plenty of soft padding and more dividers of different size than you could ever possibly use. It’s so nice to be able to completely customize a bag for how you want it to be instead of how some designed thought you should put things. On the smaller zippers are small string handles which have been improved over previous models with a molded handle instead of a knot that can come undone.

• INTERNATIONAL carry-on size
• TSA Security combination lock
• Front cable & lock secures laptops
• Back cable & lock secures to fixed object
• Security Plate with unique serial number
• Holds up to a 500mm lens
• Optional 15″ or 17″ laptop case
• Optional “low divider” set
• Interior organizer
• Replaceable wheels
• Front stretch pocket
• Front organizational pocket
• Business card holder
• Bottom handle
• Outside Diameter: 14″ wide x 8″ deep x 21″ tall

Usage
I swear, if I had to call Think Tank and order the bag with just the right amount of dividers and only with the exact tripod straps that I would use so that they could save money on shipping out all the extras it would still be worth it but having all those things means that everyone who buys a bag from Think Tank Photo can personalize it to their specific needs. For me, I keep one lens on one body all the time so I can get to it quickly and easily. I keep my other lenses handy and a second body tucked away in case I need it. Other people do not travel with lenses on their bodies or need to be able to have three or even four bodies. The diversity of the interior dividers that come with the Airport International 2.0 is simply staggering. On the outside, there are a handful of straps and even a small bag to allow you to accommodate anything from a monopod to a very large tripod.

Hauling the gear around with the Airport International 2.0 is simply a breeze thanks to the rollers (which are replaceable) that roll smoooooth and straight. In a crowed area, being able to secure your equipment and focus on your shoot is a piece of mind that only enough money to hire an assistant to sit on your bag and protect it can buy.

Results
I have mentioned this before with reviews of the other Think Tank Photo products I use but it needs to be mentioned again, you will simply not believe the quality of the construction of these products. You look at RC-Fuse zipper which actually melts (fuses) the thread with the plastic coil to create an exceptionally durable zipper, or the thought that goes into adding just the right amount of structural support to keep the entire system stable without adding extra weight, or even just the overall construction and you know you do not have an El Cheapo bag you sniped off eBay for $20.

Let’s be honest though, this is NOT a $20 bag my any means, the cheapest price we could find was $328.95 at Samys Camera which is a whopping 5 CENTS off list price. The question you have to ask yourself is “do you need a $330 camera bag?”. The answer depends on you. If you are a professional photographer and are going to be using a camera bag on pretty much a daily basis, then yes, you absolutely need a bag like this. If you pull out your DSLR every other month to shoot the cat with its head stuck in your wife’s purse strap again, maybe not. If you are like me and shoot on a regular basis, often needing to leave your equipment out of site for a few minutes (weddings and receptions) then the safety and security of the Airport International 2.0 pays for itself in piece of mind the very first time you use it.

Website: http://thinktankphoto.com
Author: Kerry Garrison

Equipment Used

• Open to all photographers, worldwide
• September 22-27, 2008
• Cologne, Germay

Go to www.thinktankphoto.com/photokina to enter!