The All Around Best Camera Bag? ThinkTank Retrospective V2.0 Review

One of the best bag reviews ever. Well done even in 2023.

Well done! Thank you

Great review!!!

I really wish TTP would offer the Urban Disguise series again. I gave my Urban Disguise away to a friend and now regret it, thinking I could just buy another one. I don't like the Retrospective series. The materials on the Urban Disguise and others from the 2012-2014 era were much more supple and would drape/conform very well. This canvas doesn't feel great to be honest.

I know this is a bit of an older review, but I don't think the flaps were an oversight. Like you mentioned, this is where you'd want to place your belongings like a passport, wallet, phone, etc. It isn't protected from prying hands from the zipper cover that blocks the lens compartment. Adds a few steps to accessing the outer zipper compartment which could be enough to deter thieves. Just my opinion. Plus its not the most used type pocket to access things nonstop.

How’s the waterproof cover holding up?

Very thorough review. Very helpful. You have a new subscriber. 👍

Looks like a nice bag but I'm not sure about all that velcro and I wanted a zipper top quick access. hmm

This is easily the most comprehensive, and useful review of this bag I have seen. Exceptional bag described in an exceptional way! Thank you.

for the inside compartment, will it fit an ipad pro 2021 12.9 inch along with its keyboard since it was slightly wider than a 13 inch macbook air?

This has got to be the BEST review/preview of any bag I have ever seen. Great Job bro ! Thanks for such a Great in depth look at this Bag.

Looks a military bag

Doesn't it seem that padding is too thin to protect camera gear from falls?

So what is your favorite bag??

Awesome, you answered questions I haven't been able to get answered anywhere else!

The difficulty with zippering and unzippering the top inner panel is due to the bag not having any structure. That's also why it is difficult to remove and install camera gear quickly or easily, especially with bigger cameras and lenses, while strapped to you. The very large flap is cumbersome while trying to remove gear with the bag strapped against your body, since it requires getting all of that material folded up out of the way for access to the inside of the bag. So much easier to use this bag when not strapped against your body. Also agree that the zippered pouch blocked by the Velcro pocket flaps is a very poor design. I've had this bag almost two years.

How long is the camera shoulder strap? I am fairly tall and I have had some shoulder straps on bags be too short at full extension. Thanks

so complete, thanks !

Great review, Scott! One thing, though: you forgot to specify that this is the Retrospective 30. Might wanna edit the title and description to reflect this.

This is EXACTLY the depth of review with real gear, decent lighting to see inside, and opinions on things they got "different from desired" after some real world use. Thank you. Looks like I'm getting yet another bag. ;-)

Eos R6 with a BG and a RF 24-70 mounted. 70-200, a prime and a flash.
Will. It. Fit. ?

the padding looks weak to me on this bag

I have this bag. I love it but I agree the main drawback is the odd pocket flaps covering the zipper. I intend to have them professionally resewn beneath the zipper so I can have access at all times.

I have the V1 version of this, it's hands down the best messenger bag (not just camera bag) I've EVER had. Built extremely well, light, strong, fits crap loads and because of the canvas it can fold down really nicely too when empty or with less stuff.

too much velcro

Fantastic review!

Все портит корявый клапан, молнию сверху не добавить ремень чтобы отстегивался не сделать .?

Most of us have used dozens of bags over the years, no one bag being perfect. I'm using the Retrospective 5, and it's as close to ideal as I've ever gotten: small enough not to be cumbersome, but still commodious enough to cover needs.

Nice review and nice looking bag. Where do you get those red whip fasteners?

Superb review. Thanx Scott.
Cheers!

Best review I’ve seen, thanks

Very neat and clean review

I wish that shoulder strap was removable like the Tenba bags.

What do you think about actual shock protection of this bag? Let’s say it dropped from your shoulder on a ground, do you think there’s enough padding for that? Cause while this bag look spectacular it doesn’t seem to have enough padding for real protection as lower pro or manfrotto bags do.

Thanks for a review using a DSLR. So many people do reviews showing Mirrorless in the bags. Not everyone has a Mirrorless. Thanks.

Bought the bag after watching your review. Well done review. The zipper “obstructed” by flaps is designed to prevent theft. My theory, anyway.

Hey Scott, thanks for this video and for your feedback, always appreciated. -- Simon

Good job Scott, I use the TT Retro 6 for my daily carry camera out-fit. Canon 6Dmk2 + Battery grip with 24-70 2.8 Tamron. Not to carry tons of stuff but simple easy walk around bag. Few other small items thrown in and I'm good to go. These bags are Top Shelf quality materials and construction.

Hey Scott, thanks for the thorough review. I've been using the Retro 7 for years, now I'm looking at the Retro 5 V2 for my smaller gear, couple of small film cameras and lenses and/or a mirrorless. Good thing about the Think Tank bags, they are so durable they seem to last forever. Cheers from another Canadian in Tokyo!...

Great review! ThinkTank just nails shoulder bag designs. I hear your pain with the velcro flaps getting in the way.. Maybe ThinkTank should've attached those flaps to the main flap instead... But with all these pockets everywhere else, that blocked section can be used for items you won't need often.

I have their Spectral 15 and absolutely love it. It's my daily driver and have had it for over a year. Perfect. The shoulder strap gets loose and I have to figure out how to lock it in place so the bag doesn't lower itself. But not a big deal. Totally looks in place on the streets of New York!

I wonder, did you try the Peak Design everyday backpack or their sling? I got the everyday backpack and I really love it

A great and informative review Scott.

Another great review. Well done.