I'm creating this thread for the benefit of potential adopters of the ThinkTank system with some usage feedback that I've had over the last few months of using it. Hope the guys find it useful!
1. Is it weatherproof?
Sure is. All the external pouches feature a seam-sealed raincover. In short, water will not be able to find its way into your gear. I got drenched without shelter at an event back in March this year, and absolutely nothing - not even my namecards - was wet. However, I was shivering to get dry after that :bsmilie:
2. The price is so high! Are you joking about it?
I also find the pricing high, but for the feasibility in usage as well as the functionality it provides me compared to my earlier system, the price is well worth it. Put it this way - the larger amount of money spent will be well utilized - compared to if you bought or kept another system and kept on buying and selling repeatedly, trying to find the perfect setup. :bsmilie:
3. What items should I get?
The ultimate minimum that you should need to get would be the
1. Pixel Pocket Rocket (stores up to 10 CF card sized memory cards)
2. Pro Modulus belt (the foundation of it all!)
3. Speed Changer (hold it all pouch, I use it to hold my 3 pieces of Canon NP-E2 batteries)
4. Lightning Fast (holds your flash)
5. R U Thirsty? (holds a 1-liter Nalgene bottle perfectly)
6. Whip It Out (holds a 70-200/2.8 or 100-400 WITHOUT tripod collar)
7. Lens Changer (available as the 15, 25, 35, 50, 75 and 80 for different lens sizes). I've compiled all the sizes etc in that XLS file I did when I bought my set. Who's hosting it, anyone?
4. Which items are directly "competing" with each other?
The Pro Modulus belt and the Steriod belt. The Pro Modulus belt works fine by itself, the Steriod belt may be overkill. Furthermore, from photos online, the Pro Modulus belt allows you the flexibilty to turn the entire array of pouches you have on your waist all around you any time, while the Steriod belt would need you to use a Pixel Racing Harness, which does not allow you to rotate the belt items around.
5. It's so troublesome to figure out the sizes etc! Can you help us?
Well, I prepared an Excel spreadsheet with all the product details, Ken has offered to host it up. Download the spreadsheet file here.
6. Are there any distributors for ThinkTank in Singapore? Can you order it in for us?
To date, there are no distributors for ThinkTank in Singapore. Doug did ask me to show his items to local camera shops, but so far I don't know who from Cathay to show it to. Can't imagine any other shops who'd carry this, but then again if Cathay carried this, some range from Lowepro can go meet their maker already. Interested agents for ThinkTank, you can meet me up, I'll show you my kit. Or better still, let's go shooting together. That way, you can observe how good (or bad) the gear really is in practical situations. As for ordering, I would suggest a few people consolidating in a mass order style, so that you guys can ask for it to be given a bulk order discount. Whatever the case, you'll find Doug a very pleasant person to work with.
7. Can we have some brochures from ThinkTank?
I'm in the process of ordering some over from ThinkTank direct. Will let you guys know when I get them.
8. What are your favourite components for the ThinkTank modular system?
Whip It Out - because I haven't been able to change to my 70-200 with such a peace of mind, knowing that it wouldn't drop to the ground via butter fingers.
Speed Changer - can hold my stationery, extra cards (in the Pixel Pocket Rocket), spare NP-E2's, one or two small primes
Pixel Pocket Rocket - makes CF cards VERY accessible and fast to get to. Simple IS good!
9. Any special notes about using ThinkTank components?
Yes! Whip It Out and Lens Changer 75 are different in the sense that in order to use the Whip It Out, you MUST remove the tripod collar. For the LC75, you can leave the tripod collar on the lens (be it a 70-200/2.8 or 100-400). This may be a point of concern because some people, myself included, liked to use the tripod collar as an alternate way to hold up the camera with the long lens attached. But it is easier for me now that I'm used to it, to grab my 1D + 70-200 without the tripod collar, around the lens mount. This feels a LOT safer, believe it or not.
10. Does the ThinkTank Modulus set replace my camerabag (shoulderbag/backpack/roller)?
NO! But it does effectively lighten up the load you have to carry with shoulderbags, which I still need to use to move more gear around, especially for location based shoots. But for events, the mobility of the ThinkTank can't be beat. Comparing against backpacks, a modular belt system allows you to change lens etc at a speed that can't be beat. But both the shoulder bag and backpack are often used by photographers to carry their equipment PLUS the ThinkTank system to a location, then all the gear taken out and fixed up, leaving an empty carrying shell in the car or a secure location, while the photographer is free to roam. Think of the NFL, or Olympic shooters.
11. Any more URLs showing people's customized ThinkTank setups?
Here's some URLs, though you need to look if people are using it. Those on the TT website are obviously using them, though not all Sportsshooters are using them.
http://www.sportsshooter.com/funpix_index.html
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_Modulus_Others.php
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_Mod_ProMod_Configs.php
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/share.php
12. Where is it made? Is it made in the USA?
No, it is not made in USA. It's made in one of the Asian countries. I won't tell you where it's made, use the system instead and realize its potential and handling capabilities first, then ask yourself if it's worth the price. I'd wager to say you'd find it worth every cent.
13. Are there any components that you don't recommend to buy?
Yes. The Pixel Racing Harness. I've only used it once, and I didn't like it because it didn't allow me to rotate the items on the belt on my waistline. But I had to use it that once because I was RUNNING crosscountry with my camera kit with me - it was a means to prevent the entire belt from dropping. So, in a way, yes, it's necessary. But for shooting operations where you have to walk fast, brisk etc, anything BUT run, yes, it's VERY secure. The belt feels a WHOLE WORLD different from Lowepro's Deluxe S&F belt.
14. How is customer service? They're based in USA, we're here in Singapore WITHOUT an agent!
I can't say enough that the direct email support ThinkTank provides is really the best I have had. Of course, some people will tell you they had something similar with Kinesis, but hey, it really depends on which group you're picking to buy. Usually emails are replied within a 36 hour period from the main Designer/President himself, what can I say?
15. Are ThinkTank components and Lowepro S&F components crosscompatible? Especially those Lowepro modular kits I have right now.
From my usage experience, you can safely use your Lowepro S&F Sliplock components on the ThinkTank, but you can't use the ThinkTank Modulus gear/pouches on Lowepro Sliplock loops. Why? This is because ThinkTank pouches have velcro tabs that are almost the full width of the individual pouch to ensure it has a very stable attachment so it wouldn't shake like crazy, while all Lowepro Sliplock loops are all the same width regardless of pouch size/volume. If you have Lowepro, you'll know what I mean. In the meanwhile, you can use all your existing Lowepro Sliplock accessories on the Pro Modulus belt because they attach over the ENTIRE belt, which is the proper way that ThinkTank products are used. However, you can't lock it in place, that's all.
16. What's the main draw about ThinkTank's Modulus system?
The ability to rotate the pouches on the waistline while having things in them. This is one serious flaw in the Lowepro S&F product line that has been solved, thanks to ThinkTank. By carrying the load on the hips via the belt, you also manage to unload your neck (Optech strap or not, it's a BAD idea) from a heavy weight.
1. Is it weatherproof?
Sure is. All the external pouches feature a seam-sealed raincover. In short, water will not be able to find its way into your gear. I got drenched without shelter at an event back in March this year, and absolutely nothing - not even my namecards - was wet. However, I was shivering to get dry after that :bsmilie:
2. The price is so high! Are you joking about it?
I also find the pricing high, but for the feasibility in usage as well as the functionality it provides me compared to my earlier system, the price is well worth it. Put it this way - the larger amount of money spent will be well utilized - compared to if you bought or kept another system and kept on buying and selling repeatedly, trying to find the perfect setup. :bsmilie:
3. What items should I get?
The ultimate minimum that you should need to get would be the
1. Pixel Pocket Rocket (stores up to 10 CF card sized memory cards)
2. Pro Modulus belt (the foundation of it all!)
3. Speed Changer (hold it all pouch, I use it to hold my 3 pieces of Canon NP-E2 batteries)
4. Lightning Fast (holds your flash)
5. R U Thirsty? (holds a 1-liter Nalgene bottle perfectly)
6. Whip It Out (holds a 70-200/2.8 or 100-400 WITHOUT tripod collar)
7. Lens Changer (available as the 15, 25, 35, 50, 75 and 80 for different lens sizes). I've compiled all the sizes etc in that XLS file I did when I bought my set. Who's hosting it, anyone?
4. Which items are directly "competing" with each other?
The Pro Modulus belt and the Steriod belt. The Pro Modulus belt works fine by itself, the Steriod belt may be overkill. Furthermore, from photos online, the Pro Modulus belt allows you the flexibilty to turn the entire array of pouches you have on your waist all around you any time, while the Steriod belt would need you to use a Pixel Racing Harness, which does not allow you to rotate the belt items around.
5. It's so troublesome to figure out the sizes etc! Can you help us?
Well, I prepared an Excel spreadsheet with all the product details, Ken has offered to host it up. Download the spreadsheet file here.
6. Are there any distributors for ThinkTank in Singapore? Can you order it in for us?
To date, there are no distributors for ThinkTank in Singapore. Doug did ask me to show his items to local camera shops, but so far I don't know who from Cathay to show it to. Can't imagine any other shops who'd carry this, but then again if Cathay carried this, some range from Lowepro can go meet their maker already. Interested agents for ThinkTank, you can meet me up, I'll show you my kit. Or better still, let's go shooting together. That way, you can observe how good (or bad) the gear really is in practical situations. As for ordering, I would suggest a few people consolidating in a mass order style, so that you guys can ask for it to be given a bulk order discount. Whatever the case, you'll find Doug a very pleasant person to work with.
7. Can we have some brochures from ThinkTank?
I'm in the process of ordering some over from ThinkTank direct. Will let you guys know when I get them.
8. What are your favourite components for the ThinkTank modular system?
Whip It Out - because I haven't been able to change to my 70-200 with such a peace of mind, knowing that it wouldn't drop to the ground via butter fingers.
Speed Changer - can hold my stationery, extra cards (in the Pixel Pocket Rocket), spare NP-E2's, one or two small primes
Pixel Pocket Rocket - makes CF cards VERY accessible and fast to get to. Simple IS good!
9. Any special notes about using ThinkTank components?
Yes! Whip It Out and Lens Changer 75 are different in the sense that in order to use the Whip It Out, you MUST remove the tripod collar. For the LC75, you can leave the tripod collar on the lens (be it a 70-200/2.8 or 100-400). This may be a point of concern because some people, myself included, liked to use the tripod collar as an alternate way to hold up the camera with the long lens attached. But it is easier for me now that I'm used to it, to grab my 1D + 70-200 without the tripod collar, around the lens mount. This feels a LOT safer, believe it or not.
10. Does the ThinkTank Modulus set replace my camerabag (shoulderbag/backpack/roller)?
NO! But it does effectively lighten up the load you have to carry with shoulderbags, which I still need to use to move more gear around, especially for location based shoots. But for events, the mobility of the ThinkTank can't be beat. Comparing against backpacks, a modular belt system allows you to change lens etc at a speed that can't be beat. But both the shoulder bag and backpack are often used by photographers to carry their equipment PLUS the ThinkTank system to a location, then all the gear taken out and fixed up, leaving an empty carrying shell in the car or a secure location, while the photographer is free to roam. Think of the NFL, or Olympic shooters.
11. Any more URLs showing people's customized ThinkTank setups?
Here's some URLs, though you need to look if people are using it. Those on the TT website are obviously using them, though not all Sportsshooters are using them.
http://www.sportsshooter.com/funpix_index.html
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_Modulus_Others.php
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_Mod_ProMod_Configs.php
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/share.php
12. Where is it made? Is it made in the USA?
No, it is not made in USA. It's made in one of the Asian countries. I won't tell you where it's made, use the system instead and realize its potential and handling capabilities first, then ask yourself if it's worth the price. I'd wager to say you'd find it worth every cent.
13. Are there any components that you don't recommend to buy?
Yes. The Pixel Racing Harness. I've only used it once, and I didn't like it because it didn't allow me to rotate the items on the belt on my waistline. But I had to use it that once because I was RUNNING crosscountry with my camera kit with me - it was a means to prevent the entire belt from dropping. So, in a way, yes, it's necessary. But for shooting operations where you have to walk fast, brisk etc, anything BUT run, yes, it's VERY secure. The belt feels a WHOLE WORLD different from Lowepro's Deluxe S&F belt.
14. How is customer service? They're based in USA, we're here in Singapore WITHOUT an agent!
I can't say enough that the direct email support ThinkTank provides is really the best I have had. Of course, some people will tell you they had something similar with Kinesis, but hey, it really depends on which group you're picking to buy. Usually emails are replied within a 36 hour period from the main Designer/President himself, what can I say?
15. Are ThinkTank components and Lowepro S&F components crosscompatible? Especially those Lowepro modular kits I have right now.
From my usage experience, you can safely use your Lowepro S&F Sliplock components on the ThinkTank, but you can't use the ThinkTank Modulus gear/pouches on Lowepro Sliplock loops. Why? This is because ThinkTank pouches have velcro tabs that are almost the full width of the individual pouch to ensure it has a very stable attachment so it wouldn't shake like crazy, while all Lowepro Sliplock loops are all the same width regardless of pouch size/volume. If you have Lowepro, you'll know what I mean. In the meanwhile, you can use all your existing Lowepro Sliplock accessories on the Pro Modulus belt because they attach over the ENTIRE belt, which is the proper way that ThinkTank products are used. However, you can't lock it in place, that's all.
16. What's the main draw about ThinkTank's Modulus system?
The ability to rotate the pouches on the waistline while having things in them. This is one serious flaw in the Lowepro S&F product line that has been solved, thanks to ThinkTank. By carrying the load on the hips via the belt, you also manage to unload your neck (Optech strap or not, it's a BAD idea) from a heavy weight.
