Monday, September 30, 2013

REVIEW: Think Tank Photo TurnStyle™ Sling Bags (SPECIAL OFFER)

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These bags are extremely lightweight and hold a surprising amount of gear plus a tablet!

A while back I did a product announcement about the release of these cool new sling bags by Think Tank Photo, and my inbox filled up quickly with people asking to learn more about these bags. I shot a quick email to TTP and before I knew it I had the TurnStyle™ 10 & 20 at my doorstep ready to review.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been living with these bags to see if they were any good. My prior experience with sling bags from all brands has been terrible. Generally the bags didn’t protect my gear well and/or they hurt the hell out of my shoulder after a typical outing. TTP’s, previous attempt at a sling bag, the Sling-O-Matic, was very well done but still not something that won me over.

TurnStyle 20 Inside Look (Photo: ThinkTankPhoto.com)
TurnStyle 20 Inside Look (Photo: ThinkTankPhoto.com)

In real-world use, I found myself wishing that the TurnStyle™ 10 would work, but it was too small for my gear. If I had a X-Pro1 or X-E1, then I’d definitely use the 10, but I don’t so I kept reaching for the TurnStyle™ 20. It’s super lightweight and easily fit my DSLR with a standard telephoto zoom, flash and extra zoom lens. I also loved that I could carry along a tablet and other goodies.

Photos can’t really capture the inside of these bags very well so check out the videos to learn more. If you only watch one, watch the TurnStyle™ 20 video review at the bottom of this article.

Video Reviews

Please note that these videos were filmed with a Canon 70D that was reviewing using the EF-S 55-250mm STM lens and the new FlexZone AF feature. My apologies for the occasional focus misses.


TurnStyle 10 or Click here to view on YouTube


TurnStyle 20 or Click here to view on YouTube

Conclusion

I’ve reviewed a lot of Think Tank Photo bags, so I have so many that I literally have a closet dedicated to them. I’ve gotten aggressive about not collecting any bags that I won’t realistically use, so if I only had to pick one I’d pick the TurnStyle™ 20. I’d really use it to, which is more than I can say for the Sling-O-Matic which lost favor after about a month due to its large size & weight. I might hang on to the TurnStyle™ 10 for when I eventually bite the bullet and pick up a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, but I’d never use it for my DSLR.

Personally I found the 10 to be too cramped for a DSLR, unless you are using a 50mm, or you put it on its side as shown in the photo at the top of this article (shown with a 70-200mm lens attached). That configuration works fine with the 5D Mark III, but I find it less useful as it means you can either bring an extra lens or flash – but not both. I always have both.

I would love to see the interior dividers include fold down flaps to more easy accommodate the lens down configuration I show in the video.

The TurnStyle™ 20 is my winner of this comparison for DSLR owners, and it’s a bag that I’ll definitely be putting into service for short run usage. I highly recommend the TurnStyle™ 20.

Where to order

Click here to learn more and get FREE SHIPPING plus a FREE GIFT when you place your order!

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Disclosure

If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this. I was also provide with these bags to evaluate by Think Tank Photo under no obligation.

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4 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi,

Thanks for the reviews and the videos.

I already have a CityWalker 20 which can fit my 5D with my 24-70 and 70-200 lenses plus a flash.
I'm looking for a smaller bag that I can take on hikes or when I go ski. I wouldn't need the flash.

Would the TurnStyle 10 work for me?

I don't want something too big (although being able to put a full size tablet in the 20 is nice).

ronmartblog.com said...

Jean-Luc,

Actually, I'd advise you to go for the TurnStyle 20 instead of the 10. The 10 is really more suitable for mirrorless systems.

The 20 isn't very cumbersome - you'll love it. If you don't, let ThinkTankPhoto know and they'll gladly make things right.

Ron

Rock said...

I am searching for the smallest possible sling bag for 5D with 70-200 2.8 lens attached. Since you had both, do you think I can use TurnStyle 10 for this? I don't need anything else to fit except small things, batteries, phone etc. I don't mind if I have to store it horizontally, but it's important that it can be easily closed/opened without much pushing and "persuading" :)

Thanks

ronmartblog.com said...

Rock,

The 20 would give you easier access especially if you want to keep your hood on, but the 10 should work.