My friends at Think Tank Photo, who are celebrating their 10 Year Anniversary, have announced a special offer. Whenever you order one of their Urban Disguise Shoulder bags between now and May 15th you will receive a Shoulder Harness V2.0 backpack harness by mail for free.
This harness is pretty cool because it easily converts your shoulder bag into a backpack. It’s great for freeing up your hands to sprint through airports for flights, for example.
To take advantage of this special offer, simply order the Urban Disguise bag of your choice and download and submit the online form. Think Tank will ship your new harness right out. And, don’t forget that by using my special URL you will receive a free gift from Think Tank with your order as well as free shipping.
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.
Our friends at Think Tank Photo just announced an exciting Black Friday special that actually starts now! With this special offer you get a $50 rebate on their renowned rolling camera bags. And, should you order a roller plus one of their popular Urban Disguise shoulder bags you are eligible to receive a $100 rebate! And, to top this off you’ll receive free shipping not only on these items but on all Think Tank Photo gear!
To partake of this special holiday offer simply click here and you’ll be directed to Think Tank’s roller page. There you will find a link you can click to download the rebate form. Really easy!
Think Tank’s rolling camera bags are renowned for being the best made, most innovative rollers available. Each comes with easily configurable inserts, innovative security measures, and Think Tank’s “No Rhetoric Warranty.” The rollers are sized so as to make it easier for you to roll your valuable photography gear onto airlines as carry on, as opposed to having to check it.
GIVEAWAY
This site is also giving away a free Think Tank Photo My 2nd Brain bag. Click the following link to learn more:
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.
My friends at Think Tank Photo today announced that a new product line, the Sub Urban Disguise, and a revision to its highly popular multi-function camera bag, the Change-Up V2.0, will be available in February. If you wish to be alerted when the new gear is in stock, click here and they will send you an email the moment they come into stock. In addition, as you are a friend of mine, you will receive free gear with your order of these and all other Think Tank Photo gear online.
The Sub Urban Disguise will be available in four sizes. Their features include a flip-top lid that folds away from the body to provide quick and unencumbered access to gear. The series meets the high-quality design standards of the original Think Tank Urban Disguise® series, but for smaller gear or photographers who want to travel light.
The Sub Urban™ Disguise 5 holds a regular size DSLRs with one to two small telephotos or primes, or a D700 with a 18-200 attached. It also accommodates Micro 4/3rds, Leica and Sony NEX systems. Great for Strobs as it fits two to three pro-size flashes.
TheSub Urban™ Disguise 10holds a regular size DSLRs with two to three small telephotos or primes, or a D700 with a 18-200 attached. It also fits three pro-size flashes.
The Sub Urban™ Disguise 20 holds regular size DSLRs with three to four small telephotos or primes or a D700 with a 18-200 attached. It fits four to five pro-size flashes.
The Sub Urban™ Disguise 30fits a regular size DSLR and two to four standard telephoto lenses, or a D700 with a 24-70 2.8 attached. It can also hold an iPad or similarly-sized tablet.
Key features include:
Flip top lid opens away from your body, providing easy access to gear
Cleanly styled design, does not look like a traditional camera bag
Highest quality materials
Designed to easily fit DSLR equipment
Large padded front pocket
Easily accessible front organizer pocket
Stretchable side pockets fit a water bottle
Padded zippered pocket to accommodate an iPad or similarly-sized tablet (Suburban 30 only)
Padded non-slip flexible shoulder strap
Poly-ballistic fabric ensures durability
High quality YKK zippers
Seam-sealed rain cover included in front pocket
Business card slot
Materials:
Sub Urban Disguises’ all fabric exterior is treated with a Durable Water Resistant coating while the fabric underside is coated with Polyurethane for superior water resistance. It also uses YKK® RC Fuse zippers, 1680D ballistic polyester, 600D brushed polyester, 420D high-density nylon, Ultra-stretch pockets, antique nickel plated metal hardware, 3-ply bonded nylon thread. The interior features removable closed cell foam dividers, 200D polyester, PU backed velex liner, 2x PU coated nylon 210T seam-sealed taffeta rain cover, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
Specifications:
Sub Urban™ Disguise 5
Internal Dimensions: 6.6” x 7.4” x 5” (16.8 x 18.8 x 12.7 cm) (W x H x D)
External Dimensions: 8” x 8.5” x 6.4” (20.3 x 21.6 x 16.3 cm) (W x H x D)
Maximum weight (with all accessories): 1.1lbs (0.5kg); Minimum weight: 1.0lb (0.4kg)
Sub Urban™ Disguise 10
Internal Dimensions: 8.8” x 7.4” x 5” (22.4 x 18.8 x 12.7 cm) (W x H x D)
External Dimensions: 10.5” x 8.5” x 7” (26.7 x 21.6 x 17.8 cm) (W x H x D)
Maximum weight (with all accessories): 1.4lb (0.6kg); Minimum weight: 1.2lb (0.5kg)
Sub Urban™ Disguise 20
Internal Dimensions: 11” x 7.4” x 5” (27.9 x 18.8 x 12.7 cm) (W x H x D)
External Dimensions: 12” x 8.5” x 7” (30.5 x 21.6 x 17.8 cm) (W x H x D)
Maximum weight (with all accessories): 1.6lbs (0.7kg); Minimum weight: 1.3lb (0.6kg)
Sub Urban™ Disguise 30
Internal Dimensions: 11” x 9.5” x 5” (27.9 x 22.9 x 12.7 cm) (W x H x D)
External Dimensions: 11.5” x 10” x 7.3” (29.2 x 25.4 x 18.5 cm) (W x H x D)
iPad pocket: 10.7” x 8.5” x .8” (27.2 x 21.6 x 2 cm) (W x H x D)
Maximum weight (with all accessories): 1.5lb (1.0kg) ; Minimum weight: 2.3lb (0.7kg)
Change-Up V2.0
Change-Up V2.0
The Change-Up V2.0 has updated sizing and new features. This bag, a chameleon of sorts, can change from belt pack to shoulder bag to chest pack via the harness system. In addition, many Think Tank Modular and Skin Components can attach to the waist belt straps. With the ability to carry a standard-size DSLR and a 70-200 2.8, (detached), it has a significant amount of capacity in a lightweight, body conforming shape. Alternately, it holds a standard-size DSLR with 24-70 2.8 attached, plus one to three additional lenses.
Its essential features include:
Can be worn either as a shoulder camera bag, belt pack, or chest pack
Tall design accommodates DSLR equipment easily
Soft, lightweight materials contour to the body
Compression straps to adjust fit
Attachment rail for modular components (6” width)
One-handed zipper opens wide and provides quick access to gear
Easily accessible front organizer pocket
Stretchable side mesh pockets for water bottle or strobe
Durability that you’ve come to expect from the Think Tank brand
Highest quality YKK zippers
Seam-sealed rain cover included
Change-Up V2.0 enhancements include:
Increased height to fit all 70-200 2.8 lenses
Increased depth of top of bag to fit standard-size bodies
Added compression straps
Increased padding of back panel for added comfort
Belt strap tuck-away function improved by creating two separate pockets
Decreased weight and increased flexibility
Removed rear zippered pocket to allow fit for body while keeping bag slim
Change zipper application to “clam-shell” one handed application (one slider)
Rain cover moved to new zippered pocket on the bottom edge of the front panel
Change-Up V2.0’s all fabric exterior is treated with Durable Water Resistant coating while its fabric underside is coated with Polyurethane for superior water resistance. It uses YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion resistant) zippers, brushed 600D polyester, 250D shadow ripstop nylon, 100D ripstop nylon, 420HD nylon, Ultra-Stretch mesh pockets, 3D air mesh, antique nickel plated metal hardware, rock-lockster buckles, high-density foam shoulder strap, nylon webbing, 3-ply bonded nylon thread. Its interior features removable closed cell foam dividers, 210D silver-toned nylon, PU backed velex liner, 2x PU coated nylon 210T seam-sealed taffeta rain cover, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
Specifications:
External Dimensions: 11.5” W x 10.5” H x 6” D (29.2 × 26.7 × 15.2cm)
Internal Dimensions: 11.2” W x 10” H x 5.8” (28.4 × 25.4 × 14.7cm)
Weight: 1.5-2.2 lbs (0.7-1.0 kg) Minimum weight = two hinged dividers only
Special Offer
CLICK HERE to be alerted when these new bags are in stock and to be sure you get a free gear when you place your order.
Our friends at Think Tank Photo have a special offer for September that I think love (especially for early holiday shopping). Should you order one of their popular Urban Disguise® shoulder bags, you can receive one of their Urban Disguise® Attachment Straps or a Shoulder Harness V2.0for free! Be sure to check out the harness link if you haven’t seen how these shoulder bags convert into backpacks – it’s pretty cool!
With Think Tank Photo’s completely upgraded and larger Urban Disguise shoulder bags, you can travel in style while still protecting your valuable equipment from prying eyes.
The Urban Disguise V2.0 Series is specifically designed for professional digital SLR equipment, with some models including special laptop compartments. Each model features multiple pockets, YKK lockable zipper sliders, a comfortable, padded shoulder strap, and a seam-sealed rain cover. Specifically:
Urban Disguise 35 V2.0 – Carries a 13.3” laptop with a regular size DSLR or a 10” netbook with a pro size DSLR. Also carries a 70-200 f2.8 attached to a DSLR with two to three additional lenses.
Urban Disguise 40 V2.0 – Carries regular or pro size DSLR with a standard zoom lens attached and two to four additional lenses.
Urban Disguise 50 V2.0 – Carries up to a 15.4” laptop, a regular or pro size DSLR with a standard zoom attached, and two to four additional lenses.
Urban Disguise 60 V.20 – Carries up to a 17” laptop, a regular or pro size DSLR with a standard zoom attached, and three to five additional lenses.
Urban Disguise 70 V2.0 – Carries up to two pro size DSLRs with lenses attached in main compartment. Can fit a 70-200 f2.8 attached to a pro size DSLR.
Receive one of the following free with your order:
The Urban Disguise® Attachment Straps lets you attach Modular, Skin, or Multimedia components to the sides, and a tripod to the bottom, of an Urban Disguise V2.0 shoulder bag.
Or, receive a Shoulder Harness V2.0, which converts an Urban Disguise shoulder bag into a backpack.
Last month I announced a giveaway to win a free Think Tank Photo bag. I’m pleased to announce that due to such stiff competition that I’ve awarded two winners. Here’s the winning entries with before (mouse over) and after (mouse out):
Congrats to first place winner Tim Pursall from the UK who won with this great entry. When you hover over the photo above you can see what a difference there is between the before and after. More importantly, when you read the article you can see what a huge difference it makes using some of the great plug-ins mentioned on this blog!
There were so many great entries that I decided to also award Ed Beck a 2nd place award for his entry shown above with before and after results.
Tim will take his choice of one of the following two bags:
Prizes were provided by Think Tank Photo with no purchase necessary. Void where prohibited and the winner is responsible for all shipping and packaging charges in the event that they can not pick up in person in Redmond, WA.
I want to learn how you are processing your photos based on what you’ve learned from this blog. You are welcome to use demo software, but you must follow the rules to qualify.
All you need to do is tell me how you process your photos using products reviewed on this blog:
I have to approve new applications, so just sit tight and I'll do it within 24 hours.
I posted my entry but it didn't show up - what happened?
New users to the forums have to get their posts approved by moderators due to spam abuse. You don't need to re-submit, we'll see it and publish valid posts.
I don't want to post in your forums, can I still participate?
No, this event is being done to raise awareness of the forums.
I'm too lazy to find links to your articles on the right side of this blog, can I still participate?
No, you need to have at least 2 but the more the merrier.
Can I choose which Think Tank Photo bag I win?
No, but if more than one bag becomes available I may contact the person with the best entry and ask them which one of the choices they want.
Can I watermark or link my photos?
Yes, please do - but you can upload them to the forums too.
Do I retain rights to my photos?
Absolutely. The only rights you are assigning me is the right to show your photo on the forum where you've posted it and in a blog article announcing the winner(s). I have no other use for your photos.
I don't like your rules, can I still participate?
Yes, but you will be ineligible for selection of a free camera bag.
Do I have to use Photoshop, or can I use Lightroom, Aperture, etc...?
No, you can use whatever you want but I'd like you to demonstrate the use of at few products featured on this blog - the more the better.
Can I link to gear or book reviews instead of plug-ins?
Sure, those are just as good. However, I'd prefer that you try out some of the plug-ins and link to those as well.
Will the person with the most links win?
Not necessarily, but the more the better. I'll be choosing the winner based on the best overall article which will include the quality of their final image after post-processing.
I don't know how to do your before and after trick, what do i do?
No worries, just show them any way you want in your article.
I hate doing stuff like this in forums, but I don't have blog - what should I do?
Get a free blog on Blogspot.com or Wordpress.com just for this and don't use it anymore after - it won't cost you anything. Use Windows Live Writer to edit your blog for the best user experience.
Can I do a video instead?
Yes, but you must post a link in the forums along with links to the products featured in the video.
Can I use products you haven't reviewed yet?
Yes, please do. Just try to include some products featured on the blog - even services like Zenfolio count.
The Fine Print
There is no purchase necessary and participation is strictly for entertainment / educational purposes. Void where prohibited. Winners are responsible for shipping expenses necessary to receive their bags, but free pickup in Redmond or Renton Washington is available. You may only choose one of an Urban Disguise 40 or Airport AirStream and no equipment, accessories, etc… will be included.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to mail me using the link at the top right of this blog.
When the Think Tank Photo (TTP) Retrospective bags first came out I asked TTP why didn’t they just call these Urban Disguise (UD) bags with colors? From the web site I couldn’t see much difference so it didn’t make a lot of sense to me at first. After reviewing these bags I understand the subtle differences and more importantly I’ve come to appreciate both the Urban Disguise Series as well as the Retrospective Series much more. I still wish they’d make a UD bag in the Retrospective material, but hey that’s just my 2 cents.
You can see my review of the Urban Disguise Series and the Urban Disguise 40 v2.0 for a closer look at them, but the one thing I noticed right away about this series is the material. It’s much more flexible and doesn’t seem anything like a camera bag on the outside. TTP bags are known for being stealth, so this takes it to the next level.
One complaint I had about the front flap shown above is that it doesn’t have an external pocket like you see on the Urban Disguise series bags like the UD 40 v2.0 shown below:
On the inside the Retrospective 20 is going to feel familiar to Urban Disguise bag owners. I can say that compared to my 40 that it felt taller as shown below where it swallows the 70-200mm pretty easily:
Inside View – Copyright ® Ron Martinsen
Since this bag doesn’t use the buckle system found in the UD series you end up with massive pieces of Velcro. This results in a loud noise when you lift the flap, so you can release the flaps shown below called Sound Silencers to cover the big Velcro strips to quiet the bag.
While I appreciate the thought, I actually don’t like this feature because I think you are taking a greater risk of spilling your gear. I do wish this bag had the UD series style buckles instead of big Velcro.
Video
Here's a video tour of the bag that I have. My apologies for the poor quality video and sound, but hopefully you’ll still get the idea. I must also point out that I incorrectly describe the sound silencers in the video due to my review of a separate back intended for HDSLR’s.
Please note that an HD version is available in the link below:
As you can see it can hold a lot of gear, but honestly I’d recommend something smaller than a pro body. It fits, but not comfortably. My 5D Mark II (or the Nikon D7000 I reviewed) is actually a better fit. In real life, usually use it to hold my 24-105mm on camera as shown along with a 580 EX II flash and an one other lens like a 16-35mm.
Conclusion
Before I got this bag I wasn’t very interested in reviewing it as I didn’t see any value in having it. I have Urban Disguise bags which I love and use often, so I just didn’t see any value in having a different color bag that seemed the same.In may ways I still think the Urban Disguise Series additional features make them the better choice, but when I had both bags available and sitting next to each other I kept find myself wanting to use this one.
Ultimately I learned that they aren’t the same and came to appreciate the nice look and flexibility of this bag. I also appreciated the fact that it looked less like a camera bag when I had to leave it in the back of the SUV when parked. Camera theft is going way up in my state, so stealth mode is super important these days. Of course, I don’t recommend you leave your bag in plain site and camera insurance is a must, but sometimes you’ve just gotta leave the bag in the car for a bit so I appreciated this feature.
I recommend this bag for those who are looking for something more stylish or softer. I find myself using mine and enjoying it quite a bit when I need to take a camera bag to a friends house and I don’t want to look like the photography geek.
A note to Canon owners: The photos (not video) in this article were shot with Canon’s new 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens that I reviewed here.
Special Offer
Visit my Think Tank Photo to learn about a special offer on how you can get a free bag when you place your order, plus links to other TTP reviews. You can also visit my discount coupon code page for other discounts and offers.
Disclosure
I was given a bag to review for this article and I may get a commission if you make a purchase using the links in this article. Please support this blog by using the links.
Thanks for all of you who helped kick off the first month of the Ron Martinsen Photography & Photoshop Forums by posting questions and answers. As a reward for their contributions in getting the forums going, I’d like to announce the following winners:
Get to know Frank in his own words in his intro post here on the forum.
Top Moderators
I’d also like to thank the top two forum moderators Tommy Williams (twwilliams) with 41 posts and Michael Schene (MyOtherFocus) with 21 posts. For their devotion to keeping the blog going and the spammers at bay, I have awarded the following bags (gear not included):
I’d like to thank the winners for their support, those who participated but didn’t win for their contribution and of course Think Tank Photo for providing these bags to give to my readers,
Disclosure
The bags featured in this article were given to the people mentioned by Think Tank Photo on behalf of ronmartblog.com. I may also get a commission if you purchase using the links in this article.
I wrote about Think Tank Photo’s Urban Disguise series in my blog at the beginning of this year, and about a year later I got one of the v2.0 versions of Urban Disguise 40. Now in my review I had originally said that my Urban Disguise® 50 was too big and that I’d prefer a 40. Now that I have the 40, I realize the 50 is the perfect size – go figure? :)
Here’s what’s new for the v2.0:
Normally I do a little video to show the bag because I find the info on the web site to be less informative than I’d like, but in this case there video is spot on so I’m not going to reinvent the wheel – just check out what’s new here:
Additional Photos
Here are some great photos of this new bag from the Think Tank Photo web site:
Extra camera (non-pro) bodies can easily fit in the pockets My 5D Mark II fits fine in there in any orientation
Swap a flash for the macro lens below and this is spot on as to how I configure my UD40 v2:
This is how you have to carry a long lens. If you try to put it on the camera then the body will poke out, but the hand straps snap works in a pinch to get the bag together when you need to do that (not recommended).
Using the new v2.0 expansion zipper, you can store a pro DSLR in these bags much easier than before.
Conclusion
The new 2.0 bags offer a variety of new features that are subtle at first, but when you actually use them you realize they are very handy. Now unless you have a pro body, it probably doesn’t warrant replacing your Urban Disguise series v1.0 bag, but if you are looking to get a new bag I’d say go straight for the Urban Disguise series 2.0.
I still use my Urban Disguise bag quite often for local lightweight shoots and family outings.
Special Offer
Check out this page for my latest special offer on Think Tank Photo bags and lots of reviews on their other products.
Disclosure
I was given a UD40 v2.0 bag to evaluate and discuss at my discretion. I may get a commission if you take advantage of my special offer, so I really appreciate you purchasing using the links on this blog.
