Think Tank Airport Essentials Backpack for Standard DSLR System, 300mm f/2.8/iPad/13" Laptop, Small

I was looking for a backpack that could accommodate a DSLR, a couple of lenses (including a long zoom), a video cam and associated gear (batteries, chargers, etc.). After some research, I found the Think Tank backpacks are highly recommended. I ordered this one for several reasons:1. Very lightweight.2. Fits under the seat on most aircraft3. Has room for my gear4. Allows attaching a tripod or monopod on one side5. Can carry a small laptop AND a tablet6. Has waist and sternum belts7. Has a top AND side handle for carryingI recently "test drove" the bag on a short trip and am very pleased. All my gear fit securely--camera, 2 lenses, video cam, batteries, monopod swivel head, chargers, laptop, Kindle, binoculars, papers, a magazine. The laptop and tablet are a somewhat snug fit--it helps to fully unzip the top section into which they fit (which also covers the camera section) and then slide these items into the designated pockets. I opted to carry the monopod in my other carry on so as not to tempt TSA to see the monopod as a "weapon" ;-). If one double loops the pod-carrying straps, they are snug enough to easily hold a monopod.The pack has smaller compartments in the top section but don't plan on storing other than fairly flat items in the two zippered compartments on the camera side--for example, storage cards, lens caps, small cables, etc. Some compartments on the laptop side are closed by velcro but most are open, with places for pens, and perhaps a pad of post-its, small notepad and the like.The camera storage area comes with several small pads that allow configuring the space for your gear. The pads are secured in place by velcro and it is STRONG--no worries about the pads shifting once you locate them.The backpack shoulder straps each have a small metal ring to which you could clip small items, and all the straps all have a clever "flap" that serves as a stop after you adjust the length. I also like that the straps can be fairly easily "dressed" out of the way to minimize dragging on the floor and through grunge, or the chance the excess will form an inadvertent snare catching one's foot.Once I packed the bag, it was rather heavy--it is easy to load it up! I think if I had used the waist belt more it would have been more comfortable on my back.I left at home the weather cover; as others have noted, it takes up space in the main storage comportment instead of being stuffed into a bottom zippered compartment the way other Think Tank bags handle it. That's about the only "drawback" I can think of to an otherwise excellent backpack to safely and securely carry a reasonable amount of camera gear on a trip. One of my brothers was so impressed he decided to buy one, though I believe he chose a somewhat larger model (he's also much bigger than me!).

Like many photographers its not the search for that perfect lens or camera its the Bag. We all want that "perfect" bag to handle all situations.I have tried several types and brands some excellent some good and some that should have never been considered.I've tried the one with the fancy straps and tie downs and separate compartments for camera gear, personal stuff and laptop, those work great.Anyhow let me get into the pros,cons and some of my views.Pros:Simple design one big compartment for camera gear and smaller front area for laptop and other personal items,I find it very easy to work with and out of, place it down, open it up and there are your lenses and everything else, when Im at a Restaurant or Coffee Shop working on photos and articles I can lay it on the seat next to me and get to my laptop, notebook and other gear, I use this time to charge up the batteries for my mirrorless cameras.The side handle, now at first I thought it was not needed since it has thet the top handle, I find that I use it quite often especially when putting it in a vehicle. (I have not tried using this bag on a flight but will soon)Water bottle-tripod pocket, I use mine for a water bottle, since I use my mirrorless cameras more than my DSLR, I find if you adjust the dividers that are meant for a Body with lens attached,a travel size tripod fits perfectly inside the main compartment no tripod sticking out and telling people you have camera gear.(I have a MeFoto Roadtrip)The shoulder straps, not bad so far I have not found them to be uncomfortable, I do like the loops at the end of the adjuster straps and the elastic keepers to keep the straps in place and from flopping around, I ride a motorcycle with the pack on and its nice not have straps hitting you and flapping about.The waist belt, not padded but it works, and being able to tuck it away a big plus.The lock was a big feature for me, I know if someone really wants my bag they can get it, but this slows them down I do lock it to my motorcycle.Cons:Not many, the top zipper compartment I wish was bigger, but it works,I wish there was a way to lock both the laptop and camera compartment together with one lock, I did buy an extra lock.In all I find it easy to wear and use. I did end getting a few Think Tank Photo Accesories and they work well too,I got the SD Pixel Pocket RocketThe small Credential HolderThe Power House Air, charger and accessory pouch..

INTRO:I have more bags than most ladies... As photographers, we love our gear ... we search hard To find the perfect bag for our gear ... event if we a more than one for a certain occasions ... but finding the right bag is a little like searching for Holy Grail ... did you know that camera bags are the most return goods in the photographic industry.BACKGROUND:I ve been a photographer over 10 years and have collected many bags along the way. Mostly if not all are Lowepro, I have been super happy with them, they do great bags!WHY THINK TANK?1 reason - My work horse bag was the Lowepro Pro Runner 350 ... I was working at a corporate event and left my bag for 15min ... only to find it unzipped and emptied! 4K of equipment gone in minutes - I won't bore you with details of the theft but however, it's important: Had I had locked it up maybe it would not have happened? But my bag doesn't have the zippers to lock it up! Maybe they would have just taken the bag? I could and should tie it up ... and then ...Think Tank bag came to mind with their security lock system!I ORDER THE AIRPORT ESSENTIALS THE NEXT DAY.I knew of Think Tank high quality from my colleague showing me his StreetWalker and I had no hesitation!AND NOW?My impressions of the bag are super high, initially it looked smaller than my previous LowePro Pro Runner 350 ... and that's a good thing! But inside it is just as big or even bigger thanks to the padding being less thick, I can put everything I need in it. Magic.Most importantly and the reason I got this bag is that I can now lock it up AND tie it around a structure giving me peace of mind when I need to leave it behind ... letting me concentrate on my work with out worrying!Thank you Think Tank, I should have got you it sooner!

DELUX BAG!!!

I have way too many camera bags and this is one of my favourite ones.For reference, I usually carry in the main compartment:- a Nikon D3S body on its side (it protrudes a little but the bag still closes its zipper easily),- a Nikon D800 with a TC-14 and a AF-S 300mm f4 (no VR version) attached,- a Fuji x-pro1 with a fotodiox adapter and a nikon 50mm f1.8G attached,- a Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f4G VR,- a Nikon AF-S 105mm f2.8G Micro,- a Nikon AF-S 85mm f1.8G,- the cables and charger for my Macbook Pro 13 (2017),- a Lacie 2TB LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt drive,- my glasses in their box,- a rocket-blower and a couple of lens cleaning cloths and lens back caps.In the front compartment I carry:- Macbook Pro 13 (2017),- a 2017 10.5inch iPad ProObviously this is all a tight fit, but it fits perfectly and it is still comfortable to use.I enclose a few photos with only the Fuji x-pro1 not in the bag but with a hoodman loupe.

Perfect for my two fx bodies and lenses....smaller than my last airporter which i had for years yet i can get more in this one...well designed with quality......Very happy.

I shoot a lot of documentary work, as well as editorial, kennethjcoxphotographyDOTcom as much as I always like to have camera in hand, as anyone there is often times that I need the gear on my back.I tried the Lower pro magnum 400 it was like having a brick on my back swing around and was unsafe as offered no support.Prior to that I was using the lower pro flipside 400 Aw A great bag but zip started to give out and it was difficult to get second camera out.Already owning the Think-tank airport security I love how the bag opens right up, I took the chance and bought it.When it arrived I thought it looked too small but it’s just well designed, it can easily hold two cameras with lens attached. And if I wished I could configure it to hold 3 spare lens. Details state it can hold a 10” laptop I’m finding it holds a 15”mac book pro with no issues.One other strange things it feels lighter on my back than my old lower pro, less clumsy as well I had it for hours straight whilst shooting some work for the fire service and forgot it was there.