Reviews for Nikon D50 / D80 / D90 / D7000
Review #1
(Added 3rd September 2011)
Equipment list in bag:
Nikon D90 + Nikon 35mm f/2
and/or Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro
and/ or Tokina 12-24mm f/4
and/or Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC
I have always liked travelling light with just a camera and single lens so when I recently purchase a Tamron 70-300mm VC lens I required something a bit larger than my lowepro tlz 20 holster bag. The problem is that the lens is 15cm long alone so would need quite a deep shoulder/holster bag. The ideal candidate looked like the Think Tank Photo Holster 20 bag. It can be extended to accommodate not only this lens but also the hood attached. So I have the best of both worlds, a medium sized shoulder/holster or an larger one for the longer lenses.
Here`s a front photo with the lower section zippered up.
And with the extended "pop down" section unzipped.
The exterior size is 8” W x 5.5” H X 9.5-12.5” D (20.3 x 14 x 24.1-31.8 cm). The extension gives approx 3in/7cm extra room.
Heres photos of various lenses on the D90 to give an idea of the size of lenses that fits.
Nikon D90 + Nikon 35mm f/2 Nikon D90 + Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8
Nikon D90 + Tokina 12-24mm f/4 Nikon D90 + Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC 
Nikon D90 + Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC + Lens Hood attached
Inside the empty bag without the "pop down" extended...
And with the supplied divider. It can be used to either support the camera with smaller lenses or enable you to store a second lens at the bottom.
The extra 3 inches that the extended section gives you I found there was enough room to fit the 12-24mm f/4 on its side below this divider whilst
the D90 + Tamron 70-300mm sits on top. The divider can also be attached to the side of the bag when not in use by velcro strips.
There is a velcro attached removable soft divider on the top so you can place your camera strap on this so as not too cause damage to your cameras lcd screen.
Inside the top flap is a small pocket with room for memory cards, lens caps,etc
At the front of the bag is a elasticated sleeve that`s handy for lens caps, manuals,memory cards,phone,etc
The carrying handle
There`s a small pocket that is suitable for placing business cards, a velcro strip holds them in place securely.
As with all Think Tank bags, good strong metal clips for the shoulder strap. The shoulder strap is adequate with a non-slip finish but with minimal padding, extra padding isnt that important for a small bag like this.
The bag has an attachment for the Think Tank modular belt straps or a normal belt. Unlike some holsters you do have to feed a belt through it before you put this on because of the size of the velcro strip at the bottom.
on the side there is a small pocket for the all weather cover(not shown) and accessories like spare batteries.
The other side has a top loops and bottom strap for attaching over modular bags in the Think Tank range.
The bag being worn as a shoulder bag in normal and extended modes on a 1.52m / 5ft 10in frame.
Overall a very nice bag at a reasonable price considering its quality. It feels very well put together with strong materials and parts. There`s ample room for most cameras and lenses and with the extendable "pop down" section with a spare divider makes it useful to carry not only longer but also 2 small/medium sized lenses aswell.
It does perhaps have a slightly boxy, ungainly feel especially when used as a holster and extended. But I guess that`s to be expected for a holster of this size.
I`ve used 1 body 1 lens holster/shoulder bags from Lowepro, Tamrac, Crumpler and M-Rock. But I havent come across one that is as well constructed and designed as the Think Tank Holster 20 bag. Fully recommended!
Likes about the bag:
Strong materials, extendable base, soft dividers, small pockets for storage. Smart design.
Dislikes about the bag:
Slightly boxy , awkward feel when used as holster and extended.
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Review by Paul @ Cambags.com
