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The Retrospective 30 V2 is a big ‘ol bag. |
ThinkTank Retrospective 30 V2 This is not a new product by any means, but it is new to me. Earlier this year, I was looking for a camera bag to replace the one I’ve had since high school and came across Retrospective 30; The largest choice in ThinkTank’s renowned lineup of canvas shoulder camera bags.
While anyone can make a messenger bag with a few dividers and be done with it, it feels like this bag was truly designed and refined by and for photographers. All of its Velcro flaps can be covered or silenced if you don’t want to draw attention to yourself while shooting on the street or at an event like a wedding. The top can be zipped shut for maximum security or left open to let you quickly access gear, and I think it has the perfect ratio of open space and built-in organization.
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Some are covered in velcro patches that keep you from ruining a quiet moment by opening them. Photo: Michelle Clark |
It also has subtle touches that I’ve found really useful: one of the front pockets has a bright red fabric loop that I clip my keys to so I always know where they are, when you’re in the water. The bottle pocket can be closed tightly when I’m not using it and there are plenty of spots to hook a carabiner if I need to hang additional gear on the outside of the bag.
I also like how it looks. The olive green fabric matches the antique-looking metal hardware well.
However, my favorite thing about this bag is that it is monstrous. This is a station wagon – no, honda odyssey – Messenger style camera bag. I’ve used it to carry two camera bodies, some lenses, a 14-inch MacBook Pro, an iPad, and a bunch of other bits and bobs like a notebook, an army of SD cards, a Clif bar or two, power . Adapter and rain jacket. Is this a sign of overpacking? Maybe, but it’s part of the job; I’ve been repeatedly testing one camera for reviews and using the other to shoot sample galleries of some variety.
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It may seem like there are three lens cameras here – a Nikon Z8, Canon EOS R7 and Panasonic S9 – but there are actually FourA Fujifilm X-M5 is hidden in a compartment under the Z8’s grip. Photo: Michelle Clark |
Even when my camera load isn’t that heavy, I’ve found the Retrospective 30 to be useful as a commuter. I live in Spokane, Washington, but travel relatively frequently to DPReview’s offices in Seattle. Because I keep my entire photographic life in it – my SD cards, various cables, white balance cards and rolling shutter testers – I can just pick it up and go without having to run around making sure I have everything I need for the next week. All that is needed is available. Packed.
I took a bit of a risk buying this bag: DPReview Panasonic was sending me to Japan as a freelancer to cover the S9 announcement, and I knew that the Lowepro bag I got with my first camera in high school , it was on. Its last legs. I hoped to turn reviewing cameras into my full-time job, but I wasn’t 100% sure I was cut out for it.
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I am returning home from Japan, very tired. Photo: Michelle Clark |
If it turned out I wasn’t, 30 would be much bigger than I needed; My personal camera consists of a Fujifilm X-T3 and two lenses, which will fit perfectly in this bag. but if i Did When finishing up on DPReview, I was worried that a smaller bag wouldn’t be able to carry all the gear I thought I’d be hauling around.
I was also concerned about the price at the time: At $240, it’s far from the most expensive bag out there, but I still didn’t feel like telling my wife I wanted to spend that much. Anything While I was largely unemployed last year — I quit my job as a news writer at The Verge in April 2023 Hike the Pacific Crest TrailAfter coming back I spent some time working at a ski shop and doing various odd jobs, but it took a long time for me to contribute meaningfully to our household budget.
But I went for it anyway; The prospect of going on a press trip and using cameras in a backpack that wasn’t at all designed for them seemed like a nightmare. And apparently, it worked: I’m working at DPReview now, and I’m reminded every day what a good idea it was to get something with so much potential.
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Despite its carrying capacity, the Retrospective 30 is a reasonable size to take on a photo walk. Photo: Michelle Clark |
Of course, I have some shortcomings. No bag is perfect, which is why the market for them is almost endless. I haven’t been able to figure out an elegant way to attach a tripod to it, even something as small as the Peak Design Travel model, the main zipper can be a little hard to start closing if it’s completely open, and I need a tutorial video Find out how to use the included rain cover. I do wish the top flap of the bag was made of waterproof material, although the canvas alone is enough to protect my gear during short hikes in light rain – yikes!
The bag could rub a little uncomfortably on my hip when fully filled, but I suspect that’s more of a limitation with the overall messenger bag form factor. Realistically, if you’re carrying gear over 7 kg (15+ pounds), you should be carrying it on your back, not slung over one shoulder.
Despite my complaints, I still like this bag a lot, and I suspect I’ll continue using it for years to come. Well, the same is true for a job – and if I’m lucky enough to do so, I’ll have Retrospective 30 as a reminder of where it all began.
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