The Think Tank Photo Pixel Sunscreen Version 2.0 is a collapsible laptop sunshade that blocks peripheral light, allowing you to see your computer display in bright conditions.
Begin by pulling the shade from the attached mesh enclosure. The shade will automatically spring open.
Place your laptop on the non-skid surface. Cords and cables can be routed through the openings on the back and sides. Small items can be placed in the inner mesh pockets while you are working.
The dark cloth can be simply attached to the corresponding hook and loop when additional darkness is needed.
The top of the Pixel Sunscreen can be temporarily lowered by attaching the strap from the top edge to the hook and loop closure on the underside of the shade, and providing additional protection in wet or dusty conditions.
To fold the pixel sunscreen, begin by removing all objects from the interior. Hold the shade with the opening facing down, placing your thumbs on the corresponding outlines. Slowly twist the sides inward, beginning with the right-hand side. As you fold the left side over the right, the other sides will automatically fold inward. Bring the sides together to form a flat disk. Stretch the mesh enclosure around the edges to keep the Pixel Sunscreen folded.
For more information about any of our Think Tank Photo products, visit Thinktankphoto.com.
In this video, Juan takes you through the cool features of the Think Tank Retrospective line, and compares the Retrospective 10, 20 and 30. Think Tank has just released the Retrospective 5 with the same features in a size smaller than the 10.
Hi, I’m Juan Pons from the Digital Photo Experience. I’m here to do a couple of product reviews for you guys, in conjunction with my friends at Outdoor Photo Gear. The first thing I want to talk to you guys about is this new line of Think Tank Photo bags. If you follow me at all, you know that Think Tank Photo bags are my favorite bags. They recently came out with this line of Retrospective bags.
There are three different sizes and in two different colors. They come in this pine stone color, which actually is turning out to be very, very popular. One of the cool things about this bag is that they have kind of a retro look to them. Following the normal Think Tank philosophy, these bags are made to be inconspicuous, meaning that you don’t look like you’re carrying very expensive photo gear around with you.
As with all other Think Tank Photo bags, these come with a full compliment of dividers and a lot of pockets and organizers inside to carry all of your gear. But what’s really cool about these bags, that I really like, is the fact that you can actually turn the bags into kind of a silent mode. So if you are at an event or wedding or you are a photojournalist and you can’t be opening and closing your bag and causing this big ripping effect of the Velcro opening and closing like you can see here, you can actually turn those Velcros off, if you will, and make the camera bags completely silent. That applies not just to the exterior flap but also to the pockets inside. The way that works is that they do have a flap here with another Velcro section, a loop section of the Velcro, that covers the hook part of the Velcro itself. So you can make these bags nice and quiet. Again, this applies to all three sizes of the bags and the two different colors.
The Retrospective line of bags are shoulder bags primarily, but they have two ways of carrying them. First they come with the shoulder strap, which is nice, wide, comfortable, and really beefy strap. I like that a lot. But they also come with a handle, so you can pick up the bags very easily. As with all other Think Tank Photo bags, they also come with a rain cover, so you can cover the bag if you find yourself in a torrential downpour.
So the three bags are the 10, the 20, and the 30. The 10 obviously being the smallest, but it still can hold two to four lenses, and it can also hold a pro body with a smallish, medium-sized lens attached to it, like my favorite 24-105. In addition to that, it has a pocket in the front, which can carry another body.
The 20 is the tallest of the three, and it can hold a pro body with a 70- 200mm lens inserted vertically into the bag itself. And it can still hold two to three lenses next to that. As with the 10, it has a pocket in the front where it can hold another body, even a pro body as well.
The 30 is the widest of the three, and approximately the same height as the 10. It can hold your lenses, four to five lenses inside, and it can even hold the 70-200 attached to the camera, but the difference is that the camera needs to be sitting lengthwise. It has two pockets in the front, so it can carry an additional two bodies, or if the inside is full of lenses you can put two bodies in the front as well.
Out of the three bags, the 20 has got to be my favorite. A lot of it has to do with the fact that it can hold a 70-200mm lens attached to your camera while still carrying a lot of other equipment inside very comfortably. I do like the pine stone finish of the bag. You can get them all in either black or this pine stone, but this pine stone finish is very stylish and also makes the bag look more retro.
If you have more questions, be sure to go to the Outdoor Photo Gear website at OutdoorPhotoGear.com.
Editors note: Since it has been raining, ahem, just a little bit around the country, we thought we'd repost an entry dealing with different rain covers for your gear.
Rain Covers can protect your gear from the elements—not just rain. Mother nature throws all kinds of corrosive at your gear: sand, salt spray, snow and dust to name a few. Think of washing your clothes the last time you shot near the water or in a dusty field. That same stuff that made your clothes dirty is on your gear!
Your choice of rain covers is all over the board, both in price and in sizes. From $5 plastic disposable covers to high tech solutions running several hundred dollars, it might be overwhelming as to which one to choose.
The answer to your rain cover can reveal itself with a little analysis of two things: the lenses in your collection, and why you’ll need a rain cover. Keep in mind that one size rain cover probably won’t fit all your lenses, and you may find a different rain cover need for different lenses. Just as you need different lenses for different situations, you may need different rain covers as well.
Take your lenses out of storage and line them up on a table. A quick look will (maybe painfully) remind you of the amount of investment you have to protect. Grab a tape measure—yes, you’ll need to measure your lenses, both length and diameter. If you want your rain gear to cover your hood, include that in your measurements. Keep in mind teleconverters, and add a few inches for them if you use them. Also, some rain cover manufacturers include the measurements for your camera body, so measure those as well. It only take a few minutes to measure, and you’ll want to save this information.
Luckily, you won’t need as may rain covers as you have lenses, as most covers span a few inches, and therefore fit several lenses. One piece of advice: always lean toward a larger rain cover—it may “bunch up” with shorter lenses, but will cover the longer ones adequately.
Before we move on to the covers themselves, think about how you will use each lens in relation to protection. Do you only take out that 50mm inside or in the back yard? Are you taking that 500mm to Africa or Alaska? Do you shoot ball games with that 70-200mm? Inside or out? Do you need a weather-tight solution for your trip with one lens, but only an emergency cover for another?
Now that you have measurements for your lenses, and a “need scale” for each one, you’re armed with the info needed for a choice of rain covers.
Rain covers run the gamut, just like your lenses. We’ll start with the basic models, cover the high-tech models, and end up in the middle.
For starters, Op/Tech makes a disposable clear light plastic Rainsleeves that only run around $6. These sleeves fit lenses 18” or smaller (14” for the version that covers your flash) and have a drawstring to cinch up the cover on your lens. They also have a hole to push your eyepiece through for a clearer view. Rainsleeves won’t over your big telephotos, and will bunch up on wide angles, but cover about everything in between. These sleeves are great for stashing in your camera bag for that occasional surprise shower on a shoot or a day at the beach. The price can’t be beat, and they are much nicer than a plastic garbage bag!
On the other end of the scale are the high-tech offerings from Think Tank Photo and AquaTech. If you’re heading to Anarctica, Alaska, a whitewater raft trip, shoot outdoor sports, or want to make sure your gear is absolutely protected, then these covers are for you. Each model of these covers is made for a narrow range of lenses to provide a tight fit. They also require individual eyepieces for each of your cameras to insure waterproofing.
Think Tank makes two Hydrophobia models: one for the popular 70-200mm, with or without flash, and one for the lens range of 300mm to 600mm.
The Hydrophobias keep your gear watertight, strap down to your gear, and provide two sleeves for ease of operation. The Hydrophbia 300-600 even sits on your long lens, waiting to be quickly pulled back at a moment’s notice. To complete a custom fit, you’ll need to get the proper eyepiece for your camera.
AquaTech, an Australian company that makes wetsuits, applies their technology to high end, custom fitting covers. AquaTech has five models, each fitting a narrow range of lenses. To make things easier, AquaTech has a PDF Reference Chart to help you pick the right size. Like the Think Tank, you need a specific eyepiece for your camera.
Kata rain covers take a different approach, with good customization and full features at an economical price. Kata makes a rain cover for smaller DSLRs which have lenses up to 5.75”. They also have a model for pro-sized DSLRs with lenses up to 4”. The unique thing about the cover for pro sized DSLRs is that you can add a Lens Extension Kit that has two add-on sleeves for 25.6” long. These models give you great flexibility and quite a few of the features found on more expensive models.
Right in the middle, for occasional use and great protection, like the Storm Jackets. Reasonably priced, these Aqua-nylon fabric covers cover a wide range of lenses and have bungee-cords for enclosures. They also have Velcro openings for your tripod or monopod. Sizes range up to 31” and the product pages give suggested lens size combinations. These covers give you repeated use and are compact for storage in your bag. These are our most popular covers!
So there you have it. Although there are numerous choices of rain covers, a little analysis of your lenses and your needs will point you in the right direction.
Rain Covers can protect your gear from the elements—not just rain. Mother nature throws all kinds of corrosive at your gear: sand, salt spray, snow and dust to name a few. Think of washing your clothes the last time you shot near the water or in a dusty field. That same stuff that made your clothes dirty is on your gear!
Your choice of rain covers is all over the board, both in price and in sizes. From $5 plastic disposable covers to high tech solutions running several hundred dollars, it might be overwhelming as to which one to choose.
The answer to your rain cover can reveal itself with a little analysis of two things: the lenses in your collection, and why you’ll need a rain cover. Keep in mind that one size rain cover probably won’t fit all your lenses, and you may find a different rain cover need for different lenses. Just as you need different lenses for different situations, you may need different rain covers as well.
Take your lenses out of storage and line them up on a table. A quick look will (maybe painfully) remind you of the amount of investment you have to protect. Grab a tape measure—yes, you’ll need to measure your lenses, both length and diameter. If you want your rain gear to cover your hood, include that in your measurements. Keep in mind teleconverters, and add a few inches for them if you use them. Also, some rain cover manufacturers include the measurements for your camera body, so measure those as well. It only take a few minutes to measure, and you’ll want to save this information.
Luckily, you won’t need as may rain covers as you have lenses, as most covers span a few inches, and therefore fit several lenses. One piece of advice: always lean toward a larger rain cover—it may “bunch up” with shorter lenses, but will cover the longer ones adequately.
Before we move on to the covers themselves, think about how you will use each lens in relation to protection. Do you only take out that 50mm inside or in the back yard? Are you taking that 500mm to Africa or Alaska? Do you shoot ball games with that 70-200mm? Inside or out? Do you need a weather-tight solution for your trip with one lens, but only an emergency cover for another?
Now that you have measurements for your lenses, and a “need scale” for each one, you’re armed with the info needed for a choice of rain covers.
Rain covers run the gamut, just like your lenses. We’ll start with the basic models, cover the high-tech models, and end up in the middle.
For starters, Op/Tech makes a disposable clear light plastic Rainsleeves that only run around $6. These sleeves fit lenses 18” or smaller (14” for the version that covers your flash) and have a drawstring to cinch up the cover on your lens. They also have a hole to push your eyepiece through for a clearer view. Rainsleeves won’t over your big telephotos, and will bunch up on wide angles, but cover about everything in between. These sleeves are great for stashing in your camera bag for that occasional surprise shower on a shoot or a day at the beach. The price can’t be beat, and they are much nicer than a plastic garbage bag!
On the other end of the scale are the high-tech offerings from Think Tank Photo and AquaTech. If you’re heading to Anarctica, Alaska, a whitewater raft trip, shoot outdoor sports, or want to make sure your gear is absolutely protected, then these covers are for you. Each model of these covers is made for a narrow range of lenses to provide a tight fit. They also require individual eyepieces for each of your cameras to insure waterproofing.
Think Tank makes two Hydrophobia models: one for the popular 70-200mm, with or without flash, and one for the lens range of 300mm to 600mm.
The Hydrophobias keep your gear watertight, strap down to your gear, and provide two sleeves for ease of operation. The Hydrophbia 300-600 even sits on your long lens, waiting to be quickly pulled back at a moment’s notice. To complete a custom fit, you’ll need to get the proper eyepiece for your camera.
AquaTech, an Australian company that makes wetsuits, applies their technology to high end, custom fitting covers. AquaTech has five models, each fitting a narrow range of lenses. To make things easier, AquaTech has a PDF Reference Chart to help you pick the right size. Like the Think Tank, you need a specific eyepiece for your camera.
Kata rain covers take a different approach, with good customization and full features at an economical price. Kata makes a rain cover for smaller DSLRs which have lenses up to 5.75”. They also have a model for pro-sized DSLRs with lenses up to 4”. The unique thing about the cover for pro sized DSLRs is that you can add a Lens Extension Kit that has two add-on sleeves for 25.6” long. These models give you great flexibility and quite a few of the features found on more expensive models.
Right in the middle, for occasional use and great protection, like the Storm Jackets. Reasonably priced, these Aqua-nylon fabric covers cover a wide range of lenses and have bungee-cords for enclosures. They also have Velcro openings for your tripod or monopod. Sizes range up to 31” and the product pages give suggested lens size combinations. These covers give you repeated use and are compact for storage in your bag. These are our most popular covers!
So there you have it. Although there are numerous choices of rain covers, a little analysis of your lenses and your needs will point you in the right direction.
We've all been aware of the convergence of video and still photography over the past few years. There's a lot of information and a lot of noise out there on the subject. Sorting through it all can be tedious, and every article has its own opinion of how things should be done.
Think Tank Photo has done the "Multimedia DSLR" community a great service today by publishing a Buyers Guide. This guide of course features Think Tank Multimedia Bags, but goes much, much into a broader spectrum of products that the Multimedia DSLR user needs to consider: Camera features, what lenses are best, audio recorders and microphones, and other accessories. Links to those product manufacturer pages are included.
Kudos to Think Tank for doing quite a bit of research that will help us all!
We are pleased to announce John Batdorff as the winner of our Think Tank StreetWalker HardDrive contest. Out of thousands of entries, John won in a random drawing.
The son of two avid photographers, John began his photo career as a teenager, shooting pictures for the family’s newspaper business. A renowned landscape photographer, John’s work has been showcased at the prestigious National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. His work has also been featured in numerous publications.
John has a strong following on his photography blog and he gives photography instruction and seminars in Chicago where he resides. In addition to photography, John enjoys many outdoor sports including running, fly fishing and mountain climbing. He’ll put his StreetWalker to good use!
Be sure to check out all the cool pics on his site.
If you’ve watched my online conversation carefully, you know I am a big fan of Think Tank Photo bags. They are designed by photographers for photographers. I’ve been using a Think Tank Airport Addicted as my main bag for years.
But for situations that don’t quite require such a big bag, there’s now an option. The Think Tank Airport Takeoff is a slightly smaller bag than the Airport Addicted.
Dimensions -
Internal Dimensions: 13″W x 18.4″H x 5.25-6.75″D (33 x 47 x 13 cm)
External Dimensions: 14″W x 21″h x 8″D (35.5 x 53 x 22 cm)
Weight: 8.6 – 10.3 (3.9 – 4.7 kg) depending on accessories used
At $299, it’s not inexpensive, but it’s a very well-made bag that hits a home run for those who need to bring less than their full kit on the next job. I decided to try it out on my trip to Photoshop World.
This bag has a couple of interesting features. It has straps in a hidden compartment that turn it into a backpack. I know this feature will be very important to some photographers. For me, if there’s a way to roll the bag – and in this case there is – I won’t ever put it on my aging back. So, while I am sure this would make some people ill – I simply cut those straps away to make myself another compartment on the back of the bag :)
Also – the Takeoff features a laptop compartment on the outside of the bag. Think Tank says it is designed to hold their own 15″ laptop sleeve. I was able to put my 17″ MacBookPro (inside an Enduro sleeve) in the compartment with no problem. This is great. Being able to securely transport my laptop PLUS enough gear to shoot multimedia is just what I’ve been looking for.
I have the usual opening praise for this bag. It’s very well designed and built. The zippers are top notch as are the materials. The bag is insanely configurable and for me, it’s the perfect choice when I need to bring my 17-inch MacBookPro along with some basic photo gear. In my case, I am able to take MORE Than basic gear. The photo above shows all the items that I fit into the bag for my trip TO Vegas.
In case you’re wondering – Bag Contents
* iPhone 3GS
* Alarm Clock
* Photoshop World Paperwork
* AC Power Strip
* Network Cord
* USB Hub
* Flashlight
* Two Microfibre Cloths
* USB Flash Drive
* Rain Cover
* 17″ MacBookPro w/sleeve
* MacBookPro Power Adapter
* USB Card Reader
* Four AA Batteries W/charger
* Business Cards
* Audio Technica Shotgun Mic W/cables, Shock Mount, Windscreen
* Sony Noise Canceling Digital Headphones W/Cables
* Gorilla Pod
* Panasonic GH1 W/14-140 Lens
* Panasonic GH1 Battery Charger
* iPhone Charger
* LensCoat Lenshood
* Altoids
* Singh Ray Varigrad ND FIlter
* Sony PCM-D1 Digital Stereo Field Recorder
* Lite Panels Mini
PLUS – Panasonic LX3 – Not Shown (I used it to take the picture)
Now the astonishing thing is – there was more room available. In fact, I am bringing a camera BACK with me that isn’t here yet and there’s room for that camera w/50mm lens. (More on the new camera later.)
Here's a photo of the bag packed with camera gear:
I can highly recommend the Think Tank Airport Takeoff. Then again, I can highly recommend all the Think Tank products. I’ve never seen them make anything other than very, very high-quality bags. I know from experience that their products stand up to the toughest of travel conditions and their design always favors the photographer.
You can see more information and purchase the Think Tank Airport Takeoff in the store here: link
The new Multimedia Wired Up Collection from Think Tank addresses the convergence of photo and video with the usual Think Tank excellence in construction and design. You can see the Multimedia Collection in detail in the store here.
We are pleased to announce John Batdorff as the winner of our Think Tank StreetWalker HardDrive contest. Out of thousands of entries, John won in a random drawing.
If you’ve watched my online conversation carefully, you know I am a big fan of Think Tank Photo bags. They are designed by photographers for photographers. I’ve been using a Think Tank Airport Addicted as my main bag for years.
But for situations that don’t quite require such a big bag, there’s now an option. The Think Tank Airport Takeoff is a slightly smaller bag than the Airport Addicted.
Dimensions -
Internal Dimensions: 13″W x 18.4″H x 5.25-6.75″D (33 x 47 x 13 cm)
External Dimensions: 14″W x 21″h x 8″D (35.5 x 53 x 22 cm)
Weight: 8.6 – 10.3 (3.9 – 4.7 kg) depending on accessories used
At $299, it’s not inexpensive, but it’s a very well-made bag that hits a home run for those who need to bring less than their full kit on the next job. I decided to try it out on my trip to Photoshop World.
This bag has a couple of interesting features. It has straps in a hidden compartment that turn it into a backpack. I know this feature will be very important to some photographers. For me, if there’s a way to roll the bag – and in this case there is – I won’t ever put it on my aging back. So, while I am sure this would make some people ill – I simply cut those straps away to make myself another compartment on the back of the bag :)
Also – the Takeoff features a laptop compartment on the outside of the bag. Think Tank says it is designed to hold their own 15″ laptop sleeve. I was able to put my 17″ MacBookPro (inside an Enduro sleeve) in the compartment with no problem. This is great. Being able to securely transport my laptop PLUS enough gear to shoot multimedia is just what I’ve been looking for.
I have the usual opening praise for this bag. It’s very well designed and built. The zippers are top notch as are the materials. The bag is insanely configurable and for me, it’s the perfect choice when I need to bring my 17-inch MacBookPro along with some basic photo gear. In my case, I am able to take MORE Than basic gear. The photo above shows all the items that I fit into the bag for my trip TO Vegas.
In case you’re wondering – Bag Contents
* iPhone 3GS
* Alarm Clock
* Photoshop World Paperwork
* AC Power Strip
* Network Cord
* USB Hub
* Flashlight
* Two Microfibre Cloths
* USB Flash Drive
* Rain Cover
* 17″ MacBookPro w/sleeve
* MacBookPro Power Adapter
* USB Card Reader
* Four AA Batteries W/charger
* Business Cards
* Audio Technica Shotgun Mic W/cables, Shock Mount, Windscreen
* Sony Noise Canceling Digital Headphones W/Cables
* Gorilla Pod
* Panasonic GH1 W/14-140 Lens
* Panasonic GH1 Battery Charger
* iPhone Charger
* LensCoat Lenshood
* Altoids
* Singh Ray Varigrad ND FIlter
* Sony PCM-D1 Digital Stereo Field Recorder
* Lite Panels Mini
PLUS – Panasonic LX3 – Not Shown (I used it to take the picture)
Now the astonishing thing is – there was more room available. In fact, I am bringing a camera BACK with me that isn’t here yet and there’s room for that camera w/50mm lens. (More on the new camera later.)
