Think Tank Retrospective 5

Conclusion

The back side of the bag

All in all, I found the Think Tank Retrospective 5 to be an ideal gear bag for the type of smaller mirrorless kit that I currently use. Moreover, I also found this bag useful when I had a K-5 for carrying it with an attached small to medium zoom or prime lens, as well as an additional lens for an afternoon outing.

However, this bag would not have sufficed for an extended trip where bringing a suite of large lenses and accessories would have been important. But let’s be clear: this is not what the Retrospective 5 is marketed for, since they also have several larger gear bags in the Retrospective line.

The only points I would deduct for this bag would be for its lack of a detachable shoulder pad and for not making the gear housing compartment a removable insert the way my Timbuk2 did. Making the compartment removable would allow the great-looking Retrospective 5 to double as a small multipurpose messenger bag.

For what the Retrospective 5 was designed for, I am quite satisfied at the relatively large amount of lenses and gear that I am able to fit inside and carry in a secure and comfortable way and as a result I am rating the Retrospective 5 a 9/10.

After using the Think Tank Retrospective 5, I am rather impressed with the quality and the well-thought-out design of this bag and consequently it has become my primary camera bag, I would definitely consider Think Tank as an option for any potential future camera bag purchases. Thanks for reading and thanks to Pentax Forums for providing this bag to review.


Pros

  • Attractive aesthetic and is generally inconspicuous as a camera bag
  • Use of high-quality materials and excellent construction makes for high durability
  • Very comfortable for extended use
  • Highly functional with a variety of storage pouches/pockets and configurable main compartment
  • External side pockets to tuck in shoulder strap when not needed
  • Included rain cover and extra half height padded dividers

Cons

  • Inability to remove shoulder pad and/or shoulder strap
  • Would have been nice if main compartment was a removable insert
  • A little pricey for this size

Rating: 9.0 / 10

If you are interested in this bag, it is available at B&H Photo for $144.

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