Think Tank Shape Shifter, Photographic Backpack

by Think Tank

Product Details

• Item Weight: 5.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B001OOEWLO
• Item model number: TT470
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

Revolutionary breakthrough in photography field and transportation backpack design. The Shape Shifter is the first backpack specifically designed to expand and contract to fit your equipment.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Unique camera backpack designed for photojournalists, April 26, 2010

By 

Enche Tjin (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Think Tank Shape Shifter, Photographic Backpack (Electronics)

When Think Tank Photo announced Shape Shifter last year (2009), I am a bit skeptical. I appreciate the fact that Think Tank Photo is an innovative company, but I don't think the product worth the price ($249). Yes, it has collapsible feature so you can compress the bag down to 3 inches thick, but you need to separate the lens and camera body each time you want to put it into storage. I thought that will be a hassle.

So, why do I get this bag? It simply because I am searching for big camera backpack that enable me to store most of my camera gears plus a bag that allow me to fit my 17' laptop. My old backpack, Lowepro AW II Nature Trekker [Review] does not have laptop compartment. After doing some research, I found that Think Tank Shape Shifter will able to do that.

During my research, I like the bag more and more. I realize that this is not a conventional backpack. Here are what I like about it:

1. It is for photojournalists, street or event shooters
The company products are developed by "mostly" photojournalists and cater to photojournalists. Most photojournalists hang their camera out most of the time. So, on the location, the bag will be empty or half empty. When it is empty, collapsible feature can make the bag slimmer. This is great especially if you are working in urban setting, or shooting social events like wedding. With a thinner bag, you can maneuver around much easier.

2. It looks natural
Because there's no fixed padded foam that you find in most camera backpack, it does not appear like camera bags (huge, heavy and boxy). So, you can blend in crowded environment without attracting attention. Less people (especially thieves) will think that you're carrying camera or electronic equipment on your bag.

3. It can pack a lot of stuff
Do not let the appearance of the bag fool you. It might looks light and thin (especially when collapsed). But this bag can store a lot of stuff. 17' Laptop, 2 pro camera bodies (with grips), two telephoto zoom lenses, two wide zoom lenses, a couple flash/strobes, and a lot of accessories. You can mount a tripod or monopod too. Although you can fit in a lot of stuff, I recommend you not to do that because it is definitely not comfortable to carry around but ok for storage. Check out this bag pictures.

4. Quality and design
Like other Think Tank Photo bags, the Shape Shifter use top quality material, especially the zippers. The designers also put a lot attention to details. For example, there are so many compartments and divider for your accessories.

THE NOT SO GOOD THINGY:

There are many to like about this bag, but there are also a few stuff that I don't like. The first thing is the fact that I will have to separate camera and lens (or mount lens to camera) every time I need to store and take out my gear will be a hassle.

The second one is the waist belt. I don't think that the waist bag that come with the camera is very effective. Sime from digital photography school reported that the waist belt sits too high although he is "only" 180mm or 5 ft 9'. I am 173mm tall and still find this waist belt is too high. Luckily, this waist belt is removable, and this bag is compatible with pro speed belt. But off course you will end up paying $35 more

UPDATE: I also miss the side pockets to put flash or water bottle.

IN CONCLUSION

This bag is very unique and versatile. You can use it for storage or transporting most of your gears, or you can use it for professional assignments, or for casual uses such as traveling. Don't forget that it can also store a laptop up to 17 inches, which is why I was attracted to this bag in the first place.

Please visit my blog for images and other reviews. You can find the address on my profile page. Thanks for reading.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For a basic 2 body 3 lens job this bag is great., March 4, 2011

By 

D. Burbank (Ithaca, New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Think Tank Shape Shifter, Photographic Backpack (Electronics)

I am a professional sports photographer. For my basic needs, this bag is great. I used it just last night to shoot a hockey game. Here's what I carried in my Think Tank Shape Shifter:

2 Canon 1D Mark IV Pro Bodies
1 Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
1 Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
1 Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM

All with lens hoods and various other small accessories.

For big sports jobs, I'll still use my rolling cases (56 lbs + 20 lbs) and bring LOTs of equipment. But for a basic 2 body 3 lens job this bag seems great. Some people have identified as a weakness the fact that this bag doesn't cary a camera with lens attached. I'm quite sure that wasn't the designer's intent. If you're a street photographer looking grab your camera in a moment's notice then this bag is not for you. But it you want to get your equipment to a job and set it up on-site, it's great. I also like the way the Shape Shifter opens up to get you easy access to the contents.

Construction quality of this bag is superb. Durable, strong, lots of padding against the back.

Nicely done...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!, January 12, 2011

By 

Murugeyson "eYn" (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Think Tank Shape Shifter, Photographic Backpack (Electronics)

I'll start with a warning here, please be aware of what this bag can and cannot do. If you choose it for the right reasons I don't think there is anything in the market comparable to it.

Advantage:
1. You can carry loads of gear. I mean lots and lots. For example, this is what I carried in my last trip (don't judge me please)
* Canon 7D body
* Canon T1i body
* Canon 17-55 f2.8 IS
* Canon 70-300 IS
* Canon 80 f1.2 L
* Sigma 30 f1.4
* Apple iPad
* ASUS netbook 10'
* Vangaurd Tripod
* Accessories - CF card box, Filter pouch, 2 Mobile phones, Air blaster, Cleaning pen etc

2. No/less strain: I carried this gear by hand on a 27hrs (3 flights) trip. I felt no fatigue or shoulder pain.
3. The bag looks sleek and it doesn't look like you are carrying loads of camera gear.
4. It's got loads of pouches for accessories and other small things

Disadvantage:
1. The main disadvantage is that you cannot store the camera with a lens mounted on.
2. And if I have to nit pick, I sometimes feel there could have been more padded protection.
3. Cost is little bit on the high side.

Ok, by now you should have got what this bag is for. Let me tell you how I use this

I take it when I have to carry loads of gear or most of the things I own for a trip. Once I get there I use the click capsule (with say Cam with a lens mounted + a lens)in my backpack for the daily use.

I don't take this for a eve @ downtown or a 1-day trek.