Finally had the time to check out the new DVD Case from MpixPro I will be using for my packaging.   These are just beautiful.    My Brides are gonna be so happy when I hand these to them.

Think Tank Streetwalker Pro Backpack

Two years ago, William Eng and I were at the PhotoPlus Expo 2008 doing some window shopping.   We both were interesting looking to buy an everyday backpack, like the Kata 3n1-20.  A great bag I must say for what we wanted for.   But a year later I sold it pretty much what I paid for and replaced with the Think Tank Streetwalker Pro Backpack.   Not that I didnt like the Kata 3n1-20.  It just didnt work for me anymore because of the Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS I have.   No, not that i didnt fix, just didnt do what I wanted or prefer.   So I started to look elsewhere.

Even since I got the Think Tank Airport International v2, i’ve started to like their products.   But I will say that this Think Tank Streetwalker Pro is not built like the TT Airport International.  If anyting I would say I was a little disappointed.  But it’s a great bag.   Just comparing to the quality from Airport International, it’s no match.   Sorry it’s not actually a good review of the bag.    Hopefully the pictures I posted below showing what it looks like inside with my equipment will help demand if it is for you or not.   As you can see, it’s pretty roomy.   I read somewhere that you can actually store a netbook inside – on the bottom of the bag.   well if i have time, i’m gonna try and see if my Asus EeePc netbook will fit or not.  heheh!

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Fact: Today’s temperature is 59 degree.   Hopefully it’s a sign that Spring is coming… YAY!

What person like to carry their gears back to their car after a long day shooting? Well last summer I was asking myself that question while walking back to the car. Few weeks later, I sold all my Lowepro backpacks and got myself the Think Tank Airport International v2.0. Yes its a roller and I can use it as a carry-on on any flight both international and domestic. But of course no matter what, you still need check with your airline and TSA since things does changes everyday thanks to the people who causing such problems.

Here’s some Pros and Cons I have put together about the bag….

Pros:
1) Can be use as a carry-on on a flight.
2) it has wheels
3) my shoulder and lower back doesn’t hurt anymore.
4) it has two locks that’s TSA approved.
5) well built
6) roomy
7) Looks like a normally carry-on luggage.

Cons:
1) Too heavy – depending on your gears you have inside, the airline can still stop you from using is as a carry-on due to the weight. So need to be smart when packing and going to security. I’ve heard story from other photog being stopped at the check point.
2) WAY Too Expensive  <—-  but the money was well spent : the quality of the bag.

Well that’s all i can think of. Here’s some pics inside the bag with my gears. Hope my brief review will help you to decide if it’s the right bag for you and your gears.

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Facts:  I hate rude people.  I hate people who’s fake.  I hate people who thinks they are better then everyone else, especially when they are not.

I was so excited when the Boda V3 Plum Weatherproof Lens Bag arrived.   My first impression was “wow”.    I used to own the Boda Dry (2nd Generation).  I like it a lot then.    But after heavy use, some threads were beginning to not looking good.   After using it for a year and when Jim Garner announced the Pre-Ordering of the V3, I had to jump on it.  I’m not a fan keeping unuse stuff laying around the house.  So once I found a buyer for the Dry I was on my way pre-ordering the V3.

I’ve been carrying the V3 with me everyday since day one.   So far I am loving it.  Here’s a small list of pros and cons.

Pros:
1) Weatherproof – I took it out when NYC got hit with the snow storm last week…  everything inside was dry.   Next time when I visit my mom.  I’m gonna use their water hose and see how that will handle it. HAHA!
2) Built quality, the material use are just amazing.
3) the bottom of the bag has 4 little legs that keep the bag up when laying it down.
4) The side pockets are much better then the Dry version.
5) LOVE the Plum color interior.  So much easier to find things on the bottom.

Cons:
1) Heavier comparing to Dry
2) A bit too big for me..  actually just a few inches longer in height then the Dry.
3) The shoulder pad is thick for my shoulder and body…  but so far seem to be OK after daily use.
4) Not a huge fan where the retractable len cloth is located.  But it will do for now.  It’s not like I need to use it every minute.

Well so far that’s all I can think of… I’m sure I will have more to say as time moves on.  I haven’t use it on an all day shooting event yet (like Wedding), so really i can’t say much.  But overall I am extremely happy with the bag.  A huge improvement from the Dry.

What was inside the Boda V3 over the weekend?  Here’s a list:
1) Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS w/ hood
2) Canon 24-70 f2.8L w/ hood
3) Canon 5D Mark II  (the camera was attached to the 24-70)
4) Four Pull-up diapers for Dylan and some baby wipes.
5) Dylan’s Sippy Bottles (one with Organic Whole Milk, the other with water).

Yes, beside being a lens bag, you can also use it as a diaper bag.  hehehe!

Thanks Jim for making such and Awesome len bag.  And thank you for the Boda baseball cap.    I think it’s the best baseball cap made I ever put on my head.   Thank you.   Hope to see more products from you.

Armin DeFiesta has an awesome video review of the Boda V3 Lens Bag. Go check it out.

Here’s some pictures of the lens bag.  Sorry I don’t have one with me wearing the bag.   Maybe next time.

Fact:  I paid $10 for the Boda V3 Weatherproof Lens Bag.