There is nothing new about sling camera bags, but leave it to Think Tank Photo to do what they do best – think of a better sling bag. The release of the TurnStyle™ collection proves once again that they can produce a well thought out bag for the working photographer. It’s lightweight, water-resistant, provides quick and easy rotational access to your camera gear, and its versatility means you can wear the bag either as a shoulder sling bag or belt pack.
With three available models suited for DSLR cameras and mirrorless systems, you can choose which model will be needed to accommodate your equipment. These are great for those photographers that have upgraded their gear with a couple of extra lenses or for those who just want to venture out for a few hours or a day of photographing with the essential equipment.
All three have a soft body-conforming shape and include a back, zippered compartment for either a small or large tablet (without bulky case). Each is equipped with a hidden rain cover in case you get caught in a downpour and a front, zippered organizer pocket with a key strap and space for camera accessories. I chose the TurnStyle™ 20 and its front pocket can easily hold memory cards, an extra battery, cell phone, minor cleaning supplies, pens, notepad, or other small accessories.
Product Specifications and Details Provided by Think Tank
TurnStyle™ 5: Fits a mirrorless system with two to four lenses.
Internal Dimensions: 6.3” W x 11” H x 3.5” D (16 x 28 x 9 cm)
External Dimensions: 7.1” W x 13.8” H x 3.9” D (18 x 35 x 10 cm)
Small tablet compartment: 6.3” x 8.7” x 0.4” (16 x 22 x 1 cm)
Maximum weight (with all accessories): 0.8lb (0.3kg)
TurnStyle™ 10: Fits a standard size DSLR with one to three lenses.
Internal Dimensions: 7.1” W x 12.6” H x 4.8” D (18 x 32 x 12.2 cm)
External Dimensions: 8.3” W x 15.4” H x 5.2” D (21 x 39 x 13.2 cm)
Small tablet compartment: 6.3” x 8.7” x 0.4” (16 x 22 x 1 cm)
Maximum weight (with all accessories): 1.0lbs (0.4kg)
TurnStyle™ 20: Fits a standard size DSLR with one to four lenses.
Internal Dimensions: 8.3” W x 15” H x 4.8” D (21 x 38 x 12.2 cm)
External Dimensions: 9.3” W x 17.3” H x 5.4” D (23.5 x 44 x 13.7 cm)
Large tablet compartment: 8.1” x 10.2” x 0.6” (20.5 x 26 x 1.5 cm)
Maximum weight (with all accessories): 1.2lb (0.5kg)
Series Features
High quality RC-Fuse YKK zippers plus metal clips and hardware
Lightweight Poly Ballistic fabrics for durability and water resistance
Breathable air-mesh back panel keeps the back cool during long days
Slim design and easy access
Fully-customizable interior dividers
Wide shoulder strap with quick-release buckle
Front organizer pocket for batteries, memory cards or other small accessories
Hook/loop on shoulder strap keeps loose webbing secure and out of the way
Seam-sealed rain cover included in bottom pocket
Main compartment opens wide providing quick access to your gear
No Rhetoric warranty on all manufacturing defects
Materials
Exterior
All fabric exterior treated with a durable water resistant coating while fabric underside is coated with polyurethane for superior water resistance
YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion resistant) zippers
420D velocity nylon, 250D shadow rip-stop nylon, 3D air mesh
Y-Buckle, double gate keeper, nylon webbing
3-ply bonded nylon thread
Interior
Removable high density closed cell foam dividers
210D silver-toned nylon, polyurethane backed velex liner
Phthalate-free PVC (meets REACH standard) clear mesh pockets
2x polyurethane coated 210T seam-sealed taffeta rain cover
Nylon binding tape
3-ply bonded nylon thread
Built for Quality and Comfort:
Like other Think Tank products, this is built with both quality construction and materials that should hold up well with continued use. There have been no signs of fraying or tears.
Both the back of the bag and the interior portion of wide shoulder strap are padded. Even with the equipment weight, it’s quite comfortable on your back or waist. They are covered with breathable mesh in order to keep you cooler, but when the temperatures in Florida are high and the humidity rises, there isn’t much that will keep you cool. I’ll start out with it on my back and then do a quick conversion to a belt pack by pulling out the padded waist strip tucked in with the rain cover, hook and shorten the strap and I’m on my way again.
The main buckle on the strap may be made of plastic, but appears sturdy with solid construction. It clips together with ease, yet does not come apart easily, even with the weight of a loaded bag and that’s a good thing.
It has a long adjustable strap, which should accommodate tall photographers.
In the Field
The slim-styled TurnStyle™ 20 has plenty of room for those casual day treks. Quickly adjust the foam dividers to customize and accommodate your gear. Depending on which lenses you carry, you should have plenty of room for your camera and additional lenses.
It easy to adjust the fit and comfortable to wear for hours at a time, even when fully loaded.
Note: Be sure you have a snug fit when worn as a sling or the bag will have a tendency to swing forward when crouching down or bending over to the side.
The attached rain cover is easy to grab and pull out of the back compartment and one can cover the bag quickly.
This is just the best: Whether worn as a sling or belt pack, accessing your equipment is a breeze without removing the pack – just slide it around to the front and you have a flat platform on which to change lenses or grab a needed accessory.
This is a bag that is both flexible and convenient.
Note to Think Tank: Having more ‘give’ when opening the front zippered compartment would have been nice.
Conclusion
Think Tank has created a great bag for any day trips and I would highly recommend the convenience of this lightweight, versatile camera bag. If you like sling style bags, you’ll definitely want to get one for yourself – only $99.
by Marla Meier
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