Earlier this week right before a trip to a photography conference, the hinge popped open on my suitcase and to not miss the flight I stuffed my clothes and gear into an Osprey daypack. That Osprey functions well but using it meant all my gear including cameras were jammed into a bag without compartments and I couldn’t find anything. On the first day of the show, I made a beeline to the Think Tank booth, explained my situation, and they suggested I try the Airport International V3.0.
The only way I could get more organized and carry all my gear for a shoot is if I filled all those divided pockets with clear cable management bags too. Perhaps you don’t obsess on knowing where your gear is like I do, but for that flavor of OCD, the Airport International sure calms me down. At a glance, I can see all my stuff like it was in a silverware drawer and the front of the case has pockets for a laptop and iPad. Another feature is a cable lock for an event shoot.
Think Tank’s suitcase is like a Tumi for photographers with many, well-thought-out details, and built to last. Check the reinforced corners in the photos, the heavy duty, replaceable handle, and the 80mm wheels for smooth rolling.
Now that I need a new suitcase, I wish Think Tank made a version just for clothes too because it’s a $400.00 case that feels like a good value. And, I’m not expecting it’ll let me down. I think with compact camera bodies and some reconfiguration of the dividers, it’ll hold enough clothes for an overnight trip.
The Specs
- Reinforced telescoping handle
- Dedicated, padded pocket for laptop and tablet
- User-replaceable parts
- Quick and easy access to the retractable handle
- Tripod mount pocket on side (Additional straps included for larger tripods)
- Expansive top compartment cradles large camera bodies for the perfect fit
- One piece construction reduces weight and improves strength
- Unique serial number for Lost & Found registration
- Interior zippered pockets for batteries, memory cards, filters and accessories
- User-replaceable retractable handle, wheels, wheel housings, feet and kick plate extends product life
- Custom-designed, high-performance, 80mm wheels with sealed ABEC grade 5 bearings for quiet rolling
- Extra tall wheel housings protect your bag from scrapes and scratches
- Seam-sealed rain cover included
- Stretchable front pocket
- Handles and grab-straps on all four sides ensure rapid and easy retrieval from overhead bins, car trunks, etc.
- Reinforced dividers support heavy gear and maintain strength over time
- Hypalon reinforced rear corners for increased durability
- Business card holder on top for easy identification.
It fits
- 2 Gripped DSLRs with lenses attached plus 2–4 additional lenses
- 15” laptop and a 10” tablet
- Max Lens: 500mm f/4 detached or 400mm f/2.8 attached (hood reversed)
Read more of the specs and features at Think Tank.
Free Gear for You
With a new photographer roller to review, it’s a good a time to share with you too that we’re working with Think Tank and Mindshift, having just joined their affiliate program. That means we get a cut of the sale if you purchase gear from links on our site. What motivated me to sign up, given the choice of so many affiliate programs, is Think Tank and Mindshift have great products and they’ll give you free gear through us with a purchase of $50.00 or more.
Just add an item that cost more than $50.00 to your cart and you get to pick one of these items for free.
- House of Cards ($19.99)
- Card Again (14.99)
- Gear Pouch LCD and Backdoor Case ($22.50)
- Gear Pouch 4 Batteries & Cards ($18.50)
- Gear Pouch 2 Batteries & Cards ($16.50)
- Gear Pouch Cables & Power ($19.50)
One final plug, my story about the FUJIFILM XT-2 is in the next issue of Shutterbug (seen in the front pocket of the Airport International). I hung out with their editor, Dan, most of my time in Vegas and we had as they say, “good times.”
A version of this post was originally published at sonymirrorlesspro.com.
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