Think Tank Airport Accelerator Backpack for Pro DSLRs & 6-8 Basic Lenses

2025-04-28T20:00:00

I have had 2 accelerators in service for 7 years and never had any issues till a zipper failed from a heavy handed employee? so I elected to replace the bag bc of the outstanding track record of the unit. Thank you think tank! Also any idea where I can get the zipper fixed so we can have 3 accelerators in service?

Arash Y.

Originally posted at

2025-01-14T08:33:29

I was excited to receive this bag as I have lighting and stand bags from Think Tank and they have been amazing. However, when attempting to place my gear it became apparent that my Canon RF lenses were wider than the divider "U Shaped" cutouts for use with lenses connected to bodies. As this section of divider has a stiff plastic core, there isn't any give except for where the seams are sewn together and though a lens can be forced into the opening the edges not only rub against Canon's selector switches on the side but also could with extended use cause wear on the lens finish diminishing trade value. I reached out to Think Tank in hopes that there may be an altered divider that could be purchased separately but unfortunately there is no such alternative at this time. If you are a DSLR user then this might be an amazing bag for you as this is the line of equipment the bag was designed for (and designed quite well it is), but if you are a mirrorless shooter (more specifically Canon) then you may need to reconsider your options. I sadly returned the bag.

Nathan J.

2024-02-15T19:00:00

I do most of my work with a smaller messenger-style bag that holds just a body and 2 extra lenses. But if I ever need to transport my entire kit, this bag is fantastic. I use a medium format digital system, so the lenses are fatter than what most people are used to. This bag gives me the versatility to accommodate them. I also appreciate the style-it's more "solid camera luggage with backpack straps" than "light hiking pack with camera dividers." It's heavier and bulkier than you want for all day on a trail, but the use it's intended for, it makes very efficient use of space, is extremely burly and protective, and is surprisingly comfortable to carry, even with 20+ pounds of gear. When I'm not using it for transport, it makes a fine storage bag for all the lenses I'm not currently using. It has a reasonable number of pockets (I'd rather have too few than too many-I don't like looking for things. If I had one wish, it would be for a more versatile divider system. The one it comes with is designed for a big divider down the middle, with each half subdivided. So you get 4 lenses across. My lenses are too fat for this. I canibalized dividers from other bags so I could divide this one in thirds. It would be nice if ThinkTank made this an option with their own parts. Overall, very well designed and very well made. And I appreciate that it just looks like luggage. I don't want a sign on my back that says "rob me."

PaulR

Originally posted at

2023-06-06T20:00:00

As a sports photographer I have searched and searched for the perfect bag. Finding the Airport Accelerator was huge for me. I needed a bag that could hold my 2 Sony A1's attached to a 400 f/2.8 (hood reversed) and a 70-200 f/2.8 and still have space for other lenses, hard drives, cables, gaffer tape, pocket wizards and small accessories. This bag holds it all with ease. It distributes the weight so well I don't even realize the bag is full of gear while carrying it. The quality is second to none and it is extremely durable. If you need space and comfort is important I highly recommend this bag.

Larry K.

Originally posted at

2023-05-24T20:00:00

Lowepro quality has really gone downhill. This ThinkTank is as good as they used to be. About the same practical size but much greater capacity. Weather cover is a little cumbersome compaered to the AW, but it is very rarely needed. Very happy with this purchase.

William F.

Originally posted at

2023-04-22T20:00:00

What a fantastic bag. The trick is finding a bag that holds a gripped body and this bag can hold two gripped bodies and lots of gear. Nice job Think Tank, well done.

Peter D.

Originally posted at

2023-03-28T20:00:00

I have used these for a number of years. They can handle a Canon 500 f4 with a 2X teleconvertor mounted to a camera body. It's a tight fit but it does fit. The main reason I started using one before I got the 500 lens is that it carries a laptop computer. This comes in handy when I fly.

Bob H.

Originally posted at

2023-02-18T19:00:00

There is no one perfect bag even as good as Think Tank ones are. Which is why I own several, much to their benefit. ;) However, this bag was needed specifically for when doing sports photography and it suits my needs perfectly. It can hold my Z9 with the Z 400mm f/2.8 attached, hood reversed, and my Z6 with 70-200mm f/2.8 attached, hood reversed. It fits both side by side even with L brackets attached to both cameras. I still have plenty of room for spare batteries, carrying straps, my 24-70mm if I need to bring it and other accessories.

Luke P.

Originally posted at

2021-12-11T19:00:00

Purchasing this backpack has been such a game changer. Its built like a TANK and fits as a carry on item. Worth EVERY dollar

jon

Originally posted at

2021-11-06T20:00:00

Compared with my much older LowePro Vertex 300, the ThinkTank Airporter Accelerator holds more gear and meets the carry-on requirements for my international carrier. I am trading off padding and extreme waterproofing for less weight for the bag itself and getting more gear to my location, which is great for my use.

David G.

Originally posted at

2021-10-22T20:00:00

I have the roller and love it! Now I have the Airport Accelerator backpack and love it as well. They are almost the same size, tons of padding and Thinktank products last a loooong time even when you uses them everyday.

Shane T.

Originally posted at

2020-02-14T19:00:00

Was easy to order, came fast and on time. Quality looks very good! Way more room than I need. Check back in 10 yrs. To see how well it works. So far, I would recommend to a friend.

James G.

Originally posted at

2019-09-24T20:00:00

My 1st bag lasted 8 years of almost daily use. Tough daily use. Lots of planes, boats, mountains, you name it. This bag is awesome. Fits 2 DLSRs, 70-200, 24-70, 85 and a flash no problem. Well worth the money. You get what you pay for.

Chris V.

Originally posted at

2019-09-13T20:00:00

Bag fits 2 bodies. 5 primes, 3 short zooms, a 70-200 IIi, 2 Godox 860's and an AD200. And I still can put my tripod and laptop in there as well. Carries a ton of stuff!!!!

Matthew Q.

Originally posted at

2019-07-26T20:00:00

This is a review on the Accelerator Back pack. I like the bags design and size, but was a little disappointed in the difficulty getting my two cameras and lens to fit as advertised. I like to carry my cameras and lens attached. From your promo on the Accelerator lay-out, it seems that I can do the same with this back pack, and save carrying the two shoulder bags. I have tried in the last several weeks to get my two 1DX mk IIs with lens to fit your display, I was having very little success. I found your suggested arrangement wasn't working for me. There wasn't enough room. The two bodies fit too tight and I didn't feel comfortable trying to force them to fit in your arrangement. To me it seemed that the center main divider was an is to long and there wasn't any room to gain a little extra space. I removed the center divider and moved the camera/lens cradle divider down about 1 to 1 1/2 inches. Now the two bodies fit properly and hang straight. The main center divider was my problem.

Joe H.

Originally posted at

2019-07-02T10:28:09

This is an excellent size bag. I carry two bodies and several lenses. It is large enough For all of my equipment to fit with extra room but not so large that it is super heavy.

ERIC H.

2019-07-01T20:00:00

Bought this three years ago specifically to maximise carry-on capacity. Square corner profile means no wasted internal space. Relatively light construction which is good for reducing weight but the penalty is less protection. Have had a smashed D810 (lens mount broken away from body) due to minor drop. Good for getting your gear onto the plane or while in your vehicle, but it’s performance in the field (hiking to photo location) is compromised - not as comfortable or good at load bearing as some other photo backpacks. I usually load this up with 14 - 16 kg of equipment when flying but break it down at destination by transferring my largest lens (Sigma 150-600 Sport) and attached body into another dedicated backpack and keep the rest of my gear in the Airport Accelerator otherwise it’s too hard to work out of. I fit two gripped D810s, attached Sigma150-600 S, Nikon 70-200 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8, 16-35 f4, 10x43 binoculars, and a Fujifilm X100F, plus filters, batteries, cleaning gear, spare cards, etc. for about 16 kg. Have never been troubled carrying on (make like it’s light) for over 50 flights on 20+ airlines. Not perfect, but best available compromise solution for air travel.

Roger

Originally posted at

2019-05-09T20:00:00

I purchased this bag as I needed a large bag to fit all my gear and be able to use it as a backpack. I waited to write this review because so often an item that works great at 1st fails soon after. Well I can that after using this bag fully packed for over 2 years I have only had 1 minor issue, One on the clasps on the tripod strap broke. I emailed Think Tank to tell them what happened and how to order a replacement strap, the nice person there replied very quickly to tell me the bag was guaranteed and if I gave him a mailing address a new strap would go out that day. And it did! To me service and quality are very important and Think Tank excels in both.

Robert B.

Originally posted at

2019-03-01T19:00:00

It is a great bag especially when traveling. It held both of my cameras, each with a lens attached, and all the accessories I needed for outdoor photography including batteries, filters, lens cloths and remote trigger devices. It was comfortable while walking and very light compared to other backpacks.

Ken C.

Originally posted at

2019-02-04T04:54:20

A huge bag, Like all of their products very well made.

Leroy H.

2018-12-31T19:00:00

Wonderfully strong and perfect bag for my gear hauling needs. I can only guess I pack this thing with up to 65lbs of gear on any given day and it stands up. These bags still look excellent after years of use.

Julien J.

Originally posted at

2018-09-06T20:00:00

It is WONDERFUL - but with my gear, with the gear it has space for, it was WAY TOO HEAVY for my body, and was 16 kilos instead of the allowed 12 kilos for carry on, so I will not use it again. I am getting one with wheels, probably the Airport International.

merie w.

Originally posted at

2018-08-16T20:00:00

I really loved the Airport Accelerator, it is big enough to fit my 500 mm my 2 canon bodies additional lens like 70-200 / wide angle. Apart from that my laptop also fits in nicely. Overall good build quality and I am totally loving this bag.

Bhupinder R.

Originally posted at

2018-03-31T20:00:00

I'm very disappointed in the Airport Accelerator bag. I purchased mine through B&H Photo for a planned Africa Photo Safari. It was one of the few bags I could find that would hold my 17" laptop PC and all the photo gear for my planned photo safari. What I did not realize until damage was done to the case of my laptop is that there is absolutely NO PROTECTIVE padding in the compartment for the PC. The material that the bag is made from is all the protection apparently that Think Tank feels is necessary for your PC. Certainly seems like a major design oversight to me. Repairs to replace the bottom frame of my laptop cost me more than the price of the bag. While there seems to be adequate padding to protect the cameras and lenses, the complete lack of padding for the PC is a major draw back to this product IMHO. I certainly cannot recommend this product after my experience with it. Buyer beware of the total lack of protection to items in the PC compartment.

Charles S.

Originally posted at

2018-03-19T20:00:00

This bag has been all over the world with me. With out the bag I feel naked. Perfect size and features that make it my number one go to bag out of the seven Think Tank bags I own.

Paul C.

Originally posted at

2017-12-10T19:00:00

This is exactly what I was looking for in an upgrade to my previous backpack (the still awesome Lowepro Flipside). I needed more room in the bag and I needed it to fit my 15" MacBook Pro as well. I considered a couple of the Think Tank rolling cases, but in the end I chose this because for the same carry-on size you get more room for gear. Also, as a backpack I've heard stories of more leniency from the airlines regarding weight. All-in-all it's a top-quality bag that seems like it will last a long time. Comfortable handles, comfortable to wear, and lots of nice details. The only thing I'd change is to make the small outside pocket much larger. I got used to storing certain "quick access" items in there and that outer pocket was much larger on my old pack. Still plenty of room in the other inside pockets, and in the large laptop pocket.

michaelteak

Originally posted at

2017-05-28T05:08:38

Think Tank makes such well-designed and made bags, and the Airport Accelerator is no exception. It holds and protects your precious camera bodies, lenses, filters, laptop, tablet, etc., etc. while being "small" enough to bring on board almost any commercial airplane. In the field, its harness system distributes the weight well and makes carrying gear easy and comfortable.

Richard S.

2017-01-21T14:52:06

Needed a backpack I could travel with on planes and on the road. I needed the ability to carry multiple cameras (video and still), lenses, and batteries. By far, this holds the most gear out of any Backpack I've ever owned. The last trip I took Sony FS7, Sony A7sii, Canon 17-120 cinema zoom lens, Canon 24-105 f4, Canon 17-40mm f4, Canon 70-200mm f2.8, Doubler, Multiple Metabones adapters, Sony FS7 Accessories (top handle, microphone, viewfinder, Baseplate rods, Macbook Pro 15", Sony XDCA Module, and more! I take a star off, because they could have improved the back support, straps, and waist belt (though I think they have higher quality waist belt online). Needless to say, I had $50k in equipment on my back. I could have used more robust straps. Not that I recommend caring that much gear, but wow! I had everything to make high end documentary ready to go in one bag!

JOSEPH P.

2016-06-07T12:19:58

Bought this backpack recently for a trip to Maine. I wanted a backpack that would fit my two D800 bodies, a 14-24, a 24-70 and a 160-600 lens with flash and accessories and still be able to carry it on the plane. It works perfectly. Very well constructed also with many different compartments.

DANIEL W.

2016-01-19T09:06:13

The Think Tank Airport Accelerator is just what I was looking for. I can take all the gear I want on trips. I keep my 7D and 500mm set up for quick access. Still have room for 70-200 and three other lenses. 1.4 extender and all I need. A very well built pack, top quality. It is not light but does carry well. If you need or want to carry a lot of gear this is a good choice. Yes I would buy it again.

Richard M.