Think Tank Skin Chimp Cage, Belt Style Pouch for a Pro Size SLR Body & Some Accessories.

2012-01-08T19:00:00

I like the seize and convenience. I have a Panasonic LX5 and the case allows me to take all my accessories and lens covers. My main problem is it doesn't have a diagram on how to use the bag so i'm still confused on some of the features. i guess if you have their belt it would be self explanatory.

Abreisblatt

2011-02-19T19:00:00

Great pouch for all the extras you want to carry. Not bulky when it's empty or there are only a few small things inside. Easily big enough to carry my Better Beamer, Flash and more.

JayTee

2010-01-24T19:00:00

I purchased this bag for a trip I just completed. The trip involved many stops and varying photographic opportunities that required speed to get equipment out and ready. I didn't want to lug around a large backpack as I normally do because I wanted the flexibility to change lenses, filters and add flash on the fly. This bag was perfect along with the padded belt. My only complaint was it was advertised to be able to fit a DSLR with an 18-200mm lens and the fit was tight. Not impossible, but a few more inches would have made this a perfect carry bag for shooting. I have a Nikon D300.

Dorothy E.

2009-04-22T21:00:00

My use of this bag: I wanted a bag that would be good for carrying a medium size SLR camera around (ie Nikon D90), but not too heavy or bulky. I have been using a Lowepro Topload Zoom 1 (which is a nice product) for this purpose, but since when I get to location I take the camera out and keep it on my shoulder almost 100% of the time, I find the Topload to be a bit bulky (also the topload has almost no additional storage). The Chimp Cage however, is great. Once I take the camera out, and pull the flap back over, it becomes almost weightless and also collapses to reduce bulk. It also has weather protection, which is a huge bonus - I go to a lot of classic car shows in the summer and it almost always ends in a thunderstorm. The bag is also a bit more subtle than the Lowepro Topload, which looks like a camera case 100%. What fits: I can fit a Nikon D90 with 18-200 VR attached, lens down. This is great, I just lift the flap and pull it out. No fushing with zippers, it's just ready. I can also fit a small prime (ie Nikon 35mm f2) in the main compartment with the D90 and 18-200 VR, but I wouldn't use this configuration regularly, as it takes more time to carefully insert the camera back into the bag. I have found that the Adorama Slinger lens cases have a removable insert which I use here to keep the 18-200 from rubbing the 35mm without adding too much bulk. I can also fit an SB-400 in the front pocket if I need it. Despite the small size of the bag, if I just carry the D90 with 18-200 VR, I can also fit a couple of personal items in the front and around the camera. The front pocket is very big. The zipper flap pocket is very small. Padding: Before purchasing, I did a lot of internet research on the Think Tank Skin system. While I saw a lot of positive reviews, I was wary of the "unpadded" style of bag (as I do not carry metal Nikon D3, Canon 1Dmk2, etc). Even though Think Tank says this bag is unpadded, and the weight would reflect this, it's actually great. This turns out to be no problem at all. The rain cover folded in the bottom of the bag provides plenty of padding for the bottom. The bag has padding on the back where it would sit against you. Think Tank also includes THREE (3) dividers, which is great. You can put the flexible dividers on each side and the inside of the front of the bag to protect the camera. Obviously I wouldn't use this padding system as checked luggage, but for daily carrying it protects the camera fine against people bumping into you, setting the bag down, etc. Since the dividers are flexible, they still compress out of the way when you take the camera out of the bag. I take the camera out and leave it out, this isn't a big deal. It's also a good working bag if I have a backpack full of non-photo gear and just want to dump another lens it in and use it for a lens changing station. How to carry: This is great bag to put on your belt (I would probably recommend using a think tank belt, while it will work with a regular belt fine, the Think tank belts will make it more confortable to carry. However, something not advertised is two loops on the top of the bag. These are a VERY strong nylon. I saw a review on the internet where someone connected a shoulder strap to these. This works great. Sometimes I use this on a belt, sometimes I use a Domke utility gripper strap to carry it as a shoulder bag. Just depends on what I am doing. I think Think Tank should play this up! Misc: Top quality construction, Velcro silencers are great! Cons: The only minor gripe I have about this bag is when it is full, the top flap does not hang closed on it's own very well. It's a little short to do this. I think as I break this bag in more, this won't be a problem. Flap should be about 1 inch longer, but again very minor.

Brandon S.