Lots of people ask about what gear I use, so I thought I would do a quick post on the main bag I use for transportation and the gear I generally use for most commercial jobs.
The Bag
My primary bag for both storage and transportation is the Airport International v.2 by Think Tank.
This meets airline size requirements for international carry on luggage. I am yet to travel overseas with this bag, but given the weight issue of the equipment carried, I imagine it would take some wrangling at the checkout to get it allowed in the cabin!
However I do use the bag for vehicle journeys and it proves to be a great bag to both wheel and lug about, thanks to the quality skateboard wheels and many grab handles around the bag. The handle has been described by some as rather flimsy but I have had no issues and the fact that it collapses down into a relatively small length frees up space in the bag for more gear.
As with all Think Tank equipment (I also use the modular system and belts) construction, quality and attention to detail are first class. backed by an excellent guarantee policy, the company really has set the benchmark for camera luggage and accessories. I have used many brands in the past but few come close to the offerings from the US based firm.
I also use this bag as the main storage for equipment at home and if I don't need all the gear, decant equipment as needed to either a LowePro backpack or ThinkTank modular system depending on needs when I don't need the full set of equipment.
An additional feature of the bag are two locks, one for the zips to be locked down by and another in a pocket on the rear of the bag that is a lock on a chain that can be used to tether the bag down to an immovable object. this would be fine for casual use, but may not prove a strong deterrent to a planned theft. If the bag does go missing it has been registered with Think Tank through their website with a unique serial number and address details, so may find it's way home!Also available ar a series of straps that hold a tripod or monopod safely to the side of the bag.
For a normal commercial or sports shoot, this is the usual load:
As I said, the minimal length of the collapsed handle allows a 70-200 to stand upright in the end of the bag, as well as deep sidewells down both sides that take 1D bodies and large glass. The side of the bag does bow out a bit due to the size of the hood of the 300mm, but the quality zips used seem to hold everything together with no problems!
In the lid are 4 see though pockets that are used for various small items, such as straps, batteries, cables and such things. In another case I have various flashes, modifiers, cords, cables, batteries etc. Also on the front of the bag is both an open flap pocket that I use for a grey card,flash gels and occasionally a MacBook and a small zipped pocket which holds tools and general accessories. A Pixel Pocket Rocket holds all my memory cards (an ever expanding collection!) and is kept in a small zipped pocket under the handle on the top of the bag, underneath the clear plastic business card holder.
All in all the Airport International perfectly suits my needs at the moment. The bag is extremely well made, easy to divide into compartments for whatever gear you need and very easy to wheel and get around with. If more gear is ever purchased then something like the Logistics Manager may be needed for storage- better get those commissions coming in then!
To check out Think Tank and their range of bags and accessories go here: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/
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