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Modulus Configurations

How photographers organize the components on their Modulus Speed Systems are based on personal preference and what they are shooting at that particular time. The photos below feature observations and suggestions for using our system.


Shooting Sports

Here is a typical sports setup—a 300 2.8 or 400 2.8 on a monopod, with the Speed Changer in the front directly over the buckle for comfort, the Whip it Out on the right side for a 70-200 2.8, and the Lens Changer 50 on the left side for a wide angle lens. The Speed Changer holds 2 to 4 batteries, teleconverters, and other accessories. An additional bag not shown is the Lens Drop In, which was specifically designed for teleconverters without the caps on.

John Mabanglo/Photo: John Mabanglo


Shooting News
If photojournalists already have one or two DSLRs on their shoulders with lenses attached, then generally they choose the two or three components needed just for that shoot. A common selection is the Speed Changer, 1 to 2 lens cases, and the Lightning Fast. Remember, keeping one lens case empty makes changing lenses faster as you don’t have to juggle lenses with two hands.

Deanne Fitzmaurice/Photo: Meredith May


Shooting Events
The Modulus system can be used in more formal occasions since it allows the photographer to take the least amount of gear possible and the conservative colors help reduce the photographer’s public profile. This setup is certainly less noticeable as compared to having a belt pack located directly in front of the body. The components can be slid along the belt to the sides and to the back so that the photographer’s jacket can partially conceal them. In this photo Anacleto Rapping is using his system while hiding it under his tuxedo.

Anacleto Rapping/Photo: Al Seib


Rotation - Example #1
Unique to the Think Tank Photo modular system, the Modulus components can slide around the belt. This has numerous advantages. Not only can the photographers position gear exactly where they want, they can also completely change the feeling of the belt by shifting the location of different components, thus reducing fatigue in any one part of their body. In this photo the Speed Changer has been rotated to the back of the belt, to clear the sides of the body when walking through crowds.

Al Bello/Photo: Juerg Schreiter


Rotation - Example #2
When wearing a traditional belt pack, a common problem when kneeling down is that the photographer’s thighs push it up, often creating an awkward shooting position. Using the Modulus system, components can be rotated to the rear of the body so that there is no conflict with the thighs when shooting.

Bob Libby/Photo: Lenny Gotter


Rotation - Example #3
This is a good example of the versatility of the Think Tank Photo system—when sitting down in an awkward position, the Modulus components have been rotated to the side and to the front of the body. Although our components “rotate or lock,” most photographers are not locking them in position. This allows them to take advantage of the benefits of moving the bags where they want them to be.

Lucas Jackson/Photo: Gene Blevins


Speed and Accessibility
The difference between an average photo and a great one can be a matter of seconds. That’s why we design our Modulus components so that you can retrieve your lenses and other accessories as fast as possible. The Speed Changer has a special zipper that allows it to open completely so that the photographer can open it one handed and see everything inside. Our Lens Changers have an open top with a bungee closure for the fastest retrieval possible.

Doug Murdoch/Photo: Kurt Rogers


Time to Experiment
Experimentation is the key to photographers discovering their personal preferences for using this modular system. Some photographers prefer to lock the bags in one position while other bags are left free to rotate. It’s a personal choice that can be adjusted to the demands of each shoot. This photo shows how the Modulus components can be arranged so that the photographer’s DSLR and lens fits nicely between the bags when left hanging off the shoulder.

Andrew Loehman/Photo: Kevin M. Cox


Pixel Racing Harness
If you plan to carry a lot of gear on your belt, we recommend the Pixel Racing Harness to support the extra weight. We always recommend that you try the belt first without the harness, to see how it feels. After testing, photojournalist Reed Hoffman concluded that even though he carries a lot of bags, he did not need the support of the harness.

Reed Hoffmann/Photo: Reed Hoffmann


Think Out of the Box
Remember, don’t get mentally stuck thinking that a certain bag can be used for only for one thing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what works best, regardless of what the bag was designed for. In this photo, Donald Miralle is cleaning glass over a camera that is buried in the ground, using his bags to carry towels and glass cleaner.

Donald Miralle/Photo: Juan Villa


Buckle in Back
Many photographers prefer to attach the buckle first and then move the entire belt around the body so that the buckle is positioned in the rear. This allows the Modulus components to rotate freely around the sides and front of the body.

Kurt Rogers/Photo: Doug Murdoch


Attaching Modulus Components
Modulus components can also be attached to a regular belt as well as to a variety of other applications. The stiffened foam flap was designed to be as wide as possible, making it more stable when attached. Here is a creative application—Kim Komenich, while in Iraq, using a Lens Changer 75 attached to his vest and holding a microphone. Use your best judgment when attaching the Modulus components to other products.

Kim Komenich/Photo: Anna Badkhen


Light Weight Holster
The Lens Changer 75 can be used successfully as a holster when the DSLR is attached to a 70-200 2.8 or other similarly sized lenses. The bungee cord at the top of the lens can be used to secure the camera in position. The weight and length of the lens keep the camera in the bag. As always, use your best judgment based on your equipment. We do not recommend this method for smaller Lens Changers, since the weight and length of the lenses are not sufficient to keep them from tipping out.

Steve Wake/Photo: Doug Murdoch


Battery Packs
This photo shows a Chimp Cage with a Quantum battery pack and two batteries for a DSLR. Battery packs can also be successfully held in the Trim Changer (check battery dimensions first). Some photographers are connecting the battery packs directly to our Pro Speed Belt with the metal clips found on the back of some batteries.

Todd Corzett/Photo: Doug Murdoch


Take a Rest
You can use the bags like our Speed Changer or Trim Changer to rest your camera body and lens when not shooting. This can give some temporary relief to your hands, shoulders, and neck.

Kurt Rogers/Photo: Doug Murdoch


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