Think Tank Production Manager 50 (Review) || Amazing Light Stand Case

The Production Manager 50 is a beast of a bag! This lights stand case/bag is very helpful for video (or photo) shoots of all kinds! In this video I go over the details of the bag and share some of the pros and cons
Think Tank Production Manger 50 bag: geni.us/xu9HnQ
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[@captainfilmmaking]

Me, during the intro of the video: “In my life, I will never ever buy a case for 700$.” Me, 8 minutes later, at the end of the video: “I’m going to buy this case!”

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Hahaha! I feel we all do that when we watch a video on something filmmaking related :D It is a really heavy duty case, I'll say that for sure.

[@tomt3533]

Glad to see your channel picking up subscribers this quick lately, congrats Heather.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thank you!! 😊 I'm very grateful for such a large interest by many

[@ericnathanguel]

Love, love, love this channel. I'm a full-time commercial still photographer, using the C19 lockdown time to learn video. This channel is super helpful. Amazing quality. Please keep the videos coming. I'm a happy subscriber.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

That is great to hear! Thank you for the very kind words!! :D

[@carriestarscapemedia]

I had been searching for something just like this to have one case I could take corporate shoot essentials in. I pack a GH5 and a few lenses in a backpack and am able to get a tripod, light stands, several lights (plus extension cables, audio stuff, and misc. grip) into the production case. It is such a huge and helpful bag! Truly a lifesaver and game changer for my workflow. Loved your review and all the details you provided. Ordered this case, and two days later I ordered a second ThinkTank case, the VideoTransport 18. It fits my BMPCC rig perfectly! The quality of the ThinkTank cases is unparalleled, in my opinion. They live up to their name - thinking through so many important details and they make tough stuff. I’m only 5’2 so the rolling case is a lot to handle but the large wheels and all the handles help. Thank you! From a “Fellow Female Filmmaker.” :)

[@FellowFilmmaker]

So happy to hear the video is helpful and you've become a big fan of think tank! :D They really make amazing cases and bags that last forever. :D

[@AskJoe]

Well done, as always. I can see why your channel is growing so nicely.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thank you very much!

[@JackIsaacVideo]

Got one of these a few weeks ago - LOVE IT. Great review.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Right on! It's such a great case

[@TheToneWork]

Great review! I've had the Neewer one bag for almost two years and it still looks new[er]. I'm careful with my gear, so I probably baby it, but it's a good bag. It's not as long as the ThinkTank, so I had to get shorter stands, but it's worked well for me so far.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Good to know! :D

[@A1Bokeh]

Same thats what I'm using currently. Eventually a bag like this would be awesome to just throw EVERYTHING in there

[@AlreadyTiredOfYou]

I don't know, there's just something so friendly about you. And I was actually looking for a bag like this. Anyway, looking forward for more stuff from you

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Very kind of you! :) Thanks

[@tackhershey5672]

I have just purchased one!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Cool! :D They are great bags!

[@yenra]

Another great review. I signed up to learn when it’s back in stock.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Tuernah]

The way in which you speak it show you be a working professional in possession of actual experience versus no experience like someones they sit behind a table then talk from experience of makin youtube videos by recitation of wikipedia. The things which you say the beginners addition youtube ceators can learn much if they be listen smart plus listen close to everything. You body language and tone in voice addition words be like you be selling you production service to a producer so These how I know you poseess real experince. Addition you be not a narcissist like the many youtube creator who do like fake humble. These how people they will learn well by watching actual professionals possession actual industry experience. I’m Tuernah and THIS is My Masterclass.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

That is very kind of you to say. Thanks for watching and paying such close attention. Nothing I do is 'faked' for the camera, so I'm glad it shows!

[@recepbuyukguzel8203]

i bought this after watching the video! Crazy bag! I am so happy :D

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

I've been researching large equipment cases for all my lights when I travel to set. I was looking at Pelican style cases, but this gives me another option to look into! Wonderful review, keep it up!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Glad I could help! It's a great case to have, love it!

[@njrivetelite]

Hi! So I was looking to upgrade my lighting game and have been deciding on a few video lights Aputure Amaran, Aputure Lightning & Godox. Plus I have a large set of studio strobes for photography. I have the inexpensive neewer bag from Amazon and while the quality isn't horrible for what I paid, my problem is.. It's just not long enough for my stands. I'd prefer to have 1 bag with all my lighting in one thing. So something around 50" is what I need. The only things I found really were bags that weren't long enough or purpose built C-Stand bags which don't seem to have the padding flexibility I'd want to secure my actual lights & power strips. My only issue with this Think Tank bag is that it's so expensive. I don't expect it to be similar to a NEEWER price. But would like it in the $350 range. Once I get over it, I'll probably pick up this bag because it pretty much is EXACTLY what I need lol

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Yeah, the price might be steep but very worth it for what you get. I've dealt with Neewer before and it doesn't really compare to Thinktank. When you're ready to jump on it I think you'll find it worth it. :)

[@njrivetelite]

@@FellowFilmmaker I'm sure I will, I'm just griping lol

[@captainfilmmaking]

3 weeks later: I really bought it! But... it's disappointing. The short version: It's overpriced, not as versatile and spacious as expected. And one specific point, is a dealbreaker for most of the potential costumers... And here's the long story: After I watched this review, I thought this bag would be great to carry my video/lightning equipment - especially my C-stands - in a convenient way. I bought it new from an European Online-Store. Here in Europe the bag is 800€ - which is a lot of money for an equipment trolley. But a couple of points make the bag not nearly as good, as it should be. The actual version (production manager 50 V2) has less features, than the original one: - Handles on just three sides (not all four). And the side handle is only usable, if your interior weight distribution is balanced. - No rain pouch included - Just one zipper compartment (instead of two) on the upper/top part of the bag - Just one side bag for tripods etc. instead of two - No transparent business card pocket - approx. 10 dividers less, than the original version (and less versatile ones) The good points: - Wheels roll well - high quality exterior and good zippers - Interior zipper bags are useful - Top part is held in place with straps, when the lid is opened - looks professional Negatives: - The dealbreaker: For my two C-Stands I own (on from Neewer and one from EachShot) the bag is to short, so they do not fit. I was wondering, why Think Tanks stand manger 52 is two inch longer, than the production manager 50 - now I know why.. Being able to transport my C-Stands (for which I don't have a proper case/carrying bag, was the reason to by the production manager in the first place..) - Interior materials/dividers are rather cheap. - Dividers are not very versatile. I used only 6 out of 21 dividers. And for those I would have needed more (the longest and the second-longest ones - only one for each were included) - Downgrades in Version 2 in comparison to the original production manger V1 (see list above) - The spokes of the wheels are made of rigid, hard plastic - there is no way, that they will bend during an impact, as shown in their photo-shopped marketing pictures. If there would be a heavy impact, the definitely would break. - The lock and the locking cable a very cheap and thin, and could be cut or ripped out easily... Don't rely on this feature. - The interior parts of my bag were not very well assembled, when the bag arrived. The velcro of the side-walls didn't line up with the outer coating of the bag properly. And the bottom flap inside, was not inserted well, so it formed more like a half-moon shape as a floor, instead of an even surface. I was able to fix booth things, but it took me some time and it looks like there is a lack in quality-managment during their production. - I spent hours to find the right setup of dividers, to fit as much as gear as possible. They do deliver quite a lot of dividers, but they aren't very usefull, because they are mostly the same, and hence it's hard to vary the storing options. Hence the outer walls aren't very robust, they tent to bent outwards, but the dividers inside - of course - do not change their length/width.. As a result it's hard to use the whole volume of the bag, unless your equipment don't have the exact dimensions of their stuff in the example pictures. - Hence the setup of the interior dividers is very time-consuming, it's not practical to change your setup very often (for instance to transport different gear, for different jobs...) As a result I manage to fit just - three small lights (amaran 60/100/200, including cables etc.), - two standard reflectors and a barndoor - two light-stands (regular ones, no c-stands) - a 70cm softbox - a 50cm mini-softbox - and a bit of small accessories ...wich is way less, than I expected. And so the case is nearly as expensive as all the gear inside. Final thoughts: For about 400$/€, I think it would be ok (with the side-note, that you probably won't be able to fit a C-stand inside). But I think for most people it would be better to go with the stand-manager 52 (which is less then half the price), and look for quality lights, which include proper light-bags - like the aputure LightStorm series for instance.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thanks for all that feedback! I didn't realize that the changes in V2 were to such an extent. Of course I only have the V1 i bought. I hope you can find a better bag since this one wasn't hitting it for you

[@andrewporfyri559]

Makes sense to have all your equipment in one bag BUT once you load a bag this size you soon find out that it becomes an effort loading & unloading it out of your car & then carting it around the streets to your photoshoot location

[@BarefootMediaTV]

ive used one of these for years. I know most videographers get a rock n roller and throw 10 cases on top, this just seemed easier and i just roll it under my bed to hide all my gear when i get home.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

It is really handy! :D

[@layhcore]

awesome review!!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thanks!

[@christianhotter]

I hope you get some sponsors! Nothing better than having a company you like give you gear that you would use. My only worry would be that you would get gear I could not afford. :)

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Very true. I'm sure the right one will come along at the right time.

[@nextlevelcraig]

I totally need this bad in my life. Thank you for the detailed review! +1 Sub!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thanks for the sub! And glad I could help!

[@ZorgMK]

I think the video should be called "What's In My Bag?" ;)

[@FellowFilmmaker]

:) that's a good idea

[@andrewclarkeinfo]

Just bought one of those cheaper similar (slightly smaller) bags on Amazon. Day 1 and I’m already nervous of the quality of the main zipper. I’m sure your investment will be wiser over the long run! Great video 👍 Keep em coming

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Yeah, that was one big worry for me. I didn't want my expensive equipment to have safety issues due to the bag it was encased in. I hope it works out for you, but hey, if you need a good one definitely look at Thinktank, they have other great bags that might work well for you. :)

[@andrewclarkeinfo]

Fellow Filmmaker I had a think tank laptop/camera bag for years but it’s been gathering dust since I got a few peak design bags, but peak design don’t make beast-mode “studio-on-wheels” bags like our new ones. I hope my clients react the same as yours! 👍

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I hope so too! :D

[@RomanWasntBuiltInADay]

Fantastic review thanks for sharing

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thanks for watching!

[@N0TNA]

Great video honestlly underated any how for me very pricey. Kinda contradicts to buying a godox sl-60w lol and then buying this BEAST which in canada (were I live) cost like 750 bucks . Pumped to see new videos and keep ut up.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Haha, it might be a bit overkill seeming, but there are times when you need to have something of quality. I'd say a bag that is almost guaranteed to protect all my gear is very important versus the one that might damage it! Maybe there will be more than some godox lights in there someday, haha!

[@brenthughldridge546]

I hope your channel goes to 50k Subscribers or more by the end of the year. 💯👌🏻

[@FellowFilmmaker]

That would be amazing!!

[@YeudyPerez]

Awesome Awesome! Love the bag.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thanks so much! I love it too :D

[@lionbeatscobra]

Would you recommend this for travel? Trying to decide with the weight costs.

[@crossnetworkllc]

Great review! Can you show us some of your professional projects??

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thanks! What do you want to see specifically? Interviews, ads, there's all types I've done

[@popyourimage]

Does anyone have a hack for schlepping the bag? I love mine, but fully packed, it's just so heavy! No need for a subscription at a cross fit… I am considering building a small board with wheels that swivel and that attaches with quick release straps around the case, so that I can pull it over distances that are 500-800 meters.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I agree, when it's full it's rough to carry around. I tend to hug it to my chest by the sides of the case and walk it around instead of just pulling it with one hand. But adding some quick device that could be pulled like a wagon would be nice of sorts.... will have to think on that

[@ManoelFlesch]

I'm currently in a pickle where I will have to travel to another country with a lot of gear. Would you recommend this bag for an airplane?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I'd say yes, and believe it's designed to be used on a plane

[@NickBuntonStudios]

Thanks for doing this video, I am considering getting one of these after numerous jobs with three of four trips to the car for my bags! Do you mind sharing your audio case shown in the film and maybe the layout? I am interested as I have a case that would be too big that holds three sets of Sennheiser G4 body packs and receivers I use for live streaming. Thanks!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

The case I have is the one that came with the G4's, so it only holds one set. Not sure if they have another one for more than one...

[@FreddyMadera]

Hi! I just got to know your channel and I'm watching several of your videos, their great! Do you have a bag or case recommendation for the godox sl60 or the new sl150 ii but individually? I really don't like the shipping box... THANK YOUU

[@FellowFilmmaker]

HI! Happy to hear you enjoy the content I make! And I haven't yet found a good bag alternative for the lights individually, probably because I usually travel with most all of them. :D Sorry I couldnt be more help at this time

[@gordinirojo]

I really like your videos, and I'm blown away that you don't have a bigger audience. Maybe, if you use international measurement along side the pounds/inches/etc, it would be more useful for the rest of us.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I'll certainly keep that in mind, thanks!

[@grayanderson9800]

This is discontinued now, any suggestions on an alternative?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I haven’t tried any alternatives thus far. If i do ill make a video tho

[@Ranger7Studios]

Now the real question is... Can YOU fit inside it? :) Great review!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Haha, it was one of the first things I did.... and yes I can! I have to be a bit of a contortionist, but if tried hard enough I can do it. :p

[@Ranger7Studios]

@@FellowFilmmaker Hey, free entry to NAB next year! Just have someone roll you in. ;)

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Hey, not a bad idea! It might trend after awhile😂

[@ThinkTankPhoto]

Pics or it didn't happen!

[@Ranger7Studios]

@@ThinkTankPhoto LOL! 😂

[@giarandazzo7688]

What Mic are you using? Im looking to get a mic or two that I can use to interview people and do behind the scenes of my photosessions

[@FellowFilmmaker]

In this video I believe I was simply using a power dewise lav mic. But now I use a boom mic for the most part. If you want a wireless setup, my go to is sennheiser g4's with a power dewise lav. You can find all the things I use and recommend on my kit if you want to see for yourself: kit.co/fellowfilmmaker

[@WillyMenag]

Could you use this bag to travel on a airplain? Do you have any other recomendation for that purpose?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Yes you can use it for travel, I've not had to yet. It's quite sturdy. They have other sizing that is not quite as large if you think you'd not need this much length.

[@sk20604]

You can travel with this bag. The thing you have to be careful about though is exceeding the airline weight limit when it’s fully packed. If a bag is over 100 pounds they won’t let you put it in checked luggage, you have to ship it air freight which apparently takes ten days. This happened to me twice when I first got it and I was forced to take some equipment out and put it in my luggage to get it below the weight limit. Also, if you don’t have a press pass, the airlines might charge you extra for it for exceeding length limits.

[@cristianomariani6838]

do you have the link of the bag seen in the video? because what you have partly looks 55 inches

[@FellowFilmmaker]

No, that is the link to it: bit.ly/3wLa5o4 Its been back ordered for some time

[@RReviewIndonesia]

Superb, nice review. I think i need that bag...hahaha

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Haha, right?! It is a great bag, gotta say

[@desmondmacnamara6068]

You should consider doing a collab with Alex Minor.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Oh? why do you say that?

[@desmondmacnamara6068]

Fellow Filmmaker you guys have similar content topics, similar channel sizes and he does a great job of staying active in video sales/ filmmaking groups on Facebook. It seems to me your quality of content and value proposition is on par with a lot of bigger channels you just need the network of sharing to get you the traffic.

[@bashmedia]

thanks for your video , can you carry this bag alone ? if there is stairs you need some one to help you ? can you put it in car ? what about the weight for this bag with all your stuff ?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Yes, I can but it's pretty heavy when I'm done packing it full of stuff. It weighs around 100 pounds at times when I stuff it full. It fits in an SUV, nothing smaller. When it comes to stairs it's nice to have help but can be done alone, just takes alot of time and energy.

[@popyourimage]

@@FellowFilmmaker any car where you can lower the back seat is able to fit it. Once our then SUV was serviced, they gave me a tiny Hyundai for the day and I had to move the passenger seat and inclined it forward. Not ideal, but it worked. And yes, it takes a warm, prepared back to carry it alone on a flight of stairs… long live elevators!

[@GeorgeTorres]

Do you think ordering a lable/sticker to fit the long length side? For logo and branding. Will it stick or fall off?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

It mights stick on there, I just tested a sticker on it and it has decent grip

[@A1Bokeh]

Wow what a beast! I currently have a neweer carry bag which for me is ok. Eventually I think ill get this. Ya its heavy but it carry everything! How do you feel about production carts? My friend got the one off Amazon and we used it on a shoot. It was pretty Awesome

[@FellowFilmmaker]

It is a nice case! I hear some folks struggle to find it in stock sometimes, lately. And a production cart would be way easier to work with I think, just have to have the way to transport easily or transition well. :D

[@A1Bokeh]

@@FellowFilmmaker ya some guy added rods to carry stands on his cart which looked really awesome. Gotta have wheels though whatever you decide lol. My backpack has wheels and I actually love it

[@oluwatobitaiwo6277]

Is there any that can fit two 54-inch paper backdrops at once?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I don't have that size, so I can't test that for you, sorry

[@BGeorgeVideo]

How well does this bag handle air travel?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I haven't taken it on one yet but I'm sure itd do just fine. Everything is heavy duty about it.

[@MrEddieFlores]

Can you fit 3 vl300s in there with some stands?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Yep! I fit a usually 3-4 lights and 3-4 light stands in the bag. With some room for the wires/cables and such.

[@MrEddieFlores]

@@FellowFilmmaker THANK YOU very much. You're quickly becoming one of my favorite channels. Keep up the awesome work, I'm digging your style. Happy Holidays.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Super kind of you! And thanks. Hope you have a great end of the year :D

[@anlagrdr5229]

How could this bag fitting in any car?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

It can fit in a car, just depends on the size! :) It won't fit in small sedans, but in mid-size cars like an SUV it will be just fine.

[@PA-gt1dd]

Im starting to think they've discontinued this bag. ve been looking online for almost a year and its literally ALWAYS out of stock. WHAT THE HELL....

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Well dang, that's annoying!

[@robertharker]

Be careful about too many C stands. At over 20 lbs each, two or three really add to the weight.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Agreed! that's why I only have one :p

[@retlwiz]

Bought two cheap bags and the handles and zips were both broken within a year. Total false economy. I have a Think Tank camera and it’s as good as you describe. There’s no way these bags can avoid taking punishment so they have to be strong.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Very true!

[@jamesburton1050]

Appears this one is no longer carried, but they have version 2: www.thinktankphoto.com/products/production-manager-50-v2 On another note, what would you recommend for something around a third that size, say 3 Godox lights, maybe some barn doors and fresnels, etc?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Looks pretty nearly alilke, but good to know! :D Thanks And good question. I'm not entirely sure. I know their Manger 40V2 is smaller and a lil easier to tug around. I also know @NewLayer has a video on cases for lights, might be worth skimming his channel to see what he's got for info. :D Hope that helps

[@jamesburton1050]

@@FellowFilmmaker thank you, and you're welcome. I discovered version 2 when I realized the link above was broken! 😉😉

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thanks for letting me know! Just fixed it

[@jamesburton1050]

@@FellowFilmmaker happy to help! 😊😊

[@Brennan1129]

Does anyone have one of these they'd like to sell??? I'm in need of one but can't find one anywhere! Hit me up! 👍

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Looks like they are back ordered everywhere. Have you looked at the manager 40, or is that too small?

[@Brennan1129]

@@FellowFilmmaker Yes, I’ve had an order in with B&H for just over a month now. Holding out hope they come back in stock soon. 😬🤞 I did look into the 40 and I may have to go with that. I keep looking for used 50s but no luck yet.