Think Tank Photo Mirrorless Mover 20 — Camera Bag Review
The perfect camera bag for the Fuji X100 series shooter…
I have been looking for a bag that would be perfect for my Fuji X100V and a few accessories. I wanted a bag that was small, lightweight, and that didn’t scream “CAMERA BAG HERE!”
I tried several different bags before settling on the Think Tank Photo Mirrorless Mover 20 Camera Bag.
First I want to talk about the size. It’s small: 8.9 x 6.1 x 4.5" and weighs only .07 pounds with the included accessories installed.
One thing that drew me to this bag was simply that it comes from Think Tank. I have been using their bags on and off for two decades. They are a company that was founded by photographers for photographers. Most of the working pros I know use Think Tank bags. One reason these bags are so popular is they are built with photographers in mind. Many companies make camera bags and these companies often make different types of bags for different uses. Few of these bags are designed specifically for photographers. Think Tank bags are always built with the photographer/user in mind.
Here are some of the main features of this bag…
PRICE: $57.75 from B&H as of today’s date — note prices are subject to change based on supply and demand as well as inventory and manufacturing issues
Holds Mirrorless Body with 2–3 Lenses*
Interior Zip Pocket with Phone Slot
Flip-Top Lid with Magnetic Closures
Rear Belt Slot
Front Zippered Accessory Pocket
Padded Interior Dividers
Stretchable Side Pockets
Internal Mesh Pocket
Seam-Sealed Rain Cover
Removable Shoulder Strap
IN USE
I immediately removed the rain cover because this bag is made of poly ballistic fabric that ensures durability and protection from the elements. In other words, it’s already somewhat water resistant. I don’t go out in big storms so it’s the rain cover is overkill for me. Also, my camera is weather sealed so it’s just not a big deal. I’d rather save that space for something else.
I like the fact that you can close this bag’s top flap with either a magnetic seal or a zipper or both.
When in the field, if I want to have quick access to the camera I rely on the magnets to close the flap and they are strong and really hold well. If in transit, I use the zipper as well as the magnets for additional safety and security.
Like all the bags I’ve tested or owned from Think Tank, the quality of the workmanship and materials featured in this bag is best in class. It’s very well designed and very well made.
The dividers inside the bag are the typical removable type you see in most camera bags. However, one of the dividers has a built-in pocket that you could use for a smaller cellphone. (My iPhone 13 Pro won’t fit in the pocket but a regular iPhone 13 would fit.) You could also use this pocket to hold a couple of spare batteries or anything you want to keep separate in the interior compartment.
There is also a pocket inside the camera bag and built into the bag’s top cover. Here is where I store my close up filters.
The bag comes with two dividers. I removed one of them and that is where I put the X100V, fully decked out and ready to work.
On the other side of the camera I put my head lamp, mini ball head, and Platypod Disc.
There is a zipper pocket on the outside of the bag (in the front) that has some interior pockets. Here is where I put my multitool, microfiber cleaning cloth, Platypod, and Platypod riser along with charging cable and lens cleaning wipes.
There’s an outside pocket on each end of the bag. Here I put my Think Tank memory card wallet on one side and my Peak Design camera strap on the other.
Everything fits well. I don’t like to cram everything I own inside a camera bag because carrying around a lot of stuff is tiring for me and it gets in the way of my desire to just use the camera. Plus overloading a camera bag puts stresses on it that will eventually cause it to fail.
I wear the bag on its strap cross body style. Then if I need the camera, there’s enough room to swing the camera bag around (sling style) and I can get immediate access to the interior of the bag. It works just as I hoped it would and is an incredibly comfortable and convenient way to work.
You can also wear the bag by sliding your belt through it. That’s not comfortable for me so I go with the traditional cross body sling.
As far as the strap goes, it’s the only place where I personally see an opportunity for improvement. It offers no padding or cushion for the shoulder. My guess is that Think Tank assumes this bag won’t be too heavy due to its smaller size and padding is probably unnecessary. If you are going for the lightest, smallest form factor that makes sense. I would rather have a slightly beefier strap but it’s a very minor nit to pick. Overall, I am absolutely in love with this bag. For $58 it far exceeds my expectations.
CONCLUSION
I would assume that many of you reading this article are like me — I have way more camera bags than I need or have use for. There’s always that SOMETHING you think you’ll get out of the next bag that your current bag doesn’t deliver. But the truth is, that rarely is the case. Here — I am super happy to say that this new bag delivers on exactly what I need.
If you are a minimalist photographer or just don’t want to carry any more than you need to on your photo outings, give this bag a look. Think Tank makes this style of bag in a variety of sizes two being smaller and one being larger than the model I reviewed.
I rate all my reviews from HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to RECOMMENDED to ACCEPTABLE to NOT RECOMMENDED.
In the case of the Think Tank Photo Mirrorless Mover 20 Camera Bag, I rate this bag HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
*Here’s a list of all the things I pack in my ThinkTank Mirrorless Mover
- Fuji X100V w/ Lensmate thumbgrip, Lensmate Arca Swiss camera plate, lens hood with 49mm UV filter (The Fuji X100V is only water sealed if you use a filter covering the lens…)
- Petzl LED headlamp
- Three Hoya Closeup Filters
- Lens cleaning wipes
- Lens cleaning microfiber cloth
- USB charging cable
- Peak Designs camera strap
- Think Tank memory card holder (inside is Apple Air Tag plus cards)
- Business cards (yes they still matter as evidenced by the sales I’ve made by carrying them everywhere I go…)
- Platypod Ultra
- Platypod Disc
- Platypod 3-inch spigot adapter
- Mini Arca-Swiss compatible ballhead
- Multitool
For a list of my toy photo gear and props go to:
bit.ly/toyphotogear
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vero.co/scottbourne
Roughly 90% of my photos are finished in Topaz Labs’ product called Topaz Photo AI. It is a one click sharpening, noise reduction, resolution enhancement tool that uses AI to see what your photo needs and only applies as much correction as is required and only to the areas that require it. Check it out at bit.ly/TopazLabsPhotoAI
