Think Tank Photos Mirrorless Mover line of bags is a great way to carry and protect your mirrorless camera. The line is “scaled to fit today’s compact, mirrorless cameras, this collection of bags offers the same top quality materials and craftsmanship that Think Tank is known for. “The Mirrorless Mover 30i is also the first accessory I am getting to review for it.
It was just a year ago that I finally decided to “up my photography game”. I went out and purchased a Canon T3i, a few lenses, and a number of other assorted items. Over the course of the year, I have had the chance to not only learn about the camera, but I have also reviewed numerous photography accessories — check the end of this review for a list of just a few.
As the year proceeded, however, I increasingly found myself wanting a camera that offered the same power, quality, and flexibility without all the bulk and weight. This became particularly apparent during CES. Yes, during those 14 hours days wandering the show floor and (literally) running from meeting to meeting, every ounce matters.
I started looking into mirrorless cameras that offered terrific features, interchangeable lenses, and great photo and video quality in a much smaller and lighter package than my T3i. Last week I finally took the leap and ordered a Sony NEX-6.
I love it.
Suddenly, many of the camera bags I reviewed this past year were simply overkill. I didn’t need a bag or backpack designed to hold a DSLR and a telephoto lens while carrying something not much bigger than a point-and-shoot.
It was fortuitous that Think Tank Photo had announced their new line of bags while I was ordering my NEX-6 and they were kind enough to send the largest in the line, the Mirrorless Mover 30i.
The largest bag in the line, the 30i, is large enough to hold a mirrorless camera, two to four lenses, and some accessories. It even has a dedicated space for carrying and protecting an iPad. Although it is designed for a mirrorless camera setup, it is, in fact, large enough that I could have used it with the Canon T3i.
The bag is a typical Think Tank Photo product, and that’s a good thing. It is made from quality materials and uses YKK zippers, nickel-plated hardware, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread. I’ve been consistently impressed with the quality of the bags Think Tank Photo offers, and I have not had an issue with any of them.
Most actually look brand new, even though I was intentionally hard on them during the reviews and have used many of them fairly extensively over the course of the year. In short, Think Tank puts out quality products, and the Mirrorless Mover 30i is no exception.
Features:
Dedicated iPad pocket
Flip-Top lid with magnetic closure provides quick access to gear
Removable shoulder strap
Rear slot for your belt or a Think Tank belt
Easily accessible front zippered pocket for accessories
Side pockets (stretchable/gusseted)
Internal mesh pocket on the lid for battery or other accessories
Grab handle on the lid
Poly Ballistic fabric ensures durability
Seam-sealed rain cover included
The bag has a comfortable and secure top handle that makes it simple to grab on the go.
The shoulder strap isn’t particularly padded, but this is not a bag you will be weighing down enough that it will matter. What does matter is that the should strap and hardware are made from quality materials and will help you keep your gear safe.
The rear pass-through slot will let you wear the bag on a belt. I honestly don’t see carrying this bag that way, but I guess it is nice to know I could do it, if I were so inclined.
The two side pockets are quite useful. One is a perfect fit for the small Evernote Moleskin I carry, while the other is made from a stretchable material that can hold even more.
Lift up the flap — it is held down magnetically (who doesn’t like magnets?) — and you’ll find a zippered pocket suitable for a wallet, keys, and a few other necessary accessories.
One of the two smaller pockets inside this space houses a “seam-sealed rain cover”. That’s fancy-speak for a waterproof cover that quickly slips over the entire bag and keeps its contents dry if the skies should open up.
The interior of the bag offers a surprising amount of storage space. Add in the fact that the interior is well-organized, and you have a camera bag that is incredibly usable.
The top zips over on three sides, so it leaves the entire interior open and accessible.
A mesh pocket inside the lid fits my wall charger and cable perfectly.
Interior space that is divided with movable spacers lets you arrange the storage in the manner that best fits your needs.
And a padded slot at the back is perfect for a tablet.
The Mirrorless Mover 30i is perfect for my needs. It combines Think Tank Photo’s excellent quality with a design that clearly takes into consideration someone who wants to shoot and process pictures and videos on the go. It has enough room for my NEX-6, charger, tablet, keyboard, microphone and, as soon as I have one — a telephoto lens, and it protects all of it in a bag designed for use in the real world.
It does look a bit too much like a purse, but it is so well designed, so good at protecting my gear, and so comfortable to grab and take along that it has been the residence of my new camera since it arrived. If you don’t need quite as much room as that offered by the 30i, then you should check out its smaller siblings. You can check out the entire Mirrorless Mover line here.
MSRP: $69.75 (Mirrorless Mover 5 is $34.75, Mirrorless Mover 10 is$44.75, Mirrorless Mover 20 is$54.75)
What I Like: Well-made; Versatile; Interior is configurable; Real metal hardware; Includes rain cover; Grab and go handle; Tablet slot; Perfect size for carrying enough gear but not too much gear; Under $70
What Needs Improvement: Nothing; if this bag is large enough to meet your needs, then it will serve you well
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
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