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Rugged yet refined, spacious yet sleek—the FocusPoint 30L RollTop is the camera backpack that keeps up with your photography, whether that’s on the road or at your favorite local coffee shop.
There is no shortage of camera bags in today’s market; you may even feel there are too many. Think Tank Photo has introduced the Photo FocusPoint™ 30L RollTop, a versatile rolltop model designed for photographers who want a blend of everyday carry and camera gear storage.
Who Is Think Tank?
Ask Think Tank Photo who they are, and they will say, “We are a group of designers and professional photographers on a mission to design and create the highest-quality travel gear for the world’s traveling observer.” Founded in 2005, Think Tank Photo aims to help photographers see the world and capture moments while creating the highest-quality travel gear. Think Tank Photo has become a leading company for high-quality travel gear for dedicated photographers and professionals.
First Impressions
Think Tank Photo is synonymous with one word: quality. From my time at the camera store and as a professional photographer, I have yet to pick up a camera bag from them that felt poorly made or poorly designed, and the FocusPoint 30L RollTop is no different. I have looked at several rolltop-style bags in the past, but none impressed me—especially the clip used to secure the rolltop. The clip Think Tank Photo uses caught my eye; it’s heavy-duty and securely clips, which makes sense. Think Tank Photo made a great design choice in this area. The magnetic strips allow you to securely close the bag before rolling it, earning another A+ in my book. The bag has plenty of storage space for gear and a large front pocket for miscellaneous items, along with several other pockets.
Key Features
Rolltop and Expandable Storage
I touched on a few points already in this area. Expandable storage is excellent in this bag; rolltop-style bags are the new version of what we used to call a day bag. Storage at the top is great for food or other items, with camera storage at the bottom, making the bag an everyday carry option for the office or the field. With an expandable pocket, you can fit your earbuds, phone, or other travel items.
The closure, as I mentioned before, is well-built and will withstand years of repeated use. The closure is also adjustable, allowing you to secure it rather than relying solely on the magnetic strips at the top to hold the bag closed.
Camera Gear Access
The bag has three access points, giving you multiple ways to access your gear, whether it is being carried, taken off, or placed on the ground: the left and right sides, as well as a rear access point. Having options in this area is excellent, as there are times when you don’t want to take the bag off to access your gear. At times, I may be headed to my local coffee shop to do some work, and I don’t want to take my camera gear. The bag has a removable camera insert, leaving me with more space to use as a regular backpack!
What Fits in This Bag?
- Fits one full frame body (ungripped) and two f/2.8 zooms
- Fits one full frame body (ungripped) and three to five primes
- Dedicated laptop compartment fits a 16-inch laptop
- Maximum lens size: 70-200mm f/2.8
- 16-inch MacBook Pro or iPad Pro
Organization and Pockets
The bag has a total of ten pockets, internal and external. These are great for small everyday items: phone, keys, wallet, and camera accessories. These pockets also make the bag attractive as an everyday camera bag or even as a straightforward backpack. The bag has a laptop sleeve that holds up to a 16-inch laptop or tablet. It is great to have dedicated storage for chargers, notebooks, jackets, etc.
Comfort and Carrying
The RollTop 30L features padded shoulder straps that let you carry your gear for extended periods with less discomfort. The breathable back panel is a lifesaver in warmer climates, allowing air circulation and keeping your back cool. If you’re into longer treks, it’s nice to use the waist belt, which takes more weight off your shoulders and places it on your waist. If you never use a waist belt, it is removable. I usually remove it because I hate having straps dangling or, if clipped together, pushing into my back.
Protection and Weather
Sometimes, the best photographs are created in the worst weather. The RollTop 30L is like other Think Tank Photo bags; it comes with a rain cover—a win for the books. The bag is made from a weather-resistant, durable material that protects your gear in inclement weather. The bag’s interior is well-padded, so you know your gear will be snug and protected.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Versatile design for both camera gear and everyday use.
- Multiple access points (top/side/rear).
- Excellent organization with many pockets.
- Comfortable for extended carrying.
- Removable insert increases flexibility.
Cons
- Might be larger/heavier than minimal street packs.
- Rolltop may take a bit to adjust perfectly.
- Not a dedicated pro-rig pack (e.g., for 3+ bodies plus heavy lenses) compared to larger, specialized bags.
Who This Bag Is Best For
The ideal photographer for this bag is the hybrid photographer: someone working outside the office and shooting, a travel photographer, or a daily user looking for a camera and a smaller setup with space for other items they carry every day. If you’re looking to carry a much larger setup, consider one of the other Think Tank Photo bags, like the Walker Pro 30L.
Value and Price
Compared to other bags on the market, pricing is typically in the mid-$200 range, which is reasonable for the bag’s quality and multi-use capabilities. You’re getting two bags in one, and it stacks up well against competitors.
Final Verdict
I highly recommend adding the Think Tank Photo FocusPoint™ 30L RollTop to your collection. Yes, collection. As photographers, we always have more bags than we know what to do with! It’s a high-quality bag with valuable features and a big win in the multi-use category. If you’re looking to add a new bag, consider the FocusPoint 30L RollTop. If you asked me to rate the bag out of five stars, I would give it 3.5. There could be room for improvement, as it is not a dedicated pro-rig pack (e.g., for 3+ bodies plus heavy lenses) compared to larger, specialized bags. This can be overlooked because camera bags are not one-size-fits-all.