Think Tank Mirrorless Mover Review

Getting out and about with your camera relies upon a capable, flexible, weatherproof bag to house your expensive gear, and if you are going out in public, if it looks good then it’s a bonus.

The Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 30i aims to cover all these bases, and generally does so rather well.

The Mirrorless Mover series is a camera messenger bag specifically aimed at allowing photographers of smaller, mirrorless camera systems to travel light and in style.

The 30i model reviewed here is the leader of the pack, being the largest and most expensive in the range. There’s also a 10 and 20 model too – see here.

It’s the only real option for a professional shoot as it can carry a good number of lenses including a 70-200mm.

Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 30i Specs

• What Fits: One medium mirrorless camera body plus 3-4 lenses, smartphone, 8″ tablet and additional accessories
• Internal Dimensions: 10.6″ W x 8″ H x 3.9″ D (27 x 20.5 x 10cm)
• External Dimensions: 11″ W x 8.9″ H x 5.7″ D (28 c 22.5. 14.5cm)
• Smartphone Slot: 2.8″ W x 5″ H x 0.6″ D (7 x 12.7 x 1.6cm)
• Tablet Compartment: 9.8″ W x 8.1″ H x 0.9″ D (25 x 20.5 x 2.3cm)
• Weight: 1.3lbs (0.6 kg) with all included accessories

Build & Appearance

OK, you would probably not mistake the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 30i for a high-fashion item, but thanks to the blue/grey textile-effect detailing it is a sure step up from an ‘I’m a photographer’ black bag.

The contrasting stiching and messenger-bag flap to double protect the zipped compartment adds pleasant aesthetics.

The construction itself is weather proof. A very rainy bit of landscape photography in Dartmouth, UK saw the Mirrorless Mover protect my kit from the elements extremely well. Even with a bit of a rogue wave on the beach, there was not a drop inside

But for those risk-averse types it comes with its own rain coat which extends from the front pocket to completely cover the whole bag. In weather that needs this, why you would venture out with your camera who knows, but perhaps I’m too easily put off.

The stitching and construction is well-made. There is no plastic fittings at all on the bag, everything is build with metal, quality fasteners.

I get the feeling that this is a bag that will take not just the elements, but a bit of a beating generally. I would expect it to last a long time and was really impressed at this price.

Exterior Features

The exterior has a single pocket that runs the length of the Mirrorless Mover , and located under the messenger-style flap.

It houses the pack-away rain cover, but is also plenty big enough for memory cards and batteries.

There is a slot which looks like it would be to attach the bag to a belt system.

There’s also a handle on top for easy carrying and an adjustable shoulder strap.

This strap is comfortable and high quality with a ‘suede-type’ material that stops slippage, but is not particularly wide at the shoulder part.

That said these bags are not designed to carry a load that would need a wider strap so this does makes some sense.

However, a bit of a wider strap would still make for a better experience when hiking a long way I think.

Interior Features

The single internal main compartment of the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 30i is versatile and practical.

The three internal dividers feature the common velcro to attach to fit your needs. Even here Think Tank have put thought into what photographers need, and one of these dividers has it’s own little pocket.

This pocket is great for storing cards or batteries that may cause damage if bundled in with the rest of the kit. I use it for my tripod QR plate which seems to be designed to scratch things, but not any more!

There is a smartphone slot built into the top of the zipped lid. This is a good size and fits even my Apple iPhone XS Max no problem.

The only other internal feature is the tablet compartment. The way I use this bag, to go off for a bit of landscape photography, I can’t really see why you’d want a tablet slot – after all if you were on a trip where you wanted to use your tablet then you’d likely have other bags too so you would not need a single-bag solution to try to carry everything.

It does not really take up much space, although I would have loved this to be a fold-down panel that sits on top of the contents to allow an extra item to be placed on top.

Storage Capacity

The Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 30i can carry an impressive amount of kit. Plenty enough for me to go off for a couple of hours taking pictures when I just want to take a single bag.

Here is what tends to go into mine:

• Single Sony A7Riii Body
• 85mm Zeiss Batis Lens
• 18mm Ziess Batis Lens
• 3 x Hoya ND and CPL Filters
• Spare battery
• Tripod QR Plate
• Notepad and pen
• Warm Jumper
• Drink

This is a useful selection of things, but I was not able to take more than 2 lenses with me as the only orientation that really works is vertical.

This does mean that with smaller lenses, surely a good choice with a mirrorless system, you get a gap across the top of the kit.

I could fit my jumper rolled up across the top, but it would be great if there was a configuration that allowed two layers if required.

My 70-200mm lens would fit across the top, but with no protection it would damage the lenses below. As mentioned about, a fold down flap would be a really valuable addition in my opinion.

Ease of Use/Comfort

The bag is easy to use and makes for a really convenient way to carry your kit. The advantage of a single layer of kit is that you can get to it all very quickly, even in the dark.

The straps are comfortable to use, without very heavy kit in the bag, and if feels solid and rugged although the bag itself is very light. Good design all round by Think Tank

Value for Money

At around USD70 this is great value for money.

I have used Mirrorless Mover bags before receiving this test model, and they are all really good bags that will not break the bank, but offer a good step up from basic designs in terms of style and practicality.

Think Tank Mirrorless Mover Review | Conclusion

I was impressed with the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 30i and it is definitely a bag that will stay in my list of regularly used kit.

It’s perfect for situations where I want to go out with my camera, but not my whole set of wedding kit.

It’s protective, well made and looks decent enough to take around town with out standing out like a camera nerd, and not too flashy to act as a ‘rob me’ sign.

In trying to cater for every possible use, there are a couple of features like the iPad slot and rain-cover that are a bit wasted on me, but they may be useful to others.