The Think Tank FocusPoint 30L: A Lightweight Contender for Icelandic Adventures
The pursuit of the ideal camera backpack is a perennial quest for photographers, particularly those venturing into challenging or remote environments. For an upcoming photo tour in Iceland, a destination renowned for its dramatic landscapes and unpredictable weather, the author sought a solution that balanced capacity, portability, and style. The Think Tank FocusPoint 30L emerged as a compelling candidate, promising a lightweight and aesthetically pleasing alternative to larger, more cumbersome options. This review delves into the author’s experience with the FocusPoint 30L during a two-week expedition across Iceland, evaluating its performance, features, and suitability for demanding photographic travel.
The Challenge of Packing for Iceland
Iceland, a land of fire and ice, presents a unique set of challenges for photographers. From the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights to the stark beauty of glacial lagoons and volcanic fields, capturing its essence requires a versatile and reliable gear setup. However, the very nature of Icelandic weather—rapidly shifting from sunshine to sleet and gale-force winds within hours—necessitates preparedness. This often translates to packing layers of clothing, including essential rain gear, alongside a selection of camera bodies and lenses to cover a wide range of photographic opportunities.
Traditionally, the author relied on a 50-liter Shimoda Action X50 backpack for such expeditions. While this pack offers ample storage, its substantial size and weight occasionally push the boundaries of carry-on regulations, creating minor logistical concerns. For day trips, a Think Tank Retrospective 15 backpack was the go-to, capable of housing a single camera body, two lenses (including a substantial 100-500mm telephoto), and essentials like lunch and a rain jacket. However, the desire to incorporate an additional lens into the Retrospective 15 often meant compromising on the crucial provision for lunch or rain gear, a trade-off the author was hesitant to make. This dilemma set the stage for exploring the capabilities of the new Think Tank FocusPoint 30L.
Introducing the Think Tank FocusPoint 30L: Design and Initial Impressions
The Think Tank FocusPoint 30L immediately captured the author’s attention with its "slim and stylish" profile and a "low profile" aesthetic, a departure from more utilitarian designs. The rolltop closure system, a hallmark of many modern backpacks, suggested adaptability in storage capacity. Initial assessments indicated that this 30-liter pack, when considering its capacity for both photographic equipment and personal necessities, might offer the elusive balance sought for the Icelandic journey. The availability of the pack in several appealing colorways, including the author’s choice of "Urban Rust," alongside "Asphalt Black," "Greenway," and "Golden Hour," further enhanced its appeal.
The core challenge was to ascertain if the author’s carefully curated selection of gear would comfortably fit within the FocusPoint 30L’s confines. The intended equipment list comprised the Canon EOS R5, a versatile mirrorless camera body, paired with three high-quality Canon RF lenses: the expansive RF 15-35mm f/2.8L, the all-around RF 24-105mm f/4L, and the powerful RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L telephoto zoom. The prospect of fitting this ensemble, along with essential personal items, into a more compact backpack was a critical factor in its evaluation.
Testing the Limits: Gear Compatibility
Upon receiving the FocusPoint 30L, the author embarked on a rigorous test of its capacity. The initial packing attempt was successful, with the Canon EOS R5 and the three RF lenses fitting snugly into the dedicated camera compartment. This confirmation was pivotal, leading to the purchase of the bag and its subsequent inclusion in the Iceland itinerary. The compact nature of the pack, combined with its ability to accommodate a substantial photographic kit, positioned it as a strong contender for the trip.
Key Specifications and Design Features
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Think Tank FocusPoint 30L boasts several design elements that contribute to its functionality. While specific dimensions and weight figures were not explicitly detailed in the original content, the emphasis on a "lightweight" approach suggests a design prioritizing user comfort during extended use. The rolltop closure, secured by a magnetic flap and a "nice-looking buckle," offers a degree of expandability, allowing for an increase in storage volume as needed.
A notable feature is the bag’s inherent versatility. The FocusPoint 30L is designed to function as both a dedicated photo backpack and a general daypack. This is achieved through the removable photo compartment, a design choice that significantly enhances its adaptability for various scenarios. Whether navigating city streets or embarking on a nature hike, the ability to reconfigure the pack to prioritize personal items over camera gear adds considerable value.
Accessibility and Organizational Elements
Access to the camera compartment is primarily through the back panel, a common security feature in many photo backpacks. However, the FocusPoint 30L also incorporates side access, allowing photographers to retrieve their camera without needing to set the backpack down. While the author personally did not frequently utilize this feature, its inclusion is acknowledged as a beneficial option.
The space above the main camera compartment is designated for additional items, such as a jacket, lunch, or extra accessories. This upper section also provides access to a dedicated laptop compartment, capable of accommodating devices up to 16 inches. This integration of personal storage alongside camera protection is a key differentiator for the FocusPoint 30L.
On Location in Iceland: Performance and Practicalities
The true test of any camera backpack comes during real-world use, and the author’s two-week journey through Iceland provided a demanding proving ground. The pack’s ability to serve as a carry-on solution was a significant advantage, simplifying travel logistics. The aesthetically pleasing design also garnered positive attention, a secondary but not insignificant benefit.
However, the practicalities of Icelandic weather soon became apparent. While the backpack’s material offered resistance to light rain, the zippers proved to be a vulnerability. The author observed water leakage through the zippers after a moderate rain shower, underscoring the necessity of the supplied rain cover. This is a crucial consideration for any photographer planning to use the FocusPoint 30L in consistently wet conditions.
Furthermore, the breathable foam mesh on the back panel, designed for ventilation, proved susceptible to saturation. While this feature enhances comfort during hikes, its tendency to retain moisture and take time to dry is a drawback in a climate where prolonged exposure to dampness is common. The rain cover, while protecting the main compartment, does not mitigate this issue for the back panel.
A Shift in Strategy: The Dual-Camera Dilemma
As the trip progressed, a change in photographic plans introduced a new challenge to the FocusPoint 30L’s capacity. Instead of the initial single-camera setup, the author opted to bring along a second camera body: an Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, accompanied by two additional lenses—the M.Zuiko 12-100mm f/4 PRO and the M.Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO. This decision, while expanding photographic possibilities, stretched the limits of the 30-liter pack.
The inclusion of the second camera and its associated lenses necessitated a tactical reshuffling of gear. The Olympus 7-14mm lens was temporarily housed in the rolltop compartment, a testament to its expandability. This experience highlighted a potential limitation: while the bag is designed for a "small camera set," accommodating a more extensive or dual-camera setup requires careful organization and potentially compromises on the readily accessible storage of other items.
Internal Organization Challenges: The Dividers Issue
A recurring point of contention for the author was the behavior of the internal dividers within the camera compartment. Due to the presence of the side access feature, the dividers were not as securely fixed as desired, leading to instances where equipment would shift from its designated positions. This was particularly problematic when there was excess space within the compartment, allowing items to move around. For photographers who rely on the strict separation of gear, this instability could be a source of frustration. The author suggests that for users who frequently utilize side access, this might not be an issue, but for those who prefer a more static internal arrangement, it presents a notable drawback.
Conclusion: A Capable Companion with Caveats
After two weeks of rigorous use in Iceland, the Think Tank FocusPoint 30L emerges as a well-designed and visually appealing backpack with numerous thoughtful details. Features such as a key lanyard, protective covers for internal zippers, an adjustable sternum strap, and various small compartments for accessories contribute to its user-friendly nature.
The pack performed admirably in accommodating a primary camera and three lenses, along with essential personal items like a rain jacket and lunch, fulfilling a key requirement for the author. Its low-profile design and suitability for carry-on luggage are significant advantages for travel photographers.
However, the FocusPoint 30L is not without its limitations. Its performance in genuinely adverse weather conditions, particularly concerning zipper water resistance, necessitates the use of the included rain cover. The breathability of the back panel, while beneficial for comfort, can lead to extended drying times. The internal divider system, while functional, may not satisfy photographers who require absolute rigidity in gear placement, especially when the side access feature is present.
Ultimately, the author concludes that the FocusPoint 30L is an excellent bag for a specific type of photographer: one who prioritizes style, lightweight portability, and the capacity for a moderate camera setup alongside personal essentials for daily use or less demanding travel. It excels as a stylish daypack with integrated camera protection. However, for photographers undertaking "rugged use" or venturing into truly extreme outdoor environments where weatherproofing and robust internal organization are paramount, it may not be the definitive choice.
Recommendations and Future Considerations
For potential buyers, the Think Tank FocusPoint 30L represents a compelling option for daily use, city photography, and travel where carry-on constraints are a primary concern. Its attractive design and versatile configuration make it a strong contender. However, photographers planning extensive expeditions into unpredictable climates or requiring a pack built for extreme durability might need to consider alternatives that offer superior weather sealing and more robust internal structuring. The decision hinges on balancing aesthetic appeal and portability against the demands of the intended photographic environment. The FocusPoint 30L is a commendable effort in creating a stylish and functional camera backpack, but its suitability is contingent on the user’s specific needs and the nature of their photographic adventures.
