This bag is technically the right size for most people looking to carry gear for a quick photowalk or outdoor shoot. And it can carry the right amount of gear for such situations. Somehow, though, I wish the Think Tank PressPass 20 were still a bit more roomy. Read on to understand why I feel so.
One of the issues I often face when going around town here is being stopped at various locations and being told I’m not allowed to photograph the premises. This can happen despite the fact that I’m an accredited photojournalist, and it ends up being a long, drawn-out conversation with security staff before I’m eventually allowed to continue (not always, though). I’ve identified that the primary reason this happens is that I seem to look the part of a professional photographer, even before I pick up my camera. And that’s because most of the camera bags I have are too eye-catching. So, in my quest for an unobtrusive camera bag, I reached out to a few camera accessory companies to see which bag(s) might let me snap away in places where I might otherwise get stopped. This is part 1 of that series.
Not A Messenger Bag
When I first got the Think Tank PressPass 20, I was quite surprised when I took it out of the package. It was noticeably smaller than I expected it to be. From the photos online, I wasn’t expecting it to be the size of a proper messenger bag, but I didn’t think it would be that much smaller either. In reality, it’s more slimmer in width than it appears to be, and that design factor plays a part in how you use this bag when out in the field.
The PressPass 20 works better as a compact carry solution or as a lens changer (which it’s also designed to be). I feel the PressPass name can be a bit misleading. While the bag is clearly designed with photojournalists in mind, I don’t know many press photographers who would use this as their main bag for a full assignment. It might work for someone attending a press conference or media event with just a camera and a 70–200mm lens (when kept horizontally while attached to the camera). Or for regular photographers who want to head out for a quick photowalk.
The bag comfortably accommodated my Nikon Z8 with a Nikon Z 35mm f1.4 lens attached. It also took my Nikon Zf with the Nikon Z 24-120mm f4 S lens. Once I placed either camera in the center of the inner pouch, there was still room on the sides for a second prime lens and some accessories. Alternatively, those spaces can hold a full-sized speedlight along with cables and smaller items. However, the bag’s thin profile and sloping sides mean it can’t easily take bulky camera setups. Even though the PressPass 20 is the largest model in their PressPass lineup, I found it a bit cramped for the gear I initially considered carrying with it (Nikon Z8 with 24-120mm f4 lens, Godox V100N speedlight, Viltrox 85mm f1.4 lens)
Excellent Build Quality
Despite being compact in many ways, the PressPass 20 has thoughtful design details; something we’ve come to expect and cherish from the folks at Think Tank. The shoulder strap is among the slimmest I’ve seen on a professional shoulder bag, but it’s very well-padded and features a non-slip strip on the underside to prevent the bag from sliding off your shoulder while walking. This feature makes a big difference during longer photo walks.
The Press Pass 20 can be worn in at least two main ways – no, technically three. Firstly, you can hang it casually over one shoulder with the bag swaying on the same side. Alternatively, you can wear it crossbody. The latter style is particularly useful, as it allows you to swing the bag to the front quickly when you want to get your camera, reducing the risk of the bag falling off. Think Tank also included a removable rain cover at the bottom, a welcome addition for photographers working outdoors.
The third way, which is also quite useful for many, is the built-in waist belt. This lets the PressPass 20 be used as a lens changer when you decide you don’t want to use it as your primary bag. You can tuck the belt away when it’s not in use, keeping the bag looking neat and streamlined. This design is helpful when shooting in the field and needing quick access to extra lenses without being weighed down by a full backpack. There’s also a really handy slim top handle made from the same material as the rest of the bag. It’s thin yet strong, and is integrated into the design so you hardly notice it.
Storage for smaller items is provided by slim pockets on both the front and the body-facing sides, perfect for documents, press credentials, or small accessories.
The Lineup Needs A Bigger Model
In practice, the PressPass 20 is best for quick photo walks or short assignments. It also serves well as a secondary bag when carrying a larger kit, but needing quick access to a lens changer. I wouldn’t personally use it as my primary travel bag. Unless it was for a short day trip with something like the Nikon 24–120mm f4 lens and another prime lens, such as an 85mm or 35mm.
A feature I would have really liked is a built-in slim waist strap that secures the bag to your waist and prevents it from bouncing against you when you’re walking fast or weaving in and out of crowded spaces. The included waist belt is too large for this purpose. Something like what the Lowepro TopLoader series of camera bags had. For many photographers, including me, the PressPass 20 is better as a secondary carry solution than as a main gear bag.
This brings up one idea. Think Tank could easily expand the lineup with a slightly larger model. A PressPass 30 would make a lot of sense. Something slightly larger than this, but not chunky like a properly sized messenger bag, would give photographers more room for modern professional bodies and lenses. A bag like that could comfortably hold cameras like the Nikon Z9 or the Canon EOS R1 with a 24–70mm f2.8 lens attached, while still keeping the quick-access design of the PressPass series. Despite its limitations, the PressPass 20 remains a well-designed bag for its intended use. Lightweight and thoughtfully made, it’s apt for photographers who want a simple, efficient way to carry a small working kit during fast-paced shoots or relaxed photo walks.
I didn’t get stopped anywhere while using this bag, so it’s a prime contender for me right now to take to places where I don’t want to stand out as a professional photographer. I just wish it were a little bit bigger so I could more easily take out the camera gear placed on the sides. For quick access to grab my camera to be able to snap photos quickly and place it back inside, this bag works well