This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,077, Nov. 3, 2026. Today's theme is, "The Think Tank FocusPoint Crossbody 8L Review." I'm Derrick Story.
I've been using photo backpacks for the last year. Not so much because I love backpacks, but because I hadn't found a shoulder bag that I liked for my Nikon kit. When I learned about Think Tank's FocusPoint Crossbody 8L with an alternative design, I was intrigued. And then I was thrilled. Find out why on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
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The Think Tank FocusPoint Crossbody 8L Review
Think Tank went back to the drawing board and reconceived the camera shoulder bag with the FocusPoint Crossbody 8L. Their version is a roll-once and buckle approach. So the roll-top isn't too deep like many are, yet, there's a little extra room when needed. They added two hybrid magnetic closure strips at the top that snap together stylishly sealing the bag closed when you're walking around.
The upshot is a single-strap shoulder bag that always looks good, provides fast access to its contents, and can be secured with the magnets when working, or a parachute buckle when traveling from point-A to point-B. I've never tested anything like it.
Specifications
I'll get back to the features in a minute, but first here are the basic specs for the 8 liter model:
- Exterior: 11.75" W x 9" H x 6" D
- Interior: 9.5-11" W x 7" H x 5" D
- Total Volume: 8L
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Includes shoulder strap, interior dividers, and rain cover.
Carrying the Bag
There are two basic configurations determined by how you attach the single strap. For a traditional shoulder bag approach, attach the strap hooks to the loops on each end of the bag. For a crossbody carry, use the loops on the back of the bag. Of course, you can use any combination of the four loops and the adjustable strap to get just the right fit.
I opted for a hybrid approach where I attached the strap to the loops on the ends of the bag, but carried it "crossbody" against my back. When I needed to access the gear, I simply swung the bag around.
The strap has a long, thick pad that makes all-day carrying more comfortable. The backside has six loops to attach small accessories if you wish.
Internal Access
I absolutely love the wide opening of the roll-top, making it easy to retrieve cameras or lenses. There's no lid to get in the way, nor zippers or Velcro. Grab what you want, fold the flap once, and the magnets click together. This is as easy as it gets.
Inside my FocusPoint I've stashed a Nikon Zf with a 24-50mm Nikkor zoom attached. In the center is the Nikkor 28-400mm zoom, and on the other end is a Fujifilm X100 V. A Nikkor 26mm pancake is stored snugly in the front pocket.
For maximum room inside the bag, store the camera on end and point the lens outward to the side. This works because of the trapezoid design that has a smaller base than top. With the attached lenses pointing outward, it takes advantage of the bag's shape, allowing for efficient storage inside. As a result in my case, there was plenty of room for the 28-400mm zoom in the center compartment.
The tradeoff is that you can't put anything thick in the outside end pockets because the lenses are pushing against the sides. I'm fine that. I'd rather have the interior room and use the outer side pockets for lens caps and filters. But, if nothing is pushing against the ends, you can store a hot shoe flash in the outer pocket.
When you're done exploring and ready to move to the next location, the parachute bucket secures the top of the FocusPoint. This hardware looks great, and does its job well. Also, if you want to attach the FocusPoint to a roller suitcase, there's a luggage strap on the back.
The front outside pocket is good for filters, batteries, spare cards, and in my case, a pancake lens too. The back pocket is smaller and is lined for smartphones and other devices, or can be used for additional accessories.
For those who tote iPad minis (that would be me), there's an internal sleeve to keep it separate from the camera gear.
Also, inside the front zippered pocket, there's a concealed AirTag sleeve that I absolutely love.
In the Field
I loaded up the FocusPoint 8L with the Nikon kit and X100V and headed up to Healdsburg for some autumn street photography around their downtown square. The air was a bit chilly when I arrived, so I was wearing my Nomatic Outset Soft-Shell Jacket to stay comfortable. But as the afternoon warmed up, I was able to roll up the jacket and stash it inside the FocusPoint bag, taking advantage of the extra space provided by the roll-top.
After several hours, I was still light on my feet. The 8-liter model is the smaller of the two FocusPoints, but for me it's a great size, balancing capacity with weight on my left shoulder.
Bottom Line
As I mentioned at the top of the review, I haven't carried a shoulder bag in quite some time. I've missed that. For urban photography I prefer the ease and access of the FocusPoint compared to a backpack. Plus I don't have to worry about bumping someone, or knocking things off a store shelf, when I turn around.
The robust construction of the FocusPoint means that this is an investment that will last for years. Plus, it's such a joy to use. Finally, a roll-top that's sharp looking and doesn't feel like an open laundry bag.
The FocusPoint Crossbody 8L retails for $129.75, and the 13L model sells for $149.75. Each bag is available in three colors: Asphalt Black, Greenway, and Urban Rust.
If you purchase directly from Think Tank, which I recommend, use coupon code: nimble20 for a 20 percent discount - one use per customer, online store only, can't combine with other discounts, and is good until Nov. 30, 2026.
If you miss the ease of a shoulder bag for urban exploration, the FocusPoint Crossbody is worth your consideration.
For a complete set of pictures of the FocusPoint Crossbody 8L, check out this issue of The Nimble Photographer Newsletter.
This Week in the News
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Virtual Camera Club News
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