Looking for an Sling/Backpack
 

So I'm in the market for a new camera bag. Been looking mainly at the Kata 3N1-22 and the Lowepro Classified Sling 180 AW. Kinda leaning towards the Lowepro because the Kata doesn't really seem to allow quick access to everything and seems kinda awkward. However I really like the sling/backpack modes it offers while the Lowepro is sling only.

Gonna be carrying 40D, 17-50 F2.8, 11-16 F2.8, 70-200 F2.8, 480EXII, and maybe my Nex5.

Kata - Kata 3N1 22 Sling Netbook Backpack : Broadway Camera, Your Specialty Camera Store in Vancouver, Canada

Lowepro - Lowepro Classified Sling 180 AW : Broadway Camera, Your Specialty Camera Store in Vancouver, Canada

Opinions?

Sling hurts your shoulder after a while. I've got the 3n1-22 and it's great, especially if you carry around a journal, ipad/tablet or 11.6" or smaller netbook, as well.

If you're seriously considering the 3n1-22, shoot me a PM.

the 3n1 is great. but i almost never use it in sling mode anymore like above said. i also got the tripod holder since i go out to shoot at night more.

Do you find its hard to get at your lenses. Cause of the weird way the compartment is designed? I was gonna go for the incase sling but no one sells it locally and I need it by Thursday.

Lowepro SlingShot 202 AW is on sale for $70, price match locally at Memory Express or FS

Lozeau - Lowepro SlingShot 202 AW (Black)

I have the 180AW its pretty good. I fit 2 speedlights, 1 body with either 28-70 or 12-24 attached and keep the other in the bag + a 50mm It's a little loose around the body compartment because the lens isn't that long but the 70-200 will make it pretty snug I think. If I really want to I can also fit in another speedlight in the accessory compartment. The sternum strap works really well at balancing the weight so you dont get too tired using it as a sling. The tripod holder works good but carrying tripods the like the manfrotto 190 and larger than that don't really work well as they are much larger than the bag is so you'd have like 6-10 inches of tripod sticking out past the top of the bag.

Hmmmmm....that's WAY below cost...I doubt anyone will price match that locally. I wonder if they're just clearing them out?


!MiKrofT: The one complaint I've heard from a few customers who have bought the KATA from me is that because the shoulder straps lack a sternum strap that goes across your chest when in backpack mode the shoulder straps can spread out a little too much. This can be remedied by attaching a sternum strap from another bag that you may have.

I saw in the paper yesterday that a store was selling off the slingshots for quite cheap, $78 for the 202AW, I'm pretty sure it was kerrisdale camera? Maybe that version is getting discontinued...

I ended up getting the Classified 180AW. The Kata made if feel like it was too difficult to get at my lenses. Although I'm still tempted at ordering the Incase Camera Sling still as the strap on that is supposed to be amazing and selling the 180AW. We'll see how this 9 day trip goes.

I bought a 3n1-22 as well. Super comfortable as a backpack even with quite a heavy loadout but the sling mode doesn't fit me very well.

Yeah I'm going back to Broadway Camera and exchanging my Lowepro for the Kata. The Lowepro just did not work for me. Good thing I still have the tags on it.

In my 3n1-22 fits...

1DMkII with 85mm or 17-40 attached
70-200 F2.8L
50 F1.8
580EXII

And that's in the main compartment without using the top, which I didn't include since I just put miscellaneous things in but you could definitely fit a lens (or two depending on size) up there as well as few other small objects.

I can't fit my MBP in the back obviously but the netbook compartment fits my 10-inch Asus EeePC along with the charger with possibly enough room left for a portable HD or something.

Cool. You find it easy to access your lenses? That was my main concern as the Lowepro opens up completely.

Not super easy. The buckles are in the way but still not a big deal. They're to prevent anyone from just unzipping your bag super easy behind you.

Yeah the Lowepro had 1 buckle that did the same thing. I went ahead and exchanged it for the Kata 3N1-22 this morning. I looked at the Tamrac Evolution 6 which is supposed to be pretty good but it didn't seem like it would fit my L lens.

I also considered the Evolution 6 but it was slightly too big. I wanted a smaller bag that carried only a few things. I'd get a larger backpack if I was going the Evo 6 route.
Posted via RS Mobile

Really? The Evo6 is smaller than the 3N1-22 though. Unless you mean the Evo8.