REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

Matsuda · 02-21-2009, 10:46 PM

Here's a summary of a mini review I just wrote up on my blog about a new camera bag I picked up today. You can check out my blog for more pictures and info.
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I decided to sell my Lowepro Slingshot 100 AW to my cousin last nite after I found a local store that sold a few Kata camera bags. Kata bags are a bit hard to find in Vancouver, at least I had a hard time finding their sling bag locally. If you don’t know, Kata’s founders come from a military background and manufacture a number of products including body armor for Special Forces around the world. Oh and they make camera bags too =). I picked up the 3N1-10 Sling bag. This bag could be slung around the left or right shoulders depending on your preference. You can also wear it like a backpack with both straps or have them criss cross around your chest for longer hikes. If you’re not using the other shoulder straps, they tuck in nicely into a hidden compartment in the back. Let me just say this bag is great. Its slightly bigger than my old Lowepro Slingshot 100AW but it has more pockets and I can fit more of my gear in.

In the main compartment I have my camera with the 50mm macro attached, my 40-150mm zoom, and my 14-42mm. Also have a polarizing filter and all weather cover. The Kata 3N1 comes with this cover that can be used to protect the whole bag from the elements.

The top compartment is a lot bigger than what I was used to on the Lowepro. I can fit my my flash in there as well as my battery charger. If I take my flash and charger out, I could fit another camera body in that top compartment. You can even also remove the bottom of the top compartment and enlarge the main compartment. There are some small niggling issues I have with this bag. First, access to the side opening to the main compartment isn’t as quickly accessible as what I’m used to on the Lowepro. You have to undo a buckle and pull the pocket open. Also I miss having the loops from the Lowepro because I used to just slide my Gorillapod SLR Zoom tripod through the loops and I could carry it with me. I’ve figured out a workaround solution but I’m not sure how safe it would be against thieves.

This bag is totally worth the $85 I paid.

JLC · 02-22-2009, 12:47 AM

Very cool looking bag...$85 sounds like a good deal...

Senna4ever · 02-22-2009, 01:33 AM

The 3 in 1 series bags are very popular - I can't keep them in stock. The 3 things about the 3in1 bags that may turn people off are:

1) the lack of a sternum strap. This is somewhat mitigated by crossing the straps in front.

2) no provision for a tripod unless you buy the soon to be released optional tripod holder straps.

3) no laptop compartment. Some people want a laptop compartment, some don't. YMMV.

All in all, it's a very well made bag, cheaper than the Lowepro Slingshot bags and more practical.

davidhtam · 02-22-2009, 07:41 AM

I was thinking of getting this bag for walking around, but chose the slingshot 200aw instead. They had it at broadway camera in richmond the last time i was there. It does hold a lot more stuff than the slingshot, but i find that it's harder to access your gear w/ the 3N1. Also, what senna said about the sternum strap.

Matsuda · 02-22-2009, 09:04 AM

Yeah the sternum strap wasn't that big of a deal for me, I never really used it on my slingshot. I agree access to the gear is a lot easier on the slingshot too. However I like the fact I can hold a lot more stuff in this which is probably the biggest factor I was considering. I'm planning to take this to San Diego with me and I can keep my passport, tickets, etc all in the bag with me.

Senna, any eta on when the tripod holder is coming out for this bag? I may consider getting it.

Senna4ever · 02-22-2009, 10:07 AM

Funny....on KATA's website, it says it's coming soon, but it's listed as in stock at the Canadian distributer site. It's probably going to be about $20 though.

http://secure.amplis.com/product.htm...egory=KATA_3N1

!MiKrofT · 02-22-2009, 10:59 AM

Where'd you get this bag? I too was thinking of the lowepro but this looks better. Do you have a picture of the back?

Matsuda · 02-22-2009, 11:23 AM

Here you go

Back view, you can see the left strap is slid into the hidden back compartment.

Here's a shot of the left strap pulled out a bit to give you an idea of where it hides

I picked it up at Photo Expert in Delta. http://www.photoexpert.com, make sure you get the website price of $78 bux, because in the store, the tag says $94. There wasn't any hassle with getting the online price. Hope this helps.

ddr · 02-22-2009, 11:38 AM

i actually got the 20 on friday! i love it as well

i wish i bought it from b&h tho as they give out the tripod holder for free, and it's only sold in the states. B&H sells it for ...~3x but shipping really kills the deal for a little tripod holder

i got mine at kerisdale camera for $109 for the 3N1-20

Matsuda · 02-22-2009, 12:36 PM

dragon: sweet, I didn't bother looking at the 20 as the 10 is as big as I wanted to go. I find it doesn't make sense to shop from the US since the exchange rate sucks and stores like B&H are expensive to ship from.

Senna, does Beau carry the Kata rain covers for the cameras to allow you to shoot outdoors? or something similiar? I was considering getting one but I don't know how expensive they would be.

!MiKrofT · 02-22-2009, 12:51 PM

Wow thats a sweet bag.. looks like i'm gonna get one soon

K-Dub · 02-22-2009, 01:25 PM

Bag looks good.. you have good timing. I'm going to Costa Rica at the end of April and I'll need a bag since I don't have anything right now.

Senna4ever · 02-22-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragonone

i got mine at kerisdale camera for $109 for the 3N1-20

That's expensive.

Senna4ever · 02-22-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matsuda

Senna, does Beau carry the Kata rain covers for the cameras to allow you to shoot outdoors? or something similiar? I was considering getting one but I don't know how expensive they would be.

The 702 is about $60 if I recall correctly.

MikesJo · 02-22-2009, 10:00 PM

Does the main compartment open from the side that faces your back?

Matsuda · 02-22-2009, 10:04 PM

nope, there's no access to the main compartment from the back of the bag

K-Dub · 02-22-2009, 10:51 PM

Any camera stores in Vancouver that have it? A trip out to Delta just to get this bag is kind of far.

Senna4ever · 02-22-2009, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K-Dub

Any camera stores in Vancouver that have it? A trip out to Delta just to get this bag is kind of far.

Lens & Shutter, Beau. Leo's have it too, but they're selling it at rip-off prices.

K-Dub · 02-22-2009, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senna4ever

Lens & Shutter, Beau. Leo's have it too, but they're selling it at rip-off prices.

http://www.lensandshutter.com/produc...y=item&id=1638
$100..

Wonder if they'd pricematch photoexpert....haha.

Senna4ever · 02-22-2009, 11:16 PM

^^^that's $15 too much.

!MiKrofT · 02-23-2009, 12:33 PM

Broadway camera only has the 20 for 129

Senna4ever · 02-23-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by !MiKrofT

Broadway camera only has the 20 for 129

Too much!

jlo mein · 02-23-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senna4ever

The 3 in 1 series bags are very popular - I can't keep them in stock.

You work at a camera store? I thought you worked at a restaurant in Yaletown?

!MiKrofT · 02-23-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senna4ever

Too much!

Yup. Was too expensive.. But I just happened to be in the area so I thought I'd look. I'm looking for the 10 anyways. I also saw the new Lowepro Fastpack 100 selling for $79.

!MiKrofT · 02-24-2009, 04:15 PM

3N1-20 now on sale for $99 at Broadway Camera.