Kata H-16 - For the 1D series...

[TeamSpeed]

I had the H-14, and sold it due to it not fitting my 1D very well. It worked well with the xxD series with the slit mod, but not with the 1D footprint. So when news came out on the Kata H-16 made for this series, I was curious.

Below is a pic from their site, however, the specs of this bag compared to the H-14 are puzzling. Only the internal length is longer, the height and width are less than the H-14. This concerns me a bit. I haven't seen one in person yet, and plan on buying one, these just puzzle me. It is pretty new so I expect nobody has received one yet, but if you have, could you please report back? This picture below doesn't help to address my concern, it looks like the zippers would still be pretty strained, provided they even go around the body.

[lnk]

I have ordered the H-16 for my 40D with grip......the Kata website says the bag fits the 1D and it it the same size as a 40d with grip so it should fit :)

I think the dims on the site have been entered wrong or a least i hope

[TeamSpeed]

Great, please report back! You are correct, the 40D w/grip is pretty similar to the MKIII, enough to know whether there will be issues. I hope it works great, I loved the H-14, great bag, and I look forward to getting one laid out just like that one, but larger.

[HuskyKMA]

Yeah, make sure you post back here when you get it. I'm looking the H-16 for a 40D and grip, so your experience will be very helpful!

[TeamSpeed]

Ink, any updates?

[ccp900]

problem is if you have a bulky strap then youd prolly have to find creative ways of cramming it in.

[TeamSpeed]

It appears no updates yet, so I decided to buy one myself. It should be here next week, and I will provide a sequel to my last Kata 102 Backpack Porn post. Stay tuned....

[bluflax11]

I ordered one the other day for my 40d + grip. Bought in off eBay for $99 plus free ship. Hopefully, it will arrive next week too. Also bought the sling for it.

I had the seller compare it to the h-14 before I made up my mind and he told me that he had to check twice to make sure he pulled the correct one because they looked identical to him other than a bit more depth for a grip.

[DaddyinKC]

I will anxiously await your review. If it fits I will also be selling my H-14. I just get my 20d w/grip in my H-14! :-(

[John_T]

Have you looked at the T-214 torso pack?

I manage to get a 5D w/grip and up to three lenses w/one mounted in there. I'm not 100% fond of the sling approach, but it is comfortable and it works.

For example:

- 5D w/grip + 100-400 + 24-105 + 50 f/1.4 + flash or media/bat. wallet in the outside pocket

- 5D w/grip + 24-105 + 16-35 + 85L + flash or media/bat. wallet in the outside pocket

- 5D w/grip + 135L + 85L + 35L + 1.4x or 2x TC + flash or media/bat. wallet in the outside pocket is a breeze.

Once you've got the divider system down, it's easy to reconfigure. Sometimes I don't think it will all cramb in there, but when I pull up the zippers they close. There is a system of hidden pleats that expand a bit. Tough bag, well padded.

[bluflax11]

Have you looked at the T-214 torso pack?

I manage to get a 5D w/grip and up to three lenses w/one mounted in there. I'm not 100% fond of the sling approach, but it is comfortable and it works.

For example:

- 5D w/grip + 100-400 + 24-105 + 50 f/1.4 + flash or media/bat. wallet in the outside pocket

- 5D w/grip + 24-105 + 16-35 + 85L + flash or media/bat. wallet in the outside pocket

- 5D w/grip + 135L + 85L + 35L + 1.4x or 2x TC + flash or media/bat. wallet in the outside pocket is a breeze.

Once you've got the divider system down, it's easy to reconfigure. Sometimes I don't think it will all cramb in there, but when I pull up the zippers they close. There is a system of hidden pleats that expand a bit. Tough bag, well padded.

I have looked at that bag, but as a woman it looks like it could be a bit uncomfortable. I think the holster with the longer sling will be better. And I like that it looks slightly more compact than the t-214. I see the h-16 as being thrown in the car and taken wherever I go and the t-214 as a pack I would take while doing some hiking.

[John_T]

...aha...

Well you can adjust the strap until it hangs down to your knees. I carry it slid around so that it rides on my lower back, very comfortable, and the narrower half of the strap crosses the chest, but the shoulder carries most of the weight. When I want to put something in or out, change lenses, etc., I slide it around on my belly, very convenient and I'd think low enough for you. I never carry it on my hip, that would be a nuisance and a hinderance. I use the T-214 or the Mini-Trekker all the time and that's what rides in my front or back seat or on my back.

Have you seen and tried a T-214 in the canvas, or only in pics? I tried the H-16 at my pro shop with all different configurations of camera, lenses and accessories and I couldn't make it work for me, too small. It's really a personal thing. I've got six bags I'm between 60% and 90% happy with, but still got my eyes open for the elusive magic bag. :lol:

[bluflax11]

...aha...

Well you can adjust the strap until it hangs down to your knees. I carry it slid around so that it rides on my lower back, very comfortable, and the narrower half of the strap crosses the chest, but the shoulder carries most of the weight. When I want to put something in or out, change lenses, etc., I slide it around on my belly, very convenient and I'd think low enough for you. I never carry it on my hip, that would be a nuisance and a hinderance. I use the T-214 or the Mini-Trekker all the time and that's what rides in my front or back seat or on my back.

Have you seen and tried a T-214 in the canvas, or only in pics? I tried the H-16 at my pro shop with all different configurations of camera, lenses and accessories and I couldn't make it work for me, too small. It's really a personal thing. I've got six bags I'm between 60% and 90% happy with, but still got my eyes open for the elusive magic bag. :lol:

Thank you for the great info. Maybe a t-214 might be in my future after all. I have not tried either in person yet, but I believe the h-16 that is on it's way to me will suit my needs. I am looking for something smaller to carry my 40-d with grip and one or two lenses. That's it. If I want to get loaded down, I have my crumpler 6 mil for that. And I have learned that I like hauling as little as possible. :)

[TeamSpeed]

Mine came in, it looks just the H-14 which is good, I liked that design. The padding on the shoulder strap is different, more of a rugged rubberized pad than the fabric/grippy material on the H14.

The MkIII does indeed sit in the bag with a lens, and I can zip it close. The only thing that seems to be odd to me is that the side pockets don't seem to be quite as long as the ones on the H14. It takes more maneuvering to get my 70-200 2.8 IS or my 100-400 into the side pockets, almost like opening is about 1/2 to 3/4" shorter. They do fit, but it takes a bit more work. Maybe it just needs to be worn in a bit.

In any case, I will try tonight to see what I can do with this bag and post back more info.

[whereswally?]

Any update TeamSpeed?

[TeamSpeed]

Ooops, been busy with a bid on our house. I will try to do something this evening.

[lnk]

Ooops, been busy with a bid on our house. I will try to do something this evening.

Same ere.....had the bag now for about three weeks but not have time to take some pictures and give a review.

I can say it is a very nice bag and with a squeeze i can get a 40d with grip attached and connected to a Sigma 100-300 F4 in it.

The big rubber shoulder pad was a little uncomfy at first but i put this down to not being used to a shoulder bag, But the bag now goes with me everywhere.

On another note I have just order the new 3in1 sling bag from Kata that how please i am with the quality and useability of this bag.

Leigh

[coorz]

Guys, kind request to post a picture of you wearing it just to get a notion of it's size.

[Jannie]

Any news yet, does the H-16 take the camera body with the grip also with the 70-200 2.8 attached?

[TeamSpeed]

Here are two test shots with my 1DMKIII and 3 lenses. 1) 85L 2) 70-200 2.8L and 3) MKIII w/Sigma 24-60. It all fits, and the front flap zips securely.

I had a bit of room to add maybe a 1.4x TX on the side with the 85L and some other small items in the front flap.

[yankees3791]

its hard to tell, but is it a shoulder bag or a backpack

[DigitalSpecialist]

I have two Kata Backpacks. The primary backpack I use with my 5D gripped is the Kata Sensitivity V. It holds my camera with 50L, and 70-200 2.8 with little issue. My other pack pack is the Kata HB-207 which is used for major photo expeditions.

Hope this helps, and I don't use my packs for laptops. I carry reading materials in the laptop compartments, or rain gear!

JIM

[TeamSpeed]

It is a shoulder bag, not a backpack. Search for Kata H-14, same kind of bag, except the H-16 is the latest designed for the 1D series and xxD with grips.

[yankees3791]

thanks! Would it be possible to put a pic of you wearing the bag so that I can gauge how big it is...It looks like I might be interested in it, but want to see the size compared to someone wearing it

[TeamSpeed]

thanks! Would it be possible to put a pic of you wearing the bag so that I can gauge how big it is...It looks like I might be interested in it, but want to see the size compared to someone wearing it

I called out my model and partner in crime to pose with the bag. Enjoy!

(I know she didn't ;) )

[yankees3791]

thank you very much (and your wife)...I like the bag because it is very inconspicuous really has a lot on functionality...Next time I go to B&H, I think I am going to pick one up...Thanks!

[tonyptony]

Mine came in, it looks just the H-14 which is good, I liked that design. The padding on the shoulder strap is different, more of a rugged rubberized pad than the fabric/grippy material on the H14.

The MkIII does indeed sit in the bag with a lens, and I can zip it close. The only thing that seems to be odd to me is that the side pockets don't seem to be quite as long as the ones on the H14. It takes more maneuvering to get my 70-200 2.8 IS or my 100-400 into the side pockets, almost like opening is about 1/2 to 3/4" shorter. They do fit, but it takes a bit more work. Maybe it just needs to be worn in a bit.

In any case, I will try tonight to see what I can do with this bag and post back more info.

TeamSpeed, now that you've had this bag for a while can you confirm if its other dimensions (width and depth) are actually smaller than the H-14, and if the side pouches are really not as accessible?

[TeamSpeed]

I think the bag just needs a bit of loosening up over time. I can say with certainty it is as good as the H-14, just bigger in the middle section, enough to hold a MKIII with a 24-60 and then a 70-200 2.8 IS in a side pocket and a smaller lens in the other.

[aridan]

OK, I just got this bag (H-16) and am very disappointed. Now, I'm not sure about the rest of you guys, but for me, being able to carry the hoods is a must. The H-16 may hold everything which was posted above but no way you'll be able to fit in the hoods.

Here is the config I tried:

Main compartment: 40D + BG-E2N + 17-55 f2.8 IS
Side compartment 1: 100-400 L
Side compartment 2: 50 f1.2 L or 580EXII

As soon as you stick the two lenses in the side pockets, there is no way the 17-55 (mounted on the camera) will fit in the main compartment along with its hood.

As to the 100-400 hood reversed on the lens: Forget about it - you won't be able to even zip up the side compartment.

Last point: Even without the hoods, I was under the impression that two lenses can be easily fitted in the side compartments with much room to spare in the middle. This is not true. After sticking two lenses in each side compartment, the main compartment turns into a very tight triangle one, which can barely fit a camera and a mid-size lens (17-55 or 24-70 for example).

That's too bad. With such big external dimensions you would think you could shove much more into this bag. :rolleyes:

I think this bag is going back to B&H :(

[TeamSpeed]

Nope, no hoods with this bag, and I don't think anyone on the H-14 or this new one ever really tried their hood/lens combos with this bag.

I have the 100-400 in one pocket, 85L + 1.4x + 2x TCs in the other pocket, and can still put the MKIII w/24-60 in the middle and zip the whole thing up. Works just fine with me.

Keep in mind that there is just a triangle down through both lenses in the side pockets, HOWEVER, there is a very large area towards the front of the bag, provided you have nothing in the front compartment, and a lens will fit all the way down past the two side lenses.

[aridan]

Nope, no hoods with this bag, and I don't think anyone on the H-14 or this new one ever really tried their hood/lens combos with this bag.

I have the 100-400 in one pocket, 85L + 1.4x + 2x TCs in the other pocket, and can still put the MKIII w/24-60 in the middle and zip the whole thing up. Works just fine with me.

Keep in mind that there is just a triangle down through both lenses in the side pockets, HOWEVER, there is a very large area towards the front of the bag, provided you have nothing in the front compartment, and a lens will fit all the way down past the two side lenses.

I need to try and play with it a bit more to see if it can work for me, although without having the hoods it would be very tough for me to justify this bag :(

[aridan]

After further review ;), it looks like this bag will work. Believe it or not, I was able to fit a 40D + grip + 17-55 + hood + 100-400 + hood + 50 f1.2 + hood + EF 1.4ex. :)

Config was as follows:

Side pocket 1: 100-400 lens only (no hood and no collar)
Side pocket 2: 50 f1.2 sitting on top of its disassembled hood
Front pocket: EF 1.4ex
Main compartment: 100-400 hood sitting upside down | 40D + grip + 17-55 + hood (mounted on the camera) shoved into the compartment. The 17-55 reversed hood fits like a glove into the upside down 100-400 hood :)

[TeamSpeed]

You may even be able to fit the 1.4x into the side pocket with the 50mm, maybe put it on its side longitudinally, instead in like a lens. This would give you a tiny bit more room in the front.

[aridan]

You may even be able to fit the 1.4x into the side pocket with the 50mm, maybe put it on its side longitudinally, instead in like a lens. This would give you a tiny bit more room in the front.

Or place the extender in the disassembled 50 f1.2 hood :)

[SYS]

With my H-14, I used the main compartment for my 20D with the 100-400 with reversed hood. Now that I have the 40D with the grip, I'm thinking about ordering the H-16. Could someone just confirm for me that the main compartment of the H-16 would fit the 40D with the grip and the 100-400 (or 70-200) with the reversed hood? I don't care much about the side pocket, so that's not an issue for me.

[TeamSpeed]

If you leave one side pocket empty or only put small items in it, it should work. My MKIII with the 100-400 is currently what is in my H-16 due to a ball game I went to. It zips close with this combination.

[SYS]

If you leave one side pocket empty or only put small items in it, it should work. My MKIII with the 100-400 is currently what is in my H-16 due to a ball game I went to. It zips close with this combination.

Thanks. I'll be selling my H-14 and order the 16. I already invested in the Sling S-308, so I do want to continue using this line....

[LSHorwitz]

Hi everybody. I am brand new here but a photographer since the 1950s....

I am wondering if the H-16 would fit a long lens (18-200) in one side compartment, a flash (580EX II) in the other side compartment, an XSi body with a kit lens (18-55) attached, and still have room left below the 18-55 kit lens for yet another smaller lens such as the 50mm f/1.4 or a Tokina 12-24?

Thanks very much for any information!

Larry

[TeamSpeed]

Hi everybody. I am brand new here but a photographer since the 1950s....

I am wondering if the H-16 would fit a long lens (18-200) in one side compartment, a flash (580EX II) in the other side compartment, an XSi body with a kit lens (18-55) attached, and still have room left below the 18-55 kit lens for yet another smaller lens such as the 50mm f/1.4 or a Tokina 12-24?

Thanks very much for any information!

Larry

Welcome to POTN!

Yes, it will. The 70-200 2.8 IS is longer than the 18-200, and fits in one side, the flash can definitely fit in the other side, and the center area would be long enough to hold two short lenses, with one attached to the body. Or put the two short lenses in the side, and have the 18-200 mounted to the XSi in the middle.

[LSHorwitz]

Thanks so very much for your prompt and very helpful reply!!

I know I am stretching my luck with this next question, but I just have to ask.....

Any chance that the XSi and attached 18-200 would still leave enough room beneath them for a small lens to fit?

My total lens collection consists of the 18-200, the 18-55, the 50 f/1.4, and a Tokina 12-24, along with the 580EXII flash. I have no battery grip.

Is there even a remote possibility that all 4 lenses, body, and flash could fit at the same time???

Thanks once again,

Larry

[TeamSpeed]

You might just be able to fit something like a 50mm 1.8, something small. With the XSi being a smaller body, you might be able to make that work. With a larger body or one with a grip, that could be more difficult. I would be curious why you would want the 18-55 and 18-200 together, as I would think that the 18-55 wouldn't be used that often with the other lenses you have.

[LSHorwitz]

I just ordered an H-16 so I will have a chamce to find out for sure. Should arrive soon according to Amazon.

Regardimg the kit lens.....my 18-200 is a Sigma with image stabilization, decent at extreme wide and extreme tele but quite soft in the middle. In the 50-80mm (80 to 128mm with crop) it is marginal at the center and fair to poor at the edges.

I carry the kit lens to use in this mid zoom range. I also prefer the kit lens speed and low weight compared to the 18-200.

Probably should have just purchased the 55-200 IS Canon instead!

Larry

[TeamSpeed]

I just ordered an H-16 so I will have a chamce to find out for sure. Should arrive soon according to Amazon.

Regardimg the kit lens.....my 18-200 is a Sigma with image stabilization, decent at extreme wide and extreme tele but quite soft in the middle. In the 50-80mm (80 to 128mm with crop) it is marginal at the center and fair to poor at the edges.

I carry the kit lens to use in this mid zoom range. I also prefer the kit lens speed and low weight compared to the 18-200.

Probably should have just purchased the 55-200 IS Canon instead!

Larry

Hopefully the new Sigma solves this issue with their 18-200 when they bring out the new 18-250! Good luck and report back here once you receive the bag and configure it with your equipment.

[SYS]

Thanks so very much for your prompt and very helpful reply!!

I know I am stretching my luck with this next question, but I just have to ask.....

Any chance that the XSi and attached 18-200 would still leave enough room beneath them for a small lens to fit?

My total lens collection consists of the 18-200, the 18-55, the 50 f/1.4, and a Tokina 12-24, along with the 580EXII flash. I have no battery grip.

Is there even a remote possibility that all 4 lenses, body, and flash could fit at the same time???

Thanks once again,

Larry

Trying to fit everything into a bag is one thing, but for a "shoulder" bag, you'd be wise to think about placing too much stress on one shoulder. Even when you place reasonable number of gear in the bag, it can become rather uncomfortable on your shoulder after awhile. For this reason, I use the Kata Sling Case S-308 to be used along with the shoulder bag. Obviously it's another cost, but in my opinion, after having used it for the past few years, I wouldn't use the shoulder bag without it. It's extremely comfortable on your shoulder with much wider padding, and a lot more and additional storage.

[LSHorwitz]

Trying to fit everything into a bag is one thing, but for a "shoulder" bag, you'd be wise to think about placing too much stress on one shoulder. Even when you place reasonable number of gear in the bag, it can become rather uncomfortable on your shoulder after awhile. For this reason, I use the Kata Sling Case S-308 to be used along with the shoulder bag. Obviously it's another cost, but in my opinion, after having used it for the past few years, I wouldn't use the shoulder bag without it. It's extremely comfortable on your shoulder with much wider padding, and a lot more and additional storage.

My experience also, since I purchased a Tamrac messenger-style large shoulder bag for carrying my DSLR stuff and found it both heavy and unwieldy. The new Kata H-16 holster was just ordered to provide a "carry around" lighter solution with a wider and more cushioned strap to allow more comfort. As a practical matter I will only normally use it for the XSi, flash, and at most a couple lenses.

[LSHorwitz]

Hopefully the new Sigma solves this issue with their 18-200 when they bring out the new 18-250! Good luck and report back here once you receive the bag and configure it with your equipment.

Thanks all for your excellent assistance. I will report back when the H16 arrives.

Larry

[LSHorwitz]

As promised, I am now reporting back since my H-16 arrived.

Here are my findings:

The bag is very nicely made andjust about what I had expected in almost all respects. The outer side seems tough and protective, the inner linings are soft and also protective. The styling is very nice as well, as are the locations and sizes of pockets, zippers, compartments, etc.

The bag, with careful planning, will actually hold all 4 of my lenses as well as a 580EX II flash, Sto-Fen diffuser, XSi body, extra batteries, and SDHC cards. This is really quite amazing since the lens are quite large, including an 18-200 zoom, 12-24 zoom, 18-55 zoom, and a 50 f/1.4 prime. It is an extremely tight fit, and not one I will likely use for any real travel, but I possibly may consider it based on how comfortable the shoulder strap really is with all of this weight after a long day of walking around.

There is one very annoying and pretty glaring defect in the design in my opinion which some other folks have mentioned:

The front large flap of this bag is secured with a large plastic clasp which is sewn to the inner side of the flap and mates with another plastic clasp on the bag. The clasp needs to be open and shut in order to keep the flap secured or opened.

The problem / defect comes from the attachment being far too short to allow for easy use. Getting your fingers / hand around the clasp to operate it is extremely challenging. The net result is that openeing and closing the case for "rapid fire" camera use is essentially impossible.

There are 2 small zippers, one on each side of the clasp, and these can also be used to secure the flap and keep the case tightly sealed against dust, dirt, etc. But they are not intended to be the only or the primary closure method.

A little work with a sewing machine and some matching fabric could solve the problem, but it is a true shame that this specific detail is poorly executed.

Hope this is useful to other folhs looking at the Kata H-16. If I had it to do over again, I would still buy this bag even with the limitation noted.

Larry

[SYS]

There is one very annoying and pretty glaring defect in the design in my opinion which some other folks have mentioned:

The front large flap of this bag is secured with a large plastic clasp which is sewn to the inner side of the flap and mates with another plastic clasp on the bag. The clasp needs to be open and shut in order to keep the flap secured or opened.

The problem / defect comes from the attachment being far too short to allow for easy use. Getting your fingers / hand around the clasp to operate it is extremely challenging. The net result is that openeing and closing the case for "rapid fire" camera use is essentially impossible.

Larry

I have the earlier version, H-14, but the design of the H-16 is identical so my following comments do apply to the H-16...

I, too, was quite annoyed when I first got my bag some years ago for the same reasons as you stated above. It took a while to get used to it. I basically learned to simply ignore the zipper and use the plastic clasp when I'm shooting. Since I hardly use this particular bag for shooting in situations where dirt could pose a problem, this method was okay for me.

However, one time that I was really appreciative of the bag "design" -- and I think that's the reason behind the design -- was when I was caught off guard in drenching rain while traveling across South Korea. The monsoon season came a bit earlier than expected, and I got soaking wet while hiking up a mountain with no cover. I was obviously quite worried about the gear inside the bag. However, the flap and the sturdy zipper kept every moisture out and kept my expensive gear dry. Since then, I stopped being frustrated with the bag. The design has its use after all... :)

[LSHorwitz]

i agree, and the bag is really excellent in all respects except for this one nag. I need to use this for a while, and most likely will learn to love it!

[SYS]

I was thinking about upgrading my H-14 to H-16, but I ended up upgrading my Kata Torsopack 212 to 214, instead. I still might get the H-16.

[LSHorwitz]

Shoulder bags become painful when loaded up with all this gear so a torso bag makes sense!

[rixo]

Hi all,
I am seriously considering this bag for a light-weight 2-lens setup. Will it take a 1DsmkIII mounted with 24-105 (with hood) and 70-200 4.0 IS with reversed hood?

Would it be able to accommodate the body with the 70-200 4.0 IS mounted, i.e., is it long enough?

I don't really have a shop in the neighborhood to try it out so your feedback would be very useful.

Thanks,
Richard

[TeamSpeed]

I am pretty sure I was able to have my MKIII w/70-200 2.8 in the middle section, so the 24-105 would definitely fit, and should with the 70-200 f4, as it is smaller than the 2.8 equiv.

Now with the hood reversed on the 7/2 and stowed in the side pockets may be an issue, they are long enough, but they barely hold the 7/2 2.8 or my 100/400 bare, and I know with a hood, they would not fit the side pockets. However, you should be able to put the hood in the other side pocket if all you have are 2 lenses and a body.

[rixo]

Thanks a heap!
This sounds encouraging :)

Would somebody by any chance be able to compare Kata H-16 with
the ThinkTank Speed Racer (my second alternative)? I know that the H-16 is primarily a shoulder bag and the Speed Racer is a waist bag so they are different in that regard, but still I'd be curious to hear a user comparison if someone had a chance to use both of them.


I am pretty sure I was able to have my MKIII w/70-200 2.8 in the middle section, so the 24-105 would definitely fit, and should with the 70-200 f4, as it is smaller than the 2.8 equiv.

Now with the hood reversed on the 7/2 and stowed in the side pockets may be an issue, they are long enough, but they barely hold the 7/2 2.8 or my 100/400 bare, and I know with a hood, they would not fit the side pockets. However, you should be able to put the hood in the other side pocket if all you have are 2 lenses and a body.

[malam]

Just got the K-16 this afternoon - awesome build. It takes my 50D + grip and Canon 18-200 zoom with hood installed. The bonus for me is that when I travel, this bag fits inside my Samsonite BackPack with a laptop. The backpak has roller wheels too.

[PerkinsMark]

I have read all the posts in this thread and I'm very interested in purchasing the H-16, however I'm concerned about the side pockets. My planned configuration is Canon 5d MK2 attached to a Canon 70-200 IS f4 in the main compartment. In the side pockets I plan store the Canon 17-40 and Canon 24-105 - they both have 77mm filter threads so they are quite chunky. I'm concerned that they won't fit in the side pockets, or they will take too much room in the main compartment (mentioned in an earlier post) to get he 70-200 in. Also, are the side pockets nicley padded?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

[LSHorwitz]

Mark,
It sounds like a very tight fit but it may all work. I have a Sigma 18-200 in the main compartment which is 72mm and probably about the same length as your 70-200. In one side pocket I have a full sized Canon flash and I have a Tokina 12-24 in the other side pocket which I imagine is like your Canon 17-40. I am just not sure if your 24-105 can fit where I keep the flash. It will unquestionably be a tight fit if it fits at all.

Larry

[TeamSpeed]

I have read all the posts in this thread and I'm very interested in purchasing the H-16, however I'm concerned about the side pockets. My planned configuration is Canon 5d MK2 attached to a Canon 70-200 IS f4 in the main compartment. In the side pockets I plan store the Canon 17-40 and Canon 24-105 - they both have 77mm filter threads so they are quite chunky. I'm concerned that they won't fit in the side pockets, or they will take too much room in the main compartment (mentioned in an earlier post) to get he 70-200 in. Also, are the side pockets nicley padded?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

I have been able to put my MKIII with a Sigma 24-60 lens in the middle, a 70-200 IS lens in one side pocket, and a Sigma 12-25 in the other. It is a tight fit, but after a bit of maneuvering it works. The latter two lenses are very chunky and the 70-200 is very long and barely fits lengthwise in the side. Now I have my 7D w/17-55, 70-200 IS and 12-24 in the bag.

[aridan]

OK, I just got this bag (H-16) and am very disappointed. Now, I'm not sure about the rest of you guys, but for me, being able to carry the hoods is a must. The H-16 may hold everything which was posted above but no way you'll be able to fit in the hoods.

Here is the config I tried:

Main compartment: 40D + BG-E2N + 17-55 f2.8 IS
Side compartment 1: 100-400 L
Side compartment 2: 50 f1.2 L or 580EXII

As soon as you stick the two lenses in the side pockets, there is no way the 17-55 (mounted on the camera) will fit in the main compartment along with its hood.

As to the 100-400 hood reversed on the lens: Forget about it - you won't be able to even zip up the side compartment.

Last point: Even without the hoods, I was under the impression that two lenses can be easily fitted in the side compartments with much room to spare in the middle. This is not true. After sticking two lenses in each side compartment, the main compartment turns into a very tight triangle one, which can barely fit a camera and a mid-size lens (17-55 or 24-70 for example).

That's too bad. With such big external dimensions you would think you could shove much more into this bag. :rolleyes:

I think this bag is going back to B&H :(

I take everything bad I said about this bag back....

A year+ later, and I can fit the following (including hoods):

1DMkIII+24-70 L
70-200 f2.8 IS L
100-400 L

The trick is to know how to arrange things, and in what order the bag needs to be packed.

The 70-200 and the 100-400 fit in the side compartments. The hoods are then stacked on top of each other and are inserted upside down (as if they are reversed), into the bag. Lastly, the 1DIII+24-70+hood go in face down. The 24-70 hood (mounted reversed on the 24-70) fits right into the reversed hoods of the 70-200 & 100-400.

Hope this helps a bit.

[TeamSpeed]

I take everything bad I said about this bag back....

A year+ later, and I can fit the following (including hoods):

1DMkIII+24-70 L
70-200 f2.8 IS L
100-400 L

The trick is to know how to arrange things, and in what order the bag needs to be packed.

The 70-200 and the 100-400 fit in the side compartments. The hoods are then stacked on top of each other and are inserted upside down (as if they are reversed), into the bag. Lastly, the 1DIII+24-70+hood go in face down. The 24-70 hood (mounted reversed on the 24-70) fits right into the reversed hoods of the 70-200 & 100-400.

Hope this helps a bit.

That is funny, you have a 3 way stack of hoods in the middle, that is very creative! If anyone watches you unpack that bag, I bet they get a mental image of the small clown cars where 20 clowns pop out of that thing. :)

[aridan]

That is funny, you have a 3 way stack of hoods in the middle, that is very creative! If anyone watches you unpack that bag, I bet they get a mental image of the small clown cars where 20 clowns pop out of that thing. :)

LOL :D

Though snapping the 100-400 and 70-200 hoods apart is a real PITA sometimes :confused:

[TeamSpeed]

LOL :D

Though snapping the 100-400 and 70-200 hoods apart is a real PITA sometimes :confused:

Maybe use the smooth microfiber towels between the hoods would help protect them and help separate them?

[aridan]

Maybe use the smooth microfiber towels between the hoods would help protect them and help separate them?

That's an idea too.... but a little spit and a good ol' twist get them out as well...:lol:

[mpix345]

I need a new carry bag as I just purchased a 50D. Seems like the H-16 is an easy fit for the 50D w/70-200/4 non IS attached, and maybe an 85/1.8 on one side and Sigma 30/1.4 on the other? Any concerns? Will I still have room for accessories, and maybe a 430EXII?

Any other bags match up with the H-16? I am partial to shoulder bag; not a backpack kind of guy.

Thanks.

[TeamSpeed]

The 30mm and 85mm may just be long enough to occupy one side pocket end to end, then you can fit a flash in the other side pocket. The center will be able to handle the 50 and 70-200 f4 with no issues at all.