Crumpler 7MDH or Kata3in1

[trailblazer]

Can a gripped 40d, 70-200 2.8is with hood, 17-55 with hood, two flashes (one is a 580EXII and the other is a Nikon SB24 which is the about the same size), one transmitter and two receiver cyberyncs, Flashzebra cables, two spare batteries for the 40d and 8 spare batteries for the flashes fit in the 7MDH and close properly?

On the other hand, I have looked at the Kata 3in1 bags as well and they look useful.
I have a KataR103 so I know the quality of Kata is top notch, but has anyone tried the new 3in1 20 or 30? Will it fit the above?

[BobbyM]

I have the kata 3n1 30 and the 6mdh..

I would go with the kata. It will fit all what you listed. My setup is almost Identical and it all fits in nicely.

[trailblazer]

Thanks for that BobbyM.
How comfortable do you find the Kata for long periods as a sling bag?
I have never used the sling type but looking to get something to give me faster access to my gear than the backpack.

Also, how do you store the camera in the bag?
The 17-55 is the lens I like to keep on the camera, but I noticed in all the pictures of the Kata3in1 30 that is has the telephoto attached.
If I store the camera with the 17-55 attached, is there room for the 70-200 to be able to pull it out quickly?

[4x4rock]

Both bags will fit all that gears. I haven't seen the kata but seen the 7MDH and it's a big bag.

In fact, I ordered and just cancel the 7MDH after secondthought of carrying all the load on one shoulder; the same reason I sold the Domke F-1X :(

[disorder]

I just ordered the Kata 3n1. I can do a comparison for you when I get it...

I currently have the Kata R-103, Crumpler 7MDH (Pro Model SN#MD0709A), and the Lowepro Flipside 200. In brief.

Kata-R103- It's a good bag, keeps my gear protected. However, it's an awkwardly shaped bag. I don't necessarily like the curvature. It does fit all of my gear and it's comfortable. 5dII+grip, 30D, 24-70, 70-200, 50 1.8, 580EXII, battery chargers, batteries, lightsphere knock off (man i hate packing this piece of crap), and... that's all that comes off the top of my head. Oh, and it also fits my laptop. A definitely plus, but not a necessity at the moment.

Flipside 200- This was bought as a "daypack". It's been great. It's comfortable. However, it doesn't fit enough gear "comfortably". However, I can stuff my 5dII, 24-70, 70-200 2.8IS, 50 1.8, and 580EXII in the bag. Crazy.

Crumpler 7MDH- I just picked this bag up because i wanted a shoulder bag. I haven't played around with the arrangements, but so far it can fit most of my gear (the R103 seems to take more stuff). I like that it stands on it's own and it also rests nicely against your body. It's as comfortable as a shoulder bag can be. What I do like, over the backpacks, is the quick access to the camera.


I can't stop buying bags, as I really haven't found the "perfect" bag. I also had a Thinktank backpack, briefly, but never used it and the older model of the 7MDH. Both were sold here on the boards.

[4x4rock]

I just ordered the Kata 3n1. I can do a comparison for you when I get it...

I currently have the Kata R-103, Crumpler 7MDH (Pro Model SN#MD0709A), and the Lowepro Flipside 200.

I can't stop buying bags, as I really haven't found the "perfect" bag. I also had a Thinktank backpack, briefly, but never used it and the older model of the 7MDH. Both were sold here on the boards.

Hahha... I was/am looking any of those model at one time or another...you got it all :D

[trailblazer]

I just ordered the Kata 3n1. I can do a comparison for you when I get it...


Yeah!
That would be reaalllyy appreciated!

As stated, I have the KataR103 as well which is a fantastic bag for when I am hiking and storage, but looking for something a bit quicker to draw when I am in the city without having to put down the bag which I have found to be a hassle and to draw even more attention to yourself.
Sometimes, I just want to draw, take a pic and put it back, but I can't do that with the backpack.

I am especially interested in how you store your camera in the Kata3in1 as I don't want to have the 70-200 on the body all the time but I wonder how I will store the 70-200 for easy access at the same time.

[disorder]

Yeah!
That would be reaalllyy appreciated!

As stated, I have the KataR103 as well which is a fantastic bag for when I am hiking and storage, but looking for something a bit quicker to draw when I am in the city without having to put down the bag which I have found to be a hassle and to draw even more attention to yourself.
Sometimes, I just want to draw, take a pic and put it back, but I can't do that with the backpack.

I am especially interested in how you store your camera in the Kata3in1 as I don't want to have the 70-200 on the body all the time but I wonder how I will store the 70-200 for easy access at the same time.

I know what you mean. I debated the Lowepro Slingshot, but didn't like the design. I debated the older 7MDH, which I did purchase, but subsequently sold. So far, I like the new 7MDH. It's the "perfect" size, but my only quibble is that isn't big enough (well that's a paradox).

The Flipside 200 was a compromise between something portable and safe. I like the back-loading feature, as I don't run the risk of anyone stealing my gear, but it sure is a hassle to get stuff out of the bag.

[dan j]

I carry my 3n1-30 fully loaded with no issues. It's nice having the 2nd (hidden) shoulder strap because you can make it a backpack, X the straps or just sling it over the other shoulder. I wouldn't want to carry all the gear on one shoulder with a large shoulder bag. Slings are more comfortable even when you just have one strap.

I am considering the 5 or 6 MDH, but I won't carry much with them because it won't be as comfortable.

dan

[jeev]

I have both 20 & 30. 3n1-30 can hold lot of stuff. 3n1-20 is smaller and it is good for some one who does not have 70-200 2.8 lenses.

I have 2 more brand new for sale here if any one needs it.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=656086

[canonnoob]

Can a gripped 40d, 70-200 2.8is with hood, 17-55 with hood, two flashes (one is a 580EXII and the other is a Nikon SB24 which is the about the same size), one transmitter and two receiver cyberyncs, Flashzebra cables, two spare batteries for the 40d and 8 spare batteries for the flashes fit in the 7MDH and close properly?

On the other hand, I have looked at the Kata 3in1 bags as well and they look useful.
I have a KataR103 so I know the quality of Kata is top notch, but has anyone tried the new 3in1 20 or 30? Will it fit the above?

I also have the crumpler 6MDH and I find that it fits my 40d, 70-200 2.8, 85 1.8, 50 1.8, 18-55mm, 430ex, cybersyncs, spare batteries, buiness cards, memory cards. wallet, and other misc items just fine...

I cant say anything about the kata but I hear alot of thier stuff is good quality. The crumpler bags are just amazing though. that is all I can say about them. the padding is good, the look/style of the bags is good. The strap is super comfortable..

[jeev]

Check out the new crumpler 2009 Design very sleek and couple of improvement. 2 locking straps (Helps when you hold the bag with top handle, old desing bags use to open up in the sides with heavy equipment in the bag), extended sides does not show the taller lenses through the sides of the bag, 2 more additional pockets for small accessories. This time crumpler has used a very high denier material it is hig quality and stiff protects the gear very nicely.

http://www.crumplerbags.com/Lite/English/Products/7-Million-Dollar-Home---MD0707A.html

[ImRaptor]

Can a gripped 40d, 70-200 2.8is with hood, 17-55 with hood, two flashes (one is a 580EXII and the other is a Nikon SB24 which is the about the same size), one transmitter and two receiver cyberyncs, Flashzebra cables, two spare batteries for the 40d and 8 spare batteries for the flashes fit in the 7MDH and close properly?

On the other hand, I have looked at the Kata 3in1 bags as well and they look useful.
I have a KataR103 so I know the quality of Kata is top notch, but has anyone tried the new 3in1 20 or 30? Will it fit the above?

In my Kata 3n1-30 I can put the following:
Gripped 30D with mounted 70-200 F2.8, Sigma 150mm F2.8 Macro, Tamron 17-50 F2.8, Canon 17-85 IS, Canon 50mm F1.8, gripped Xt, Sigma 500 DG Super flash, two battery chargers, 4 extra batteries, extra CF cards, cleaning kit, rocket blower, remote shutter release x 2, wireless flash transmitter and reciever, omni bounce, extra rear and body caps.

For what you've got listed it will all fit comfortably with your choice of which lens you want to have mounted for fast access. Plus, you get the rain fly with the 3n1-30 for those times you get caught in the rain you can keep the inside of the bag dry.

[Rainyday]

I have a Crumpler and really, really like it. My arguments against the Kata are it's ugly and the way the lens compartment opens is awkward. However, the Kata would provide better weather protection. I admit, the Crumpler is a poor choice for sandy, very rainy or dusty enviroments.

Would you consider a Tamrac? I have a sling/backpack style one that I love. Weather proof and quite handsome. And they come in lots of different sizes to suit different needs.

[trailblazer]

In my Kata 3n1-30 I can put the following:
Gripped 30D with mounted 70-200 F2.8, Sigma 150mm F2.8 Macro, Tamron 17-50 F2.8, Canon 17-85 IS, Canon 50mm F1.8, gripped Xt, Sigma 500 DG Super flash, two battery chargers, 4 extra batteries, extra CF cards, cleaning kit, rocket blower, remote shutter release x 2, wireless flash transmitter and reciever, omni bounce, extra rear and body caps.

For what you've got listed it will all fit comfortably with your choice of which lens you want to have mounted for fast access. Plus, you get the rain fly with the 3n1-30 for those times you get caught in the rain you can keep the inside of the bag dry.

Hi there ImRaptor; just to clarify, but could I load the gripped 40d with the 17-55 lens attached and still have the 70-200 within easy reach just by slinging the bag around?

[ImRaptor]

Hi there ImRaptor; just to clarify, but could I load the gripped 40d with the 17-55 lens attached and still have the 70-200 within easy reach just by slinging the bag around?

You should be able to do that no problem.
When you sling the bag around and open it, the camera with mounted lens is positioned in the center spot. The two outer spots have a pull tab mounted on them for grabbing.
These allow you to remove the camera, pulll either tab and then slide out whatever you happen to have slide into them.

My usual arangement for the bag is to have my gripped 30D with 70-200 f2.8 mounted in the center, my flash with omni bounce and wireless transmitter and reciever on the left side and my sigma 150mm and tamron 17-50mm on the right side. With this I can mount the flash, sigma, or tamron without putting the bag down.

[trailblazer]

Fantastic ImRaptor!
As for the Kata being ugly, I disagree since it is a subjective thing anyway.
Rugged is more like it. While the crumpler looks pretty, it screams expensive laptop bag a bit too much. I was still considering it due to its functionality though.
I already have a Kata and love it.