OPINIONS! Kata 3N1-20 bag, I think this is the one I've been looking for.

[T. VO]

I'm just getting into photography and have been looking for a bag. I liked the convenience/look of the crumpler 6 million but I've used messenger style bags through college and it put a strain on my neck/shoulders (maybe it was the books). Looked for a backpack but all the ones I was interested in required you to take it off to pull out your camera. Was about to settle for the Kata 103 but happened to stumble upon a different Kata bag. 3N1-20! Bag can be used as a backpack with the convenience of a messenger bag. Stores everything securely (and because I don't have much, it'll give me room to grow) and I love the look of the bag. Reading reviews of other Kata bags, quality shouldn't be an issue. What do you guys think?

Youtube Video of bag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dMcI...eature=related

[roman_t]

just yesterday recieved from bh their 467 rucksack and it has great quality. the one you want looks right too. good brand.

[T. VO]

Was really considering the 467 as well! But the quick draw sling position is what hooked me on this one.

[DavidTK]

I use the 3N1 - 20 (medium size) and I absolutely love it. It's so easy to access your camera without having to put the pack down, and it's the only backpack I've seen where you can decide whether you want to access the camera from the left or the right side. It's also narrow, compared to the Kata 102/103, and I also like that it stands straight up when put on the floor, rather than falling over.

I personally don't like the sling position. I have mine configured like a traditional backpack and either carry it on both shoulders or just one shoulder. One minor complaint is that I wish the shoulder straps were wider and more cushioned, but I don't use this for long hikes so it's not a real problem.

I typically have my 50D with 17-55 lens WITH the hood in the main camera compartment. I also carry a 70-300 (hood inverted) and 10-22 in a section below that. I put the flash in the top section.

You can also buy a tripod holder from B&H, although I haven't bought one yet.

[T. VO]

I'm planning on using it mainly as a backpack but love the option to be able to swing it around to the front to retrieve the camera. I noticed the shoulder straps weren't as nice/thick as some of their other backpacks but figured it was because you could tuck them away inside the bag so it had to be thinner (and the ability to use it in the criss cross X position). Only other negative I saw was no space for a laptop but I don't plan on carrying one so it's a non issue. Could you please send a link for the tripod holder? Don't plan on using one now but it'd be nice to know in the future. Thanks.

[twiggles]

+1 for Kata quality.

I LOVE my dr467 (I think thats the model#) got it on amazon with monod for $79. Unfortunatly Im out growing it, but it has served me well on international trips/adventures and fits in even the small plane overhead compartments. I will still keep this bag in my collection for days when I dont need to carry all of my equipment. The main reason Im outgrowing BTW is I gripped my 40D and its a tight fit in the DR467...

[Roy Webber]

I like the look of this

[T. VO]

Found a video of the tripod accessory for this bag.. can't find the actual item online though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBCG-PPbDIk

EDIT: Found it, and wow is it overpriced IMO..

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ER_f_3_IN.html

[dan j]

I love my 3N1-30! What's not to love? Being able to access my camera in seconds is great. I don't have to stoop down, find a place to lay down my bag, put on the 70-300, stand up and hope the shot is still there. Just slide it around and pull the tab. I had the Lowepro before the 3N1 and it was nice, but the Kata is better.

I wish Kata had a quick access for the top compartment. I keep my HV20 camcorder up there and quick access would be great. Oh well, you can't have everything.

dan

[Vascilli]

I wish it was a little more backpack shaped (It's really straight and geometric) and there was a small laptop compartment. Looks good for a daytrip in the city.

[johnlo]

Originally Posted by T. VO

Found a video of the tripod accessory for this bag.. can't find the actual item online though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBCG-PPbDIk

EDIT: Found it, and wow is it overpriced IMO..

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ER_f_3_IN.html

i dont need my tripod that badly.. that's SUPER overpriced.

[dan j]

$50!! The bag only cost $100!!

Oh well, I guess I'll keep using my carabiner attached to the D-ring till they come to their senses.

dan

[T. VO]

Amazon has the bag for 79.95 which makes the tripod attachment price look even worst!

[tin.risky]

B&H is having a sale on the 3n1-20. $79.99 after a $20 instant rebate, plus they include the tripod holder for free. Mine is waiting for me under the tree .

[tin.risky]

Here's the link if anyone's interested: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...n_1_Sling.html