Kata DPS DR-467 First thoughts / review

So, I've just replaced my Lowepro Compurover AW with a much more compact Kata DPS DR-467. It's a backpack with a laptop section, a day section, and the camera section at the bottom. Build quality is outstanding - it feels incredibly well built, and protective.

Weight & size is excellent - sure the bottom could be a bit more spacious, but I can still fit in my 40D with 24-70 (+ reversed hood) on, my Sigma 10-20 (+ reversed hood), Sigma 30mm (+ reversed hood), and just about my 70-200 f/4 (+ hood reversed). On top of that, there's still a bit of space for a couple of batteries and memory cards. It's a bit of a squeeze to get the 70-200 f/4 in - it's the very longest lens you can fit in the bottom section.

In the top section, there's plenty of space for other stuff - it's the same size, or larger than the top section in the Lowepro Orion Trekker. On the outside of the bag are three zipper pockets for odds and ends. There's also a slot to feed out your headphone wire, should you want to keep your music player in your bag.

As I said, the weight is excellent - the bag weighs less than 1.5kg (approx 3lb) empty, but even fully loaded, the padding is so well placed, that I find it far less tiring wearing this bag, than the Compurover it replaces.

You also get a free waterproof cover (think detachable Lowepro AW cover), and 5 year warranty, extended to a lifetime warranty on registration on the kata website.

My one quibble with the bag, is that you need to be careful with it - like the Tamrac expedition bags, it's possible to get into the camera compartment with it on your back, so if carrying on public transport, beware.

Would I recommend this bag? Absolutely! Sizewise it's very close to a Lowepro Orion Trekker, but in terms of capacity, and comfort, it feels closer to a Lowepro Compurover AW - no mean feat! (photos to follow)

Thanks for the info! I'm really looking at getting this bag but am wondering if my 70-200 2.8L will fit in it. Sounds like it might be a bit snug if it does fit...

No worries . Nope, the f/4 only just fits in - the f/2.8 would have to either lie down (not sure that you could organise the dividers to support that, or sit in its case in the top section.

I just ordered DR-467

At first i almost went with the more rugged r-103, but then decided that i don't really need that much space for camera stuff only. And i think that the 467 is better because it looks more "normal" to my eye. It's also great to have some extra storage for other stuff.

Only downside in the 467, that i can think of, is that it can't hold a tripod. But well.. as they say: perfect photo bag does not exist.

You may be able to attach a tripod - on the bottom left (when looking from back / side, there's a little pocket I just found with a net pocket which comes out, so you can probably use the straps on the front to hold it in place, and put the feet in this little pocket.

I can snap a shot of it to show you what I mean

goatee wrote in post #5750540
You may be able to attach a tripod - on the bottom left (when looking from back / side, there's a little pocket I just found with a net pocket which comes out, so you can probably use the straps on the front to hold it in place, and put the feet in this little pocket.

I can snap a shot of it to show you what I mean

I think i understand what you mean. I was looking at the smaller version of this bag in a camera shop yesterday and noticed those small pockets on the sides. I didn't open the left one though.. the right one had a bottle holder if remember correctly.
Let's see if i can fit my Feisol in some of the pockets! I can put some images here next week, unless you beat me to it

Ah, you must be right - it's about the right size to be a bottle holder - there's only one on one side. I don't have a tripod, so I can take a picture of it with a bottle in, but can't see if you can squeeze the tripod feet in .

I will let you know next week when i get my hands on one, will take some pics too.

My thoughts and pictures of this sweet bag

Ok,

So i promised i would post some pics of the bag. And also to check if this bag is also capable for carrying a full sized tripod.

I got this bag today, and i am very impressed. This is really a perfect bag for me, it does it all. I can fit all my photo gear in it ( for now ) and i can also grab my laptop with me and i am still left with a whole compartment for other essentials like sunglasses, phone, key, cigarettes, light jacket, water or what ever
I see this as the perfect flight bag also, because it really can fit all the expensive stuff that i want to take with me and i can also carry other essentials needed on a flight. Very nice indeed, and whats best is that this bag very well made the padding is nice and it does not even look like a camerabag! Fantastic.

I promised that i will take some pics, so here it goes. And as customed here.. .i am sorry about the poor quality of the images, my DSLR was in the bag and took these with my gf's PS.

This is what i have.
Canon 40D+17-55mm
Canon 50mm f/1.8
Canon 55-250mm
Sigma 10-20mm
Canon 430ex
Laptop
Off shoe cord
raincover
Remote shutter with remote
table tripod
Feisol CF tripod
And some other small stuff like batteries, whitecard, cleaning cloth


1. Here's everything

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Ok, rather than just edit my original post, I have less gear now, but I have a quick photo with the bottom loaded.

In it is 1DM2 with 24-70 f/2.8 mounted.
Top left is Tamron 2xtc (though I'll probably replace it with my flash)
Bottom left, is full size Giotto rocket blower
Middle bottom is my CF cards
Top right is Sigma 10-20
Bottom right is empty.

The 70-200 f/4 L can just about squeeze in, but I now have a 70-200 f/2.8 which is too tall (though it fits in the center pocket, but there's no way I can fit my camera in if it's there, and it's too tall mounted on the camera) to fit in, so it sits in the top section.

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Thanks for your review! i think this is the bag I want to get. I was originally looking at the Adventure 7 or 9 but this looks like a better choice. the option to carry a laptop is cool. I didn't catch it in your post but does the 55-250 mounted on the camera fit in the bottom compartment?

sinister1 wrote in post #5804597
Thanks for your review! i think this is the bag I want to get. I was originally looking at the Adventure 7 or 9 but this looks like a better choice. the option to carry a laptop is cool. I didn't catch it in your post but does the 55-250 mounted on the camera fit in the bottom compartment?

I am not sure who are you asking this, The OP or me, but i'll answer anyway

Yes, it does fit, the 55-250 is only about 0,5cm longer than the 17-55mm. But i must admit that there isn't room for any longer lens than that when mounted on the camera, well comfortably anyway!

johnz wrote in post #5805210
I am not sure who are you asking this, The OP or me, but i'll answer anyway

Yes, it does fit, the 55-250 is only about 0,5cm longer than the 17-55mm. But i must admit that there isn't room for any longer lens than that when mounted on the camera, well comfortably anyway!

Thanks! I only plan to carry 2 lenses anyway, the 55-250 and the 17-85. Looks like a great bag and its cheaper too!

Yes it is, actually it's very cheap for a Kata bag. But of course, this one lacks the Turtles feel that most of Kata bags have But to me it was a good thing.. i want't to blend in to the crowd
I am sure you will not be dissappointed with this one, it's a nice!

And welcome to the forums

I'm looking into purchasing this bag but i was wondering if it will hold an Apple MacBook Pro 17"... I cannot find some size specs for just the Laptop compartment. The specs i've seen say it will hold up to a 17" but i wasn't sure if that included an Apple.

Anyone know if it will fit or not?

Thanks