Kata 102 vs 103

Is there a real big difference btw these 2 or is it just the price difference? I know the 103 holds a laptop, anything else? I am trying to make my decision and wanted to know what others thought.

TIA

Yes, that's all the difference there is between the two, i.e., laptop compartment.

Thanks so much! I will go with the Kata 102 then since I don't need the laptop section.

Denise40 wrote in post #3128024
Thanks so much! I will go with the Kata 102 then since I don't need the laptop section.

Yes, if you're absolutely sure if you will not need it in the future, either. The laptop compartment does come into play if you're travelling and need to process your photos using a laptop as well as for storage. Even if you don't need the laptop at all, the compartment can be used for other things like storage devices, iPod and other accessories. Something to think about....

sorry for bringing this tread back to the top, but i was wondering if anybody knows if the 103 is externally deeper than the 102 or not?

Yep. Per their website, about an inch so.

SYS wrote in post #3128048
Yes, if you're absolutely sure if you will not need it in the future, either. The laptop compartment does come into play if you're travelling and need to process your photos using a laptop as well as for storage. Even if you don't need the laptop at all, the compartment can be used for other things like storage devices, iPod and other accessories. Something to think about....

If my laptop isn't in the compartment, some books or other items are. I find the compartment extremely useful as a place for non-camera items that you'd want to have in a backpack when on the move.

I just recently got the Kata 103. I use that compartment for camera manuals and other small, not frequently used items. I think it is worth the extra $20. Very nice "rucksack" and distributes load better than a shoulder bag. Well made, too.

I bought the r-102 and wished I had ponied up the extra cash for the r-103. Things like the flash and camera manual, cds, etc all would fit better in that laptop area than anywhere else in the bag. Plus chargers and cables for my Epson, and the wireless transmitter trigger would fit there too.

If you can foot the bill, get the bag with the extra storage.

For anyone interested I have my Kata 103 up For Sale: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=358862

I keep my chargers, manual, and sometimes a book or a shirt in that 1 inch slot

I bought the 102 and then found a used 103 for $80 on Craigslist. The 103 does have just a tad more depth. The real difference is in weight, with the 103 weighing just a bit more -- but both are very reasonable weights for the protection and capacity that you get. Also very comfortable to carry.