Kata Holster H-14 Mini Review

Thanks for that info. I think I may sell my think tank and go for the Kata. After using my Kata HB-205, I am sold on their bags.

Update: With the 70-200 IS attached, I can zip each side of the front flap about 1/2 down, so it is not completely closeable with that lens attached. But if you are using the bag just as transport with the long lens in one of the side pockets, and then assembled your lens, did a shoot, then took the lens off afterwards, the bag would work. It is a tight fit with the MKIII and the sigma lens, the zippers will close completely, but you have to pull up on the front of the bag a bit. Probably not the most convenient bag if you needed to just pull the 1D out, take some shots, and put it back to close it in. I just use it for transport from/to places I shoot, then the camera goes back in once at each site.

Oh, and I did the Doc Frankenstein Kata mod on this bag where I made a slit about 6" down that interior panel on the front. This allows more room for the larger cameras. I just fold them diagonally out of the way, but I still have that front pocket for storage of memory cards.
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TeamSpeed wrote in post #4584580
Please report back once you get both items, I was always curious about the sling carrier, but hadn't seen one in person.

I have both the holster and the sling carrier. While you spend (of course) more money to get both, to me it was definitely worth it for the following reasons:

1) First and foremost: COMFORT. With the holster strap alone, you'll have to deal with shoulder aches after carrying the sort of items you mentioned crammed into the holster. With the sling carrier, no such issue.

2) Not only it's highly stylish as you see in the photo, but the sling carrier most definitely solves space issues. Just in the sling carrier's zipper pockets, I store things like additional batteries, manual, lens filters like GND and CPL, etc.

In my opinion, after having used them as a combo for over two years now, it's an indispensable and inseparable combo. My only criticism is that Kata should have built both of them as one unit rather than as separate items to begin with -- with a less price tag.

SYS wrote in post #4587704
I have both the holster and the sling carrier. While you spend (of course) more money to get both, to me it was definitely worth it for the following reasons:

1) First and foremost: COMFORT. With the holster strap alone, you'll have to deal with shoulder aches after carrying the sort of items you mentioned crammed into the holster. With the sling carrier, no such issue.

This is the main reason I bought both. I just screams comfy

SYS wrote in post #4587704
2) Not only it's highly stylish as you see in the photo, but the sling carrier most definitely solves space issues. Just in the sling carrier's zipper pockets, I store things like additional batteries, manual, lens filters like GND and CPL, etc.

This is the 2nd.

SYS wrote in post #4587704
In my opinion, after having used them as a combo for over two years now, it's an indispensable and inseparable combo. My only criticism is that Kata should have built both of them as one unit rather than as separate items to begin with -- with a less price tag.

I agree completely.

Sys and Jamesblond,

I also have both and agree with what you are saying. I love it for the comfort while out hiking.

My only problem with the combo holster/sling is the snap on the back, lower bottom will not stay done. I may have to replace the snap, or do something else to get it to stay. This, however, does not seem to cause any issues other than a strap that dangles and it feels like 2 pieces instead of one when taking it off or putting it on.

Have either of you noticed that?

I love Kata and can't wait to have the equipment to get a R-102. It's too big now but looks sweet for a backpack. I might get the H14 now. I'm looking for a small bag and I'm undecided between something from Kata or 5MDH.

NMBrian wrote in post #4595431
Sys and Jamesblond,

I also have both and agree with what you are saying. I love it for the comfort while out hiking.

My only problem with the combo holster/sling is the snap on the back, lower bottom will not stay done. I may have to replace the snap, or do something else to get it to stay. This, however, does not seem to cause any issues other than a strap that dangles and it feels like 2 pieces instead of one when taking it off or putting it on.

Have either of you noticed that?

I just ordered mine, so no. Maybe yours is just a one in a million factory defect. I will let you know when I get mine if I have the same issue.

NMBrian wrote in post #4595431
Sys and Jamesblond,

I also have both and agree with what you are saying. I love it for the comfort while out hiking.

My only problem with the combo holster/sling is the snap on the back, lower bottom will not stay done. I may have to replace the snap, or do something else to get it to stay. This, however, does not seem to cause any issues other than a strap that dangles and it feels like 2 pieces instead of one when taking it off or putting it on.

Have either of you noticed that?

No, I haven't had any problems with the combo. I'm surprised to hear this, as Kata is well known for their quality products. I've had mine for about two years now, and the way things are going, it'll last me a good decade or more.

great review I just ordered it

I recently purchased the KATA H-14 for my 40D, 17-55 2.8 IS, and my 580EXII w/Sto-Fen. All these items fit fine with the hood reversed. I have tried to fit a 70-200 f/4 IS in the right pocket and it would not fit. I tried this with the hoods on and off. Maybe the 17-55 f/2.8 is just too large a lens with the hood on, but I didn't have any other lenses to test with.

I am disappointed that I can't fit both lenses because that's why I purchased it. I guess it's possible that I didn't squeeze everything in a little tighter but I have my reservations about that.

For carrying the camera, short tele, and the 580EX II with spare batteries and my charger, this bag works great.

deltaV wrote in post #5611439
I recently purchased the KATA H-14 for my 40D, 17-55 2.8 IS, and my 580EXII w/Sto-Fen. All these items fit fine with the hood reversed. I have tried to fit a 70-200 f/4 IS in the right pocket and it would not fit. I tried this with the hoods on and off. Maybe the 17-55 f/2.8 is just too large a lens with the hood on, but I didn't have any other lenses to test with.

I am disappointed that I can't fit both lenses because that's why I purchased it. I guess it's possible that I didn't squeeze everything in a little tighter but I have my reservations about that.

For carrying the camera, short tele, and the 580EX II with spare batteries and my charger, this bag works great.

I have the 70-200 f/2.8 (Right pocket as your wearing it) and a grip on my 40D/17-55 with the 580 (left pocket) inside my bag. A tight fit but will work. I slit the front flap and sewn the edges inside the bag so my grip would fit. I can also put my Sigma 10-20 on the bottom for a really tight fit. Keep your charger at home.

Linkzi wrote in post #5611505
I have the 70-200 f/2.8 (Right pocket as your wearing it) and a grip on my 40D/17-55 with the 580 (left pocket) inside my bag. A tight fit but will work.

Are the hoods reverse mounted as well?

deltaV wrote in post #5612731
Are the hoods reverse mounted as well?

Yes, all hoods installed in reverse. Except my Sigma, because I lost it and can't buy a real replacement.

Linkzi wrote in post #3238020
I have one too and it is outstanding. I carry my 10D w/grip, Tamron 17-50 attached, Sigma 10-20 on the bottom below my 10D/lens. My 430EX flash with diffuser attached is on one side and my 70-200 f/4L is on the other side. I carry two extra batteries, cards, lint free cloth, and two Hoya CPLs in their cases. All of my lenses have the hood reversed for storage. I did modify the opening by slitting the flap and sewing it (a tip from a fellow POTN member) to fit my 10D w/grip. Nice photos of the bag, I'm sure it will help alot of lookers.

Any chance you can post pics of the modification so I can get a better grasp of what you did to fit the gripped body?

KevinAldrich wrote in post #5622748
Any chance you can post pics of the modification so I can get a better grasp of what you did to fit the gripped body?

There is a soft panel that runs across the front zippered area, forming a large front pocket separate from the rest of middle camera section. You just slit that down about 6 inches, and fold the resulting triangles down and out of the way. This allows the flash/viewfinder area of the 40D w/grip to take up some of that front pocket area.