Kata 3n1 review PLUS comparison with Slingshot 300 with pics

riyazi wrote in post #7546630
I did use the Kata for long walks and the sling shot trap started becoming uncomfortable after about half an hour or so (about the same time that it took the Slingshot to be uncomfortable). But the advantage with the Kata is that you just switch on to backpack mode and it is really really comfortable. I now use it mostly on back pack mode but put it to sling shot when I need to keep changing lenses. Only issue is that the strap length has to be changed every time you change modes - ie: the single strap has to be longer when in slingshot mode and shorter in back pack mode - it it not just a matter of changing the strap position but also need to change the length which is a bit of annoying thing but not too bad

Have you considered wearing the bag in a backpack still but criss-crossing the straps? If I'm not mistaken, I have read that will allow you the comfort of the backpack config. with the ability to simply unlatch one buckle and swing the bag around in the sling style. Have you tried that? I would be interested to know if it actually works.

yeah thats what I wanted to do the next time - will let you know when I try it on a walk around

thanks a ton for making this post. I have the 300 now and have been contemplating the move to this bag as well. I'm going to Europe for 18 days and need something way more comfortable, looks like I might have to rig something up for added security but thats ok.

Now just need to find a Canadian retailer whos not going to rip me off

Very welcome - glad you found it useful

Good luck with finding a retailer!

I watched a interview with a Kata rep on youtube where she explains that you can use the bag (when in slingshot mode) to place your elbows on it while shooting. In turn this acts as a stabilizer and you dont need a monopod.
I take that with a grain of salt, but I could see it helping. Has anybody tried this with good results?

It helps pending what's in the bag. I did that once as a joke with the slingshot. I could it helping, but like i said, depends on what's in the bag. The Kata is much more solid than the Slingshot so that may help. It would help at night if you're going just a bit too slow but nothing significant.

So this bag doesnt come with a tripod holder huh?
Where can you pick them up and whats the name I would search for?
Kata tripod pouch?

http://www.bogenimagin​gstore.us …-Tripod-Holder-for/Detail

B&H also sells it but they were asking $50 ( ) for it. For $20 it's a steal.

dan

Im surprised its not included with a bag of this quality. I love this bag but not having a tripod holder included is beyond me.

It'd be nice, but there's also something to be said for not having every single option which would raise the price.

Anyway, for $20 it was worth it for me.

dan

B&H used to include it with the bags... not sure why it doesn't seem to be included anymore.

I noticed that. Ill just have to buy it seperately then I suppose.
Too bad they didnt make a model which also fit a laptop.

Just got mine the other day and love it. It holds all my gear and my MSI Wind mini laptop (where the lunch is suppose to go). Sorry but I would never mix food and gear heheh.
Anyways second time taking it out I had to use the rain pack cause it poured. It worked well. The only issue I had was that water was still able to creep a little down by the straps since the cover doesnt go all the way over the straps. Still, everything was dry as a bone.

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took mine to Europe for 2.5 weeks, just got back last week-ish and loved it. Very handy.

Thanks for the review as it helped me significantly while looking for the right bag for me.

That said, I have been using a 3n1 20 for about three weeks now and love it as well. It has great storage with convenient access, is comfortable to carry without standing out as an obvious "camera bag" and works great as a platform to stabilize a shot or change a lens. All in all a fantastic bag.