Kata R-103 GDC Rucksack
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Our Price: $499.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $235.00 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Kata R-103 GDC Rucksack
Digital camera Review: Good Stuff
Summary: 4 Stars
The KATA-R 103 allows me to carry my my DSLR with a 70-200 lens attached, an 18-70 lens, spare camera batteries, a camera battery charger, rocket blower, CF card reader, lens pen, notebook and notebook charger, MP3 player and headphones all together WITH some space leftover.
It is designed with 3 access / storage zones. A rear zone for the laptop which is amply padded, the middle zone where all your photography equipment is kept safe and a front access slot which gives you quick access to your camera. Inside, the padding and velcro dividers are bright yellow , which makes it easier to find your equipment in low light conditions. You can also customize the included velcro dividers to suit your packing style / equipment requirements.
It also comes with a Kata 2 sided waterproof cover that you can use during rain to protect the bag. Or reverse it and use as a reflector. With regards to what laptops will fit, I've only tried it with a 13 inch laptop but 15 inch laptops shouldn't be a problem. I don't think a 17 inch laptop will fit though.
The bag is built tough, made out of military grade nylon and the exterior has segments made out of waterproof Thermo Shield bumpers - to absorb impact during movement and protect the equipment inside. It has large textured zip grips which make it easier to pull the zippers down. The bag's shoulder straps are comfortable,easily adjustable and provide upper back support.
I only wish it was slightly more spacious inside and the front external side pockets were more useful but i guess thats why Kata sells the Kata R-106 HDV Camcorder Rucksack L + Laptop Rucksack - Kata KT R-106, a larger version of this bag. And it definitely needs to come with a better set of instructions, the ones included with the bag are rubbish for understanding how to use the accessories that come with the bag.
Before buying the KATA R-103 I had a separate portfolio attache for my laptop and a holster case with a modular attachment for a DSLR with an 18-70 kit lens and an 80-200 lens. It was incredibly tiring to carry multiple bags whenever I traveled. Now I just grab my 103 and step out, a big relief for me and my back.
200 dollars for a bag is expensive but in this case the product and it's utility justify the price. If you have equipment worth 2000 to 3000 dollars (DSLR + LENS + LENS + NOTEBOOK + etc etc) 200 dollars for rock solid protection and daily comfort is not a lot of money in relation to the cost of the equipment enclosed within and the relief it gives to your back. It took me a while to choose a bag, but in the end, the R-103 was definitely worth it.
Digital camera Review: Good travel bag
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this bag mainly for flying with the laptop or when I know I will need to use the telephoto lens. I use it to carry my Nikon D3 and D300 with 24-70mm, 70-200mm, 12-24mm DX, 50/f1.8 lens and a SB-800 speedlight. The bag is very comfortable on your shoulder and back. The laptop slot fits my Lenovo T60 15.4" laptop. It's snug but fits just fine. It's not as convenient as the shoulder bags so generally around town, I use the Lowepro Stealth Reporter.Digital camera Review: Great Bag
Summary: 5 Stars
After two months of use I can not find anything to complain about. I find the yellow color used for the interior makes finding any of the contents much easier than my previous all black bags.Digital camera Review: Great Bag - Incredible Service
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this bag after looking (actually holding and wearing) several Tamrac and Lowepro bags. I needed a bag to carry my Nikon D300 (camera, 18-200 VR lense, SB-600 Flash, batteries, charger, etc) and a small IBM X40 laptop (cord, mouse, retractable cables, etc). I'm 6' 4" and 225 lbs.
There are already several great reviews of this bag on Amazon - be sure to consider them all. I will say that the bag is great - very well made; fits all my stuff with some left-over room; is light weight; things are very easily accessible (zipper to get into everything or just your camera, plus hidden zipper for the laptop); and comes with several great accessories (tripod holder, extra securing straps, a set of camera holder straps, two mesh bags with velcro that attach to anywhere in the bag you want (very nice feature), and an adjustable "rain coat". All of the separators are very easily adjustable (I purchased extra separators which work great). It really is a very well thought out bag, not to mention very well constructed. Oh, it also has a terrific set of adjustments that help you tailor how it fits on your body. People with similar body types as mine will find that it rides well after some simple adjustment. And to top it all off, the interior is orange, which is a really cool idea considering that most of my stuff is black. Finding things is quick and easy. It's also very easy to do a quick visual check to assure that everything is back in the bag before you close it up and move on to the next place.
A few things about the laptop compartment. It's small so don't think you're going to be able to stick a thick laptop in there. My IBM X40 fits perfectly with some length and height room remaining. The thickness is just about as much as I feel comfortable with. I originally wondered how it would work putting a laptop right next to my back - won't that bend / break it? They deal with this by putting a lot of padding between your back and your laptop. They also provide two 12" X 1" X 1" padded separators that are placed above and below your laptop to provide additional protection and support. The bag's interior protection is deceiving - there's more protection than you initially think.
Some really great ideas are in play with this bag.
One thing that I have not seen on these reviews are any experiences with their customer service team. When I received mine and began the process of specifically tailoring the bag to fit my stuff, I realized that I needed an extra mesh bag with the velcro (2 already come with the bag). I checked the kata web site, ebay and amazon but could not find them anywhere. So I emailed their customer service team with my specific bag information and a "hey - where can I buy another one of those?" questions. I received a reply within a few hours, which basically said "you can't buy them directly, but I'll find an extra one and send it to you". Yes, it would be wonderful if those mesh bags were readily available for purchase, but I have to say that Kata's immediate response and customer focus approach was terrific.
By the way, I ordered the bag from Amazon and it arrived within a few days using their supersaver shipping. All around great bag and experience and I could not be more happy with my selections.
Digital camera Review: Great Carryon Camera Bag
Summary: 5 Stars
I needed a camera bag that I could put under a airplane seat. I was able to fit a Nikon D300 with Nikon 16-36 attached, Nikon 85 1.8 & 50 1.4, Tamron 12-24, SB600 flash, numerous P type filters and holders, Chargers, Mac Book laptop, glasses, portable hard drive, usb cables and connectors for showing photos on a TV. Well built, fit under a small plane seat.