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: Nice bag
Summary: 4 Stars
I love this bag! My gears are very secure in the padded compartments, and my laptop is not squished despite filling up the bag. I especially love the fact that when I put on the bag there is a slight gap so my back does not get sweaty.
I just don't like the pockets which cannot hold many things. And I don't like that the raincover is not attached to the backpack, unlike in my Lowerpro Mini Trekker. But other than that I'm quite satisfied with this backpack.
Definitely worth recommending to my friends. And I plan to get the R-101 to use as my daily backpack.
Digital camera Review: Nice bag, but not quite it
Summary: 3 Stars
First off, let me say this is a well made bag with lots of interesting features. The velcro draw string bags for small items that can fit into each compartment are really nice for holding all the little things that seem to fall out when your rummaging through your camera case (IE, wires, memory cards, etc). There are small compartments hidden throughout the bag for all sorts of small items (once again, memory cards, wires, etc) and the dual opening front allows for easy inital loading when the whole front is open, then the smaller door allows for access to your camera with out fully opening the bag. There are attachment straps that allow you to quickly attach/deattach your camera to the bag's sholder straps to keep the camera's weight off of your neck, and finally, there is a waterproof cover for incliment weather.
The laptop compartment does indeed swallow 15in widescreen laptops such as my MacBook Pro 15", but you would be hard pressed to fit a thicker laptop in as this is a snug fit. Once loaded with my camera equipment (Nikon D70, SB800 flash, three lenses, and battery charger) and my laptop, the bag is noticibly heavy, but considering the amount carried, it's quite comfortable to wear.
Now I'd like to say that is the end of the story, but there are nit picks that bring this bag down to a three star. First, the primary camera slot seems to be more aimed at leaving a telephoto lens on your camera body and allowing full access through the smaller door on the front of the bag. While this is nice in that scenario, it doesn't allow for much alternate configuration of the bag and ultimately, wasted space. This becomes a further issue when you need to carry a few of the items the designers seem to have assumed you don't need, such as an ipod, a portable game system or more importantly, the ac adapter for the laptop. While many people may not need entertainment items like that for a shoot, they more than likely will need the AC adapter. The lack of space for these itemes makes using this bag for extended travel, such as by plane or bus, less desirable. There is a plastic zip pocket that rests over the camera when the bag is closed that an ipod could fit into, but it would be a tight fit and wouldn't offer much protection to the music player.
Secondly, while the bag is well made and does come with a waterproof cover, the design doesn't suggest that the bag is meant for extended exposure to the elements, such as a hike or wildlife photography. I would think the laptop sleeve alone implies that, so I wouldn't recommend it for that either.
So with that in mind, Kata has produced a quality bag that will probably last a while, I just can't put my finger on what it would last a while doing. I would recommend this for people that might be going out on quick shoots that would require processing of the photos on site and where laptop battery life wouldn't be as much of an issue. But as a travel bag, you might have to sacrifice a lens or two to carry your PC's AC adapter.
Digital camera Review: One tough backpack for DSLR owner.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been searching for a serious backpack that can protect and hold enough camera equipment for my trip to Italy. I almost settled for a Lowenpro Compurover but I am so glad that the reviews on Amazon and other web sites convinced me to buy the Kata R-103.
Just before my trip to Italy, I purchased the Kata R-103 through Amazon. Upon arrival, I was stunned by the design and features that this bag had to offer for DSLR users. This backpack was built like a tank. The cushioning and shock absorbing system did a great job in protecting the expensive equipment. I am very impress with the materials that Kata used on this bag.
I carried the following equipment on my trip to Italy. Canon 30D, EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L, EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM, EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM, and Speedlite 580. I was able to wear this bag for extended amount of period and felt that the bag was comfortable. The bag can get heavy with all these equipment but comfort was never compromised.
I highly recommend this backpack.
Digital camera Review: Really heavy...
Summary: 4 Stars
I chose this bag after trying out Lowepros and Tamrons. I needed a bag which could carry a 15" Laptop and my Dslr with 4 lenses (including a 70-300mm VR). The bag does all this with ease.
My two issue:
1. Zippers are really not smooth.
2. Bag (without any equipment) is heavier than expected. Not suitable for long walks.
Digital camera Review: Solid! Comfortable, holds a lot.
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading several reviews, I decided on the Kata R-103. I needed a backpack to hold camera equipment as well as a laptop. This has met my needs. I can hold a macbook, a Nikon D300 with 70-200 lens, flash, a couple spare lenses as well as a small Sony HDR CX12 video camera, plus miscellaneous items (batteries, lens filters, cleaning supplies, etc). The outer shell is rugged, sturdy and well designed to provide protection to your valuables. Although I have not tried it yet, I should be able to attach my tripod and or mono pod to the back pack as well. The only real limitation is me (how much I', willing to carry over an expended period of time). The back pack can certainly handle it.
For traveling on airplanes, this R-103 comes in handy too, with easy access to the laptop (for security checks), whiles allowing you to carry everything in one bag. Before I has this back pack, I would carry two bags; a regular back pack (with laptop) and a camera bag.
The yellow interior makes it very easy to find each piece of equipment.
This is a very highly recommended product in terms of protection, convenience, and design.