for Canon 350 / 400D
Review #1
After researching several backpacks by Tamrac, Tenba, Lowepro etc. I stumbled upon the Rucksack R-102 by Kata. While doing some homework on the backpack, I came across the Kata Holster H-14. As I do not always want to carry the R-102 with me, I decided to pick up one of the H-14s.
First off, let me tell you that 2 days earlier, I purchased the Tamrac Pro Digital 7. Below is a pic of it next to the Kata H-14. Retail on the Tamrac Pro Digital 7 was $50, and the Kata H-14 $80. However, if I would have kept the Tamrac PD7 I would have spend another $20-25 on a decent strap as the stock one is less than comfortable (no padding at all).
After bringing the H-14 home, it was clear that the Tamrac PD7 is going right back where it came from. This decision was based on criteria such as build quality, protection, room, comfort etc.
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The Outside:
The outside of the H-14 is extremely well made. The 'ribbed cage' center section protects your investment without compromise. The zippers are heavy duty, the strap is extremely comfy and features the same grade nylon as car seatbelts.
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The Inside:
It features the following compartments: 1x Main Compartment, 1x smaller Compartment within the Main (for USD and Batteries/Cards - comes with credit card size holder), 2x side compartments, and 1x thin compartment for cleaning cloths etc. Here are some pix:
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Here is the list of things I fit in the H-14 without any issues:
Canon 400D Digital Rebel XTi w/ BG-E3 Grip
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM & Hood
Grip Strap, Optech Neck Strap
Canon 430EX Speedlite
1x Diffuser
1x new pack of AAs
4x AAs
2x CF cards
1x OPTech Strap center section
1x Wall charger
1x 400D Battery
1x USB
The following image gives you a couple examples on how everything is arranged:
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One thing to note, with the 400D in place, there is still enough room behind the divider to put a 10-20mm or other smaller gear. Also, I do not have my 70-200 F2.8L IS yet, but we tried it out at the store. Believe it or not, the 70-200F2.8L IS fits in one of the side pockets, with the camera set in to the main compartment. Snug fit, but it works. Something the Tamrac could not provide...heck...it did not even have room for the 430ex. I do suggest though that you try it yourself before you take my word for it. I can only report what I have found.
Verdict:
The Kata H-14 is an amazing bag. The build is rock solid, and anything else I looked at did not even come close to the features, functionality, protection, size etc. If you are not in the mood to lug around the backpack for a short trip, and are looking for a bag that gives you enough room and protection for your investment, then the Kata H-14 is for you.
I would not recommend this bag, if I am not happy with it (see my Tamrac feedback). I own it and feel extremely comfortable recommending this bag to anyone.
Score: 9.5/10 (There is always room for improvement, but I cannot point out a thing I do not like about it.)
thanks to OllieS for review
Reviews for Canon 300D /10D/20D/30D/40D/50D/60D /5D / 7D
Review #1
Equipment list in bag :
Canon EOS 30D
Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM
Tamron SP AF24-135MM F/3.5-5.6 AD IF Macro (Mounted on Camera)
Canon 580EX Speedlite
Kata Rain Jacket for Camera Bag)
Canon CP-E3 Battery Pack for 580EX
Flash Diffuser, 2x Filters
Canon Battery Charger, Spare Battery for 30D
4xAA Batteries, Squeeze Pump, Fibre Cleaning Cloth, Cleaning Solution, Wallet, Cellphone
Price paid: $126
Review text:
Although the H-14 Holster($78.95) can be used alone (with it's included B-shape shoulder straps), I've decided to attach it to the TS-308 Sling Case Carrier ($46.98) for additional storage space and carrying comfort. The two can be attached together securely by their interlocking inserts and velcros.
The H-14 alone is basically a longer version of the H-12 featured at cambags.com, which the two side pockets are long enough to hold a Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 IS lens. The main compartment is long enough to hold the 30D with a Tamron SP 24-135mm Lens and still have enough space below for me to add a piece of Kata's reinforced separators to separate the Flash diffuser and squeeze pump. Alike the H-12, front flap has storage space for filters and front pocket of main compartment has space for a battery and memory card holder (included with H-14), as well as a 30D spare battery and some lens caps.
The S-308 has two zippered pockets and one velcro pocket for wallet, cellphones, cleaning solutions, or other misc small items. The front side has a padded large zippered pocket with enough space to hold the CP-E3 Battery back as well as the Charger for 30D's battery. You may also include pens, notepads, maps, and other misc items in that large pocket.
Likes about the bag: Quick access to everything (Pros of a sling/shoulder bag), and enough space to carry decent amounts of equipments, without having to carry a backpack. Very comfortable to wear even with the heavy weight of equipments such as the Canon 70-200mm F/2.8 IS
Dislikes about the bag: Does seem a bit large and thick to be a sling bag.
thanks to Philip for review
