The compact R-102 is designed to hold a DSLR with 80-200 / 300mm lens attached an extra body, 4-5 lenses and additional accessories. The special design gives quick, separate access to the camera in the central compartment, while the rest of the equipment surrounding it remains secure. Additional accessories, like flash-unit, filters, charger, cables and personal essentials can be stored in the spacious arched lid compartment, the 2 external pockets and the central mesh pocket. * For Photo or Video Camera Kits * 1000D Cordura Nylon Exterior * Six Layers of Interior Padding * TST Protection * Modi-Vers System * EPH Accessory System * TST Tripod Holder
Digital or photo SLR body with up to 80-200mm lens attached, an extra body, 4-5 lenses and accessori
This is the Kata R-102 Camera Backpack. It's carrying a Canon EOS 20D with Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM attached, as well as the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II Kit Lens, the Canon Extender EF 1.4x , the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM, a 77 mm Polarizer Filter, spare battery, charger and Rocket blower. It comes with an external rain or sun cover, which is currently stowed in the center above the camera. It also has an external tripod carrier, which I have not yet mounted. The ribbed and padded exterior gives a lot of protection against bumps. The backpack harness adjusts to varying heights and allows breathability across the back. This backpack is just about bullet proof which may stem from the fact that this company also makes ballistic vests. To me there are 2-3 very important strong points to this bag: 1.) It is extremely comfortable to "wear", and stands away from your back to allow some ventillation. 2.) The padded & ribbed construction makes it VERY bump resistant - almost bullet proof. 3.) I like being able to use the smaller opening to get the camera without having to open the whole bag. It also doesn't look like a camera bag, thereby attracting unwanted attention.
I have bought the Kata R102 bag two weeks ago. Here's a little review, i hope you like it (and you understand my poor English). I searched the internet a long time for the rigth bag. The Lowepro Mini Trekker was to small (is not much bigger as the Lowepro Micro witch was the size of my old bag the Cullman Havana). The Lowepro Nature or Photo Trekker is to big said my wife (i had make the mistake to show here it a the local store :-) So i found here in the forum a few threads when guy ask for backpacks some guys the Kata R-102 Rucksack recommended. Kata ?? Didn't know before and i give only one store in Germany who sell its ! Build quality is very good of this backpack. The zips are smooth. It has a rain respectively a heat cover that you can put over the back (only when you have no tripod attached). My Canon EOS 20D with attached BGE2 and Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO fits without any problem in it - I could attach some bigger lens if a had some ;-) Addition you can put 5-6 Lenes in it and it have three additional bay for small parts. One bigger inside and two outside. I like the quick access port witch gives you only access to the cam. The strap system is good and comfortable but i have a normal backpack with better once. My left shoulder hurt a little after two hours in the zoo with a full load rucksack, maybe its my fault i load it unbalanced, but the straps could be a little wider. The kata 102 rucksack comes with a tripod attachment system. My manfrotto 055PROB is a little big for it. When the tripod is attach you have still access too the quick access port. But you didn´t want carry the full load rucksack with the attached 055PROB - its then a little bit uncomfortable. ---- Will fit the 20D attached with BGE2 and a big lens eg a 70-200 2.8 fit in the Mini Trekker ? I haven't see the Mini Trekker real but in his specs the inside deep is 13,5 cm and the 20D with BGE3 is 15 cm - that's why i go for the R-102. I have a backpack from Cullmann witch approximately have the same size as the Micro Trekker. THe Mini Trekker hasn´t much more deep - as i know he is only higher and maybe wider. The 20D+BGE2 fits in this bag too but you have to strain the backpack. The Kata R102 is an alternative to LowePro and other backpacks i say never its better and it has more place than the others. But he has a lot of place - for the photos i place only some lenses in the bag - the three extra cases i didn't fill with anything.
This is a very nice, low profile backpack. I just got it to replace my bulky, ugly looking mini-trekker. The minitrekker AW was a nice, big bag but i didn't like it. My only concern with this bag is with the 300mm f/2.8 AF ED i will be getting soon. I am not so sure about the fit in this bag, whereas i know the Lowepro would fit it. I somewhat regret selling the minitrekker, because if it doesn't fit then i have a problem. But it is a great bag if it fits what you want.
Sleek, good amount of room
Somewhat expensive
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