Bag Decision Made ---> Kata H-14

[SoundsGood]

Okay, decision made. I'm going with the Kata H-14.

I wanted a "day bag"... something that would be big enough to hold a mounted 70-200 f/4 IS plus another lens, a flash (or a third lens) and accessories -- yet small enough to be comfortable. I did not want a huge bag capable of holding a ton of stuff, since this is all I care to carry around with me at one given time. I think the H-14 does the trick.

I'm also thinking about getting something to keep all my stuff in. Big enough to hold everything I have, with easy access for when I want to grab a particular lens or two to use for the day (which I'll put into the Kata H-14). I haven't decided on this big bag yet.

At some point I might get a backpack for travel, when I'm transporting my gear (but not actually accessing it). For this I like the Kata 103, since it will also hold my laptop.

Here are some pics of the Kata H-14 I found on a Korean (I think) site. Let me know what you guys think:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190/Sounds-Good/kata0.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190/Sounds-Good/kata2.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190/Sounds-Good/kata1.jpg


EDIT: Oh, and here's the link to the Kata site page:

http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=272&cid=30&perentId=4&ProdLine=4

[Ronald S. Jr.]

When I put a 30D or 5D in the main compartment, there's no way in hell that I'd fit a 70-200 of any kind in that side pocket. 100 macro or smaller. Well, I fit a 17-40 in there when I had a 50 1.4 on the camera in the main compartment, but with two large lenses, and a speedlite in the other pocket, the big ends of the bigger lenses prevent them from fitting.

Fantastic bag, though. Used one for about 2 years now.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Oh, and the shoulder cushion in that first picture is not the one that comes with it. You can see the real one (much more comfortable) on the Kata site. Also, even with the strap extended, the bag doesn't come nearly that low on my side. the top of the bag is at my waist. However, I think I'm a bit oddly proportioned. I have a longer midsection, I believe. You'll see how it fits..should be fine.

[TeamSpeed]

After reading up on this, this appears to be exactly the bag I need for our trip to Disneyworld. I have a shoulder bag now, and don't want to lug it around a park. Found a Vermont ebay store selling them for $79 shipped priority, they have one left.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=002&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=120070366802&rd=1&rd=1

[Ronald S. Jr.]

er...but they're that much at B&H. :|

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=368033&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[TeamSpeed]

er...but they're that much at B&H. :|

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=368033&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

No, $5 more for shipping from B&H to my house ($84.xx)... $5 buys a combo meal, which I just finished! ;)

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I know, but if it were down to "someone on ebay" and B&H, I'd most definitely spend $5 at B&H to get it from them. They ship the same day, and have amazing customer service. Try that with ebay. Everything's a drawn out hassle. ;-)

Either way, the bag is great.

[TeamSpeed]

I know, but if it were down to "someone on ebay" and B&H, I'd most definitely spend $5 at B&H to get it from them. They ship the same day, and have amazing customer service. Try that with ebay. Everything's a drawn out hassle. ;-)

Either way, the bag is great.

Typically yes, but our trip isn't for over one month, and I will have this within a week, so it is fine. Quick question. I have the following items I believe I will want to take with me into the park, will it all fit in this bag:

700-20mm
10-22mm
17-55mm
30D w/grip
2 extra BP511
lens cleaning/mf cloth

maybe my Epson P-4000, but I may just bring two cards and then dump them back at the hotel each evening.

I don't believe I will need a flash, as when it gets into the evening, I most likely will only be getting shots of the castle/fireworks/parade with a tripod and the 17/55 and long exposure.

When at the beach, I will bring the Bigma in its own case, so I will have to carry both. (can't wait to use the 10/22 along the coast!)

[SoundsGood]

When I put a 30D or 5D in the main compartment, there's no way in hell that I'd fit a 70-200 of any kind in that side pocket.
Wait... are you saying that a 70-200 f/4 will NOT fit in the side pocket if a 30D with 17-55 lens is in the middle compartment?

This is very important, since it's the whole reason I'm buying this bag (or NOT buying this bag, depending on the answer!).

[Ronald S. Jr.]

It probably will, as long as there's nothing, or something small, in the other side pocket. If you have a 580 in the other side pocket, there's a fair chance the 70-200 won't fit. See, what's in the side pocket can kinda "borrow" space from the side pocket when there's less in there.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Typically yes, but our trip isn't for over one month, and I will have this within a week, so it is fine. Quick question. I have the following items I believe I will want to take with me into the park, will it all fit in this bag:

700-20mm
10-22mm
17-55mm
30D w/grip
2 extra BP511
lens cleaning/mf cloth

maybe my Epson P-4000, but I may just bring two cards and then dump them back at the hotel each evening.

I don't believe I will need a flash, as when it gets into the evening, I most likely will only be getting shots of the castle/fireworks/parade with a tripod and the 17/55 and long exposure.

When at the beach, I will bring the Bigma in its own case, so I will have to carry both. (can't wait to use the 10/22 along the coast!)


I just can't see all of that fitting. That's a lot for such a small bag.

I'll tell you (both) the max of what I've fit in there. The 30D with a 70-200 2.8 IS is a pretty tight fit, but it works. Cameras with grips just don't fit. I did fit a 1DMkIIN with a 50 1.4 in by putting in with the camera back against me (if you get that) because the lens is small. However, here's the max I've been able to fit:

30D (no grip) w/ 70-200 2.8L IS in center
24-70L with no hood, completely squeezed in one side pocket, ready to burst (has strong zippers, though!)
I tried fitting my 580 in the other pocket, but it was so tight, I was afraid the pressure might crack the infrared module on the front of the flash. A 420/430 might fit fine, though.
There's a small pocket in front of, yet still in, the center pocket. It's rather deep, but not deep front to back. I can usually shove a few batteries in there.

That's about it!

So, your camera without grip, 17-55 and 10-22 would fit fine, along with the batteries and cleaning gear. If you put the 70-200 on, though, just one of the lenses would fit. I just can't see that 10-22 ever fitting with the others, as it has that wide lip on the front like a lot of sigma lenses do. Just doesn't jive.

No chance on the Epson. That's pretty much out of the question no matter what's in there, as long as there's a camera in there.

[SoundsGood]

It probably will, as long as there's nothing, or something small, in the other side pocket. If you have a 580 in the other side pocket, there's a fair chance the 70-200 won't fit. See, what's in the side pocket can kinda "borrow" space from the side pocket when there's less in there.
Hmmm... I was about to order this bag, but now I've gotta think about it.

[SuzyView]

Ronald is right. I have looked at all those bags and that's why I opted to get the Velocity 9. It fits all that gear described without really any trouble, including the grip on the 20D on the camera, 24-70 with hood reversed and both sides can fit a long zoom. The mid section on the bottom could probably fit the speedlite or another smaller lens. The Kata won't fit the 24-70 and the 70-200 in the side pocket. It's just too tight.

[SoundsGood]

That's it. I quit.

[SuzyView]

I think the amount of gear some of us have we need 3-4 bags to reconfigure at any given event. I know Jon has a variety of Domke bags and really takes as much gear as he can carry. I have watched him with wonder. He knows exactly what's in his bags. If you want the bare essentials, then the Kata bag is great. you can fit the camera with one shorter lens and the longer lens on the side and maybe the speedlite. The Kata bag is terrific. I love those bags and have friends that use them exclusively. I just find I like the Domke bags and Lowepro and Tamrac bags because they happen to do what I need them to do. If I was looking for a bag now, which I am not because I have 5 now, I would look at the bags.com website (I think that's the one) and see what configuration you need. That' how I decided to get the Velocity 9 bag. It's really what I use most of the time.

[joegolf68]

I like the look of it.

[BBrat]

i was pondering this bag as a day bag but maybe i wont work, i have a grip for my 30d and i think it would be real snug?

[Ronald S. Jr.]

This is were Doc Klepper's H-14 mod comes in handy. rklepper is the username. Cross search him and H-14 and you'll find it. No, cameras with grips don't fit in this bag.

[TeamSpeed]

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=1901519&postcount=3
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=1901529&postcount=4

[Dorman]

Guess it's not really made...

[SoundsGood]

This is were Doc Klepper's H-14 mod comes in handy. rklepper is the username. Cross search him and H-14 and you'll find it. No, cameras with grips don't fit in this bag.
Well, I don't need any grip mods myself, since I don't have a grip.

But I do need to fit a 30D, 70-200 f/4 and 17-55 lenses, and maybe an external flash.

This means either the 30D & 70-200 f/4 in the middle with the 17-55 in the side pocket -- OR -- the 30D & 17-55 in the middle with the 70-200 f/4 in the side pocket. And in either case, a 430EX flash would maybe go in the other side pocket.

I could have sworn you said this would all fit into the H-14 in another thread. What changed your mind? ;)

[Ronald S. Jr.]

The two lenses and camera will fit. MAYBE the flash will. That's the part I can't guarantee. I've never seen a 70-200 f/4 in person, so I can't say for sure.

I just know I can fit a 30D with a 24-70L and hood in shooting position, 100 macro on one side, and 580 on the other. If your items are smaller than all that, they'll fit!

[SoundsGood]

The two lenses and camera will fit. MAYBE the flash will. That's the part I can't guarantee. I've never seen a 70-200 f/4 in person, so I can't say for sure.
Hmmm... I might have to re-think this purchase. I still like the bag, and may even pick it up at some point, but probably not right now.

Anyway, thanks for your help.

[TeamSpeed]

Hmmm... I might have to re-think this purchase. I still like the bag, and may even pick it up at some point, but probably not right now.

Anyway, thanks for your help.

I ordered it and will be trying to run it through its paces. My wife has agreed to the mod, so that I can get the 30D with grip into the case. I will try the different lenses I have in this bag to see what combos fit. I will also try to prematurely stretch the bag. Some of the reviews show that the bag loosens up with age, allowing a little more flexibility in lens storage.

Sigma 70/200 DG Macro
Canon 70/200 IS
Canon 17-55 IS
Canon 10-22
Sigma flash

I will try to report back.

[SoundsGood]

I will try to report back.
Please shoot me a PM when you get the bag. I'm very interested in your findings.

Thanks... and good luck! :)

[Pinto]

I have the 75AW that everyone seems to be so enamored with. While it's certainly a descent bag, I don't understand why it isn't made square to accommodate more gear on the sides of the main compartment. This bag seems to be more practical.

[TeamSpeed]

I'll find out. I have the Canon DG bag, and it holds quite a bit, but is not the bag to carrying around a theme park. I just need a bag to hold 2-3 lenses for that day, or at least to swap out of the DG bag back at the car from time to time. We may also take a stroller for our 3yr old, this way I have a place for the tripod.

[Mark_Cohran]

I have the Kata SB-904. Great bag. Holds a ton of stuff. I use it when I need to carry two bodies and several lenses in the field.

Mark

[SoundsGood]

I just ordered the Kata R-103 backpack.

Part of my "perfect bag ensemble" is now complete. ;)

[mikechong]

No, cameras with grips don't fit in this bag.

A 350D with grip will fit. The 30D with grip probably wouldn't though, but I don't have one to try.

I've had this bag a while. Travelled recently to the US and China with a 350D, 17-55, 10-22 AND a 70-200f4L in this bag. The 70-200 was in a side pocket, the 10-22 was at the bottom of the main compartment along with the 350D with 17-55 mounted (hood reversed). The supplied divider separated the 10-22 from the 17-55. I didn't bring the hoods for the 10-22 and 70-200 though.

[SoundsGood]

The 70-200 was in a side pocket, the 10-22 was at the bottom of the main compartment along with the 350D with 17-55 mounted (hood reversed).
Would the above all fit if the 70-200 was attached to the camera in the main compartment?

[TeamSpeed]

I think I have seen where you can put these smaller-ish lenses in the side pockets, if you do indeed keep the longer lens attached to the camera. Of course this means that it will be pretty cumbersome to take off your small lens, swap out to the large lens that was sitting in the middle of the bag, just to put everything away each time, so that you guarantee having the room for all 3 lenses. In an ideal world, all 3 compartments could be used for any combination of these 3 lenses, and it sounds like it might be tough. I should have the bag here in a day or so and will try my ghetto version of the holy trinity in this bag (70-200mm sigma dg macro or canon IS, 17-55, and 10-22).

[SoundsGood]

Well, I guess I'll find out soon...

I just ordered the H-14. :)

[Dorman]

Well, I guess I'll find out soon...

I just ordered the H-14. :)

What happened to the 7MDH? ;)

[SoundsGood]

What happened to the 7MDH? ;)
Ehhh... Crumpler, Schmumpler. ;)

Just kidding. I actually still might get the 7 MDH. I realized I could probably make use of the Crumpler and the Kata H-14 (which should be here in a day or two).

BTW, the Kata 103 backpack arrived today. I haven't had a chance to even take it out of the plastic yet, but it looks HUGE. I'm not sure if I'll be keeping it.

[TeamSpeed]

Okay, got the bag, if only Kata would add about 3/4" to each pocket going outwards, made the bag about 1 inch bigger front to back in the main section, and finally add about 1 inch in depth, it would be perfect. Basically add 1 inch across, 1 inch deep, and maybe 1 inch out the sides in each picket...

However, that being said, I am able to get the 30D w/grip, 17-55, 10-22, 70-200 2.8 IS, and a Kenko 1.4x TC in the bag, along with a few misc. small items.

It is a very tight fit, but it all closes up, except the front latch won't lock. Not really handy if you wanted a bag where you could quickly pull out equipment and put it back, however, if you plan on sitting on a bench to move equipment around, it will work.

I tried two configurations and got them both to work:

1) 70-200 on camera in middle, 17-55 on one side, TC and 10-22 on the other
2) 17-55 on camera in middle, 70-200 on side, TC and 10-22 on the other

#2 looks lopsided, but it works, and the camera settles into the bag a little farther.

[SoundsGood]

My Kata bags arrived as well. I got a Kata H-14 shoulder/holster bag and a Kata R-103 backpack. Awesome bags... very well constructed ("built like a tank" as they say). Unfortunately, I don't think either bag will work for me.

The 103 is an amazing camera backpack, but it's bigger than I had expected it to be. I don't think I'd use it very often.

The H-14 is a very clever design, and a good looking bag. If it works for your particular set-up, I highly recommend it. In my case, however, I'm just not as comfortable with it as I had hoped to be.

Unless I change my mind about the H-14, I'll be sending both items back to Amazon. I'll lose a bit of money on shipping charges, but at least I now know for sure that these bags won't work, rather than just wondering about them.

I placed an order this morning for a Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Home. I'll use this for my "larger" bag. For my "smaller" bag, I'll either get a Domke F-3x or a Crumpler 5 or 6 Million Dollar Home. (If anyone has any input on these, please lemme know.)

Once I have the smaller bag, I should be done with my bag quest. Well, for a while, anyway! ;)

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Pft...picky people. :rolleyes: :lol: Out of curiosity, what made you uncomfortable with the H-14?

[SoundsGood]

Pft...picky people. :rolleyes: :lol:
Yeah, I am pretty picky! :lol:

Out of curiosity, what made you uncomfortable with the H-14?
Well... for one thing, the side pockets are just a tad too small/tight for my liking. A smidge more room would be nice. Also, the cover flap is pretty stiff... not quite as pliable as I'd like. Another thing is that the clasp that closes the cover flap is a bit tough to open & close with one hand. I would prefer if velcro was used instead of (or in addition to) the clasp. I thought about adding my own velcro, but can't find a good place to put it.

Even with the above concerns, I still like this bag -- I just don't LOVE it. So the picky part of me isn't satisfied. But... I'm sure that a less picky person would love this bag! ;)

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I'm quite glad that the cover is so stiff. It's supposed to be that way..makes sense. It makes a sort of "body armor" to protect that rather sensitive backside on your body (no pun intended). As for the clasp, if you don't put a lens that's too big in it, it should be easy to close the flap. While hanging at my side, I just grab the bit of the flap that hangs in front of the clasp and pull down. *SNAP* Always seemed extra easy to me.

I love the Kata H-14. It's as close to perfect as I've yet seen.

[SoundsGood]

Yeah, it's a toughie. I do like the bag.

If those side pockets had a bit more room I could deal with the other concerns. But.......

[TeamSpeed]

I do wish that the front latch was on an adjustable strap. I can get the zippers closed, but the latch won't meet up. Great bag though, and I expect everything to loosen up over time. I have put my 3 most used lenses and camera/grip in here, and I hope this will replace my Canon bag as my get up and go bag to work and to quick country trips. Like I said though, everything is very tight, I might have to relinquish a lens like the 10-22 to an aux. bag. 17-55 and 70-200 w/TC should cover most of what I want, and the flash fits nicely in this case.

[SoundsGood]

Like I said though, everything is very tight, I might have to lose a lens like the 10-22. 17-55 and 70-200 w/TC should cover most of what I want.
I felt it was pretty tight with the XT, Tamron 28-75, 70-200 f/4 IS, the little Kenko 1.4x TC, and the bunched up rain cover.

[TeamSpeed]

I felt it was pretty tight with the XT, Tamron 28-75, 70-200 f/4 IS, the little Kenko 1.4x TC, and the bunched up rain cover.

Heh, got that beat, so you can imagine how much air isn't in the bag with my 3 lenses, 30D w/grip and strap, and 1.4x. I took the 10-22 out and the flash fits nicely in the side with no resistance in zipping up. I almost wonder if there is a way to add a 2nd smaller zip up bag and have my wife design it to the front the Kata with secured straps and velcro. I think just a small black oval design would hold the lens and TC, freeing up the insides of the bag a bit. If we get anything to work on this, I will report back.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I'm just the opposite. I don't zip the zippers; I just snap the buckle. Just try grabbing that extra bit in front of it and pulling down. Should line up nicely. If it's a tight fit (like with the 70-200L IS), I'll push on the top, too, since it is such a solid "shell".

A 580 is a perfect fit in a side pocket.