Kata KT D-3N1-10 Sling/Backpack (Black)

The Kata 3-in-1 model 10 replaces the Lowepro Slingshot 100 that that got handed off to my daughter. (OK, I admit to being a camera backpack junkie.) Kata's configuration assumes you'll insert the camera & lens ito the bottom section, through one of the handy side flaps. A spare lens or two would fit into the spaces left in the middle section and you could put other stuff (or your lunch) in the top section. That would be OK for Canon Rebels, Nikon D40/D60 etc. But I have a Canon 5D a mid-sized SLR. With a wide-angle lens and a moderate telephoto the interior configuration as shipped is a bit of a squeeze. The Kata comes in three versions. The Model 10 is about one inch smaller all around that the model 20, and I probably should have purchased the Model 20.

It's possible to reconfigure the interior, use the top section for a mid-sized SLR and put lenses and other accessories in the middle section. That makes it a bit harder to access the camera when you use it as a slingpack, but a whole lot easier to get at the lenses. And you just have to carry your lunch someplace else ;-)

Reconfiguring the interior is easy enough, but it's not quite as flexible as the interior of some larger Kata models, or as flexible as the Lowepro "Slingshot" models. So consider the Kata 3-in-1 Model 20 if you have a medium-sized SLR.

The construction quality and comfort are strong suits. I used the Kata for long hikes on two successive days and it was very comfortable -more so than the Lowepro Slingshot. It's built very well, with heavy duty zippers and snap closures and excellent padded straps. The interior padding is excellent and there are some small zippered pockets for small items. It comes with a nylon rain cover that fits into its own bag and that worked well one day when the snow turned to rain in Boston.

The design allows you to use it as a backpack or sling pack and switch modes easily. It was easy enough to get access to the gear by setting it up as a regular backpack and them releasing one of ths backpack straps and pulling it around my side to get into it, and it's designed specifically to be used that way if you prefer.

So: Excellent build quality; very comfortable on a hike or just around town; good design for a small SLR & accessories; not quite so good for a Nikin D80/90/300/ or Canon 20/30/40/50/5D. But look at the Kata 3-in-1 Model 20 for those cameras.

Great bag. Well constructed with a quality feel to it. Feels like it is really protective for my gear very strong, semi-rigid material. Compact size, but still fits in my D90, 18-105mm, 50mm, Lensbaby 3G, SB600 flash and spare batteries. Nice quick access panel on either side too. Lots of cool touches. Best of all for me.... no velcro fasteners, just zippers or clasps, perfect!

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I wanted a camera bag that is bigger than a Lowepro Slingbag 100 and smaller than the Slingbag 200. And, I was looking for a slingbag that could convert to a backpack. The Kata D-3N1-10 is just that. This is a well made comera bag. It can hold an Olympus E-3, 50-200mm and 11-22mm lens. The fit is a little tight, but I like it for travel.

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I bought my first DSLR and lenses with it. Since I transitioned from SLR like point and shoot camera to DSLR I was not used to huge backpack cases and I never imagined myself getting one of those professional DSLR cases because they look so bulky and inconvenient to carry. So I bought USA Gear compact bag that can carry two lenses and a DSLR. However, I quickly realized that this bag though looked compact in the picture was not exactly that compact. What I mean is if I consider its volume it was bulky enough in a way. Plus the amount of protection it provided was not enough for my expensive DSLR and lenses. Above all I realized that I needed to pack a little more stuff in my bag and this bag was (contrary to my original statement :) ) turning out to be not big enough to carry it all. In short, I was looking for a "Sweet Spot" for a compact enough bag that is easy to carry and gave me confidence to carry my equipment securely. After fair amount of research, I settled on Kata 3N1-10.

Things you should consider 3N1-10 for:

-If you want to carry a compact DSLR along with maximum two lenses (in addition to a lens attached to camera) and accessories in order to not make it too bulky.

-Great quality, durable construction.

-Very versatile as it can be used as a backpack, sling on either arms (works for both left and right handed person).

-This bag when carried like a sling can be brought forward easily to quickly remove the camera and take that important shot. Interestingly in that position it even provides you enough support to rest your elbow on something while supporting your camera lens!

-Comes with water proof cover for a rare downpour, if you experience any.

-This bag has a strap to tie along your waist. This is really useful when you are out walking for longer durations as it distributes the weight uniformly on your body.

-The form factor (shape & size) is really unique and makes it look slimmer and practically manageable. Does not feel bulky at all on you.

-Has convenient pockets very cleverly located to hide your lens covers and other small accessories that you may want to have access to every now and then while you are on the go.

-Has right sized padded pockets where your SD cards "snug-fit" in a secure manner.

-Bag has enough cushion material that makes me feel confident about protection it provides to anything I carry in it.

-Has Velcro based cushy pads inside that are movable and adjustable anyway you want. So main compartment of your bag can be divided into the sections you want making it very flexible to organize your content. This way you are not limited to carry items the way bag wants you to carry them.

-Comes with lifetime warranty (for lifetime warranty you have to register it on their website. registration converts their default limited warranty to lifetime warranty).

You may not want to consider 3N1-10 if:

-You are looking for truly sub-compact bag to carry just your DSLR with one lens attached to it.

-You want to carry your DSLR+laptop OR DSLR w/ lens + 3 more lenses OR DSLR with 2 lenses + tripod. This bag does not have ability to carry tripod. That is a feature available in 3N1-20 and 3N1-30. Its not big enough to house your laptop OR your third extra lens.

To give you an idea about its capacity, let me tell you what's in my bag. I carry following very comfortably with some room left to carry one more compact lens and a few accessories:

-D3100 + 18-200 mm lens (w/ 72 mm filter on top) attached to camera.

-Extra 35 mm DX lens and its 55 mm filter.

-Both filter cases.

-Extra Nikon battery and a charger.

-Two SD Cards both with their cases.

-One lens pen and Large size blower.

~Cybersimba

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I have to say, this back pack looks amazing. It looks like a prop from a futuristic movie. Great style, very comfortable and did I mention it looks good? There is plenty of padding so if you drop your bag, your gear should be safe. Can be easily pulled around front to grab your camera. I have in this bag: Samsung HD camcorder and two batteries plus charger. Two lenses for my D60 and the body itself. 4 secure digital cards, 3 batteries for the D60 and its charger and cleaning supplies. And this is the small version of the bag. You can also choose to order a larger one. Do your self a favor and get this bag..