Saturday, January 5, 2013

KATA DR-467 Backpack Review


KATA DR-467 Backpack Review

Just received my KATA DR-467 Backpack from Amazon. It took an amazing 2 days (FREE shipping).  This was the fastest Amazon has shipped a purchase to Hawaii via FREE shipping.

Purchased this backpack after reading the review on DPR: http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0793192701/accessory-review-kata-digital-rucksack-467-dl

DPR review image

Not a big user of Backpacks (already own one, also have a Lowepro Slingshot 200) but because of a upcoming photo shoot in Japan (and possible trip into China), shoot around the city streets , as well as the flight over …  thought I would give it a try. Big Fan of KATA Bags.  Own a huge carry almost everything/survive anything  KATA MC-61  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000A2S7VC/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=8059947067&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=513610149217883812&hvpone=149.99&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_5f7mufcp00_b

At first glance it was not what I was expecting from a KATA bag, “It’s Light weight”  , probably a good thing. Not what I was used to in a KATA.  The giveaway should have been D-Lite series, “duh”.   And probably a good thing for  in-flight.  But now I cannot do my usual throw down to the ground of my bag. :)

So as soon as I got it, had to see how much of “my” gear it would hold. :)

·        1)   It “just barely” holds my 17.3” ASUS N71JQ-AI    i7 720qm,  and I am talking “Just” at  42.0 x 28.4 x 3.70~4.10 cm (W x D x H) … had to take out this small pad that was at the bottom of the laptop slot.  It does fit.  But puts some stress on the zipper.  Something that it will probably survive.

·         2)  In the TOP section it surprising fit perfectly a D800 with the Nikor 70-200mm f2.8 VRII on it. Talking really nice.    And if I wanted to, could still put some zip locked snacks in that section. Or change of clothing.

·        3)   In the Bottom drop out section, on the middle / back (stock set up) section ,  I just dropped in my D800 with the 24-70 f2.8 mounted and it Fit !  Wow.
·         The crazy thing is I could “also” put my four(4) sb900 Nikon flashes in the bottom section as well.  But, what I will probably do most of the time is only have two(2) sb900, and use the rest of the sections for my RadioPopper triggers and gear.

·        4)   There is two zippered pockets in the middle / front of the bag, it’s the smallest of the pockets , but it could still fit my Samsung Galaxy S III  in it , and the other small section - all of it’s acc./charger.  I am starting to like this bag …

·         5)  There are two more zippered pockets above, that is larger.  am sure to find something for those

·         6) There is a section on  the side with strap for a Tripod.  I was able to put a combo of a rather large Joby GP8-BHEN GorillaPod Focus with Ballhead X   http://www.amazon.com/Joby-GP8-BHEN-GorillaPod-Ballhead-bundle/dp/B003II3FD0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357375243&sr=8-1&keywords=joby+gorillapod+focus  , AND my monopod.   A small Tripod will also fit , my old heavy  3001BPRO could be carried there.  *  The other side is good for a water bottle.


BOTTOM LINE:  This KATA DR-467  is Cheap,  Large enough for a 17.3"  ASUS laptop, D800 with mounted 70-200mm f2.8 VR II, D800 with mounted 24-70 f2.8, four (4) sb900 , Samsung Galaxy S III , and monopod / large GorillaPod Focus. And a change of clothing.
The Light (D-Lite) thing is growing on me.   And because it is light , I might actually use it more. :)

Hope this helps someone,

Ross Hamamura
The Tourist of Light

2 comments:

Jean said...

Hi Ross, I was curious how much room you have left in the bottom section if you put your D800 with the 24-70mm on in there. Do you think you could squeeze another lens in there?

Ross Hamamura said...

Jean,

I have put a D800+70-200mm f2.8 VRII mounted in the main section (it just fits going Horizontal.

another D800 in the bottom section, and a 24-70mm f2.8 , and two sb900. but, that is pushing it (stuffed) on a lightly padded bag. * You cannot drop this kind of set up to a airport marble floor. The bottom of this bag is not well padded.
This set up is basically like having a organized nylon back pack with little padding. But, it does work :)