KATA PR-440 for D3/D3s

[Grig]

Hi there,

I was trying to find the perfect bag for my bulky setup and I guess I found it and wanto to share with folks who is searching... PR-440 shoulder bag fits my Trio - 14-24 and 70-200 VRII vertically in diagonal corners, SB900, 50G and D3s with 24-70 lens down (little diagonally) as well as another D3 body in a padded pocket!!! I have 2 huge front and one side pockets still available!!!

I didn't give it a real life test yet, but it looks very promising... I was shopping for LowePro D300 or D400 reporters bags but got this instead (very similar design).

Just my 2 cents to save some time for guys like me... ;o) I guess I spent too much time online trying to figure out what to get...

BTW: I have bunch of other bags as well and when active shooting - I use ether - ThinkTank belt system or DualStrap RS-DR1 from Black Rapid...

This bag will be used for heavy load vacations... ;o)))

--
Real photography - it's just the ability to see what was already created by God!
http://www.pbase.com/grig

 

[FalvinP2]

I plan on getting the new Nikon 70-200 zoom in the next few weeks. I currently have a D90 with the 18-200 zoom, an SB 900 flash, a Demb Big Flip It and diffuser, and a few cleaning accessories. Once I get that big lens, I'll need a bag to collect all the gear. I have a long term goal of obtaining a short f2.8 zoom. When looking at bags I want to plan for these needs into the future.

In reading these forums, I came across the Kata brand, which I had never heard of before, but became impressed with. One of the Kata bags I've considered is the Kata PR-440 (the other one is the WC-404/6).

Based on this background, could you tell me how this case has performed for you in the real world? Unlike you, I would be using the case to both transport gear and to use when shooting.

Can you explain what you mean when you say:

..... 70-200 VRII vertically in diagonal corners .....

The new 70-200 zoom measures 8.2 inches from the flange. The interior height of the bag measures 7.9 inches, according to the Kata web site. Is there any problem storing the lens in the vertical position? That's why I don't understand how you store the lens.

Does the bag come standard with the Gecko shoulder strap, which is typically an option? It doesn't say that on the web site. This strap is much nicer than other straps. It has a bunch of bumps on it.

Also, is there a handle to carry the case like you'd carry a briefcase or laptop bag? The web site indicates that you can "... tuck the bag under your arm using the detachable handle strap." Rather than tucking the bag under my arm, I would rather carry the bag in my hand, like a briefcase. Is this possible? It's hard to tell........

Lastly, based on what gear I plan to get in the future, do you think the PR-420 would fit my needs? I'm most concerned about how the 70-200 would be stored.

The problem with my search is that, although Kata seems like a very promising choice, it is a brand that is commonly not found in places like Best Buy etc. and the Oregon dealer doesn't have much in stock for me to match equipment to. I'd be obligated to paying for a special order that may not fit my specific needs. So all I can do is look for other's experiences or order it from a place with a good return policy.

Thank you for your observations.

 

[FalvinP2]

I didn't see an option to edit my earlier post. I just noticed a typo in my earlier post. The second model Kata bag I'm interested in is the WS-404/6, not WC.