Review on Kata DR 465 and Kata DR 467 Digital Ruck

Hullo

I live in Melbourne, Australia My photographic equipment are:

a Nikon D80, 60mm lens, 18-200mm, 12-24 mm' Cokin P system and filters, Battery/battery charger

still to purchase a speedlight.

I have done my research and know that my equipment, if wanting to carrying the lot will fit into either of these bags.

The problem I have is these Kata Digital Rucksack Backpacks have as yet not arrived in Australia - in fact they are generally not available here.

I do not have a lap top computer- nor will I purchase one in the future - I thought the extra space in the DR 467 bag will provide me with an opportunity to carrying my manual and my Lantern book on the D80.

Having said this, I need advice whether the DR 467 may be too big overall. I am a women of 60 and don't wish for anything too bulky and awkard. Maybe the DR 465 would be better ?

My other dilemma is I am unable to purchase or check out either bag in Australia - I have to rely on the photos I see via the net. If anybody has one or examined the bags if they could give me their honest review. Prior coming across the Kata Rucksack Backpacks - I thought of going for the Lowepro Rover AW 11 as I need a bag to carry personal stuff other than my equipment. I find the Lowepro very expensive and not that versatile. On paper the Kata mentioned above would meet my needs.

The outlet where they are seemingly offering the bags at a competitive prices is from Photocraft.com in Fairfax VA, USA. Does anyone know of their service?

This is a question for other Australians - would there be a duty to be paid for this item? I have ordered books from Amazon and small things from Photopro (USA) and as yet not have had to pay duty?

Another thing, I will be touring India in December - Will there be any problem taking any of these Bags into the cabin of the plane?

Looking forward to hearing from you all

Sue

Hi
I'm also interested in the Kata 467 for an upcoming trip into Europe. Did you finish up with the 465 or 467?

I was really hoping that somebody would speak up about the Kata bags. I've seen them advertised, but have no first hand knowledge of them at all. They look very well made. I'd be interested to know if creativepro made a decision and what they came up with.

Hello people,

today i purchased the Digital Rucksack DR-467 for my Dell laptop and SLR camera. It's a really nice bag for real (check also www.kata-bags.com). 5 year (!) Warranty, extremely light but very strong (1.4kg/ 3.14 lbs). It's an Israeli company, the bags are developed by soldiers who didn't find the right bags when on duty (thats what they store told me).

Adress KATA Bags:
Development and Production
PO-Box 45078 Jerusalem, Israel 91450
Tel. +972-5911000
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

It's a way better bag then Lowepro offers with the Computrack bags. The camera compartiment does not go out so far, so your stuff will stay inside the bag. It also is very light, fully black, has reflective zipper cords, enough bagspace (small bags for your films and stuff), an opening for your headphone, protecting cover during rain, a foldable drinking bag which you can hide behind a zipper, a carrying grip, 2 vertical front zippers who are covered with plastic when fully closed (against accidentally opening i presume) and a very nice laptop compartiment at the back. The inside is yellow, which make it easy to see whats inside your bag with low light. Oh, and its not very clear from a distance that the bag contains photographic equipment (it does not draw attention too much, which will be good right?

Well, i don't know what to write more now...if you want information or pics, just email me ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or give a call at +31-6-20579405. Thats it for now

Greetings,

ARCUS1200

Hello -- I heartily recommend PhotoCraft (or ePhotoCraft) of Fairfax Virginia. I have done business with their brick and mortar store and they are outstanding. B&H in New York also is a quality vendor that sells Kata bags competitively priced.

I just purchased the samller of the two bags .. actually by mistake. Im sending it back tomorrow, and the larger 467 is being cross shipped to me.

I actually looked at a lot of reviews, a lot of photos, and wanted a bag for both my new 17" Macbook Pro, as well as my Nikon D700 /w Grip, and 24-70mm 2.8, SB900 Flash, and all the little accesories I might need along a photo adventure.

Upon opening the box, .. well here, its under the .. table .. oof... lemme, .. ok..

So, this is a NICE looking bag. Actually feels, and looks a lot better designed, and sturdy than in online photos, and has a military look to it. The back padding is awesome, and its surprisingly compact!

I liked this one so much that I actually considered keeping it, but then i just really needed that little bit of extra space, and for sure the laptop compartment. It really is a great pack, and its really weather tight. Id take this bag out in the rain, even without its included yellow rain cover and not sweat it too much.

I can see this backpack fitting easily on a 60+ year old vet photographers back with ease. It looks small compared to other packs Ive seen, and form fits to your body pretty well. Im 6' 185 lbs, and it looks a tad small to me on my back though.

The lens compartment pads would be useless for my large DSLR setup, but after removing them, my griped Nikon with lens and hood attached, plopped right inside. Im pretty sure I could cram a 50mm 1.8 in there as well, but the top compartment is pretty large, so pleanty of space for a flash, extra lens, and other goodies including lunch.

I think for your setup, it would work perfectly.
Keeping the 60mm on the camera, it wil drop in nicely, and still allow you to use a spacer to fit the 200mm. The top compartment can easily hold the rest of your gear, and then some.

If you plan on holding a laptop this is not the bag to buy as there is no slot for one, and no space.

I have a feeling that the larger 467 is going to look just about right on me, and give me that extra room I need, and I cannot wait to get it.

Wow I typed too fast, and now look illiterate.
Can someone say spell check?

this is a old topic
but nice bag tho

Because some people requested pictures and or vids by email (check my previous post in this topic) i made a fast youtube video which can be watched here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhVlSBzLCjU

On youtube i also found another user that made a review which i link as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iux6J15a_QI&NR=1

Greetz,

ARCUS