What bag?

Nanthiel · 03-04-2009, 03:44 PM

Heys, I've had the K20D for some time now, but I'm bagless. In fact I do have a bag, but it's pretty much useless (link). It doesn't even have a freaking strap!

Anyway, the nearest camera shop has mostly only Kata gear, and I don't think that's a problem. I've been looking at a few smaller shoulder-bag models. But now I think I might go for something like the DB-455, as I don't think I need more protection than it offers, and it can be used for other stuff too, like a normal bag. (I am planning to even get a laptop in the future) The other bag I was checking out was Kata's 3N1-20 (sling bag).

So far I'm leaning towards the DB-455 (link), because it has more uses other than just a pure photo bag. And when I'd go anywhere, I wouldn't need to bring the photo bag AND another bag for other stuff, like something to drink and a sandwich. Also, it's cheaper than a 3N1-20.

So, what do you guys think? Does anyone have experience with the DB-455? Or do you have any other recommendations that are better than any of my findings?

Thanks,

Nanthiel

*Ratmagiclady* · 03-04-2009, 09:34 PM

Hrm, seems no one yet has an opinion on those, but that laptop-capable one looks OK for a small kit and a few sundries, at least, and a laptop, if you get one (best make sure you can get a laptop you would like that will actually fit, there) But other than that, there's nothing wrong with a bag like that if you aren't carrying a lot of gear. Hard to go wrong with a bag that shape. I'd say, if you like it, there you go.

I've never had a sling bag, but from what people say, those seem to be a love-it-or-hate-it proposition, and they seem to be fussier in general about what they'll hold conveniently. If you're buying in person, in general, bring some stuff to try putting in there and go with what you like.

oatman911 · 03-04-2009, 10:16 PM

I just got the Kata DR-467 and love it. I wanted one bag to travel with that can carry my laptop and camera and some extras. The labtop portion is plenty big, the camera holding area has room for the camera+lens, and four additonal lenses (or less and put in flash, filters, etc...). Then there's teh upper storage compartment. Holds everyting else, papers, books, food.

And the whole bag feels smaller then the book backpack I'm used to carrying around. I checked a ton of bags, and couldn't be happier then this one--if you want to do a laptop/camera in a bag taht's light, comfortable, has plenty of room but doesn't take up much space, this is it (god, I sound like a sales pitch, sorry, I'm just really happy with my bag).

Oh, and its 79.95--alghotugh Adorama and B&H are running a mail in refund or at least were last week for $10.

Oren

soccerjoe5 · 03-04-2009, 10:57 PM

I liked that bag (Kata DR467). Great value! You can even strap on a tripod if you're creative with the straps on the outer portion. I would take all my gear and tripod to the mountains before.

Nanthiel · 03-05-2009, 02:23 PM

I'm not looking for a backpack though, sadly. I'd much prefer something worn on a shoulder.

I've been looking at the H-14 or H-16 Kata models now, too... they seem very interesting.

I'm either going for one of the H's or one of the two DB's (the one I posted or the same model, but a little smaller - no laptop compartment).

I really need help deciding on this. =(

*HermanLee* · 03-05-2009, 03:00 PM

Hi Nanthiel,
Your choice DB-455 looks pretty nice. It can be used as messenger/laptop/camera bag.

The question is, what are your gears?
Do you want to carry them all at once or just one at a time?

Are you sure you want to carry laptop and camera with big lens at the same time?
Unless you have a very strong shoulder, that setup might hurt you in the long run.

For me when I travel light with just a body plus one short zoom or 2 primes, I use Lowepro Rezo 160. A very nice small bag. Highly recommended.

For medium size, for ex: 1 body + 1 lens FA* 80-200/2.8 and flash OR 2 body with 6 primes/flash, I'll use my Tamrac. I forget the model but it looks like this one: Tamrac - Model 608

But, last time I used Tamrac carrying the big zoom plus body is really hurting since I got only support on one side of shoulder while walking around for almost 3 hours.
So, I just recently purchased Kata 3N1-30 to carry my most gears.
Yes this bag is bigger but not too much.
I tried it in the store and like it. It gives so much support & weight distribution to your both shoulder and waist.

So back to your need.
If you're not planning to carry more than a 16-50/2.8 lens + body + flash.
I think you've made good choice with that DB-455.
Consider this weight:
- laptop 15 inch approx 6-7 lbs
- body K20D approx 1.76 lbs
- zoom DA 16-50/2.8 approx. 1.24 lb
- Flash 540 no battery approx 0.8 lb
TOTAL approx 10lb (no battery yet)

Nanthiel · 03-05-2009, 04:08 PM

Heys, yes I was thinking of the kit you mentioned.
K20D, an around 16-50 zoom (I only have the kit lens now, thinking of getting the Tamron 17-50 2.8), also thinking of a Metz 58 (cheaper than 540 here, and it seems better?). Although I might just buy limiteds instead of a 2.8 zoom. A lot smaller, and I think the DB-455 compartments are perfect for those small lenses.
So far I don't even have a laptop, but probably sometime in the future. Now I just think the little extra space would be great for some school books or something (going to uni at the end of this year).

So I guess the DB-455 it is? And there's always time to go "hardcore" in 10 years. =P