Senior Member Registered: January, 2008 Location: Salt Lake City UT Posts: 182 | | Review Date: January 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $19.95
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Excellent construction, Versatile, Lightweight | | Cons: | Tall and skinny profile makes for some unique challenges | |
Finding a bag for the Q was a unique challenge in that I wanted something that was decidedly small and lightweight, but offered room to grow and expand as my Q system did as well. Full size gadget bags seemed too big and cumbersome, as did a traditional photo backpacks and slingbags. Holster bags or small cases didnt off enough room for future growth (lenses, K-mount adapters). The Kata Hybrid 531 fits this need almost perfectly.
This bag is of typical Kata quality. The interior padding is as thick or thicker than any other bag I own. The bright yellow color of the interior - while possibly off-putting to some - makes locating small remotes and caps a breeze (and has become quite a Kata trademark). The D-rings are metal, and the clasps on the shoulder strap are also partially metal and spring loaded. The construction quality of this bag (aside from the hand strap) is top notch. Additionally Kata didnt skimp out on the extras - a rain cover and tripod straps are included, and the shoulder strap has a nice cushioned (and breathable) pad in the center of it (unfortunately the pad isnt movable along the length of the strap).
Versatility is the biggest reason I went with the Hybrid 531 bag. The hand strap contains a buckle on one end so that it can be connected to just one bag (half - about the size of a fanny pack) or both bags together. The should strap can be connected to any of the 4 D-rings also allowing it to be used with one bag or both together. The bags are connected through a velcro flap (attached to one bag) which slides through loops on the other bag and then velcros to itself on the bottom. Velcro patches on the sides also lend to the strength of the connection. When I first ordered this I thought that there was only the velcro on the bottom, and was worried about the bags staying "together" when used in that combination. That worry was quickly put to rest when the bags arrived. They velcro takes a significant force to separate (without being a pain) and I cant see a situation where these bags would accidentally become detached. Because of the versatility of this bag, I have my Q, 02 lens, batteries, memory cards, in one half (with room for my battery charger if needed) and if my shooting needs demand, I can add the K to Q adapter, and adapted lens or two in the other half. This bag also makes for excellent lens pouches.
The drawbacks to this bag arent so negative as much as they are awkward. Because the Q is such a small system, and because the individual halves of this bag are more tall and narrow, the components placed in the bag are often stacked on top of each other. There are attached dividers, and plenty of padding, but this means youll have to remove components to reach things at the bottom of each half of the bag. Its an inconvenience, but if you plan accordingly, its a minor one at worst.
This bag is easily an 8/9 out of 10, especially at the sale price. Finding another bag out there with all of the protection, flexibility, and added features for a better price is nearly impossible. But my enthusiasm for the bag is somewhat tied to the price. At the regular price ($50.00 more than I paid for it), there are better deals out there to be had.
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Veteran Member Registered: September, 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Posts: 12,285 | | Review Date: January 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $19.95
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Well made, lots of details, included rain cover and tripod straps | | Cons: | Decidedly odd size and configuration | |
I'm a tough sell on camera bags. I have had a dozen in the last 2 years and find most have something good and something bad about them. So, within that context here is my review of the Kata Hybrid-531 Dual Should Bag.
Incredibly well constructed. Tight seams everywhere. Zippers are smooth and good quality. The d-rings for attachment of shoulder straps (there are 4 - 2 main ones and 2 auxiliary ones for separating the 2 bags) are metal (nice touch) and securely attached. External pockets are neoprene and nearly the height of the bags themselves. Top handle is done so it can connect the two bags or be used as a top handle for one bag (the right side as you face the bag) by itself, the other bag has a smaller, less sturdy handle.
Interiors are bright yellow-orange making it easy to find things. Each lid has a velcro closure pocket that will handle small filters or SD cards. Inside each side there is a front pocket that about 2 inches high that folks flat when not in use but opens to allow batteries and other things not to slide around in the case. Each bag also has a flap inside (on the back wall) that also folds flat against the back wall or folds down to help cushion items top and bottom within the bag. Very nice details inside and each side is 10cmx10cm square and 17.5cm deep (3.9x3.9x6.9 inches). Padding is adequate. description indicates that they use a "TST Rib" that provides added structure and cushioning to each side.
Externally the bags are the same dimensions but have slightly different features because they are designed to go together but will work alone too. As mentioned the D rings are good and allow should use for the bags combined or separate. One has dual straps through which a belt may be run for wearing on your waist and the other has a paddle secured with velcro on the side and bottom of the case (also used to secure the two bags together). Both have the external neoprene pockets. Each has double loops on the external (non-adjoining) corners through which included straps pass to secure a tripod (across the bottom horizontally). The zippers are doubles with long pull cords with Kata beads at the ends.
Overall, an high quality product with lots of attention to detail and included components (strap with should pad, twin tripod straps,rain cover in its own bag with attachment clip). The size and shape is a bit odd but it was intended for bridge, MILC, and other smaller cameras. I'll try it with the K-01 but I think that long-term it will end up being a pair of lens cases.
December 2014 Update: I've had this bag for nearly 2 years now. I still use it for the K-01 with teh F35-70 lens attached. If I put the camera in with the handle side down it fits very nicely and allows the lower internal pocket to hold a battery or similar sized item in the space under the lens. I typically use it with just one side ((the side with the top clip handle for convenience) with the second side either serving as a storage case for lenses or added occasionally for a field trip that I need extra lenses for the K-01. It looks new after two years and is incredibly well made.
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