Exclusive First Look: Kata 3N1-20 Sling for Photographers

Join me as I take an exclusive first look at the newest photography bag in the Kata Digital Photo Series, the 3N1-20. It is a sling bag that can convert from the single strap sling style pack to a traditional two-strap backpack for longer photo walks.

I am a photographer who likes having my camera gear at the ready, but I don't always want to wear it around my neck. Having only had the 3N1 for 24 hours, I am already in LOVE with it. As you will see in the video, I can swing the bag from back to front and easily pull my camera and gear out of the bag without ever removing it from my back. When I am am finished snapping a photo, I can put my camera back into the pack and swing it back behind me and be on my way.

In the bottom part of the pack, I carry my Canon 30D with battery grip and L-plate, Canon G9, Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 lens mounted, lens hood attached, Tamron AF 14mm rectilinear lens, Speedlight 580EX, Lensbaby 3G, polarizers, extra batteries, and other accessories. In the top part of the bag, I carry all of my personal items, wallet, keys, iPhone, sunglasses, water bottle, etc. I am not getting paid for this and don't mean to sound like an ad, but this is just the photo bag I have been waiting for. It's my new purse.

The 3N1 begins shipping in July and will retail for somewhere around $90 - $125 USD, depending on where you purchase it.

Learn more about this and other Kata products at www.kata-bags.com.

Now that I have mine locked and loaded, I'll be back in a week or two with a full functional review.

For more information, visit my blog at http://www.girlsgonegeek.tv.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• girls
• gone
• geek
• photography
• sling
• bag
• kata
• canon
• nikon
• olympus
• pentax
• lens
• digital
• backpack
• d3
• rebel

[FTVO]

Thanks for the great review! This is exactly what I have been looking for for the past month! I initially thought the bag looked huge when you put it on but being 4'11 (and 3/4) will do that! Will be ordering mine today!

[girlsgonegeek]

Thank you for your comment. At 4'11 (and 3/4), I make bags look HUGE. :) LOL!

I'm glad you found my review helpful. If you think of any tips or things I should have pointed out, I'd love to hear your suggestions for a follow up video.

Enjoy!

[JackP33]

My question w/ the 3N1 is about the clips on the main side pockets. Are they positioned so the camera will remain held in place w/o having to close the zipper when slinging the bag back onto your shoulder? It looks like that is the idea; a nice big clip seems like the perfect solution. Another reason for not wanting to use the zippers is they typically require two hands which is sometimes not an option.

[girlsgonegeek]

The clips will hold the pocket closed so you don't have to zip it, but the open (unzipped part) of the pocket are big enough that if you sling it around too quickly, less secure items could fly out. However, if you just zip it partially and secure one clip, you could easily open the compartment with one hand.

[skillbill83]

Hi

Nice review. I like Loewpro but hate the design of their slingshots. So this Kata looks good and handy.

I have a question. Does a 70-200mm fits with a 5dmk2 on a 3N1-20? Or its is necessary a 3N1-30?

Thanks for your great review, and u don`t look geek to me ;P

[girlsgonegeek]

Aloha. Thank you for your comment. I would recommend the 3N1-30 for sure.

We geeks come in all shapes and sizes. :)

Good luck!

[ThePetraji]

Nice and simple review, thanks. Just one question: I bought the 22 version to include the rain cover and to accommodate a 12" laptop...(which is all it will take). Then of course I had to pull out the extra strap - just to check- and now I am having a heck of a time stowing all of it back into the slot, even pulling from the inside. Is there an easy way, please?

[ThePetraji]

@ikezz no, too wide, you'll have to get a 12" or 11" notebook

[ThePetraji]

@varunmaddela no you cannot , I tried have 13" ultrabook and it is too wide - will have to change laptop if I want to do air travel

[quiltbat]

@quiltbat Follow up. I ordered the 3N1-30 and found it TOO BIG! Returning it and will try a smaller 20. Should have listened to you :)

[quiltbat]

Thanks so much! Finally a woman reviewer. I've been searching all over the web for some ideas about how this bag fits on a woman's frame. Great video. Love that you unpacked it to show what goes into it. I'm 5'5" and thinking I can handle the 3N1-30 since I have a couple zooms, an ultra-wide & hopefully a grip soon. Looks like everything should fit, including a water bottle & my purse items :) I might order a detachable tripod holder, too. They probably weren't out when you reviewed this.

[ikezz]

hi, there is place for an 13" laptop (macbook)??

[andrewbharris]

i just like that she almost drops it.

DROP THAT CANNON

[varunmaddela]

Can anyone tell me plz that can i fit my 13'inch macbook with canon 7d in this bag?

[cookiepwnsU]

@girlsgonegeek it's made so thay you can open it by unclipping it and pulling the clip.