Cambags

Reviews for Nikon D70 / D100 / D200 / D300 / D700

Review #1

(Added 3rd Dec 2008)

Equipment list in bag : 
Nikon D700
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
Nikon 85mm f/1.8
Nikon 70-200mm VR f/2.8 AF-S ED
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR micro

Decided to replace Lowepro Slingshot 300 with new Kata 3N1-30.



The top can hold more gear or clothes or food or whatever 
(shown with Nikon 20mm f/2.8, Nikon 1.7x TC E-II, hood for Nikon 85 ƒ1.4, Nikon SB-600)

Front with optional tripod holder (from B&H Photo)


back

Shown with sling (right side) configuration
(Can also be configured for the left side)

Walked a few miles before and after dinner. Carrying about 15-20 pounds. Not as comfy as the Kata R-102, but OK. Sling capability seems fine. I'll still need to compare it a bit more with the Slingshot 300.

I only recently used the Slingshot  300 for the first time (I had replaced the Slingshot  100 & 200 with Flipside 200 & 300, and the Slingshot 300 was just waiting for the need to arise) for the D700 + 70-200 (plus a few other lenses). I got the Kata 3n1-30 because I like the two strap / one strap options, and I really like my Kata R-102. So I'll have to walk around a bit with each (300 & 3N1) to see. I have a neck injury, and the Kata 3N1 didn't feel as comfortable as the Slingshot  300 or the R-102, but I don't want to rule it out yet, either. This may not be an issue for you. 

Both bags can be configured to have all slots available from the side opening (just move the dividers), but it seems easier / better on the Slingshot  300 (I'll need to try it on both). Both have roomy upper compartments for more gear or just about anything else. If all other things are equal, the Kata's three-way strap options (sling, back, crisscross) are the best. (Plus the tripod option, which makes more sense in backpack mode than in sling, I'd think.)

Thanks to Bill for review

Review #2

This is how things sit with the 70-200/2.,8 attached to the camera. There's space on either side of the camera store the strap (also attached).

Here's the camera and 70-200/2.8 withdrawn from the center compartment. The camera doesn't itself fit into that compartment but is protected by the padding of the backflap and the "door" flaps of the compartments to either side.

Here's how a D300 and 24-70/2.8 will slide into the center compartment. The 70-200/2.8 can occupy the slot to the left that previously was used to store the 24-70/2.8.

Here's how it all fits in place with the 24-70/2.8 attached to the camera. The 70-200/2.8 is in the left compartment.

Sometimes I place a padded divider insert (normally used for my Nat Geo Midi Shoulder Bag) into the top compartment which gives me the ability to segment and carry more lenses. I can fit an additional short and medium pro-sized zoom this way.

Admittedly the placement of some of my other stuff can cramp it up a little. I would have to take the MS-D10 out of the pocket that it's in to allow the padded divider insert to fully form in place.

Upper compartment is fairly spacious. It's not quite as big as the one on my Nat Geo medium backpack but it'll hold a fair amount of stuff including a small notepad, pens, chargers, batteries and packable windbreaker jacket. The side compartments are convenient for holding cleaning supplies, removable tripod feet for big lenses and lens and body caps.




This is how I normally have the straps configured. This is for "left-swing". Notice the other straps and buckles tuck away nicely into slotted compartments.



Here is the bag configured with straps in backpack mode. Note the waist strap that's normally tucked away in the strap pockets can be withdrawn and used for a more secure way of carrying.



Here the straps are configured in what I call "hybrid" mode. This allows you to have the quick-draw convenience of a sling bag and the comfort of a backpack. Essentially you would wear the bag as a sling but if it got uncomfortable or situations arose where you will temporarily need a more secure carrying configuration (ie. running to catch a bus), you can withdraw the "other strap" and criss-cross it over the strap already being used. This can be done on the fly without taking the bag off your back. You can also withdraw the waist-straps for an even more secure and comfortable way to wear the bag. I have found that this configuration is not quite as comfortable as a traditional backpack configuration but it can be "entered" into on the fly. The great thing about this bag is that you can go from this configuration to a traditional backpack configuration on the fly as well. You just have to be careful when you're unbuckling and moving strap attachment points.



Here the bag is configured in sling-style for "right-swing" operations.



The bag includes a convenient strap holding area and you can tuck away all the straps and buckles making for a clean setup that won't snag such as when you want to store the bag under an airline seat.

The bag also comes with a strap that runs across the back meant to hold it onto the collapsible tow-handle of a trolley or roll-aboard carry-on luggage.