Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)My last bag was the Kata 441, but it was just too small for my needs so I sent it back and ordered this 443. I was looking for something that would hold my camera with zoom lens attached, an additional short zoom(kit)lens, a Canon 430EX II flash, and a couple filters, cables, lens brush, etc. My camera/lens combination that would have to fit this bag are the Canon 40D with 70-300mm EF IS USM lens attached. From lens cap to eyepiece this measures 8.5 inches. The Kata site states this bag is 8.1 inches deep, but I knew I had a little room to play with since this is a flexible bag. I must say camera/lens combination fits quite well, if just a little snug top-to-bottom.
As far as the front to back and left to right dimensions, there is room to spare for all the equipment I mentioned, and even if I added a battery grip to my camera it would fit nicely. It is the top-to-bottom measurement that is just a bit short, an additional half inch would be great. Most people prefer the camera handgrip to face to the rear (right side) of the bag, I prefer the handgrip to face the outside of the bag, pointing away from my body. My camera/lens combination fits either way.
The bag is really well made and looks nice. It is well padded and the size and design of the bag doesn't make it look as if I am wearing a piece of luggage (any larger and it would look like luggage). The zipper pulls and nylon webbing have some reflective threads woven in, but overall the bag looks quite plain.
I implied this bag was closer to perfection, but it's not there yet, IMO. The bottom of the bag has no feet or other protection if it is set down. The bottom of the bag bulges where the end of my lens presses against it, so I feel that my equipment could be damaged if the bottom was bumped, or the bag set down hard with no feet or stiffening to protect it. Also, the bottom of the bag will surely wear after time without the protection. Several nice dividers are included, but I am limited in how I can customize the dividers. This is because the dividers and the left and right ends of the bag are nylon material with sewn-in velcro strips that must be matched to their mating velcro strips. The front and rear lining is a felt-like material that velcro sticks to, so the two large dividers can be attached anywhere on that material, but the other dividers must attach to their matching sewn-in velcro strips on the ends of the bag and on the large dividers; if Kata had lined all sides of the bag with this felt material and covered the dividers with this material, it would make the dividers much more customizable as the velcro on the dividers could be attached anywhere to the other dividers or the bag lining. The "weatherproofing" cover doesn't fit over the shoulder strap attachments very well and just takes up room in the bag, so I leave it out. I figure if it's raining hard enough to soak through the bag, the cover isn't going to be much help. Finally, a pet peeve of mine: Most manufacturers are guilty of this, not just Kata; that is the addition of storage pockets inside the top flap. Once these pockets are filled with media cards, etc. they bulge and can rub on the camera's LCD and mar it. Because of the fairly snug fit of this top flap with my equipment I will not use those pockets, but even if there is room to spare for my LCD, I don't use those pockets.
Overall, though, this bag comes the closest to filling my needs of all the bags I have tried. I can highly recommend it. To find the actual internal dimensions of any Kata bag, go to their web site. ALSO, as I was writing this review, I noticed the price of this bag on Amazon jumped from the forty seven dollars with free shipping that I paid, to sixty five dollars with free shipping. At that high price I would surely do my research into other bags before buying this one. Now I feel like I got a real bargain!
ADDED: Today I noticed that flying insects are attracted to the yellow inner liner! That yellow liner is also starting to show dirt. Also, the black color of the bag really heats up in the summer sun, I wish they offered other colors, such as silver-gray. Over the years I have found silver-gray bags repel heat the longest.
ADDED AGAIN: When researching camera bags, I was attracted to the Lowepro Off Trail 2; I thought it might be a better fit for my equipment than this Kata DC-433, but it cost too much. Now Adorama has the Lowepro Off Trail 2 on sale for about half price (forty four dollars ninety five cents and free shipping), so I ordered one. When I get it, I will review it.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Kata KT DC-443 Digital Case (Black)The Digital Case KT DC-443 is part of the new Digital Photo Series (DPS) by Kata. DPS combines a number of technologies to create a lightweight, ergonomic and highly protective line of carrying solutions with sleek and stylish profiles. Based on experience with professional photographers from all over the world Kata has developed DPS as the solution for anyone who demands a photo carrying case, backpack or pouch to perform at the highest levels in any environment. The DC-443 is a comprehensive camera bag which features unique TST RIB structural protection and is designed with style to hold and organize your D/SLR and accessories. The main compartment holds a D/SLR in top grip position while on the two sides you can store and protect lenses, flashes or other accessories. A modular divider system will allow you to customize all of your equipment on two different vertical levels. Ample pockets provide storage solutions for all you may need to carry: two attached pouches will hold media cards and batteries; additional accessories can be stored in the transparent PVC pocket while two spacious side pockets will hold accessories such as charger, cables etc. In addition there is also a flexible, quick access, external Elasto-Guard side pocket. Included rain cover folds neatly away into an integrated pocket and can be hung out to dry on the small buckle next to the handle, or tucked away for storage in one of the pockets. Carrying options include: sturdy padded grip handle, shoulder strap or Insertrolley connection. ( Insertrolley not included).
Click here for more information about Kata KT DC-443 Digital Case (Black)
