Kata R-102 Backpack

December 21, 2008

Category: Backpacking, Outdoor Photograpy, Reviews — Chris @ 3:29 pm

img_3892When it comes to camera bags the choices can be overwhelming. Everyone has different needs regarding capacity, organization, weight, carrying comfort, and protection. In my opinion, shoulder bags are a good option for most people because they are easy to use, come in every shape and size, and make for quicker camera access than backpacks. That being said, I’ve found that different shooting situations call for different types of camera bags, which is why I own more than one. For this particular review I’ll focus on my primary bag, the Kata R102 backpack.

Because the majority of my photography takes place off the beaten path, I often prefer a backpack over a shoulder bag because it’s easier for me to carry while hiking. Previously I only carried my Lowepro Pro Mag II AW shoulder bag, which is an awesome bag, but it became too awkward to hike with as I started acquiring and carrying more gear. It wasn’t necessarily too heavy, but carrying all my gear over one shoulder was uncomfortable and kept me off balance while hiking with a camera and tripod. I tried a photo vest but that didn’t provide enough space or protection by itself. So, I started researching and shopping for a backpack.

I am fortunate to live near a very well stocked camera shop, Norman Camera. When I started searching for a backpack I took my gear to the store and tried out several different models. This was very helpful since an online picture can’t tell you how a pack will feel when fully loaded with gear. To make a long story short, I tried various models by Lowepro, Tamrac, Tenba and Kata. I think the most important thing about a backpack is the way it carries, which is why I chose the Kata. Nothing else even compared in my opinion.

Kata is an Israeli company that happens to make technical gear and body armor for the Israeli Armed Forces, so it should come as no surprise that their photo gear is top notch. Think simple, durable, lightweight, comfortable and very functional. The R102 is no exception. It has one main compartment that can be accessed via a main perimeter zipper or a convenient smaller front zipper. Inside the lid there is one large zippered compartment, and a small clear pocket. Externally there are two small pockets and removable tripod mount. The shoulder harness is extremely comfortable, very adjustable, and also includes a small removable waistbelt (which I never use). I honestly forget about this pack when I’m wearing it, and that’s saying a lot considering all I carry in it. One of the most unique aspects of this pack is its profile - it fits close to the body and isn’t excessively deep. It also comes with a waterproof raincover, which hasn’t failed me yet.

As you can see from the following pictures, the R102 will hold an ample amount of gear. This is my regular carrying setup: 300 f4 + TC-17, D200, 18-200 VR, 105 Macro, 80-200 f2.8, SB-800, raincover, RAINSLEEVE. Also inside is a filter wallet, Digital Survival Kit, a SingRay graduated ND, 3 memory cards, Giottos Rocket Blower, Light Disc, Flash X-tender, lens cloth, adaptor rings, and probably a few other things I can’t remember. In the two small external pockets I carry 3 spare batteries (D200), small collapsable tripod (for wireless flash), remote cable, and Petzl Zipka headlamp. Obviously, the amount of gear you plan to carry will dictate the size range of your bag or backpack. Hopefully this review will give you a sense of what the Kata will hold. My setup can easily change to include an additional body or smaller lens if I need be. Thanks to Kata’s removable dividers, all you have to do is move things around until everything fits to your liking. Take a look.

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I always keep a heavy duty carabiner attached to the backpack so I can hang it from my tripod. This gives me extra stability and helps to reduce vibrations, which is very helpful in low-light & telephoto shooting.

In summary, if you’re looking for a capable, comfortable camera backpack, check out the Kata R-102. And for anyone interested in adding a laptop to your gear list, Kata makes the R-103, which is essentially the R-102 with a built in laptop sleeve. You can learn more by visiting the Kata website.

OP/TECH Rainsleeve

September 9, 2008

Category: Outdoor Photograpy, Reviews — Chris @ 9:33 pm

This falls under the “useful and affordable” category.  Any time I can spend less than $10 on useful camera gear I’m happy.  

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Earlier this week I was out shooting in the the snow for several hours.  In the past I’ve stolen my wife’s shower caps to use as makeshift rain covers for my camera and lenses, which work in a pinch, but not very well.  Needless to say, I spent more time adjusting the shower cap than I did shooting.  Time for a real rain cover.

So I headed to my local camera shop, Norman Camera.  They carry a wide variety of protective covers for cameras and lenses, including some very nice covers by Kata and Pelican.  I was debating on spending $59 on the Kata when I came across another option. Enter the OP/TECH RAINSLEEVE.  At a cost of only $6.95 I was little skeptical, I mean you get what you pay for right?  Maybe not in this case. 

When I got home I was pleasantly surprised to find that the small package contains not one, but two disposable rain sleeves, which should last quite awhile if properly maintained.  The sleeve is designed with a universal opening for most eyepieces, and it works well with my D200, although it occasionally needs to be repositioned.  No more squinting through plastic to try and see my viewfinder!  The size is great as well.  I had no problems using the sleeve on my Nikon D200 with RRS L-Bracket, and the sleeve easily accommodated my 105 Macro lens and my 300 F4 with TC-17 Teleconvertor attached.  It folds up and easily fits into my Kata backpack without adding any bulk or weight, another bonus.  You’ll have to make a small hole in the plastic if you want to use it with an external flash, but that shouldn’t be an issue.

I used it this morning during a heavy snowfall and it protected my camera and lens as advertised.  Try one out if you think you might be shooting in inclement weather any time soon.  

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Buy it at Here or Here.

Photographic Solutions Digital Survival Kit 2

March 9, 2008

Category: Outdoor Photograpy, Reviews — Chris @ 5:16 pm

For Christmas my wife gave me a great stocking stuffer - Photographic Solutions Digital Survival Kit 2.  This wasn’t on my list, but it has already earned a spot in my camera bag.

Photo Solutions

I hate dust spots on my images.  They aren’t hard to remove with Aperture or Photoshop, but that’s an unnecessary extra step.  I’m very meticulous about keeping the sensor on my camera clean since it saves me editing time.  I never take my lens off in a dusty or windy situation if I can help it, I always clear the rear element of my lenses before putting them on the camera, and I always store my camera in a bag.  These things all help, but inevitably dust will find its way in if you use your camera regularly.  Occasionally, when I notice dust on the sensor, I use a small Giottos Rocket Air Blower to remove the dust.  The blower is easy, takes very little time, and has completely cleared my sensor in the past, until yesterday.  

After shooting winter landscapes I noticed several annoying dust spots on my photos.  I was able to clear most of the dust with the blower, but there were a few particles that I couldn’t seem to get rid of with just air.  So, after a few attempts, out came the new Digital Survival Kit. After reading the short list of directions that came  with the kit, and the long list of instructions in the Nikon D200 manual, I mustered up the nerve to try cleaning the sensor myself.  

I’ll admit that I’ve avoided sensor cleaning because of the horror stories I’ve heard about people ruining their cameras.  I envisioned the shutter blades closing on me, or worse yet, scratching my sensor beyond repair.  It quickly became clear that I needed something to help calm my nerves.  Thank you Makers Mark.  Much to my relief, the process took less than five minutes, my shutter didn’t explode, and my sensor is now dust free.  The swabs worked exactly as advertised, in fact the whole process was so easy that I plan on keeping the kit in my camera bag at all times.

Here’s few tips if you decide to try this yourself.  

  Make sure you’re in a relatively dust free area.

  Make sure you have plenty of light.  I used my Petzl Zipka headlamp to make    

   sure I could see the sensor clearly.

  Make sure you are using a fully charged battery or connect your camera to its  

   AC adaptor.  This will prevent your shutter from closing during the cleaning 

   process.

 

Buy it Here or Here.

Petzl Zipka Plus… The Best Just Got Better

February 27, 2008

Category: Backpacking, Hiking, Reviews — Chris @ 11:02 pm

How many times have you found yourself fumbling around in the dark with a traditional flashlight?  Nothing is more frustrating than trying to juggle a flashlight while setting up a tent, reading a map, changing a flat, etc.  I cringe when I think about all the backpacking miles I’ve logged with a heavy mag-lite in my pack.  Sure, it never failed me, and I could probably fight off a bear with it (or at least an angry squirrel), but it weighed a ton.  Thankfully Petzl makes a fantastic option that will free up your hands and provide you with more than enough light for most applications – the Petzl Zipka Plus. 

 

Headlamps have been around for ages, but I’m not talking about your grandfather’s old coal mining headlamp.  Today’s headlamps are light, powerful, durable and affordable.  I’ve been using Petzl Headlamps since the early 90’s and they keep getting better.  I was originally drawn to them for night hiking, but quickly found them useful for many other activities.  As manufacturers continually manage to squeeze more power into smaller lights, their usefulness continues to expand.  Being an avid nature photographer I am often shooting in lowlight conditions and I find that a headlamp is crucial.  I also use my headlamp for mountain biking, backpacking, working on my Jeeps, and the list goes on.

For years my favorite headlamp has been the original Petzl Tikka.  It’s small, lightweight, bright enough for navigating a trail at night, and the LED bulbs seem to last forever.  I didn’t think the Tikka could get any better, but I was wrong.   I recently upgraded to the newer Petzl Zipka Plus and it is simply amazing.  The Zipka Plus offers all the features of the Tikka, while weighing less and packing more power via additional LED bulbs.  Not only is it lighter, it features an elastic retractable headband, which enables it to be fastened to just about anything (I’ve attached it to tripod legs and bike handlebars).  Conveniently, the Tikka and Zipka operate on standard AAA batteries, offer three different lighting levels, are water resistant, and come with a three year warranty.

To my knowledge, Petzl was the first to produce mini headlamps and I’ve been using them ever since.  I’ve looked at other brands (Black Diamond and Princeton Tec) but I’ve had no reason to switch. My Zipka Plus rotates between my camera bag and my Camelbak at all times, and my Tikka now serves as a trusty backup.  I rarely go anywhere outdoors without my Zipka Plus, it’s that good.  Plus its green, the perfect color for an adventure!