Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hey guys,

I'm going on a trip to Tokyo at the end of August and I am planning on purchasing a tripod and bag to carry around my gear.

I'm pretty set on purchasing one of the Benro Travel Angel tripods because of their portability, so I'm looking for a bag that will allow me to carry my gear AND the tripod, which is why I'm looking at these three bags.

Everyone knows about the Kata, but the Tamrac Evolution bags are the new series that are supposed to compete with Kata's 3N1. They have a native tripod holder, as well. From just searching around, I've read that the Tamrac bag is built much better and more comfortable than the Kata, but was wondering if anyone on here has any experience with it and if they would recommend the Evolution 6 or Evolution 8?

I'm probably going to travel with a gripped 5DII, 430EX, 24LII, 50/1.4 and 135L. I might try to stuff in a couple of toy cameras like a holga or polaroid or something as well if there's room.

Last bit is if anyone knows how large of a tripod can fit onto these bags? The Benro tripod I'm looking at will fold to around 14".

Thanks!

Hi Bernard

My coworker has the kata 3n1 and his main complaint is getting to other equipment in the bag (lens, flashes, hoods, etc).

Have you considered the Lowepro flipside 400?

http://www.davidsmeaton.com/index.php/lowepro-flipside-400-review/

Thumbs up for lowepro flipside or think tank streetwalker

Did you end up getting the Tamrac Evolution?

I don't like either the Tamrac or Kata bags... neither of them have a bottle holder... which is very useful for hikes/trips.

I have the Lowepro flipside 400. It's quite good if you don't mind that that you can't access your camera quite as quickly. Safer for gear though.

There is also the fastpack 250 and primus aw if you need quicker access.

How'd this go? Kata 3n1 versus the Tamrac Explorer. The Lowepro doesn't work for me as it's flipsidedness is inadequate. You flip over on your side trying to balance it fully loaded on the go. And how the Think Tank even gets mentioned among the sling/backpack combos is beyond me. The on-the-go accessibility of it is nowhere near similar. Between the 3n1 30 and the Explorer 8 for me.

check this sturdy monopod that has a tripod legs.... they say its sturdy enough to hold a DSLR with a telephoto lens...


http://www.trek-tech.com/products/trekpods.html