Customer Reviews

Kata T-212 Torso-Pack Camera Sling Case (EPH)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have quite a large collection of photo bags, including Kata T-214, which I used for a couple of years now and I am very pleased with its performance.

Recently I reviewed my photo usage paterns during my urban travels and I decided that I need one more torso-pack sling bag, smaller than the T-214. Until now I used a Domke F-5XA for this purpose which was great, but a bit small for my travel configuration - Nikon D70 and two medium sized consumer zooms.

I found one T-212 at a local store and proceeded to stuff it with equipment. To my amazement it held any two zoom lenses (including a Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 which I borrowed from the store) I wanted with a Nikon D70 body. Due to its elastic nature the T-212 can hold much more than its small size suggests.

I am not very concerned with spilling stuff, as it has a safety catch which stops the flap from falling down. I found that even when the zipper was completely open none of my equipment will fall down, when the safety catch is closed. However, it is still good practice to completely close the zipper when carying it as a precaution against pickpockets or if you slide to wear it on your back.

I also have a friend who caried his photo equipment using the T-212 for three weeks during a trip to Nepal and was very happy with its field performance. I find it much more comfortable to carry around than the T-214 and it is an excellent solution when traveling - it is light and it keeps your equipment ready.

This bag is big enough for ONE camera with ONE normal zoom attached (I have the DSLR-A100 with 18-70 zoom). There is some sort of a "lock" to to hold the flap the being completely opened in "auto" mode when the zipper is not closed completely.
Unless, if the bag is very stuffed... I think....
Your bag will still look kind of lumpy with your SLR in, but since I don't want a HUGE backpack, the 212 works for me.
I do not recommand this bag if you have something like a Canon 1Ds with a extended battery pack and a standard zoom.

Although the bag itself is well made, the strap system is VERY uncomfortable. Looking at Kata's website it seems they updated the strap system to resemble that of the T-214. The T-212 I got from Amazon, however, had a different main strap and was so uncomfortable that I returned it promptly.

the kata torso camera sling sounded like a good idea, after all, what photographer wouldn't want his equipment ready to shoot at a moment's notice? unfortunately, this product does not cradle larger cameras (like the canon 20d digital camera with a 17-85mm zoom lense - the mfrs. state that their sling will accommodate such equipment) with any degree of comfort or security.

the problem arises from the design more than the materials which are touted as being of ballistic quality (so if you are ever shot while filming, at least your camera would survive). because the sling is relatively thin (a good thing actually) with no contouring for the camera (the bad thing), the device sits sandwiched between two very durable pieces of ballistic material. yes, it will absorb shocks and yes, it will be available for you to "whip out" on the fly; however, you must remember to zip up the sling completely after inserting your camera. if you do not, you risk having you camera fall out and... well, now you have a very expensive paperweight.

if you really want something that is practical to use, this accesory is not it.

I've dragged this bag half way around the world and back and found that it is quite useful. It easily carries a nikon D60, and extra lens, while two pockets (one with a zipper) provide a place to carry extras (passport money, etc.). Don't expect too much in the way of protection from the padding. The material in between the padding on the front is also permeable by fine dust.

The bag can easily be moved from being worn on ones front or back which is nice, especially when you might be worried about pick pockets, or people bumping into you.

I have this sling and don't like it. It ends up hurting your back and doesn't fit snuggly. I wanted a smaller bag to carry around my Canon 5d when traveling... while this sling can do that it ended up being a pain to carry around airports. This ends up being heavey and cumbersome. Look else where.