Erik Norgaard
September 23rd, 2007, 06:08 AM
I just bought the KATA HB-205, the main purpose is that I'm going trekking, I expect to do day trips in tropical rainforest, so l needed something sturdy yet comfortable for a whole day of walking. Secondly, I want to be able to carry it on board on flights.
I first tried the HB-207, which was both too big and too small. That is, the exterior was huge, hard to get on flights. I thought I could have everything, including tripod in the main compartment, but for that the HB-207 is too small.
The KATA HB-205 fits the requirements, well built and rigid yet comfortable for walking. It can easily be adjusted, in particular the waist belt is good. It comes with a rain/sun cover that has one side reflective, this also doubles as a reflector in the field.
As the photo show, I can fit what I need for a day trip if I know what I'm gonna do: The XH-A1, an AT-897 mic, two mic cables of different length, cleaning kit, 6 tapes, filters, head phones and a notebook. And there's still room to squeze in more. But it won't hold everything, you gotta plan a bit ahead what you need of accessories.
The Manfrotto 190XB with a 701RC2 head fits on the outside with the KATA tripod holder. It's rather clumpsy to have the tripod like that, it makes it more difficult to access the main compartment. It also means less carrying comfort as the weight is shifted away from the back. The alternative to carry it on the side will put unequal weight on the shoulders.
Officially, the XH-A1 fits in the HB-205, but I would consider removing the mic mount, after all this is not a pelican case, and the camera is exposed to some shocks and bumps.
I first tried the HB-207, which was both too big and too small. That is, the exterior was huge, hard to get on flights. I thought I could have everything, including tripod in the main compartment, but for that the HB-207 is too small.
The KATA HB-205 fits the requirements, well built and rigid yet comfortable for walking. It can easily be adjusted, in particular the waist belt is good. It comes with a rain/sun cover that has one side reflective, this also doubles as a reflector in the field.
As the photo show, I can fit what I need for a day trip if I know what I'm gonna do: The XH-A1, an AT-897 mic, two mic cables of different length, cleaning kit, 6 tapes, filters, head phones and a notebook. And there's still room to squeze in more. But it won't hold everything, you gotta plan a bit ahead what you need of accessories.
The Manfrotto 190XB with a 701RC2 head fits on the outside with the KATA tripod holder. It's rather clumpsy to have the tripod like that, it makes it more difficult to access the main compartment. It also means less carrying comfort as the weight is shifted away from the back. The alternative to carry it on the side will put unequal weight on the shoulders.
Officially, the XH-A1 fits in the HB-205, but I would consider removing the mic mount, after all this is not a pelican case, and the camera is exposed to some shocks and bumps.