News

Come See the Latest Kata Products at NAB

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

At NAB 2012, Manfrotto Distribution, US Distributor of Kata, will display the latest Kata products. Visit us at booth C6925 to look at the new Kata Pro-Light models. You will also get a chance to win the new Pro-V 610 backpack in our Weigh the Bag Contest.

Among the new products being introduced at the show are:

Pro-Light CC Video Bags
Kata’s best-selling line of video shoulder bags, our CC series, are now updated as part of the Pro-Light collection. Pro-Light CC video bags are available in five sizes:

CC-191 Video Bag (KT PL-CC-191): designed to carry camcorders such as the Sony MC50, Canon XA10, XF100 and similar sized models or an HDSLR rigged with video accessories. Street price $109.99.
CC-192 Video Bag (KT PL-CC-192): carries camcorders such as the Sony FS100, Canon XH G1/s, A1/s and similar sized models or an HDSLR rigged with video accessories. Street price $129.99.
CC-193 Video Bag (KT PL-CC-193): designed for camcorders such as the Sony F3, Panasonic AF100 and similar sized models or an HDSLR rigged with video accessories. Street price $159.99.
CC-195 Video Bag (KT PL-CC-195): ideal for carrying camcorders such as the Canon XL series, JVC HD series and similar sized models or an HDSLR rigged with video accessories. Street price $199.99.
CC-197 Video Bag (KT PL-CC-197): made to carry camcorders such as the Sony EX3, JVC HD series and similar sized models or an HDSLR rigged with video accessories. Street price $249.99.

Pro-Light Pro-V Backpacks
Pro-Light Pro-V Backpacks accommodate a broad range of HDV camcorders, large HDSLR rig configurations or a DLSR with an attached lens of up to 300mm. The Pro-Light Pro-V Backpack is available in two models:

Pro-V 410 Backpack (KT PL-PV-410): designed to fit an HDV camcorder such as a Canon XF100 (with or without matte box), a large HDSLR rig configuration or a DSLR with a lens of up to 300mm attached, six to eight lenses (up to a 500mm telephoto lens not attached), an additional body and several accessories. A rear padded pocket will hold a laptop of up to a 15.4". Street price $299.99.
Pro-V 610 Backpack (KT PL-PV-610): holds an HDV camcorder such as a Sony EX3 (with or without matte box), a large HDSLR rig configuration or a DSLR with a telephoto lens of up to 500mm lens attached, six to eight lenses, an additional body and several accessories. A laptop of up to 17" will fit in the rear padded pocket. Street price $349.99.

Pro-Light Video Camera Rain Covers
Kata's award-winning line of video rain covers has been updated as part of the Pro-Light product line. Fabricated completely from waterproof materials, the cover features a crystal clear TPU panel that allows controlled monitoring and viewing of the LCD screen at any angle.

Available models are:

RC-1 Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-1): designed for full-sized shoulder mount camcorders or an HDSL in video set-up with full video rig, external video viewfinder, shotgun mic and matte box attached. Street price $179.99.
RC-10 Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-10): made for medium-sized shoulder mount camcorders or an HDSL in video set-up with full video rig, external video viewfinder, shotgun mic and matte box attached. Street price $139.99.
CRC-12 Compact Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-12): tailored to fit the Sony EX3, F3 (basic camcorder configuration with no additional mounted accessories), Canon XL Series and similar models or an HDSL in video set-up with medium to large rig, external video viewfinder, shotgun mic and matte box attached. Street price $99.99.
CRC-13 Compact Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-13): designed to fit the Sony MC50, Canon XA10, XF100 and similar models in standard configuration without additional large external accessories. Street price $89.99.
CRC-14 Compact Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-14): fits the Sony F3 (basic camcorder configuration with no additional mounted accessories), Panasonic AF100 (basic camcorder configuration with no additional mounted accessories), Canon XH A1/s, G1/s and similar models or an HDSL in video set-up with external viewfinder and shotgun mic attached. Street price $99.99.
CRC-15 Compact Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-15): tailored for the Canon XF300, Sony F3 and similar models or an HDSL in video set-up with small to medium rig, external viewfinder, shotgun mic and matte box attached. Street price $109.99.
CRC-17 Compact Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-17): cleverly designed to fit and protect handheld camcorders against downpours. Street price $39.99.

Kata Bags Review in Rainy Day Magazine

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

“Kata bags are the only ones we trust to protect our photography gear,” says a recent Rainy Day Photography Gift Guide article. This year, Rainy Day took a look at the Tele Lens Backpack (KT PL-TLB-300), Tripod Case (KT PL-TC-30-35), MiniBee 120 Backpack (KT PL-MB-120) and the ultra-light MiniBee-111 Backpack (KT UL-MB-111).

The Tele Lens Backpack (KT PL-TLB-300) will keep your pro DSLR with 300mm telephoto lens attached nice and safe but the bag is still as light and compact as possible.

The Tripod Case (KT PL-TC-30-35) will carry your tripod out to a shoot and then unfolds to be used as a field mat.

The MiniBee 120 Backpack (KT PL-MB-120) can hold a DSLR with 70-200mm lens attached, additional lenses (6-8), flash and other accessories for transport, storage and quick access to all your gear.

The MiniBee-111 Backpack (KT UL-MB-111) can hold your gear (DSLR with lens, 3-5 additional lenses, an iPad or similar sized device, and accessories) and is part of Kata’s Ultra-Light collection which strives to be as lightweight as possible but with no compromises on comfort or protection.

Rainy Day Magazine, www.rainydaymagazine.com, is highly selective of the products it reviews and recommends saying on their website, “We are VERY selective and will only look at gear which we find interesting AND we would actually want to buy.” You can learn more about their selection process and read more great reviews on their website.

P3 News & Reviews Meets the ReportIT-10

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Kata’s Pro-Light ReportIT-10 found its way over to P3 News & Reviews and found it to be “simple and elegant, and doesn’t scream camera bag.” P3 mentions shoulder strap made of Kata’s Gecko foam, the light weight of the bag, and its excellent gear protection as some of the great characteristics of the bag.

Love love love this bag. It is so very lightweight that even fully loaded it doesn't feel like a huge burden to carry. Even the smallest size, carries a enough gear so as to not leave me feeling improperly equipped for most on-the-go shooting situations. At times I wish I could get into the outside pockets a little easier as their lack of fasteners does limit the ability to really get into them to organize and access items stored there. But the other side of that is that the lack of fasteners streamlines the bag and makes it more ideal for being able to get to things in a quick, on-the-go manner. Another plus side to that is never having to worry about accidently leaving something unfastened and allowing the contents to spill out.

Read the complete review on P3 and be sure to check out the entire ReportIT series (from smallest to largest): ReportIT-10, ReportIT-20 and ReportIT-30.

P3 News & Reviews on the Light Pics-40

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Recently, P3 News and Reviews got a chance to check out the new Kata Light Pic – 40 DL and found it to be both “classy” and a “deceptively roomy” camera bag. The author of the review, Melanie Beus, is self-declared as being not “the girliest of girls” but was please to find that purse-like Light Pic “coordinates well with a wide variety of personal styles” – including not being too girly for her taste.

The Light Pic is a sufficiently easy carry, and well-organized enough that it could also be used to shoot out of, holding an extra lens or two for quick changes as needed… For additional versatility, all the camera stuff can be removed and it can be used simply as a large, well organized shoulder bag.

Read Melanie’s full article at P3 News and Reviews. And, as Melanie reminds us at the end of the review, the whole Light Pics line, from the Light Pic – 40 DL in the review, to the smaller Light Pics-20, and the larger Light Pics-60 are all available just in time for gifting to your favorite “girl-tographer.”

(Below, the entire Light Pics series)

Beetle 282 is Part of "Studio in a Backpack" for Photographer McMullin

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Forest McMullin, a photographer of almost 30 years, recently blogged about why his Kata Beetle 282 is the backpack part of his “Studio in a Backpack.” Some of his favorite features of the bag include:

the signature bright yellow interior that all Kata bags have making it easier to find your black camera gear
it has a customizable interior so you can set it up however you want
if you put the bag down to get gear out, the side that touches the ground isn’t the side that you then have to put back on your back (keeping you clean which is nice)

Read more about why the Beetle 282 works so well for Forest on his blog.

While Forest was traveling around Europe in 2010, he needed to be able to take all the gear he would need in just one bag. Some of the gear he carried in his bag included a Manfrotto lightstand, Gitzo tripod with head, reflector set, flash and a whole lot more. You can see a complete list of what’s in his Studio in a Backpack on his blog entry about the subject.

Introducing Kata Have a Heart

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

We are proud to launch the Kata Have a Heart program in the United States. With this program a charity is selected and a donation will be made with each sale and registration of each Kata product. Customers purchasing a Kata product in the United States can visit www.katahaveaheart.com after November 1st, 2011, to register their product. For each product registered, a $5 donation will be made to the selected charity. Kata owners also get the benefit of upgrading their warranty from Kata’s standard 5-year limited warranty to a limited lifetime warranty.

The charity selected for the introduction of Kata Have a Heart is a US Veterans charity called Wounded Nature. Manfrotto Bags, in conjunction with Manfrotto Distribution US (Kata's exclusive US distributor), has set a goal of donating $20,000 to Wounded Nature as part of this program. Acclaimed photographer and decorated US combat veteran Stacy Pearsall played a part in the selection of a veterans’ charity. According to Bill Drysdale, Managing Director of Manfrotto Distribution US, “Stacy’s moving work as a combat photographer and unwavering support of veterans and veterans’ causes served as an inspiration for the program.”

Wounded Nature - Working Veterans is a Charleston, SC based 501c3 non-profit focused on cleaning beaches, promoting recycling and assisting veterans to obtain their first civilian job. Starting in 2012 they will have 5 houseboats utilizing veterans to clean beaches, visit military bases and hospitals, and educate the public about recycling and littering at port festivals on the East Coast. Each vessel will represent a separate branch of the service and have its own sponsor.

Rudy Socha, CEO of Wounded Nature - Working Veterans states "This is a perfect fit for both of our companies. Our work cleaning beaches and protecting wildlife will benefit wildlife photographers. The public relations work our veteran's perform to educate the public about reducing litter everywhere will improve photo shots for all photographers."

To learn more about Wounded Nature or make a donation to this worthwhile charity, visit www.woundednature.org.

Introducing the new Kata Pro-Light Photo and Video Element Covers

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Kata products are designed with a focus on Lightweight Protection. For many, Kata represents camera bags, but our Element and Rain Covers are key components in our effort to protect your equipment. Both our Photographic Element Covers and Video Rain Covers have won awards around the world. With the introduction of our Pro-Light series covers, these designs are better than ever.

New Photographic Elements Covers

Water and dust are the enemy of your camera’s sensitive sensor, but we often need to shoot in poor conditions. Kata’s Photo Element cover products are the perfect solution for when your DSLR when you are caught in the rain or sand / dust is blowing around. These element covers provide excellent DSLR protection in dusty or sandy environments. Access is available to all camera and lens controls via the two sided sleeves, and the transparent TPU (A clear material unique to Kata that will not crack or fog) enables easy monitoring all the time. Full-length double zipper provides bottom closure when hand held or on a tripod. The new models are functionally identical to our old models; Kata has updated the material to include black ripstop nylon, the lightweight protection which is a signature of our Pro-Light series.

There are Pro-Light Element Covers for a variety of Photographic Cameras and with the extension sleeve, they can protect a telephoto lens of up to 600mm:

E-690 Elements Cover (KT PL-E-690) - The E-690 PL elements cover is designed for use with 4/3 mirrorlessmirror less camerscameras and small DSLR cameras with small lens (camera must have protruding lens).
E-702 Elements Cover (KT PL-E-702) - The E-702 PL elements is designed for use with a Pro DSLR with up to 200mm lens
E-705 Elements Cover (KT PL-E-705) - The E-705 PL is designed for use with a pro DSLR with up to a 70-200mm lens and professional flash
E-704 Element Cover Lens Sleeve Kit (KT PL-E-704) - The E-704 PL consists of two lens sleeves; one for up to 350mm lens and one for up to a 650 lens. Also included is a one hand sleeve to access the lens or to attach a lens support. The E-704 PL is designed to be attached to E-702 PL and E-705 PL.

New Video Rain Covers

If you look on the sidelines of a televised football game or see a local news crew covering the latest hurricane, you will probably see a Kata Video Rain Cover. Fabricated completely from waterproof materials, the cover features a crystal clear TPU (A clear material unique to Kata that will not crack or fog) panel which allows controlled monitoring and viewing of the LCD screen at any angle. It also features designated microphone and viewfinder sleeves and an overlapping top opening with modular sleeves to extract shoulder strap, mini light, rig handle, etc. When shoulder mounted or handheld the full bottom opening and dedicated hand sleeve allow easy working with both hands and when using a tripod the bottom opening simply seals closed. The covers slip quickly over a camera to protect it from sudden showers and is secured by aa quick pull of the drawstrings. The new models are functionally identical to our old models; Kata has updated the material to include black ripstop nylon, the lightweight protection which is a signature of our Pro-Light series.

There are Kata Pro-Light Rain Covers for the most popular video cameras on the market. (If you aren’t sure which Rain Cover to use, use the Kata Bag chooser at www.kata-bags.us to make sure).

RC-1 Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-1) - Rain Cover The RC-1 PL Rain Cover is designed for full sized shoulder mount camcorders, OR an HDSL in video set-up with full video rig, external video viewfinder, shotgun mic and matte box attached.
RC-10 Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-10) - The RC-10 PL Rain Cover is designed for medium sized shoulder mount camcorders, OR an HDSL in video set-up with full video rig, external video viewfinder, shotgun mic and matte box attached.
CRC-12 Compact Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-12) - The CRC-12 PL is tailored to fit the Sony EX3, F3*, Canon XL Series and similar models, OR an HDSL in video set-up with medium to large rig, external video viewfinder, shotgun mic and matte box attached.
CRC-13 Compact Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-13) - The CRC-13 PL is tailored to fit the Sony MC50, Canon XA10, XF100 and similar models in standard configuration without additional large external accessories.
CRC-14 Compact Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-14) - The CRC-14 PL is tailored to fit the Sony F3*, Panasonic AF100*, Canon XH A1/s, G1/s and similar models, OR an HDSL in video set-up with external viewfinder and shotgun mic attached.
CRC-15 Compact Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-15) - The CRC-15 PL is tailored to fit the Canon XF300, Sony F3, and similar models, OR an HDSL in video set-up with small to medium rig, external viewfinder, shotgun mic and matte box attached.
CRC-17 Compact Rain Cover (KT PL-VA-801-17) - The CRC-17 PL Compact Rain Cover is cleverly designed to fit and protect handheld camcorders against downpours

New Kata Minibee Models are Here!

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

With the introduction of the Kata Bumblebee Backpacks in 2010, Photographers had a chance to buy the first products to that truly meet the promise of Lightweight Protection. These backpacks quickly became the go-to backpacks for professionals and amateurs who where truly passionate about their photography. Features such as the Gecko Harness (injected straps made to get even more comfortable as the bag was is used) ensured an ergonomic fit. Use of durable ripstop nylon, aeriform foam, the spin guard and parachute zipper pulls ensured that these backpacks were as lightweight as possible while still being protective.

If you liked the original Bumblebee backpacks, you will love the latest introductions to the line. For those who want a smaller Bumblebee, Kata is introducing the new Minibee. These backpacks will be available in both Pro-Light and Ultra-Light version. For those that want a backpack smaller than the original Bumblebee, whether to hold less equipment of because their body frame is smaller, this is the perfect backpack.

Pro-Light Minibee-120 Backpack

The Minibee-120 PL is a professional, multi-featured, on-board backpack, designed to provide the with the introduction of the Kata Bumblebee, photographers with the best carrying, storage and working solutions for a DSLR (without grip and booster) + up to 70-200 f2.8 lens attached + 6-8 lenses + flash + many other accessories, OR a compact camcorder, chargers and accessories. It will also accommodate most 13" laptops, an iPad or Netbook.

Mini-Bee 120 Backpack (KT PL-MB-120) - The Minibee-120 PL is designed to carry a DSLR (without grip and booster) + up to 70-200 f2.8 lens attached + 6-8 lenses + flash + many other accessories, OR a compact camcorder, chargers and accessories.

Ultra-Light Minibee 111 Backpack

The MiniBee-111 UL backpack features a combination of technology, materials and design which embody the ultimate essences of lightweight protection without compromises. The bag is designed with a double compartment concept: In the lower compartment there is a special padded camera insert, Cocoon Pouches and Aeriform Dividers to fit the camera/camcorder with accessories, while in the upper compartment there is plenty of space for personal effects. When needed, the lower compartment can be emptied of the padded dividers and pouches, and the zippered partition between the two compartments can be opened to create one large storage space. A variety of external pockets will store items you need rapid access to, such as wallet, phone, water bottle etc.

MiniBee 111 Backpack - Light Gray (KT UL-MB-111) - The Minibee 111 will fit a DSLR (without grip and booster) + up to 70-200 f2.8 lens attached + 3-5 lenses + flash + accessories, OR a compact camcorder, chargers and accessories. It will also accommodate most 13" laptops, an iPad or Netbook.
MiniBee 111 Backpack – Limited Edition Black (KT UL-MB-111-B) - The Minibee is also available in a LIMITED EDITION version that is black with yellow accents.

The New Kata Pro-Light TLB Lens Backpacks

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Many a wildlife or sports photographer has captured the perfect show with the help of a tele-photo lens. Whether you have a 300mm, 600mm or 800mm lens in your arsenal, you know the value of reaching out into the distance to grab the perfect image. The challenge facing many photographers is carrying this large lens comfortably and being able to access them quickly. With the introduction of the Kata Pro-Light Telephoto Lens Backpack, this challenge can easily be met.

The Pro-Light TLB Telephoto Lens Backpacks are designed to safeguard Pro DSLRs with various Telephoto Lenses attached, while keeping the bag as lightweight and easily accessible as possible. When smaller lenses are in use a stable horizontal divider can be set at the required height and the space bellow used for additional storage. A special padded cradle divider fits snuggly around the base of the lens where it joins the camera and provides important stability to the heavy load. This cradle divider falls out of the way when rapid access is deployed. There is also an adjustable circumference divider that will fit around any lens diameter, and an internal securing-strap which makes sure the camera + lens are always exactly in place and that their weight is balanced correctly.

There are Pro-Light TLB bags available for the three basic telephoto lens sizes available.

TLB-300 Telephoto Lens Backpack (KT PL-TLB-300) - The TLB-300 PL Telephoto Lens Backpack is designed to safeguard Pro DSLR with 300mm Telephoto Lens attached.
TLB-600 Telephoto Lens Backpack (KT PL-TLB-600) - The TLB-600 PL Telephoto Lens Backpack is designed to safeguard Pro DSLR with 600mm Telephoto Lens attached
TLB-800 Telephoto Lens Backpack (KT PL-TLB-800) - The TLB-800 PL Telephoto Lens Backpack is designed to safeguard Pro DSLR with 800mm Telephoto Lens attached

Enter the Kata Weigh In Contest!

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700

We've launched the Kata Weigh In contest on Kata Bags Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/katabags?sk=app_137541772984354

All you have to do to enter is go to the Kata Facebook page, and follow the instructions!
Guess the weight, and win a Kata Bag!

*Full contest rules are available through the Facebook page.