Kata 3N1-20 am I missing something here?

[DisFam95]

Based on a lot of positive reviews I ordered this bag but I'm not sure I like it or am I totally missing something on how to access your stuff. I have the big flap open and there are 2 big compartments up above/under the flap that you have to squeeze your hand up to get anything. You cannot see any lens you have up there tho it is plenty big to have 2 lenses up there. I can't image cramming a lens up and under this flap every time?

I had watched many review videos on youtube etc and I just thought it was small compartment. Does anyone have this bag that can comment on this. Why would they put 2 compartments up there that you cannot easily access. I can't even really get to them much using the side access port.

It's only been 15 min and I;m super disappointed w/ my purchase

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The access to the lens/camera storage space is my complaint about the kata 3-n-1's also.

 

[Steve's Girl]

I will try to post photos later, but once you get the lower part configured the way you like it, the camera gear is very easy to access from the side flap. I've had the 3n1 30 for two years now and have been very happy with it.

 

[Steve's Girl]

OK, here are some photos and I will try to explain how I have my bag set up:

Here the bag is laying flat on its back. I have a tripod holder thingy attached to the front.

Here the bag is on its side with the side flap open that I use to access my gear. In the center "slot" I have my 70-200. In the space above the lens, I sometimes slide filters of other small misc stuff in that space. But, I primarily just have extra padding above my lens to protect it. That lens always stays in the center. When that lens is attached to my camera, both the lens and camera slide into that slot.

This is the lower "slot". On the top is where I store my rain cover. The lower slot is where my 24-70 lens lives. (I used it to take the photo) That lens also always stays in that slot. When that lens is attached to the camera, I slide the lens and camera into this lower slot.

Now, the top slot. I have this one divided into two sections. The lower (currently empty) section is where I keep my flash. The upper section is where I keep one or two lenses. I can stack my 30 1.4 and my 12-24 or my 18-200 will also fit in there.

This is what the bag looks like when you open the whole front flap. (the flap under my tripod holder) I only open the bag this way to rearrange my dividers as it is not an easy way to access gear.

Once you have your dividers setup and all your gear in a slot so it can be accessed from the side, it is really easy to get to your gear using the side flap. Here is a lame photo of me in the bathroom mirror, but I think you get the idea.

I always wear the bag as a backpack and then when I need to access my gear, I drop the right strap, swing the bag around, get what I need and keep moving.

 

[Pugrpooh]

Thanks Steve's Girl for the photos. They're very helpful. I have the 3n1 10 and I haven't found a good way to configure all the dividers.