Bean bags
Dec 18, 2018 20:48:24 #
Pstrombe
Loc: Columbus, OH
In a recent trip to Churchill Manitoba to photograph polar bears I used a bean bag to steady my camera and it produced superior images over my monopod. I purchased one but am looking for advice about what to fill it with. I am shooting a Tamron 150-600mm telephoto on a Canon 60D and want something flexible but can support the weight. Any advice?
Dec 18, 2018 20:55:01 #
Dec 18, 2018 21:02:01 #
Retired CPO wrote:
Beans, maybe?
That's what I would have thought, Navy beans.
Dec 18, 2018 21:03:57 #
We use black oiled sunflower seeds in ours - we have car window bags and table bags (like shooting bags) - easy to make (denim) and a bag of seeds from Wal-Mart...
Dec 18, 2018 21:15:05 #
Dec 18, 2018 21:19:24 #
Dec 19, 2018 06:14:43 #
Beans and sunflower seeds work if you live in a dry climate. Those things get moldy - or sprout! Rice might be better. Or get some styrofoam packing beads and shred them up real fine.
Dec 19, 2018 06:19:51 #
Linda Ewing
Loc: Lincolnshire,UK
Lentils are light and you can buy them in any supermarket and use a large make-up bag or something similar zipped together at the top or sewn
Dec 19, 2018 06:38:39 #
When I went to Africa we purchased beans and gave them to our guides when our trip was over. When I got home, I purchased 1 lb bags of rice and left the rice in the bags. I filled it until it felt good to me. Gary
Dec 19, 2018 06:40:12 #
Pstrombe
Loc: Columbus, OH
Thanks everybody! I am concerned about mold. In Churchill I just drapped the bag over an open window and laid the lens down on it. Very stable. The bag was made of Heavy canvas but malleable and supported the lens and camera quite well. But I never thought to ask what it was filled with. I am concerned the styrofoam filler might not be firm enough.
Dec 19, 2018 06:43:27 #
Dec 19, 2018 07:25:00 #
jam
Loc: Beaufort, NC
I use Buckwheat Hulls in mine. The bag will form around your lens as long as you do not fill the bag to the max and the best part is that the bag is light compared to rice etc.
Dec 19, 2018 07:39:55 #
When shooting from a vehicle I've found that swimming pool noodles work as well as a bean bag, cut in about 6 in and slit it. Will slide over the window. Many have suggested pipe insulation, but I don't like the glue. Just something to think about.
Dec 19, 2018 07:54:41 #
Pablo8
Loc: Nottingham UK.
I have a commercial item, which has a valve system and bulb type attachment. One can use as is, or by using the bulb/pump, extract air from the bag, creating a vacuum. The deflated bag wraps around the lens, holding it firmly. Or one can just use it as a soft 'Bean-Bag'. Not sure what it is filled with. But very light, most be poly-styrene or some such. If making a 'Bean-Bag' Dried peas was suggested as a filler, by some.
Dec 19, 2018 07:59:12 #
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