Needing Info on "Sandbags": I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality "sandbag" for situations where a tripod/monopod aren't practical ( car window, windowsill of permanent...

rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana

I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality "sandbag" for situations where a tripod/monopod aren't practical ( car window, windowsill of permanent blind, etc). I've looked at photography and hunting types and dont know what'll work best.
2 questions:
1. What type of sandbag works for you?
2. What type of filler gives best stability? (Sand, seed husks, rice, beads,etc)
Thanks to all in advance for your help.
Rocco

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

rocco_7155 wrote:

I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality "sandbag" for situations where a tripod/monopod aren't practical ( car window, windowsill of permanent blind, etc). I've looked at photography and hunting types and dont know what'll work best.
2 questions:
1. What type of sandbag works for you?
2. What type of filler gives best stability? (Sand, seed husks, rice, beads,etc)
Thanks to all in advance for your help.
Rocco

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I bought the item filled with beads, also had an air extraction system, which enabled the bag to grip/wrap around the camera to hold it firmly, while exposures were made. Do not have a name you can refer/google..sorry.

Leitz Loc: Solms

rocco_7155 wrote:

I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality "sandbag" for situations where a tripod/monopod aren't practical ( car window, windowsill of permanent blind, etc). I've looked at photography and hunting types and dont know what'll work best.
2 questions:
1. What type of sandbag works for you?
2. What type of filler gives best stability? (Sand, seed husks, rice, beads,etc)
Thanks to all in advance for your help.
Rocco

I prefer a beanbag myself. Sandbags are great in a flood, though..

rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana

Pablo8 wrote:

********************************************
I bought the item filled with beads, also had an air extraction system, which enabled the bag to grip/wrap around the camera to hold it firmly, while exposures were made. Do not have a name you can refer/google..sorry.

Thanks Pablo!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

rocco_7155 wrote:

I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality "sandbag" for situations where a tripod/monopod aren't practical ( car window, windowsill of permanent blind, etc). I've looked at photography and hunting types and dont know what'll work best.
2 questions:
1. What type of sandbag works for you?
2. What type of filler gives best stability? (Sand, seed husks, rice, beads,etc)
Thanks to all in advance for your help.
Rocco

How about a bag - maybe an old sock - filled with those little silica gel packs that come packed with electronics? They'd serve a dual purpose.

djtravels Loc: Georgia boy now

I've used a gallon jug filled with the appropriate amount of water. Easy to replace.

rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana

Thanks Leitz n Jerry.
DJ...really need something to "hold" an object at its bottom and provide a stable "shooting platform" on its top surface. Appreciate you commenting.

Jcmarino

I use 5# exercise sand weights. (ankle weights) Most of them have velco on then so you can strap them to your stands. They are easy and compact to carry around. You can add more if you need. They are cheap and easy to find at Walmart, target or any sports store.

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

Just a thought....there's probably a wide variety of pistol/rifle shooters sandbag supports out there. Might be a reasonable place to begin an online search.

plessner Loc: North Dakota

I use something called a puffin pad MT Shooter from UHH sells them fits wonderfully on the side of the vehicle door with the window partly up or down

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

plessner wrote:

I use something called a puffin pad MT Shooter from UHH sells them fits wonderfully on the side of the vehicle door with the window partly up or down

I also have/use/endorse this solution. Like Katherine, I use it on my car windo, but you can use it on other surfaces also. Many of my osprey shots were taken using the Puffin to support my 55-300 as well as my 150-600. If memory serves, it was a bit over $30.00.

Edit: It is also very light weight and comes with a little pouch.

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

I use one of two simple and cheap items depending on the need. First is a simple 1 lb.bag of rice. It cradles a lens nicely.
The second is a 8 inch length of gray foam waterpipe insulation.You can get it at Home Depot or any other hardware store. It comes with a slit in it and fits right over a car window and wont shift around.

rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana

Thanks to all so far. I'll definitely look at Puffin Pad. I have been to Cabela's to look at hunting options. And I do like the DIY option. Decision time I guess :roll:

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

rocco_7155 wrote:

I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality "sandbag" for situations where a tripod/monopod aren't practical ( car window, windowsill of permanent blind, etc). I've looked at photography and hunting types and dont know what'll work best.
2 questions:
1. What type of sandbag works for you?
2. What type of filler gives best stability? (Sand, seed husks, rice, beads,etc)
Thanks to all in advance for your help.
Rocco

Sand is a no. no. around a camera.

Grnway Loc: Manchester, NH

Has anyone ever tried the horseshoe style travel pillows?