Tripods: Something I have not seen posted in the forum yet, but I am new here. I carry a bean bag with me so I can use just about anything as a 'tripod' fence post, back of chair, car...

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Tripods

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Feb 16, 2012 19:00:26 #

RaydancePhoto

Something I have not seen posted in the forum yet, but I am new here. I carry a bean bag with me so I can use just about anything as a 'tripod' fence post, back of chair, car hood or top, etc. It comes in real handy.

Mine is about 6x6 in and I filled it with flax seeds.

Does anybody else use a bean bag?

Feb 16, 2012 19:03:54 #

awana Loc: Lakeland Florida

I don't have one but I would think it might come in handy at times.

Feb 16, 2012 19:11:36 #

randymoe

I love that tagline. I must be a dog...

Bean bags are a good idea if you want to carry one. Also handy with a rifle.

awana wrote:

I don't have one but I would think it might come in handy at times.

Feb 16, 2012 19:21:33 #

jarneyd Loc: New England

I do not have one but would like to get one. Did you make or purchase yours? Do you know where to get one? Thanks

Feb 16, 2012 19:22:44 #

RaydancePhoto

I made mine. It is about 6x6 in and I filled it with flax seeds. Very easy to make.

Feb 17, 2012 06:29:39 #

heyjoe Loc: cincinnati ohio

i want a bean bag,

Feb 17, 2012 06:55:56 #

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

My mother made me one when i was 12 years old. Filled with dry beans. 62 years later I still use it from time to time.

They can be bought in various sizes and aren't cheap considering the materials. Easy to make, and throw it in the trunk of the car and it is available for those last minute opportunities.

Feb 17, 2012 07:39:31 #

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Ours are filled with the sort of wheat you buy to feed chickens, with the outer case made from recycled T-shirts, pillow cases, old jeans, etc. -- the cost is literally chickenfeed!

They also make excellent 'hot water bottles'. Microwave 'em for 1-4 minutes (depending on size) and they hold the heat for ages, without being so hot that they burn.

Two pieces of advice on making them: DON'T overfill them (you need the camera to 'squish in', not fall off the top) and second, consider making 'em long and thin (maybe 5x12 inches) and dividing 'em into three compartments, as this can be draped over walls, etc., and reduces the risk of their falling off. There's (a little) more about bean bags in my 'Choosing and Using Tripods' e-book, available from my site (see below).

Cheers,

R.

Feb 17, 2012 07:56:00 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Isn't there a concern with beans,etc., getting moldy over time?

How about a 12" x 12" bag filled with lead shot? I bet that would be steady.

Feb 17, 2012 08:01:00 #

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

jerryc41 wrote:

Isn't there a concern with beans,etc., getting moldy over time?

Not in my experience. Especially if you microwave 'em occasionally. Be prepared for excessive interest at airports, though: don't fly with one!

Cheers,

R.

Feb 17, 2012 08:24:46 #

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

jerryc41 wrote:

Isn't there a concern with beans,etc., getting moldy over time?

How about a 12" x 12" bag filled with lead shot? I bet that would be steady.

Haven't seen an issue in over 60 years. Of course, mine has never gotten wet.

Lead shot, isn't that heavy?

Feb 17, 2012 09:12:31 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

photocat wrote:

jerryc41 wrote:

Isn't there a concern with beans,etc., getting moldy over time?

How about a 12" x 12" bag filled with lead shot? I bet that would be steady.

Haven't seen an issue in over 60 years. Of course, mine has never gotten wet.

Lead shot, isn't that heavy?

Yes, very heavy, especially 12" x 12". I wasn't being serious about that suggestion. That's where beans are good - light weight.

Here's an idea. Make a zippered bean bag and fill it with snacks - jelly beans, trail mix, etc. When you've eaten your portable tripod, you know it's time to head home.

Feb 17, 2012 09:40:13 #