A pictures accent that I discover helpful for all types of issues as an expert photographer is a pictures bean bag. These are a flexible and extremely moveable product which can be utilized for a spread of several types of pictures.

I first received into utilizing a pictures bean bag when Jess and I went on safari a number of years in the past. Nevertheless, since then we’ve got come to make use of a pictures bean bag for a spread of several types of pictures, and I personally discover them particularly helpful for wildlife pictures.

While I nonetheless recurrently journey with and use my tripods after all, I’ve discovered that there are various occasions when a pictures bean bag is a greater possibility.

I’ve examined various pictures bean baggage in the true world, and I’ll share my favorites with you as properly at a spread of value factors.

I’m additionally going to share with you every part that you must learn about pictures bean baggage generally, so you can also make your individual knowledgeable alternative. From what to search for, to when to make use of them, to what to fill them with, this information ought to aid you resolve on whether or not or not a pictures bean bag is best for you.

Let’s get began!

What Can You Use a Pictures Bean Bag for?

Chances are you’ll be questioning what you want a pictures bean bag for. Properly, there are literally fairly a number of makes use of for a pictures bean bag which make it a useful gizmo for photographers, even when, like me, you already personal a tripod.

Personally I’ve fairly a number of tripods, however I additionally personal fairly a number of pictures bean baggage. I first purchased one for a safari, however since then I’ve discovered them to be helpful for a spread of pictures.

Because of analysis for this information, I even have fairly a number of of them now, though most photographers will solely want one or two.

Anyway, listed here are some conditions the place a pictures bean bag will are available helpful.

 

Wildlife pictures

A pictures bean bag will be a useful device for wildlife photographers. Wildlife pictures usually entails sitting or mendacity nonetheless for extended durations of time with a protracted, heavy lens, simply ready for one thing to occur.

As most of us don’t have arms like Arnold Schwarzenegger, it’s not sensible to carry a lens up for hours on finish ready for wildlife to seem.

With a bean bag, you possibly can remedy this drawback by resting your heavy digicam package on the bean bag whilst you look forward to the motion.

After all, you would use a tripod on this scenario as properly. Nevertheless, a bean bag usually means that you can get nearer to the bottom than a tripod, is extra moveable, and might work in a variety of conditions. It’s additionally very quick to arrange and transfer, and is far less expensive.

In case you are taking pictures birds from a constructed wood cover for instance, a bean bag can simply be rested on the window ledge of the cover. In these conditions, relying on the scale of the cover, a tripod is usually a little bit of an encumbrance the place a bean bag is just not.

General, wildlife pictures is a wonderful instance of when a bean bag make sense for a photographer.

Kinesis Safari Sack 4.2 photography bean bag by Laurence Norah-7Kinesis Safari Sack 4.2 photography bean bag by Laurence Norah-7

 

Journey pictures

As a journey photographer, I’ve lengthy been of the opinion {that a} journey tripod is an important little bit of pictures package.

Nevertheless, I recognize that not everybody desires to hold even a light-weight journey tripod with them on a visit. Generally it won’t even be potential to take a tripod, even a light-weight one, attributable to baggage allowance restrictions.

So when you don’t wish to, or can’t, take a tripod with you in your subsequent journey, however nonetheless wish to do pictures that may profit from a tripod comparable to lengthy publicity pictures, star pictures, northern lights pictures, wildlife pictures and many others., then a bean bag is a good possibility.

They pack gentle, particularly when you purchase the filling in vacation spot, are versatile, and can allow you to get a spread of images that you just wouldn’t have been capable of obtain in any other case. In journey pictures, a bean bag is the subsequent neatest thing to a tripod.

 

Safari / Car-Based mostly Pictures

In case you are doing any pictures from a automobile, then a bean bag could make an enormous distinction to your expertise.

The basic instance of taking pictures from a automobile is after all if you find yourself taking images on safari. Nevertheless, there are different conditions if you may wish to take photos from a automobile, from visiting a state or nationwide park via to visiting a drive via zoo.

Usually, if you’re taking pictures from a automobile, even a bigger safari sort automobile the place you possibly can get up and transfer round a bit, a tripod or perhaps a monopod isn’t going to be sensible. The legs get in the best way, you possibly can’t transfer them shortly sufficient to reply to wildlife actions, they received’t allow you to shoot from each angle, and also you’ll simply find yourself pissed off.

A bean bag solves this drawback. You may place it virtually anyplace, from a windowsill to the sting of a pop-top in a safari automobile. They’re comparatively gentle and moveable, and you need to use them to help even bigger lenses.

General, if you’re planning a safari or any sort of pictures that may contain a automobile, I believe a bean bag is an important addition to your package.

Photography bean bag safari

 

Tripod Weight

A bean bag may also be actually useful for weighting down a tripod. Many tripods have a system beneath the place you possibly can dangle ballast to enhance stability.

When you have a pictures bean bag which has a carry loop or d-ring, and also you fill it with heavier fill like sand, beans or Poly Beads, then it could double up as helpful ballast in your tripod as properly.

 

What’s the Greatest Filling for a Pictures Bean Bag?

The beauty of a pictures bean bag is that, regardless of the title, you possibly can truly fill it with all types of issues. Actually, many bean baggage ship empty so you can also make your individual choice as to what to fill it with.

The totally different filling choices let you select how heavy or gentle you need your bean bag to be. A heavier bean bag will usually present extra stability while a lighter bean bag goes to be extra moveable. So it’s important to select the choice that works greatest for you.

Listed here are some filling choices to contemplate and my ideas on every. These are roughly ordered from lighter to heavier choices.

  • Polystyrene balls. These are a really gentle and low-cost bean bag fill possibility. Their fundamental benefit is the low weight, though they’re most likely a bit too gentle. They will additionally get in all places if you’re not cautious!
  • Cushion stuffing. You may contemplate filling your bean bag with the identical form of stuff you’ll fill a cushion with. This will work, and might be fairly gentle, however is usually a little bit too gentle and squishy to correctly help a digicam and lens.
  • Buckwheat hulls. These are a pure byproduct of buckwheat processing. They’re standard as use for filling pillows, and make a superb pictures bean bag fill. They’re comparatively gentle however are additionally fairly arduous. They’re additionally pretty small, which suggests the bag might be fairly versatile in form. The principle draw back is that bigger lenses (>200mm) can crush them over time, lowering their usefulness.
  • Dried seeds (sunflower, chook seed and many others.). Dried seeds are a well-liked alternative as a bean bag fill as they’re broadly obtainable. They’ll be heavier than the earlier choices on this checklist, providing a extra secure platform. The principle draw back is that edible seeds can appeal to wildlife, and being natural they received’t final eternally. Seeds additionally comprise oils which might launch into your bean bag case.
  • Dried beans or grains (rice, kidney beans, pink beans, black beans and many others.). These are comparable in weight, efficiency and availability to dried seeds. I’d say they’re a barely higher possibility as they’ve much less oils and can seemingly last more. In case you are touring, they’re broadly obtainable for buy, making them a terrific possibility.
  • Poly Beads – In order for you a heavier, extra sturdy possibility, then Poly Beads are the best way to go. These are produced from a tough plastic, so received’t break down, and are usually round 5 occasions heavier in comparison with one thing like Buckwheat

There are after all a lot of different choices to select from. Some folks use cat litter or sand to fill their bean baggage. However I’d say for most individuals, Buckwheat hulls, dried beans or poly beads are most likely going to be the perfect choices.

One tip, if you’ll be utilizing natural supplies which could stain or be arduous to take away from the bag, is to place the fill in a number of heavy obligation Ziploc plastic baggage first. Then put these baggage stuffed with the fill contained in the bean bag. This can defend the bag and the fill and make it simpler to take away and clear if mandatory.

Photography bean bags fill options by Laurence NorahPhotography bean bags fill options by Laurence Norah
Some choices for filling a pictures bean bag. From left to proper: black beans, poly beads, buckwheat hulls.

 

What to Search for in a Pictures Bean Bag

I’m now going to cowl among the totally different options {that a} pictures bean bag can include. This can aid you resolve which bean bag goes to be proper in your wants.

Bean Bag Form

The primary choice to make is what form pictures bean bag you need. The principle bean bag shapes are as follows.

  • Flat – a flat beanbag mainly appears like a pillow. It affords versatile placement, however won’t mould as properly round objects comparable to a windowsill as among the different shapes
  • Double-cushion – a double cushion bean-bag is mainly two flat bean baggage sewn collectively within the center. This affords good versatility, as you need to use it like a flat bean bag, balancing the digicam on the highest, or you need to use it on its facet, with the digicam nestled between the 2 cushions
  • Saddle bag – this bean bag appears like a lower-case letter “n”, or a “u”, relying which approach up you may have it. You need to use it both approach up. Within the “n” form you possibly can place every of the legs over a windowsill or different edge for stability. Within the “u” form, you possibly can put the digicam lens between the 2 legs and relaxation the flat half on the bottom.

Every bean bag form affords benefits and downsides. Personally I just like the saddle bag form because it affords numerous versatility for a spread of conditions. Nevertheless, the flat cushion form additionally works properly in particular conditions, comparable to when taking pictures on the bottom.

Bean bag shapes for photographyBean bag shapes for photography

 

Bean Bag Materials

Bean baggage will be made out of a spread of supplies which have an effect on the sturdiness and weight of the product.

Totally different elements of the bean bag can also be made out of several types of materials. For instance, elements of it could be made out of a water-proof materials or a fabric that contains a grippy floor.

Widespread supplies for bean baggage to be produced from embody Cordura, Nylon and Canvas. The principle factor is to make sure the supplies used supply good high quality with top quality stitching. A rubberized grippy base can also be function to search for because it affords each waterproofing and extra stability.

 

Fill Bean Bag

One of many good issues about most pictures bean baggage is you could take away and alter the fill. So, if you’re planning a visit the place packing weight is a consideration, then you’ll seemingly wish to empty your bean bag earlier than your journey and fill it in vacation spot.

Totally different bean baggage supply totally different choices for a way you truly open them as much as entry the inside the place the filling resides. These can embody zippered openings and velcro openings.

Personally, I’d advocate a top quality zippered opening. Velcro is inferior to it could come open in the midst of a shoot or in your bag with messy penalties.

Some bean baggage supply a number of zippered openings, which might make distributing the fill to totally different elements of the bean bag simpler. With saddlebag designs for instance, the zip is commonly on the leg, so having two zippered openings will be significantly useful to make sure each legs get an excellent quantity of fill.

Filling a photography bean bag by Laurence NorahFilling a photography bean bag by Laurence Norah

 

Dimension of Bean Bag

When purchasing for a bean bag, you’ll want to resolve on how huge you need the bean bag to be. This can have an effect on a number of issues.

First, a bigger bean bag will have the ability to accommodate a bigger lens. When you have a very giant lens (300mm and up on a full body digicam), you’ll want to make certain the bean bag goes to be giant sufficient to totally cushion and help it.

After all, a big bean bag would require extra filling, and the ultimate stuffed weight of the bag may even be heavier (though that is additionally clearly affected by what you fill it with).

 

Bean Bag Colour

The colour of your bean bag can also be one thing to contemplate. Most bean baggage are available wildlife pleasant colours, together with browns, khakis, greens and black. Some even have a camo model print.

Most colours will work for many makes use of. Nevertheless, for particular pictures conditions, some colours might be higher than others. For instance, if you’re happening safari it’s usually really useful to keep away from colours like black or blue as these can appeal to tsetse flies. So on this scenario, a khaki, inexperienced, camo, or sandy colour can be good.

In case you are planning on utilizing your bean bag for wildlife pictures generally, and might be attempting to mix in together with your environment, then a camo model bean bag could be price contemplating.

Photography bean bags by Laurence Norah-2Photography bean bags by Laurence Norah-2

 

Extra Options

Some producers wish to differentiate their bean baggage by providing extra options. In case you are evaluating two equally priced bean baggage and one has additional options that you just discover helpful, then that one could be a greater match for you.

Options I’ve seen embody zippered pockets to carry equipment, grippy bases, straps for carrying, the flexibility to transform between a pillow form and a saddle form, and even tripod thread for mounting tripod heads or gimbals.

 

The Greatest Pictures Bean Baggage

I’m now going to undergo various pictures bean baggage of various kinds and at totally different value factors. I’ve personally tried out the vast majority of these bean baggage myself.

If I haven’t tried a selected mannequin, then I’ve tried one other model from the identical model, and would count on the expertise to be comparable.

Many manufacturers have a number of bean bag choices, with the differentiators being the scale of the bean bag and the lenses they will help. Some manufacturers additionally supply a number of bean bag kinds.

These bean baggage are ordered roughly by value from decrease to larger, however costs at all times range so do click on via the test the newest value for every mannequin when evaluating.

 

Grippa Bean Bag (UK solely)

The very first digicam bean bag I purchased was this price range possibility known as the Grippa Bean Bag.

It’s primarily two sq. bean baggage sewn along with an inside be part of so beans can movement from one facet to the opposite.

The Best Photography Bean Bags

Photography bean bag safari by Laurence NorahPhotography bean bag safari by Laurence Norah

Regardless of its price range nature, it truly labored very properly on my safari. After I bought it previous to a safari journey it got here prefilled with very gentle polystyrene beads, which made it gentle (if cumbersome) to journey with. The inside is accessed with a zipper which suggests you possibly can empty it and refill it, and it may also be bought empty.

Actually, I’d most likely advocate buying it empty and filling it with one thing apart from the polystyrene beads. They’re a bit of gentle, and so they additionally make a little bit of noise if you use the bag, which could scare wildlife away.

That mentioned, I had expertise utilizing this bean bag on safari in East Africa, and if you’re within the UK in search of a extra price range oriented possibility, it’s undoubtedly one to contemplate.

Dimensions: 21.6 x 21.2 x 20.5 cm / 8.5 x 8.3 x 8.1 inches
Merchandise Weight: 0.22kg /7.76oz (no fill)
Buy: Verify value on Amazon UK right here.

 

Kinesis SafariSack 1.4

Kinesis makes a spread of pictures bean baggage with a major give attention to bean baggage that work properly for safari. After all, their bean baggage additionally work properly for every kind of different makes use of, however their unique mission was to create bean baggage particularly for the wants of photographers on safari. Their baggage are all made within the USA.

Safari pictures usually has you taking images from a automobile, both via a facet window or via a pop-up roof viewing space. You are inclined to have to maneuver shortly and alter your place, and there are typically all types of wierd bits of steel on a safari truck to work round.

The Best Photography Bean Bags

As such, the Kinesis SafariSacks are designed to be versatile and hard to face as much as the pains of being bumped round and positioned over all types of shapes.

The Kinesis SafariSack 1.4 is at the moment their smallest mannequin, designed for lenses as much as 200mm in size. It has zippered entry to the fill space, and a rubberized base which has grippy sections at every finish of the bag.

The bag is product of 400-denier and 420-denier Diamond Ripstop nylon materials, and the bottom is SlipNot, a rubberize-type cloth.

This SafariSack is designed for use in flat mode. On safari that is usually greatest to be used on prime of a automobile. It additionally has a fast launch strap which can be utilized to safe the bag, for instance to a roof mounted rack, providing extra peace of thoughts. It may also be used as a carry strap, and prolonged with an non-compulsory accent to be used as a shoulder strap.

Personally, I’d advocate buying the model which comes with the non-compulsory shoulder strap because it makes it simpler to hold.

Kinesis offers estimated weights for the bag when it’s stuffed with totally different supplies. With Buckwheat the burden can be 240g / 8.5oz. With Polybeads, it will be 910g / 2lbs. You may usually buy the bag empty or with both buckwheat or polybeads provided.

Personally, I’d advocate shopping for the variant with the buckwheat fill and the Y208 extension strap.

I’ve a bigger Kinesis SafariSack and the construct high quality of their merchandise is great.

Dimensions: 20 x 28 cm (7.9 x 11″)
Merchandise Weight: 0.08kg / 2.9oz (no fill)
Buy: Verify value on Amazon right here and B&H Picture right here.

 

LensCoat LensSack Jr.

LensCoat are a US based mostly firm who’ve been creating merchandise geared toward wildlife photographers for a few years. The corporate was began by wildlife photographer Scott Elowitz, and their merchandise are all made within the USA.

LensCoat are significantly well-known for his or her LensCoat lens covers. It is a neoprene wrap which fits round a lens, providing thermal safety, waterproofing, and camouflage.

The Best Photography Bean Bags

Nevertheless, in addition they make a spread of pictures bean baggage.

The LensCoat LensSack Jr. is a flat model bean bag though relying on the way you fill it you possibly can form it in a “v” form when you favor. It has a non-slip grippy backside alongside the total base of the bean bag and the bag itself is constructed from water resistant heavy-duty Cordura.

It has a locking zipper for fill compartment entry in addition to a carry-strap and 4 d-ring securing factors.

In comparison with the Safari Sack 1.4 it is a barely bigger bean bag which might deal with bigger lenses, I’d estimate as much as 400mm would work tremendous on this bean bag. It additionally has the benefit of providing grip alongside the complete base of the bean bag, which is a pleasant function.

When you have an even bigger lens or would favor an excellent bigger flat model bean bag from LensSack, take a look at the LensCoat LensSack which affords the identical options however in a bigger dimension.

I personal a saddle bag formed LensCoat bean bag and have discovered the product to be properly made and sturdy.

Dimensions: 38 x 20 cm (19.5 x 11.5″)
Merchandise Weight: 0.08kg / 2.9oz (no fill)
Buy: Verify value on Amazon right here and B&H Picture right here.

 

Grizzly Digital camera Bean Bag

The Grizzly Digital camera bean bag is a saddlebag model bean bag which affords a no-frills however pretty well-made bean bag product at value. I purchased this to check it to among the dearer choices available on the market.

The bag itself is produced from 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon which, appears and feels (to my contact) arduous sporting. It’s comparatively giant, capable of work with lenses as much as 600mm comfortably I’d say.

The Best Photography Bean Bags

Grizzly photography bean bag by Laurence NorahGrizzly photography bean bag by Laurence Norah

Grizzly photography bean bag by Laurence NorahGrizzly photography bean bag by Laurence Norah

The saddle space which might usually sit over the windowsill, fence put up or different help is produced from a rubberized coating for waterproofing and sturdiness. This base is a bit of clean although, particularly in comparison with the Kinesis or LensCoat merchandise.

It has a single top quality YKK zipper, which is practical if not as useful as having two zippers. There’s additionally a carry deal with.

General, for the value, it is a good saddlebag possibility. You don’t get the additional options and extra premium development of upper finish baggage however it’s actually ok for normal use.

Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 20 cm (10 x 8 x 8″)
Merchandise Weight: 0.15kg / 5.6oz (no fill)
Buy: Verify value on Amazon right here and Etsy right here.

 

Kinesis SafariSack 4.2

The Kinesis SafariSack is one among my private favourite pictures bean baggage that I’ve used, primarily due to its versatility.

It’s primarily a bigger model of the SafariSack 1.4, which works with longer lenses as much as 800mm. Nevertheless, it does have some key added options that make it well worth the improve past bigger lens capability, even for smaller lenses.

The Best Photography Bean Bags

Kinesis Safari Sack 4.2 photography bean bag by Laurence Norah-2Kinesis Safari Sack 4.2 photography bean bag by Laurence Norah-2

Kinesis Safari Sack 4.2 photography bean bag by Laurence Norah-2Kinesis Safari Sack 4.2 photography bean bag by Laurence Norah-2

The principle differentiating function it has is that it’s designed for use as each a flat bag and likewise in a extra saddlebag form. To attain the saddlebag form, you simply tighten the 2 straps beneath the bag which pull the ends collectively to type the “legs” of the saddle.

It’s designed with a gusset in the midst of the bag in order that when in saddlebag mode this space has extra fill and thus offers extra help. That mentioned, Kinesis do advocate filling the bag barely lower than full if planning on utilizing it in saddlebag mode.

While it’s clearly not fairly as agency of a form as a purpose-built saddlebag, I discover that it really works properly and molds properly to totally different floor shapes.

Just like the 1.4 mannequin, the 4.2 additionally has a rubberized backside, and a carry deal with which will be prolonged right into a shoulder strap with the non-compulsory Y208 extension strap. I’d undoubtedly advocate buying the model with the carry strap because it makes it lots simpler to hold round. The carry deal with additionally has d-ring attachments.

The bag is product of 400-denier and 420-denier Diamond Ripstop nylon materials, and the bottom is SlipNot, a rubberized-type cloth.

Components of this base at every finish of the bag have additional grip, as you possibly can see within the beneath picture, which helps particularly when utilizing the bag in a extra saddlebag configuration for grip.

Kinesis Safari Sack 4.2 photography bean bag grip by Laurence NorahKinesis Safari Sack 4.2 photography bean bag grip by Laurence Norah

Photography bean bag in car by Laurence Norah-4Photography bean bag in car by Laurence Norah-4

Photography bean bag in car by Laurence Norah-4Photography bean bag in car by Laurence Norah-4

One other factor I like about all of the Kinesis SafariSacks is that the fill zipper stops about half an inch from the sting of the bag. This implies there’s room for the zipper pull to fold over flat as much as the sting of the bag. It’s then secured beneath the zipper flap.

This implies it’s lots simpler to know when it’s correctly closed. The opposite bean baggage I’ve used require you to try to push the zipped closed proper as much as the sting of the bag. This will make it arduous to know if it’s correctly closed.

A correctly closed zipper on a bean bag is de facto essential as in any other case your fill can begin to pour out, which isn’t scenario to be in.

Kinesis Safari Sack 4.2 photography bean bag zip by Laurence NorahKinesis Safari Sack 4.2 photography bean bag zip by Laurence Norah

Kinesis offers estimated weights for the bag when it’s stuffed with totally different supplies. With Buckwheat the burden can be 0.66kg / 1lb 7oz. With Polybeads, it will be 2.5kg / 5lbs 8oz.

You may usually buy the bag empty or with both buckwheat or polybeads provided, and with or with out the carry strap. I’d advocate the model with the Y208 extension strap which is able to make it simpler to safe and carry.

Then, I’d recommend the model with buckwheat if in case you have a lens as much as round 200mm, or plan to journey with it. If weight is just not a problem and you’ve got a bigger lens, then the Poly Bead possibility is the best choice.

Dimensions: 24 x 40 cm (15.7 x 9.4″)
Merchandise Weight: 0.144kg / 5oz (no fill)
Buy: Verify value on Amazon right here and B&H Picture right here.

 

LensCoat LensSack Professional Jr.

The LensCoat LensSack Professional Jr. is my favorite saddlebag model “u” formed pictures bean bag that I personal. It’s very well made and has some distinctive options that I’ve not seen in different pictures bean baggage.

The Best Photography Bean Bags

First, the fundamentals. It’s made of industrial quality water-proof Cordura, with a rubberized base and strengthened stitched seams. The bottom (the within of the “u”) affords grip throughout its complete floor, which is a very nice function for guaranteeing stability and grip.

LensCoast LensSack Pro Jr photography bean bag grip by Laurence NorahLensCoast LensSack Pro Jr photography bean bag grip by Laurence Norah

LensCoast LensSack Pro Jr photography bean bag by Laurence Norah-2LensCoast LensSack Pro Jr photography bean bag by Laurence Norah-2

The LensSack Professional Jr can help lenses as much as 500mm (for bigger lenses have a look at the LensCoat LensSack Professional). It has two YKK locking zippers, one on every leg, making it straightforward to fill and empty.

By way of additional options, you get two adjustable fast launch straps on the finish of every leg which can be utilized for carrying and securing the LensSack. There’s additionally a M.O.L.L.E webbing system on the surface of every leg which you’ll connect pouches and equipment to.

Lens Coat photography bean bag by Laurence Norah-2Lens Coat photography bean bag by Laurence Norah-2

LensCoat LensSack Pro Jr photography bean bag MOLLE by Laurence NorahLensCoat LensSack Pro Jr photography bean bag MOLLE by Laurence Norah

Every leg additionally has a storage compartment which is secured by Velcro, and is appropriate for carrying issues like spare batteries, reminiscence playing cards and so-on.

The actual stand out function although is that it comes with a detachable light-weight plane grade aluminum plate with a regular 3/8″-16 mounting screw. That is the usual dimension for a gimbal or ball head, which means you possibly can truly connect these equipment on to the bag if you would like.

Lens Coat photography bean bag by Laurence NorahLens Coat photography bean bag by Laurence Norah

Now, the value of this bag is actually larger than among the different choices on the checklist, however I believe the merchandise options and premium high quality greater than justify that value level. It’s additionally made within the USA.

In case you are in search of a top quality, well-made saddle bag model pictures bean bag, I’d say both the LensCoat LensSack Professional Jr. or Professional (for bigger lenses as much as 800mm) ought to undoubtedly be in your quick checklist.

LensCoat offers an estimated weight when stuffed with sunflower seeds of two.5kg (5lb 8oz), with out the mounting plate.

Dimensions: 17.7 x 16.5 x 19.1 cm (7 x 6.5 x 7.5 “)
Merchandise Weight: 0.26kg / 9oz (no fill). Add 0.12kg (4.2oz) if utilizing mounting plate
Buy: Verify value on Amazon right here and B&H Picture right here.

 

Kinesis SafariSack 7.3

I needed to incorporate the Kinesis Safari Sack 7.3 on this checklist because it’s a real saddleback “u” formed bag from Kinesis. It’s additionally, at time of writing, the biggest pictures bean bag that Kinesis make, and the biggest in our checklist.

So, when you want a really big pictures bean bag for a very huge lens (suppose 600mm and up), then it is a good possibility. I believe for most individuals this could be only a bit a lot, however I felt it was price together with so you possibly can see all of the choices.

The Best Photography Bean Bags

By way of options, you get all the standard you’ll count on from Kinesis.

To begin with, it’s produced from the identical supplies as their different baggage, which is a mix of 400-denier and 420-denier Diamond Ripstop nylon materials. The bottom (inside a part of the “u”) is coated with SlipNot, a rubber-like cloth, which affords grip. Notice the grip is throughout the entire a part of the rubberized space.

Entry to the inside is by way of just one zip, however because the zip is within the saddle a part of the bag fairly than within the legs, it does make distributing the fill evenly pretty straightforward.

By way of extra options, there’s M.O.L.L.E model webbing slots on either side of the bag for attaching equipment, there are a pair of carry straps sewn in to the highest of the bag and there are additionally straps on the “toes” for simple choose up when it’s inverted.

General, when you want a very huge pictures bean bag I’d say it’s a alternative between this one and the LensCoat LensSack Professional. They’re each nice merchandise, you’ll simply have to resolve which inserts your wants and price range greatest.

Kinesis recommend utilizing this bean bag with both Poly Beads, or the Git-Lite product. The latter is just like Poly Beads however is roughly half the burden.

As this bag is designed for bigger lenses, a fill like buckwheat is prone to get crushed over time.

With Poly Beads, the entire weight of this bag is 9lbs 30z / 4.24kg. With Git-Lite, you’re taking a look at 4lbs 7oz / 2kg.

Dimensions: 20 x 40 x 22 cm (7.8 x 15.75 x 8.7 “)
Merchandise Weight: 0.2kg / 7oz (no fill)
Buy: Verify value on Amazon right here and B&H Picture right here.

 

Suggestions for Utilizing a Pictures Bean Bag

Now that you’ve chosen your pictures bean bag, I needed to share a number of tricks to get essentially the most out of it, based mostly on my experiences.

  • Invert your tripod collar. When you have a digicam with a tripod collar, rotate this so it’s on the prime of the digicam fairly than the underside, as in any other case it’s going to get in the best way of the digicam resting totally on the bean bag. After all, if you’re utilizing a product just like the LensSack Professional Jr with the ball head, you could be utilizing the tripod collar, so ignore this tip!
  • Fill you pictures bag in vacation spot. In case you are touring, it can save you your baggage area by filling the bag in vacation spot fairly than travelling with an already full bag
  • Select your filling correctly and be sure you have sufficient of it as your bag will seemingly maintain greater than you suppose. There are a number of choices for a filling. For natural supplies, I discover buckwheat hulls, sunflower seeds, or bigger dried beans works properly. I’d keep away from rice as the form of rice means that’s can compact a bit an excessive amount of and means you possibly can lose among the versatile form advantages of a bean bag. Polystyrene balls is usually a good possibility, particularly when you want one thing very light-weight, however they are often too gentle for some conditions, difficult to work with to fill, to not point out environmentally unfriendly. Poly plastic beads are most likely best choice if you would like one thing heavy, sturdy, and washable.
  • In case you are utilizing an natural product to fill your bean bag you’ll want to take care that it doesn’t get moist, and bear in mind that it would must be changed infrequently. A good suggestion is to place the filling right into a Ziploc bag and sealing that, then placing the sealed Ziploc bag into your bean bag. Relying on the form of the bean bag and the scale of the entry gap, chances are you’ll want to make use of a number of baggage.
  • In relation to filling your bean bag, persistence is the important thing. Ensure that the zippered half is as excessive as potential relative to the remainder of the bag, and pour the filling in rigorously and slowly. You don’t wish to make a multitude in all places and should waste time attempting to gather errant bits of fill!
  • Hold your bag safe. In case you are planning to make use of this in automobiles, boats, tree limps, on railings, close to cliffs, and many others. then you definately wish to be sure you safe you bag so it doesn’t unintentionally fall or fly away. You may connect it to an object comparable to a automobile hook, roof railing, or fence,  safe it to your digicam (in case your digicam is secured to you), or you possibly can safe it round your neck. Most safari baggage include a strap of some form but when yours don’t you need to use one thing like this pictures bag strap.

Filling a photography bean bag by Laurence Norah-2Filling a photography bean bag by Laurence Norah-2

 

Additional Studying

That’s it for my information to the perfect bean bag for pictures. If you happen to discovered this convenient, you may take pleasure in a few of my different pictures content material. Listed here are some articles to get you began.

 

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And that’s it! I’d love to listen to about your ideas on bean baggage for pictures, and am pleased to reply any questions you may have. Simply pop them within the feedback beneath and I’ll get again to you as quickly as I can.

A detailed guide to the best photography bean bags based on real world experience. What to look for, tips on using them and more!A detailed guide to the best photography bean bags based on real world experience. What to look for, tips on using them and more!

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