Thursday, April 24, 2025

The Greatest Pictures Bean Baggage


A pictures accent that I discover helpful for all kinds 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 variety of various kinds of pictures.

I first acquired into utilizing a pictures bean bag when Jess and I went on safari a number of years in the past. Nonetheless, since then we’ve come to make use of a pictures bean bag for a variety of various kinds of pictures, and I personally discover them particularly helpful for wildlife pictures.

While I nonetheless repeatedly journey with and use my tripods in fact, I’ve discovered that there are lots of 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 nicely at a variety of value factors.

I’m additionally going to share with you every little thing that you must find out about pictures bean baggage generally, so you may make your personal knowledgeable alternative. From what to search for, to when to make use of them, to what to fill them with, this information ought to make it easier to determine 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?

It’s possible you’ll be questioning what you want a pictures bean bag for. Effectively, there are literally fairly just a few 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 just a few tripods, however I additionally personal fairly just a few pictures bean baggage. I first purchased one for a safari, however since then I’ve discovered them to be helpful for a variety of pictures.

On account of analysis for this information, I even have fairly just a few 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 in helpful.

 

Wildlife pictures

A pictures bean bag could be a useful device for wildlife photographers. Wildlife pictures usually entails sitting or mendacity nonetheless for extended intervals 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 may remedy this downside by resting your heavy digital camera equipment on the bean bag whilst you await the motion.

In fact, you can use a tripod on this scenario as nicely. Nonetheless, a bean bag usually permits you to get nearer to the bottom than a tripod, is extra moveable, and may work in a variety of conditions. It’s additionally very quick to arrange and transfer, and is far more economical.

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 dimensions of the cover, a tripod generally is a little bit of an encumbrance the place a bean bag will not be.

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

Kinesis 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 a necessary little bit of pictures equipment.

Nonetheless, I admire that not everybody desires to hold even a light-weight journey tripod with them on a visit. Generally it may not even be doable to take a tripod, even a lightweight one, as a result of baggage allowance restrictions.

So for those who don’t wish to, or can’t, take a tripod with you in your subsequent journey, however nonetheless wish to do pictures that will profit from a tripod reminiscent of lengthy publicity pictures, star pictures, northern lights pictures, wildlife pictures and so forth., then a bean bag is a good possibility.

They pack mild, particularly for those who purchase the filling in vacation spot, are versatile, and can allow you to get a variety 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 smartest thing to a tripod.

 

Safari / Automobile-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 in fact when you find yourself taking images on safari. Nonetheless, there are different conditions while you would possibly wish to take photos from a automobile, from visiting a state or nationwide park by to visiting a drive by zoo.

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

A bean bag solves this downside. You possibly can place it nearly anyplace, from a windowsill to the sting of a pop-top in a safari automobile. They’re comparatively mild and moveable, and you should utilize them to help even bigger lenses.

General, in case you are planning a safari or any sort of pictures which may contain a automobile, I believe a bean bag is a necessary addition to your equipment.

Photography bean bag safari

 

Tripod Weight

A bean bag will also be actually useful for weighting down a tripod. Many tripods have a system beneath the place you may grasp 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 possibly double up as helpful ballast on your tripod as nicely.

 

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

The wonderful thing about a pictures bean bag is that, regardless of the identify, you may really fill it with all kinds of issues. In truth, many bean baggage ship empty so you may make your personal choice as to what to fill it with.

The totally different filling choices can help you select how heavy or mild you need your bean bag to be. A heavier bean bag will typically present extra stability while a lighter bean bag goes to be extra moveable. So you must select the choice that works greatest for you.

Listed below 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 mild and low-cost bean bag fill possibility. Their major benefit is the low weight, though they’re most likely a bit too mild. They will additionally get in every single place in case you are not cautious!
  • Cushion stuffing. You would possibly contemplate filling your bean bag with the identical kind of stuff you’ll fill a cushion with. This will work, and shall be fairly mild, however generally is a little bit too tender and squishy to correctly help a digital camera and lens.
  • Buckwheat hulls. These are a pure byproduct of buckwheat processing. They’re in style as use for filling pillows, and make a superb pictures bean bag fill. They’re comparatively mild however are additionally fairly arduous. They’re additionally pretty small, which suggests the bag shall 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, chicken seed and so forth.). Dried seeds are a preferred alternative as a bean bag fill as they’re broadly obtainable. They’re going to be heavier than the earlier choices on this checklist, providing a extra steady platform. The principle draw back is that edible seeds can entice wildlife, and being natural they gained’t final eternally. Seeds additionally comprise oils which may launch into your bean bag case.
  • Dried beans or grains (rice, kidney beans, purple beans, black beans and so forth.). These are comparable in weight, efficiency and availability to dried seeds. I might 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 an ideal possibility.
  • Poly Beads – In order for you a heavier, extra sturdy possibility, then Poly Beads are the way in which to go. These are made out of a tough plastic, so gained’t break down, and are typically round 5 occasions heavier in comparison with one thing like Buckwheat

There are in fact plenty of different choices to select from. Some individuals use cat litter or sand to fill their bean baggage. However I might say for most individuals, Buckwheat hulls, dried beans or poly beads are most likely going to be one of the best choices.

One tip, if you will 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 may shield the bag and the fill and make it simpler to take away and clear if vital.

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 a few of the totally different options {that a} pictures bean bag can include. This may make it easier to determine which bean bag goes to be proper on 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 seems like a pillow. It presents versatile placement, however may not mould as nicely round objects reminiscent of a windowsill as a few of the different shapes
  • Double-cushion – a double cushion bean-bag is mainly two flat bean baggage sewn collectively within the center. This presents good versatility, as you should utilize it like a flat bean bag, balancing the digital camera on the highest, or you should utilize it on its aspect, with the digital camera nestled between the 2 cushions
  • Saddle bag – this bean bag seems like a lower-case letter “n”, or a “u”, relying which manner up you might have it. You should use it both manner up. Within the “n” form you may place every of the legs over a windowsill or different edge for stability. Within the “u” form, you may put the digital camera lens between the 2 legs and relaxation the flat half on the bottom.

Every bean bag form presents benefits and drawbacks. Personally I just like the saddle bag form because it presents a number of versatility for a variety of conditions. Nonetheless, the flat cushion form additionally works nicely in particular conditions, reminiscent of when taking pictures on the bottom.

Bean bag shapes for photographyBean bag shapes for photography

 

Bean Bag Materials

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

Totally different elements of the bean bag might also be made out of various kinds of materials. For instance, elements of it could be made out of a waterproof materials or a cloth that includes a grippy floor.

Widespread supplies for bean baggage to be made out of embody Cordura, Nylon and Canvas. The principle factor is to make sure the supplies used supply good high quality with prime quality stitching. A rubberized grippy base can also be characteristic to search for because it presents each waterproofing and extra stability.

 

The right way to Fill Bean Bag

One of many good issues about most pictures bean baggage is that you could take away and alter the fill. So, in case you are 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 the way you really open them as much as entry the inside the place the filling resides. These can embody zippered openings and velcro openings.

Personally, I might advocate a top quality zippered opening. Velcro is not so good as it could possibly 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 may make distributing the fill to totally different elements of the bean bag simpler. With saddlebag designs for instance, the zip is usually on the leg, so having two zippered openings could be notably 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 determine on how massive you need the bean bag to be. This may have an effect on just a few issues.

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

In fact, a big bean bag would require extra filling, and the ultimate crammed weight of the bag may also 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 in wildlife pleasant colours, together with browns, khakis, greens and black. Some even have a camo fashion print.

Most colours will work for many makes use of. Nonetheless, for particular pictures conditions, some colours shall be higher than others. For instance, in case you are occurring safari it’s usually really useful to keep away from colours like black or blue as these can entice tsetse flies. So on this scenario, a khaki, inexperienced, camo, or sandy coloration could be good.

In case you are planning on utilizing your bean bag for wildlife pictures generally, and shall be attempting to mix in along with your environment, then a camo fashion bean bag may be value contemplating.

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

 

Extra Options

Some producers prefer to differentiate their bean baggage by providing extra options. In case you are evaluating two equally priced bean baggage and one has further options that you just discover helpful, then that one may 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 types and at totally different value factors. I’ve personally tried out nearly all of these bean baggage myself.

If I haven’t tried a particular 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 dimensions of the bean bag and the lenses they’ll help. Some manufacturers additionally supply a number of bean bag types.

These bean baggage are ordered roughly by value from decrease to greater, however costs at all times fluctuate so do click on by the verify the most recent value for every mannequin when evaluating.

 

Grippa Bean Bag (UK solely)

The very first digital camera bean bag I purchased was this finances 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 move from one aspect to the opposite.

The Best Photography Bean Bags

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

Regardless of its finances nature, it really labored very nicely on my safari. Once I bought it previous to a safari journey it got here prefilled with very mild polystyrene beads, which made it mild (if cumbersome) to journey with. The inside is accessed with a zipper which suggests you may empty it and refill it, and it will also be bought empty.

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

That stated, I had expertise utilizing this bean bag on safari in East Africa, and in case you are within the UK searching for a extra finances 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: Test value on Amazon UK right here.

 

Kinesis SafariSack 1.4

Kinesis makes a variety of pictures bean baggage with a main concentrate on bean baggage that work nicely for safari. In fact, their bean baggage additionally work nicely for every kind of different makes use of, however their authentic 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 by a aspect window or by a pop-up roof viewing space. You are inclined to have to maneuver shortly and alter your place, and there are usually all kinds 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 kinds of shapes.

The Kinesis SafariSack 1.4 is at present 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 made from 400-denier and 420-denier Diamond Ripstop nylon materials, and the bottom is SlipNot, a rubberize-type material.

This SafariSack is designed for use in flat mode. On safari that is typically greatest to be used on high 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 will also be used as a carry strap, and prolonged with an optionally available accent to be used as a shoulder strap.

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

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

Personally, I might 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 superb.

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

 

LensCoat LensSack Jr.

LensCoat are a US primarily based firm who’ve been creating merchandise aimed 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 notably well-known for his or her LensCoat lens covers. This can be a neoprene wrap which matches round a lens, providing thermal safety, waterproofing, and camouflage.

The Best Photography Bean Bags

Nonetheless, additionally they make a variety of pictures bean baggage.

The LensCoat LensSack Jr. is a flat fashion bean bag though relying on the way you fill it you may form it in a “v” form for those who choose. 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 this can be a barely bigger bean bag which may deal with bigger lenses, I’d estimate as much as 400mm would work nice on this bean bag. It additionally has the benefit of providing grip alongside your entire base of the bean bag, which is a pleasant characteristic.

When you have an even bigger lens or would like an excellent bigger flat fashion bean bag from LensSack, take a look at the LensCoat LensSack which presents the identical options however in a bigger measurement.

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

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

 

Grizzly Digital camera Bean Bag

The Grizzly Digital camera bean bag is a saddlebag fashion bean bag which presents a no-frills however pretty well-made bean bag product at value. I purchased this to match it to a few of the costlier choices available on the market.

The bag itself is made out of 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon which, seems and feels (to my contact) arduous carrying. It’s comparatively giant, capable of work with lenses as much as 600mm comfortably I might 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 submit or different help is made out of a rubberized coating for waterproofing and sturdiness. This base is a bit clean although, particularly in comparison with the Kinesis or LensCoat merchandise.

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

General, for the worth, this can be 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: Test value on Amazon right here and Etsy right here.

 

Kinesis SafariSack 4.2

The Kinesis SafariSack is one in all 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. Nonetheless, it does have some key added options that make it definitely 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 characteristic it has is that it’s designed for use as each a flat bag and in addition in a extra saddlebag form. To realize 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 gives extra help. That stated, 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 nicely and molds nicely 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 could be prolonged right into a shoulder strap with the optionally available Y208 extension strap. I might undoubtedly advocate buying the model with the carry strap because it makes it loads simpler to hold round. The carry deal with additionally has d-ring attachments.

The bag is made from 400-denier and 420-denier Diamond Ripstop nylon materials, and the bottom is SlipNot, a rubberized-type material.

Elements of this base at every finish of the bag have further grip, as you may 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 may be 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 loads 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 actually vital 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 gives estimated weights for the bag when it’s stuffed with totally different supplies. With Buckwheat the load could be 0.66kg / 1lb 7oz. With Polybeads, it might be 2.5kg / 5lbs 8oz.

You possibly can usually buy the bag empty or with both buckwheat or polybeads provided, and with or with out the carry strap. I might 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 will not be a difficulty 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: Test value on Amazon right here and B&H Photograph right here.

 

LensCoat LensSack Professional Jr.

The LensCoat LensSack Professional Jr. is my favorite saddlebag fashion “u” formed pictures bean bag that I personal. It’s rather 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 professional quality waterproof Cordura, with a rubberized base and strengthened stitched seams. The bottom (the within of the “u”) presents grip throughout its complete floor, which is a very nice characteristic for making certain 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 take 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 further 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 may be additionally a M.O.L.L.E webbing system on the skin 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 characteristic although is that it comes with a detachable light-weight plane grade aluminum plate with a normal 3/8″-16 mounting screw. That is the usual measurement for a gimbal or ball head, that means you may really connect these equipment on to the bag in order for you.

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

Now, the worth of this bag is actually greater than a few of 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 searching for a top quality, well-made saddle bag fashion pictures bean bag, I might say both the LensCoat LensSack Professional Jr. or Professional (for bigger lenses as much as 800mm) ought to undoubtedly be in your brief checklist.

LensCoat gives 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: Test value on Amazon right here and B&H Photograph right here.

 

Kinesis SafariSack 7.3

I wished 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, for those who want a very enormous pictures bean bag for a extremely massive lens (assume 600mm and up), then this can be a good possibility. I believe for most individuals this may be only a bit a lot, however I felt it was value together with so you may 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 made out of 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 material, which presents grip. Be aware 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 quite 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 fashion 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 straightforward decide up when it’s inverted.

General, for those who want a extremely massive pictures bean bag I might say it’s a alternative between this one and the LensCoat LensSack Professional. They’re each nice merchandise, you’ll simply have to determine which inserts your wants and finances greatest.

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

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

With Poly Beads, the full weight of this bag is 9lbs 30z / 4.24kg. With Git-Lite, you’re 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: Test value on Amazon right here and B&H Photograph right here.

 

Ideas for Utilizing a Pictures Bean Bag

Now that you’ve got chosen your pictures bean bag, I wished to share just a few tricks to get probably the most out of it, primarily based on my experiences.

  • Invert your tripod collar. When you have a digital camera with a tripod collar, rotate this so it’s on the high of the digital camera quite than the underside, as in any other case it’s going to get in the way in which of the digital camera resting absolutely on the bean bag. In fact, in case you are utilizing a product just like the LensSack Professional Jr with the ball head, you may 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 quite than travelling with an already full bag
  • Select your filling properly and be sure you have sufficient of it as your bag will seemingly maintain greater than you assume. There are a number of choices for a filling. For natural supplies, I discover buckwheat hulls, sunflower seeds, or bigger dried beans works nicely. I might keep away from rice as the form of rice means that’s can compact a bit an excessive amount of and means you may lose a few of the versatile form advantages of a bean bag. Polystyrene balls generally is a good possibility, particularly for those who want one thing very light-weight, however they are often too mild for some conditions, difficult to work with to fill, to not point out environmentally unfriendly. Poly plastic beads are most likely best choice in order for you 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 remember that it would must be changed every now and then. 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 dimensions of the entry gap, it’s possible you’ll want to make use of a number of baggage.
  • On the subject of filling your bean bag, persistence is the important thing. Make certain the zippered half is as excessive as doable relative to the remainder of the bag, and pour the filling in rigorously and slowly. You don’t wish to make a large number in every single place and must waste time attempting to gather errant bits of fill!
  • Maintain your bag safe. In case you are planning to make use of this in autos, boats, tree limps, on railings, close to cliffs, and so forth. then you definately wish to be sure you safe you bag so it doesn’t by chance fall or fly away. You possibly can connect it to an object reminiscent of a automobile hook, roof railing, or fence,  safe it to your digital camera (in case your digital camera is secured to you), or you may safe it round your neck. Most safari baggage include a strap of some type but when yours don’t you should utilize 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 one of the best bean bag for pictures. In the event you discovered this handy, you would possibly get pleasure from a few of my different pictures content material. Listed below 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 joyful to reply any questions you might 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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