22 replies to this topic

[rocknrumble]

Has anyone used a "bean bag" support when shooting. I've been thinking of getting one as quick resort "tripod" to rest on rocks, non-linear items. I was wondering what peoples thoughts are on it. Could I just use those heat "wheat packs" you get at the chemist? Are the camera specific ones a lot better?

 

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
 

[rocknrumble]

So nobody has used the "Bean Bag" tripod?

[DanWeso]

I have seen them, but never used one. Here is a youtube video which might be of some use.

 

[rocknrumble]

Cool thanks for that.

[rocknrumble]

I found one of those Microwave wheat bags. I had a play with it today to see if could handle work as a Photographic Bean Bag and it seems fairly stable. I'll have to take it out with me and see how it goes. Might be just the solution without have to buy a purpose built one.

[K-9]

Seems to be that extra piece of gear you might not want to lug around all the time. I'd personally just rest the lens on the rocks if I needed support, or on my own arm which is resting on the rock. Car window ledges work, too.

[rocknrumble]

With the amount I lug around it's really not going to be an issue. LOL thankfully I'm 6'3" and a 100kg (220lbs) so it doesn't faze me.

[Mark Win]

I've seen a few guys using these and seem like quite a handy item.

[BonOlgirl]

I love bean/sand/kittylitter bags! They come in handy for a thousand things. I make them with sand and the legs from old blue jeans. You sew up the leg, pour in the sand or kitty litter (cuz it's lighter in weight), sew up the other end...BOOM! You have a sandbag or kitty bag! Quite easy to make. 

[scoobymax]

This sounds like a great idea, I may have to try this.

[rocknrumble]

Great idea on making your own.
Now I just have to learn to sew

[BonOlgirl]

If there were an interest, maybe I will make some lightweight bags with kitty litter and put them in the classified section....

[rocknrumble]

That is a good idea. Though I'll stick with my heat pack for now (Also being in Australia the freight would negate the value).

[Stas]

I don't think that "bean bag" is a good idea because of next reasons:

1) You need to find a smooth surface to use it;

2) If you found a smooth surface than it is not a problem to use something other instead "bean bag";

3) It can't  replacve a tripod.

 

IMHO)

[TBonz]

I've seen bean bags used and they work well on a non-smooth surface.  I haven't ever used one, but I almost always have my monopod with me, so it isn't normally an issue...

[BonOlgirl]

Depending on the situation, I have found a bean bag to be useful in stabilizing the camera.

[iNYONi]

If I dont have my tripod or gorilapod handy then my jacket, fleece top or even my wooly hat have all been used as a support. having the camera just resting on solid rock just doesnt work for me plus any movement from wind or vibration is taken up by the item of clothing.

 

I recently purrchased a thing called a "Pod" from uk based retailer "Jessops", it was only £19.97 and has been quite good for the odd shot.

 

Sorry if this pic breaks any copyright issues. as just taken from the jessops website.

[rocknrumble]

The Pod was one of the ones I was looking at as well.

[Thumper]

I have never tried a bean bag. I use a Gorillapod Focus with the Ballhead X.

http://joby.com/gorillapod/focus

[rocknrumble]

I've been looking at the Gorilla Pod as well. What are your thoughts?