HomeTravel PhotographyThe Greatest Pictures Bean Baggage

The Greatest Pictures Bean Baggage


A pictures accent that I discover helpful for all kinds of issues as knowledgeable photographer is a pictures bean bag. These are a flexible and extremely transportable product which can be utilized for a variety of various kinds of pictures.

I first obtained into utilizing a pictures bean bag when Jess and I went on safari a number of years in the past. Nevertheless, since then we now have 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 often 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 choice.

I’ve examined quite a few 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 thing it’s good to find out about pictures bean baggage basically, so you may make your individual knowledgeable selection. 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?

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 great tool 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.

Because 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 helpful.

 

Wildlife pictures

A pictures bean bag could be a useful instrument for wildlife photographers. Wildlife pictures typically 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’ll be able to clear up this downside by resting your heavy digicam equipment on the bean bag when you look forward to the motion.

After all, you might use a tripod on this state of affairs as nicely. Nevertheless, a bean bag typically permits you to get nearer to the bottom than a tripod, is extra transportable, and might 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 disguise for instance, a bean bag can simply be rested on the window ledge of the disguise. In these conditions, relying on the dimensions of the disguise, a tripod could be a little bit of an encumbrance the place a bean bag just isn’t.

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 equipment.

Nevertheless, I respect that not everybody needs to hold even a light-weight journey tripod with them on a visit. Generally it won’t even be doable to take a tripod, even a lightweight one, on account of baggage allowance restrictions.

So for those who don’t need to, or can’t, take a tripod with you in your subsequent journey, however nonetheless need to do pictures that might profit from a tripod similar to lengthy publicity pictures, star pictures, northern lights pictures, wildlife pictures and so forth., then a bean bag is a superb choice.

They pack gentle, particularly for those who purchase the filling in vacation spot, are versatile, and can allow you to get a variety of photographs that you simply wouldn’t have been capable of obtain in any other case. In journey pictures, a bean bag is the following neatest thing to a tripod.

 

Safari / Automobile-Primarily based Pictures

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

The traditional instance of taking pictures from a car is in fact if you end up taking photographs on safari. Nevertheless, there are different conditions once you would possibly need to take photos from a car, from visiting a state or nationwide park by to visiting a drive by zoo.

Usually, if you’re taking pictures from a car, even a bigger safari kind car the place you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to’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 virtually anyplace, from a windowsill to the sting of a pop-top in a safari car. They’re comparatively gentle and transportable, and you should use them to assist even bigger lenses.

General, if you’re planning a safari or any kind of pictures which may contain a car, I feel a bean bag is an important addition to your equipment.

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’ll be able to grasp ballast to enhance stability.

You probably 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 might probably 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 title, you’ll be able to truly fill it with all kinds of issues. In truth, many bean baggage ship empty so you may make your individual resolution as to what to fill it with.

The completely different filling choices will let you select how heavy or gentle 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 transportable. So it’s a must to select the choice that works finest for you.

Listed below are some filling choices to think about and my ideas on every. These are roughly ordered from lighter to heavier choices.

  • Polystyrene beads. These are a really gentle and low-cost bean bag fill choice. Their fundamental benefit is the low weight, though they’re in all probability a bit too gentle. They will additionally get in every single place if you’re not cautious!
  • Cushion stuffing. You would possibly contemplate filling your bean bag with the identical form of stuff you’d fill a cushion with. This could work, and will probably be fairly gentle, however could be a little bit too comfortable and squishy to correctly assist 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 will probably 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, hen seed and so forth.). Dried seeds are a well-liked selection as a bean bag fill as they’re extensively accessible. They’ll 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 without end. Seeds additionally include oils which might launch into your bean bag case.
  • Dried beans or grains (rice, kidney beans, pink beans, black beans and so forth.). These are related in weight, efficiency and availability to dried seeds. I might say they’re a barely higher choice as they’ve much less oils and can possible last more. In case you are touring, they’re extensively accessible for buy, making them a terrific choice.
  • Poly Beads – If you would like a heavier, extra sturdy choice, then Poly Beads are the best way to go. These are created from 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 a number of different choices to select from. Some folks 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 in all probability going to be the perfect choices.

One tip, if you’ll be utilizing supplies which could stain or be arduous to take away from the bag, is to place the fill in a number of ziplock plastic baggage first after which put these contained in the bean bag. This may shield the bag and the fill and make it simpler to take away if needed.

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, buck wheat hulls.

 

What to Search for in a Pictures Bean Bag

I’m now going to cowl a number of the completely different options {that a} pictures bean bag can include. This may aid you resolve which bean bag goes to be proper on your wants.

Bean Bag Form

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

  • Flat – a flat beanbag principally seems like a pillow. It gives versatile placement, however won’t mould as nicely round objects similar to a windowsill as a number of the different shapes
  • Double-cushion – a double cushion bean-bag is principally two flat bean baggage sewn collectively within the center. This gives good versatility, as you should use it like a flat bean bag, balancing the digicam on the highest, or you should use it on its facet, with the digicam 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 will have it. You should utilize it both manner up. Within the “n” form you’ll be able to place every of the legs over a windowsill or different edge for stability. Within the “u” form, you’ll be able to put the digicam lens between the 2 legs and relaxation the flat half on the bottom.

Every bean bag form gives benefits and drawbacks. Personally I just like the saddle bag form because it gives numerous versatility for a variety of conditions. Nevertheless, the flat cushion form additionally works nicely in particular conditions, similar to 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.

Completely 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 water-proof materials or a cloth that incorporates a grippy floor.

Widespread supplies for bean baggage to be created from embrace Cordura, Nylon and Canvas. The principle factor is to make sure the supplies used provide good high quality with top quality stitching. A rubberized grippy base can be an excellent function to search for because it gives each waterproofing and extra stability.

 

The right way to Fill Bean Bag

One of many good issues about most pictures bean baggage is which 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 possible need to empty your bean bag earlier than your journey and fill it in vacation spot.

Completely different bean baggage provide completely different choices for a way you truly open them as much as entry the inside the place the filling resides. These can embrace zippered openings and velcro openings.

Personally, I might suggest a top quality zippered opening. Velcro is not so good as it might probably come open in the midst of a shoot or in your bag with messy penalties.

Some bean baggage provide a number of zippered openings, which might make distributing the fill to completely different elements of the bean bag simpler. With saddlebag designs for instance, the zip is commonly on the leg, so having two zippered openings could be notably useful to make sure each legs get a good quantity of fill.

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

 

Dimension of Bean Bag

When searching for a bean bag, you’ll want to resolve on how huge you need the bean bag to be. This may have an effect on just a few issues.

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

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

 

Bean Bag Coloration

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

Most colours will work for many makes use of. Nevertheless, for particular pictures conditions, some colours will probably be higher than others. For instance, if you’re occurring safari it’s typically really useful to keep away from colours like black or blue as these can entice tsetse flies. So on this state of affairs, a khaki or sandy colour could be good.

In case you are planning on utilizing your bean bag for wildlife pictures basically, and will probably be attempting to mix in along with your environment, then a camo type bean bag is perhaps value contemplating.

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

 

Further Options

Some producers prefer to differentiate their bean baggage by providing further options. In case you are evaluating two equally priced bean baggage and one has further options that you simply discover helpful, then that one is perhaps a greater match for you.

Options I’ve seen embrace zippered pockets to carry equipment, grippy bases, straps for carrying, the power 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 quite a few pictures bean baggage of various types and at completely 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 anticipate the expertise to be related.

Many manufacturers have a number of bean bag choices, with the differentiators being the dimensions of the bean bag and the lenses they’ll assist. Some manufacturers additionally provide a number of bean bag types.

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

 

Grippa Bean Bag (UK solely)

The very first digicam bean bag I purchased was this finances choice known as the Grippa Bean Bag.

It’s basically two sq. bean baggage sewn along with an inside be a part of so beans can move 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 finances nature, it truly labored very nicely 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’ll be able to empty it and refill it, and it may also be bought empty.

Actually, I’d in all probability suggest buying it empty and filling it with one thing apart from the polystyrene beads. They’re a little bit gentle, they usually additionally make a little bit of noise once you use the bag, which could scare wildlife away.

That stated, I had an excellent expertise utilizing this bean bag on safari in East Africa, and if you’re within the UK searching for a extra finances oriented choice, it’s undoubtedly one to think about.

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. After all, their bean baggage additionally work nicely for all types 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 typically has you taking photographs from a car, both by a facet window or by a pop-up roof viewing space. You are likely to have to maneuver shortly and modify your place, and there are typically all kinds of strange 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 difficult to face as much as the pains of being bumped round and positioned over all kinds of shapes.

The Kinesis SafariSack 1.4 is presently 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 manufactured from 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 typically finest to be used on high of a car. It additionally has a fast launch strap which can be utilized to safe the bag, for instance to a roof mounted rack, providing further peace of thoughts. It may also be used as a carry strap, and prolonged with an elective accent to be used as a shoulder strap.

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

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

Personally, I might suggest 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: Test 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 notably well-known for his or her LensCoat lens covers. This can be 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 variety of pictures bean baggage.

The LensCoat LensSack Jr. is a flat type bean bag though relying on the way you fill it you’ll be able to 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 it is a barely bigger bean bag which might 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 the whole base of the bean bag, which is a pleasant function.

You probably have a much bigger lens or would favor a good bigger flat type bean bag from LensSack, take a look at the LensCoat LensSack which gives the identical options however in a bigger dimension.

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 Picture right here.

 

Grizzly Digicam Bean Bag

The Grizzly Digicam bean bag is a saddlebag type bean bag which gives a no-frills however pretty well-made bean bag product at an excellent value. I purchased this to match it to a number of the costlier choices in the marketplace.

The bag itself is created from 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 assist is created from a rubberized coating for waterproofing and sturdiness. This base is a little bit easy although, particularly in comparison with the Kinesis or LensCoat merchandise.

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

General, for the worth, it is a good saddlebag choice. You don’t get the additional options and extra premium building 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 certainly one of my private favourite pictures bean baggage that I’ve used, primarily due to its versatility.

It’s basically 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 in addition 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 supplies extra assist. That stated, Kinesis do suggest 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 completely 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 elective Y208 extension strap. I might undoubtedly suggest buying the model with the carry strap because it makes it rather a lot simpler to hold round. The carry deal with additionally has d-ring attachments.

The bag is manufactured from 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 further grip, as you’ll be able to 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 underneath the zipper flap.

This implies it’s rather a lot 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 could make it arduous to know if it’s correctly closed.

A correctly closed zipper on a bean bag is absolutely necessary as in any other case your fill can begin to pour out, which isn’t an excellent state of affairs 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 supplies estimated weights for the bag when it’s full of completely different supplies. With Buckwheat the load could be 0.66kg / 1lb 7oz. With Polybeads, it will 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 suggest the model with the Y208 extension strap which can make it simpler to safe and carry.

Then, I’d recommend the model with buckwheat in case you have a lens as much as round 200mm, or plan to journey with it. If weight just isn’t a difficulty and you’ve got a bigger lens, then the Poly Bead choice is the most suitable 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 Picture right here.

 

LensCoat LensSack Professional Jr.

The LensCoat LensSack Professional Jr. is my favorite saddlebag type “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 water-proof Cordura, with a rubberized base and bolstered stitched seams. The bottom (the within of the “u”) gives 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 assist 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.

When it comes to 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’s additionally a M.O.L.L.E webbing system on the surface of every leg which you’ll be able to 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 normal 3/8″-16 mounting screw. That is the usual dimension for a gimbal or ball head, that means you’ll be able to 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 worth of this bag is actually larger than a number of the different choices on the checklist, however I feel 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 type 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 supplies an estimated weight when full of 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 Picture 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 most important pictures bean bag that Kinesis make, and the most important in our checklist.

So, for those who want a very enormous pictures bean bag for a very huge lens (assume 600mm and up), then it is a good choice. I feel for most individuals this is perhaps only a bit a lot, however I felt it was value together with so you’ll be able to see all of the choices.

The Best Photography Bean Bags

When it comes to options, you get all the standard you’d anticipate from Kinesis.

To begin with, it’s created from the identical supplies as their different baggage, which is a mix of 400-denier and 420-denier Diamond Ripstop nylon materials. The bottom (inner a part of the “u”) is coated with SlipNot, a rubber-like cloth, which gives grip. Observe 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 relatively than within the legs, it does make distributing the fill evenly pretty straightforward.

When it comes to further options, there’s M.O.L.L.E type webbing slots on each 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 choose up when it’s inverted.

General, for those who want a very huge pictures bean bag I might say it’s a selection between this one and the LensCoat LensSack Professional. They’re each nice merchandise, you’d simply must resolve which inserts your wants and finances finest.

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 load.

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

With Poly Beads, the whole 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: Test 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 wished to share just a few tricks to get probably the most out of it, based mostly on my experiences.

  • Invert your tripod collar. You probably have a digicam with a tripod collar, rotate this so it’s on the high of the digicam relatively than the underside, as in any other case it’s going to get in the best way of the digicam resting absolutely on the bean bag. After all, if you’re utilizing a product just like the LensSack Professional Jr with the ball head, you is perhaps utilizing the tripod collar, so ignore this tip!
  • Fill it in vacation spot. In case you are touring, as you possible will probably be for safari, it can save you your baggage house by filling the bag in vacation spot relatively than travelling with an already full bag
  • Select your filling correctly. There are a number of choices for a filling. I discover buckwheat, sunflower seeds, or bigger dried beans works nicely. The form of rice means that’s can compact a bit an excessive amount of and means you’ll be able to lose a number of the versatile form advantages of a bean bag. Polystyrene balls can work however I discover them to be a bit too gentle and noisy, and they are often very difficult to work with, to not point out environmentally unfriendly.
  • 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 Ziplock bag and sealing that, then placing the ziplock bag into your bean bag. Relying on the form of the bean bag and the dimensions 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. Be sure that 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 need to make a multitude in every single place and need to waste time attempting to gather errant bits of fill!

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. In case you discovered this convenient, you would possibly take pleasure in 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 comfortable to reply any questions you will 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!