Thursday, January 23, 2025

The Finest Pictures Bean Luggage


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

I first bought into utilizing a images bean bag when Jess and I went on safari a number of years in the past. Nonetheless, since then we now have come to make use of a images bean bag for a variety of several types of images, and I personally discover them particularly helpful for wildlife images.

While I nonetheless commonly journey with and use my tripods in fact, I’ve discovered that there are various instances when a images bean bag is a greater possibility.

I’ve examined various images bean luggage in the actual 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 the whole lot it is advisable to learn about images bean luggage on the whole, 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 enable you resolve on whether or not or not a images 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 images bean bag for. Effectively, there are literally fairly just a few makes use of for a images 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 images bean luggage. I first purchased one for a safari, however since then I’ve discovered them to be helpful for a variety of images.

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 below are some conditions the place a images bean bag will are available helpful.

 

Wildlife images

A images bean bag might be a useful device for wildlife photographers. Wildlife images usually includes 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 look.

With a bean bag, you possibly can remedy this downside by resting your heavy digicam package on the bean bag when you look ahead to the motion.

In fact, you may use a tripod on this state of affairs as nicely. Nonetheless, a bean bag usually means that you can 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 way more economical.

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

General, wildlife images 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 images

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

Nonetheless, I respect that not everybody desires to hold even a light-weight journey tripod with them on a visit. Typically it won’t even be potential to take a tripod, even a lightweight one, resulting from baggage allowance restrictions.

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

They pack mild, particularly when you 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 in a position to obtain in any other case. In journey images, a bean bag is the following smartest thing to a tripod.

 

Safari / Automobile-Based mostly Pictures

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

The basic instance of taking pictures from a car is in fact when you find yourself taking images on safari. Nonetheless, there are different conditions if you would possibly need to take photos from a car, from visiting a state or nationwide park by way of to visiting a drive by way of zoo.

Usually, if you’re taking pictures from a car, even a bigger safari kind car the place you possibly can arise 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 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 annoyed.

A bean bag solves this downside. You may place it nearly anyplace, from a windowsill to the sting of a pop-top in a safari car. They’re comparatively mild and moveable, and you need to use them to assist even bigger lenses.

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

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 possibly can grasp ballast to enhance stability.

You probably have a images 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 may possibly double up as helpful ballast on your tripod as nicely.

 

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

The wonderful thing about a images bean bag is that, regardless of the title, you possibly can really fill it with all kinds of issues. In truth, many bean luggage ship empty so you can also make your individual choice as to what to fill it with.

The completely different filling choices 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 it’s a must to select the choice that works finest for you.

Listed here are some filling choices to think about 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 primary benefit is the low weight, though they’re in all probability a bit too mild. They’ll additionally get in every single place if you’re not cautious!
  • Cushion stuffing. You would possibly take into account filling your bean bag with the identical form of stuff you’ll fill a cushion with. This may work, and shall be fairly mild, however generally is a little bit too gentle and squishy to correctly assist a digicam and lens.
  • Buckwheat hulls. These are a pure byproduct of buckwheat processing. They’re fashionable as use for filling pillows, and make a superb images bean bag fill. They’re comparatively mild however are additionally fairly onerous. They’re additionally pretty small, which implies the bag shall be fairly versatile in form. The primary draw back is that bigger lenses (>200mm) can crush them over time, decreasing their usefulness.
  • Dried seeds (sunflower, chicken seed and many others.). Dried seeds are a well-liked alternative as a bean bag fill as they’re extensively out there. They will be heavier than the earlier choices on this listing, providing a extra secure platform. The primary draw back is that edible seeds can entice wildlife, and being natural they received’t final without end. Seeds additionally comprise oils which might launch into your bean bag case.
  • Dried beans or grains (rice, kidney beans, purple beans, black beans and many others.). These are related 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 extensively out there 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 produced from a tough plastic, so received’t break down, and are typically round 5 instances heavier in comparison with one thing like Buckwheat

There are in fact a number of different choices to select from. Some individuals use cat litter or sand to fill their bean luggage. However I’d say for most individuals, Buckwheat hulls, dried beans or poly beads are in all probability going to be the most effective choices.

One tip, if you will be utilizing natural supplies which could stain or be onerous to take away from the bag, is to place the fill in a number of heavy responsibility Ziploc plastic luggage first. Then put these luggage filled 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 images 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 number of the completely different options {that a} images bean bag can include. This may enable you resolve which bean bag goes to be proper on your wants.

Bean Bag Form

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

  • Flat – a flat beanbag principally seems to be like a pillow. It presents versatile placement, however won’t mould as nicely round objects equivalent to a windowsill as a number of the different shapes
  • Double-cushion – a double cushion bean-bag is principally two flat bean luggage sewn collectively within the center. This presents 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 seems to be like a lower-case letter “n”, or a “u”, relying which manner up you might have it. You need to use it both manner 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 presents benefits and drawbacks. Personally I just like the saddle bag form because it presents quite a lot of versatility for a variety of conditions. Nonetheless, the flat cushion form additionally works nicely in particular conditions, equivalent to when taking pictures on the bottom.

Bean bag shapes for photographyBean bag shapes for photography

 

Bean Bag Materials

Bean luggage might 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 may additionally be made out of several types of materials. For instance, elements of it might be made out of a waterproof materials or a cloth that encompasses a grippy floor.

Frequent supplies for bean luggage to be produced from embody Cordura, Nylon and Canvas. The primary factor is to make sure the supplies used supply good high quality with top quality stitching. A rubberized grippy base can be a great characteristic to search for because it presents each waterproofing and extra stability.

 

Easy methods to Fill Bean Bag

One of many good issues about most images bean luggage is that 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 need to empty your bean bag earlier than your journey and fill it in vacation spot.

Totally different bean luggage supply completely 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’d suggest a top quality zippered opening. Velcro is not so good as it may possibly come open in the midst of a shoot or in your bag with messy penalties.

Some bean luggage supply 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 usually on the leg, so having two zippered openings might 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

 

Measurement of Bean Bag

When purchasing for a bean bag, you’ll want to resolve on how large 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 to accommodate a bigger lens. You probably have a very giant lens (300mm and up on a full body digicam), you’ll want to be certain the bean bag goes to be giant sufficient to totally cushion and assist it.

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

 

Bean Bag Shade

The colour of your bean bag can be one thing to think about. Most bean luggage are available 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 images conditions, some colours shall be higher than others. For instance, if you’re happening safari it’s usually really helpful to keep away from colours like black or blue as these can entice tsetse flies. So on this state of affairs, a khaki, inexperienced, camo, or sandy colour can be good.

In case you are planning on utilizing your bean bag for wildlife images on the whole, and shall be attempting to mix in along with your environment, then a camo fashion 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 luggage by providing further options. In case you are evaluating two equally priced bean luggage and one has additional options that you just discover helpful, then that one is perhaps a greater match for you.

Options I’ve seen embody 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 Finest Pictures Bean Luggage

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

If I haven’t tried a particular 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 will assist. Some manufacturers additionally supply a number of bean bag kinds.

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

 

Grippa Bean Bag (UK solely)

The very first digicam bean bag I purchased was this finances possibility referred to as the Grippa Bean Bag.

It’s basically two sq. bean luggage sewn along with an inside be 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 really labored very nicely on my safari. After 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 implies you possibly can empty it and refill it, and it will 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 somewhat mild, they usually additionally make a little bit of noise if you use the bag, which could scare wildlife away.

That stated, I had a great expertise utilizing this bean bag on safari in East Africa, and if you’re within the UK on the lookout for a extra finances oriented possibility, 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: Examine value on Amazon UK right here.

 

Kinesis SafariSack 1.4

Kinesis makes a variety of images bean luggage with a main give attention to bean luggage that work nicely for safari. In fact, their bean luggage additionally work nicely for every kind of different makes use of, however their unique mission was to create bean luggage particularly for the wants of photographers on safari. Their luggage are all made within the USA.

Safari images usually has you taking images from a car, both by way of a facet window or by way of 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 wierd bits of metallic 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 trials 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 made 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 will also be used as a carry strap, and prolonged with an non-obligatory accent to be used as a shoulder strap.

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

Kinesis supplies estimated weights for the bag when it’s stuffed with completely 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 equipped.

Personally, I’d 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: Examine value on Amazon right here and B&H Photograph right here.

 

LensCoat LensSack Jr.

LensCoat are a US based mostly 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 works round a lens, providing thermal safety, waterproofing, and camouflage.

The Best Photography Bean Bags

Nonetheless, additionally they make a variety of images bean luggage.

The LensCoat LensSack Jr. is a flat fashion bean bag though relying on the way you fill it you possibly can form it in a “v” form when you want. It has a non-slip grippy backside alongside the complete 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 might deal with bigger lenses, I’d estimate as much as 400mm would work advantageous on this bean bag. It additionally has the benefit of providing grip alongside all the base of the bean bag, which is a pleasant characteristic.

You probably have an even bigger lens or would like a good bigger flat fashion bean bag from LensSack, try the LensCoat LensSack which presents 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: Examine value on Amazon right here and B&H Photograph right here.

 

Grizzly Digicam Bean Bag

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

The bag itself is produced from 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon which, seems to be and feels (to my contact) onerous sporting. It’s comparatively giant, in a position to 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 assist is produced from a rubberized coating for waterproofing and sturdiness. This base is somewhat clean 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 value, this can be a good saddlebag possibility. You don’t get the additional options and extra premium building of upper finish luggage however it’s actually adequate for normal use.

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

 

Kinesis SafariSack 4.2

The Kinesis SafariSack is one in all my private favourite images bean luggage 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. 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 primary 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 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 might be prolonged right into a shoulder strap with the non-obligatory Y208 extension strap. I’d undoubtedly suggest buying the model with the carry strap because it makes it quite a bit 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 cloth.

Elements 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 underneath the zipper flap.

This implies it’s quite a bit simpler to know when it’s correctly closed. The opposite bean luggage I’ve used require you to try to push the zipped closed proper as much as the sting of the bag. This may make it onerous to know if it’s correctly closed.

A correctly closed zipper on a bean bag is absolutely essential as in any other case your fill can begin to pour out, which isn’t a great 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 stuffed with completely 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 equipped, and with or with out the carry strap. I’d 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 will not be a problem and you’ve got a bigger lens, then the Poly Bead possibility is the most suitable choice.

Dimensions: 24 x 40 cm (15.7 x 9.4″)
Merchandise Weight: 0.144kg / 5oz (no fill)
Buy: Examine 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 images bean bag that I personal. It’s rather well made and has some distinctive options that I’ve not seen in different images bean luggage.

The Best Photography Bean Bags

First, the fundamentals. It’s made of industrial 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 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 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 skin 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 characteristic 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, that means you possibly can really connect these equipment on to the bag if you’d 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 a number of the different choices on the listing, 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 on the lookout for a top quality, well-made saddle bag fashion images 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 listing.

LensCoat supplies 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: Examine value on Amazon right here and B&H Photograph right here.

 

Kinesis SafariSack 7.3

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

So, when you want a really enormous images bean bag for a extremely large lens (suppose 600mm and up), then this can be a good possibility. I feel for most individuals this is perhaps only a bit a lot, however I felt it was value 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 anticipate from Kinesis.

To start out with, it’s produced from the identical supplies as their different luggage, 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 presents 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 somewhat than within the legs, it does make distributing the fill evenly pretty straightforward.

By way of further options, there’s M.O.L.L.E fashion 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 “ft” for straightforward decide up when it’s inverted.

General, when you want a extremely large images 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 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 burden.

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 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: Examine value on Amazon right here and B&H Photograph right here.

 

Ideas for Utilizing a Pictures Bean Bag

Now that you’ve chosen your images bean bag, I needed 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 somewhat than the underside, as in any other case it’s going to get in the way in which of the digicam resting absolutely on the bean bag. In fact, 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 you images bag in vacation spot. In case you are touring, it can save you your baggage area by filling the bag in vacation spot somewhat than travelling with an already full bag
  • Select your filling correctly and be sure to 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 nicely. 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 a number of the versatile form advantages of a bean bag. Polystyrene balls generally is a good possibility, particularly when you 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 in all probability best choice if you’d 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’d must be changed once in a while. 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 luggage.
  • On the subject of filling your bean bag, persistence is the important thing. Be certain that the zippered half is as excessive as potential relative to the remainder of the bag, and pour the filling in fastidiously 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!
  • 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. you then need to be sure to safe you bag so it doesn’t by accident fall or fly away. You may connect it to an object equivalent to a car 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 luggage include a strap of some variety but when yours don’t you need to use one thing like this images 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 most effective bean bag for images. In the event you discovered this handy, you would possibly take pleasure in a few of my different images content material. Listed here are some articles to get you began.

 

Trying to Enhance Your Pictures?

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It’s out there for an incredible one-off value for lifetime entry, and I feel it is best to test it out. Which you are able to do by clicking right here.

And that’s it! I’d love to listen to about your ideas on bean luggage for images, and am comfortable 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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