The Greatest Images Bean Luggage


A pictures accent that I discover helpful for all types 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 received 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 recurrently journey with and use my tripods in fact, I’ve discovered that there are lots of instances when a pictures bean bag is a greater choice.

I’ve examined quite a lot of pictures bean baggage in the true world, and I’ll share my favorites with you as nicely at a variety of worth factors.

I’m additionally going to share with you every part you must find out about pictures bean baggage normally, so you can also make your personal 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 Images Bean Bag for?

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

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

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

 

Wildlife pictures

A pictures bean bag could be a useful device for wildlife photographers. Wildlife pictures typically includes sitting or mendacity nonetheless for extended durations of time with an extended, 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 clear up this downside by resting your heavy digital camera equipment on the bean bag whilst you look ahead to the motion.

After all, you possibly can use a tripod on this scenario as nicely. Nonetheless, a bean bag typically lets you 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 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 could be a little bit of an encumbrance the place a bean bag is just not.

Total, 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-7

 

Journey pictures

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

Nonetheless, I admire that not everybody needs to hold even a light-weight journey tripod with them on a visit. Typically it won’t even be attainable to take a tripod, even a light-weight one, attributable to baggage allowance restrictions.

So if you happen to don’t need to, or can’t, take a tripod with you in your subsequent journey, however nonetheless need to do pictures that will profit from a tripod resembling long exposure photography, star photography, northern lights photography, wildlife pictures and so on., then a bean bag is a good choice.

They pack gentle, particularly if you happen to 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 in a position to obtain in any other case. In journey pictures, a bean bag is the following smartest thing to a tripod.

 

Safari / Automobile-Based mostly Images

In case you are doing any pictures 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 if you find yourself taking photos on safari. Nonetheless, there are different conditions while you would possibly need to take footage from a car, from visiting a state or nationwide park by means of to visiting a drive by means of zoo.

Usually, in case you are taking pictures from a car, even a bigger safari sort car the place you possibly can get up and transfer round a bit, a tripod or perhaps a monopod isn’t going to be sensible. The legs get in the way in which, you possibly can’t transfer them shortly sufficient to reply to 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 may place it nearly wherever, from a windowsill to the sting of a pop-top in a safari car. They’re comparatively gentle and transportable, and you should utilize them to help even bigger lenses.

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

Photography bean bag safari

 

Tripod Weight

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

If in case 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 to your tripod as nicely.

 

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

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

The completely different filling choices assist you to 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 important to select the choice that works finest for you.

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

  • Polystyrene beads. These are a really gentle and low cost bean bag fill choice. Their major benefit is the low weight, though they’re in all probability a bit too gentle. They’ll additionally get all over the place in case you are 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 could work, and will probably be fairly gentle, however could be a little bit too comfortable and squishy to correctly help a digital camera and lens.
  • Buckwheat hulls. These are a pure byproduct of buckwheat processing. They’re well-liked as use for filling pillows, and make a superb pictures bean bag fill. They’re comparatively gentle however are additionally fairly laborious. They’re additionally pretty small, which suggests the bag will probably 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, hen seed and so on.). Dried seeds are a preferred selection as a bean bag fill as they’re broadly accessible. They’ll be heavier than the earlier choices on this listing, providing a extra secure platform. The primary draw back is that edible seeds can appeal to wildlife, and being natural they gained’t final without end. Seeds additionally comprise oils which might launch into your bean bag case.
  • Dried beans or grains (rice, kidney beans, crimson beans, black beans and so on.). These are comparable 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 probably last more. In case you are touring, they’re broadly accessible for buy, making them an amazing choice.
  • Poly Beads – In order for you a heavier, extra sturdy choice, then Poly Beads are the way in which to go. These are constituted of a tough plastic, so gained’t break down, and are typically round 5 instances heavier in comparison with one thing like Buckwheat

There are in fact a lot 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 most effective choices.

One tip, if you will be utilizing supplies which could stain or be laborious 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. It will defend 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 Images Bean Bag

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

Bean Bag Form

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

  • Flat – a flat beanbag principally appears to be like like a pillow. It gives versatile placement, however won’t mildew as nicely round objects resembling 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 utilize it like a flat bean bag, balancing the digital camera on the highest, or you should utilize it on its facet, with the digital camera nestled between the 2 cushions
  • Saddle bag – this bean bag appears to be like like a lower-case letter “n”, or a “u”, relying which manner up you will have it. You should 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 digital camera lens between the 2 legs and relaxation the flat half on the bottom.

Every bean bag form gives benefits and downsides. Personally I just like the saddle bag form because it gives a number of versatility for a variety of conditions. Nonetheless, the flat cushion form additionally works nicely in particular conditions, resembling 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 can also be made out of various kinds of materials. For instance, elements of it might be made out of a water-proof materials or a fabric that contains a grippy floor.

Frequent supplies for bean baggage to be constituted of 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 characteristic 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 that you would be able to take away and alter the fill. So, in case you are planning a visit the place packing weight is a consideration, then you’ll probably need to empty your bean bag earlier than your journey and fill it in vacation spot.

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

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

Some bean baggage supply a number of zippered openings, which might make distributing the fill to 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 could be significantly useful to make sure each legs get an excellent quantity of fill.

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

 

Measurement of Bean Bag

When searching for a bean bag, it would be best to resolve on how large you need the bean bag to be. It will have an effect on a number of issues.

First, a bigger bean bag will have the ability to accommodate a bigger lens. If in case you have a very giant lens (300mm and up on a full body digital camera), it would be best to make certain the bean bag goes to be giant sufficient to totally cushion and help it.

After all, a big bean bag would require extra filling, and the ultimate crammed weight of the bag can 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 contemplate. 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. Nonetheless, for particular pictures conditions, some colours will probably be higher than others. For instance, in case you are happening safari it’s typically beneficial to keep away from colours like black or blue as these can appeal to tsetse flies. So on this scenario, a khaki or sandy coloration can be good.

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

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

 

Further Options

Some producers wish to differentiate their bean baggage by providing extra options. In case you are evaluating two equally priced bean baggage and one has further options that you simply 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 Images Bean Luggage

I’m now going to undergo quite a lot of pictures bean baggage of various kinds and at completely different worth 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 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 kinds.

These bean baggage are ordered roughly by worth from decrease to increased, however costs at all times differ so do click on by means of the test the newest worth for every mannequin when evaluating.

 

Grippa Bean Bag (UK only)

The very first digital camera bean bag I purchased was this funds choice known as the Grippa Bean Bag.

It’s basically two sq. bean baggage sewn along with an inside be part of so beans can circulation 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 funds nature, it truly labored very nicely on my safari. Once I bought it previous to a safari journey it got here prefilled with very gentle polystyrene beads, which made it gentle (if cumbersome) to journey with. The inside is accessed with a zipper which suggests you possibly can empty it and refill it, and it can be bought empty.

Truthfully, I’d in all probability advocate buying it empty and filling it with one thing aside from the polystyrene beads. They’re slightly gentle, and so they 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 in search of a extra funds oriented choice, it’s undoubtedly one to contemplate.

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

 

Kinesis SafariSack 1.4

Kinesis makes a variety of pictures bean baggage with a major give attention to 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 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 typically has you taking photographs from a car, both by means of a facet window or by means of a pop-up roof viewing space. You are inclined to have to maneuver shortly and modify your place, and there are typically all types of strange 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 pains of being bumped round and positioned over all types 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 fabricated 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 extra peace of thoughts. It can be used as a carry strap, and prolonged with an non-obligatory accent to be used as a shoulder strap.

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

Kinesis gives estimated weights for the bag when it’s crammed with completely different supplies. With Buckwheat the burden can be 240g / 8.5oz. With Polybeads, it might be 910g / 2lbs. You may 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: Verify worth on Amazon here and B&H Photo here.

 

LensCoat LensSack Jr.

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

LensCoat are significantly well-known for his or her LensCoat lens covers. 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 type bean bag though relying on the way you fill it you possibly can form it in a “v” form if you happen to favor. 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 high-quality on this bean bag. It additionally has the benefit of providing grip alongside the whole base of the bean bag, which is a pleasant characteristic.

If in case you have an even bigger lens or would like an excellent bigger flat type bean bag from LensSack, try the LensCoat LensSack which gives 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: Verify worth on Amazon here and B&H Photo here.

 

Grizzly Camera 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 worth. I purchased this to check it to a number of the dearer choices in the marketplace.

The bag itself is constituted of 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon which, appears to be like and feels (to my contact) laborious carrying. It’s comparatively giant, in a position to 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 put up or different help is constituted of a rubberized coating for waterproofing and sturdiness. This base is slightly easy although, particularly in comparison with the Kinesis or LensCoat merchandise.

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

Total, for the value, this can be a good saddlebag choice. You don’t get the additional options and extra premium development of upper finish baggage however it’s definitely 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: Verify worth on Amazon here and Etsy here.

 

Kinesis SafariSack 4.2

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

It’s 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 likewise in a extra saddlebag form. To attain the saddlebag form, you simply tighten the 2 straps beneath the bag which pull the ends collectively to kind the “legs” of the saddle.

It’s designed with a gusset in the course 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 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 non-obligatory Y208 extension strap. I might undoubtedly advocate buying the model with the carry strap because it makes it lots simpler to hold round. The carry deal with additionally has d-ring attachments.

The bag is fabricated 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 further grip, as you possibly can see within the under 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 below the zipper flap.

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

A correctly closed zipper on a bean bag is de facto 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 crammed with completely different supplies. With Buckwheat the burden can be 0.66kg / 1lb 7oz. With Polybeads, it might be 2.5kg / 5lbs 8oz.

You may usually buy the bag empty or with both buckwheat or polybeads provided, and with or with out the carry strap. I 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 version with buckwheat in case you have a lens as much as round 200mm, or plan to journey with it. If weight is just not a problem and you’ve got a bigger lens, then the Poly Bead option is the most suitable choice.

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

 

LensCoat LensSack Pro Jr.

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

The Best Photography Bean Bags

First, the fundamentals. It’s made of industrial quality water-proof Cordura, with a rubberized base and bolstered stitched seams. The bottom (the within of the “u”) gives grip throughout its entire 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 have a look at the LensCoat LensSack Pro). It has two YKK locking zippers, one on every leg, making it simple 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’s additionally a M.O.L.L.E webbing system on the surface of every leg which you’ll connect pouches and equipment to.

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

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

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

The actual stand out characteristic although is that it comes with a detachable light-weight plane grade aluminum plate with a typical 3/8″-16 mounting screw. That is the usual measurement for a gimbal or ball head, which means you possibly can truly 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 value of this bag is definitely increased than a number of the different choices on the listing, however I believe the merchandise options and premium high quality greater than justify that worth level. It’s additionally made within the USA.

In case you are in search of 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 quick listing.

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

Dimensions: 17.7 x 16.5 x 19.1 cm (7 x 6.5 x 7.5 “)
Merchandise Weight: 0.26kg / 9oz (no fill). Add 0.12kg (4.2oz) if utilizing mounting plate
Buy: Verify worth on Amazon here and B&H Photo 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 pictures bean bag that Kinesis make, and the most important in our listing.

So, if you happen to want a really big pictures bean bag for a very large lens (assume 600mm and up), then this can be a good choice. I believe for most individuals this may be 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 constituted 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 cloth, which gives grip. Word 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 simple.

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

Total, if you happen to want a very large pictures bean bag I might say it’s a selection between this one and the LensCoat LensSack Professional. They’re each nice merchandise, you’ll simply have to resolve which inserts your wants and funds 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 more likely 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: Verify worth on Amazon here and B&H Photo here.

 

Suggestions for Utilizing a Images Bean Bag

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

  • Invert your tripod collar. If in case 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. After all, 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 it in vacation spot. In case you are touring, as you probably will probably be for safari, 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. 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 possibly can 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 it would be best to take care that it doesn’t get moist, and bear in mind that it would should be changed once in a while. 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, it’s possible you’ll want to make use of a number of baggage.
  • Relating to filling your bean bag, endurance is the important thing. Ensure the zippered half is as excessive as attainable relative to the remainder of the bag, and pour the filling in fastidiously and slowly. You don’t need to make a multitude all over the place and must 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 most effective bean bag for pictures. If you happen to discovered this handy, you would possibly take pleasure in a few of my different pictures content material. Listed here are some articles to get you began.

 

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And that’s it! I’d love to listen to about your ideas on bean baggage for pictures, and am pleased to reply any questions you will have. Simply pop them within the feedback under 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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