If you’re planning a safari, the probabilities are good that you’re enthusiastic about taking a bigger digicam and lens with you. These can produce fantastic wildlife pictures, however additionally they include a draw back, which is that they are often heavy and laborious to carry for extended durations of time.
Usually the answer to a heavy lens and digicam is a tripod or monopod. Nonetheless, most safaris have you ever observing wildlife from inside a automobile, the place it’s typically not attainable to simply arrange and use both a tripod or monopod. That is particularly the case when there are a couple of folks within the automobile vying for viewing house!
Nonetheless, you don’t wish to miss an important shot of a lion or an elephant as a result of your arms are drained from holding your gear up. As a substitute, you must contemplate investing in a pictures bean bag.
On this article, I’ll inform you how they work, why you may want one, vital options to search for in a pictures bean bag, and provides some suggestions on a few of the finest pictures bean luggage for safari.
I like to recommend studying this put up together with my information to getting great photos on safari, in addition to my information to the best safari camera and lenses, so that you’re totally ready in your journey.
Causes to Use a Images Bean Bag
A pictures bean bag, because the identify suggests, is a bag stuffed with beans (or related materials) which is used to help a digicam when taking footage.
These might be positioned both over a window body or on the highest of the automobile if you’re standing up and looking of a pop-up prime, and can mean you can hold your digicam pointing in the best course with out tiring your arms out.
It would additionally mean you can use slower shutter speeds if required, relying on the out there mild and the way a lot your topic is shifting.
Basically a pictures bean bag provides related advantages to a tripod or monopod, however in a smaller and extra versatile package deal. Some key advantages of a pictures bean bag embrace:
- You don’t have to carry up your lens and digicam
- It supplies a spot to relaxation and regular longer lenses or recognizing scope
- They defend your gear from having to relaxation on the usually soiled and uneven surfaces of the perimeters of the automobile
- It may well additionally defend your gear and provides stabilization if taking pictures from the bottom
- It’s extra versatile to be used in lots of conditions in comparison with a tripod or monopod
After all, these pictures bean luggage are usually not simply helpful for safari however for all kinds of nature and out of doors associated pictures eventualities. So it’s nice if you may get a bag that additionally, you will be capable to use elsewhere.
Listed below are a few pictures of me on safari with and with out a bean bag to provide you an concept of the distinction. I’ve used quite a few these bean luggage on varied safaris throughout quite a few African international locations.
What to Search for in a Images Bean Bag for Safari
Earlier than offering some recommended bean luggage, I wished to share my ideas for what to search for in a bean bag for safari pictures. This may provide help to to resolve which bean bag goes to be finest for you.
Form
The very first thing you’ll want to take into consideration is the form of the bean bag. Images bean luggage are typically not simply shapeless spherical blobs, they have a tendency to have a selected kind which permits them to work extra successfully.
There are three foremost shapes of pictures bean luggage. First, there’s a cushion-like flatter form which is the best possibility. Then, there’s the double cushion, which is successfully two cushions sewn collectively.
Lastly, there’s a model which appears to be like a bit like a decrease case “n” (or an inverted “u”). This form has two “legs” with a cushion half on the prime. It’s successfully a saddlebag form, and is the most well-liked possibility.
Under are some pictures displaying a few of these completely different designs.
Which form will be just right for you will rely a bit on the place you might be more likely to be taking pictures. I discover the saddlebag model provides a great little bit of versatility as it may be tailored to suit a wide range of areas, from taking pictures over a window body to balancing on the sting of a automobile roof when taking pictures by a pop-up prime.
It additionally has the benefit you could invert it when taking pictures on a flatter floor to supply a form of cradle in your digicam.
The easy flatter cushion-like form can show to be fairly versatile, particularly when taking pictures on the roof of a automobile or from the ground. Personally I discover it a bit much less sensible for safari use because it doesn’t mildew to a automobile window or door space in addition to the opposite choices.
Measurement
Images bean luggage are available a wide range of sizes. The principle factor is to make sure that the bean bag you select is massive sufficient so your digicam and lens will comfortably match on it, while not being so huge that it’s impractical to make use of and carry.
Filler Sort
Many bean luggage include the choice to buy them with a filling or with out. We typically discover it’s simpler to journey with an empty bean bag after which fill it with an acceptable filling at your vacation spot, resembling buckwheat (hulls), chicken seed, or dried beans. This reduces the journey weight and bulk of the bean bag.
Nonetheless, you too can decide to buy a bean bag with a filling, which is usually one thing like polystyrene balls to maintain transport weight down. This could positively work and will provide you with a light-weight possibility, though it gained’t be as steady as a heavier possibility.
Notice that many varieties of uncooked and dried beans might be toxic to wildlife so in case you use them to fill your bag you’ll wish to take additional care to maintain your bag away from animals and hold them secured contained in the automobile once you depart it.
We’ve had monkeys, significantly baboons, attempt to snatch the luggage from the automobiles, as they’ve learnt that the fillings typically include tasty treats!
Weight
While the fabric the pictures bean bag is fabricated from can have some influence on its weight, the primary factor that impacts its weight is what it’s stuffed with.
If it’s stuffed with a lightweight materials like polystyrene balls for instance, then will probably be very mild. If it’s stuffed with dried beans or seeds, then it’s going to naturally be heavier. The bigger the bean bag, the heavier will probably be.
We’d typically advocate utilizing a heavier filling like beans or seeds because the bag will hold its form higher when arrange and supply a extra steady base. Nonetheless, we now have additionally used a pictures bean bag stuffed with polystyrene balls with good outcomes.
On our final journey, we crammed our bag with a mixture of dried beans and a few pillow stuffing which was a great combine .
Sturdiness
A safari might be fairly a difficult surroundings, with quite a lot of bumpy roads in addition to automobiles containing laborious edges.
It’s vital that you just use a pictures bean bag which goes to face up to the rigours of this surroundings. You positively don’t wish to be in a state of affairs the place the bean bag develops a gap and bursts open half manner by your journey!
A well-made bean bag that has good stitching and which is constructed from a sturdy materials resembling canvas or one other thick hard-wearing materials could be finest. Evaluating the 2 pictures beneath, the bean bag on the best is produced from a more durable canvas like materials which is able to seemingly last more.
Shade
On safari you typically need pretty impartial colours that don’t stand out. You additionally wish to keep away from blues and blacks which may appeal to tsetse flies.
Most pictures bean luggage we’re conscious of are available shades of inexperienced or beige, or are in a form of camouflage sample of greens and beige colours, which works effectively.
Refillable?
One of many extra vital options of a pictures bean bag is whether or not or not it may be refilled. I might argue that having the ability to empty and fill your bean bag is basically vital.
That is so you’ll be able to change the contents to fit your wants. For instance, if you’re travelling mild or wish to cut back bulk, you may wish to empty out your bean bag and fold it up. Then, once you arrive in your vacation spot you’ll be able to pop to a market and purchase some dried beans, rice, or buckwheat to fill it with.
Most pictures bean luggage are refillable. Some open with a zipper while others open with velcro. I might personally advocate a system that closes with a zipper as it’s far safer and there’s much less threat of it coming open by mistake.
Worth
You’ll after all wish to take into consideration value when buying a pictures bean bag. The excellent news is that the majority bean luggage are effectively priced, typically coming in at round $25 – $85 USD.
After all, you’ll be able to pay extra (and fewer!), however in comparison with the worth of many pictures equipment available on the market at present we predict that is positively one of many extra reasonably priced choices you should buy to enhance your pictures and make your pictures expertise simpler whereas on safari.
Different Options
In addition to the above options, some pictures bean luggage produce other options you may discover helpful. These embrace straps or pockets, or issues like being water-resistant.
A strap or wire can positively be useful as you need to use it to safe the bean bag when in use. Water proofing can be useful in case you suppose you’ll be taking pictures in moist environments.
Some have shoulder straps to make them simpler to hold if taking pictures on foot – these straps can be used to safe to the automobile. As well as, a few of the flat luggage can be used as ballasts in your tripod.
Talking of tripods, some pictures bean luggage even have the choice to connect a ball or pan head to the bean bag, providing you with a better of each worlds possibility.
The Greatest Images Bean Luggage for Safari
I’m now going to undergo what I believe are a few of the finest choices for pictures bean luggage for safari. These are ordered by value, though pricing can differ so do verify.
You’ll discover this isn’t an enormous checklist. That’s as a result of there are only some manufacturers who give attention to this form of product. Nonetheless, these manufacturers do know what they’re doing and the result’s a strong product.
Moreover, with Kinesis and LensCoat, they provide a variety of choices at completely different sizes and value factors to swimsuit most digicam setups.
Personally, from the checklist beneath I might advocate both the Kinesis SafariSack 4.2 or the LensCoat LensSack Pro Jr as my favorite choices to be used on safari.
Kinesis SafariSack 1.4
Kinesis have been making pictures bean luggage for safari for a few years, designing their bean bag merchandise particularly for photographers heading on safari in Africa. What we like about them is that clearly Kinesis have put some thought into what’s vital for this form of product.
They’ve a variety of safari bean luggage, however we advise testing the SafariSack 1.4 as a great possibility in case you would like a flatter bean bag possibility.
This bag is produced from rip-stop 400-dernier nylon. It has a zippered compartment so you’ll be able to simply fill and empty it. It has D-rings on the ends so you’ll be able to match a strap, and there’s additionally a small sewn-in strap which can be utilized to safe it to a automobile.
This may work for smaller and bigger cameras alike. You probably have a smaller setup particularly then this is usually a nice possibility.
Examine value on Amazon here and on B&H Photo here.
Kinesis SafariSack 4.2
My favorite possibility from Kinesis is the SafariSack 4.2, which is designed for these of you with bigger lenses and cameras.
The SafariSack 4.2 is double-stitched for sturdiness and constructed from robust rip-stop Nylon. You get a rubberized backside to stop it from slipping, and there’s an non-obligatory shoulder strap in addition to a hand strap.
Maybe the perfect characteristic although is the 2 built-in quick-release straps. These permit the SafariSack for use in two foremost modes when on safari. With the straps undone, you need to use it as a flat sack, which is extra fitted to use when taking pictures on the highest of a automobile or different flatter floor.
You possibly can alternatively join the straps to create the basic saddlebag form, permitting it for use over a window. Basically you get the perfect of each worlds, making this a contender for the perfect pictures bean bag available on the market.
The bag is accessible with or with out a fill, and there’s even a selection of filler materials.
Examine value on Amazon here and on B&H Photo here.
NatureScapes SkimmerSack II Mini Beanbag
The NatureScapes SkimmerSack II beanbag was developed by a full-time nature photographer who wished a bean bag that will meet his wants. The excellent news is that this has resulted in an exquisite product that’s ideally suited for safari pictures.
The SkimmerSack II is produced from robust 500 dernier nylon cordura, with a non-slip rubbererized coating beneath to assist stop it from shifting round when in place.
The inside is constructed from a rubber-like materials, giving it some water-resistance. It’s double-stitched for energy and has a zipper opening for including your individual fill. There’s additionally a hand-grab loop strap on every finish of the bag, and there are a pair of straps on the base to mean you can safe it to a door deal with or roof rack for security.
Examine value on Amazon here and on B&H Photo here.
LensCoat LensSack Pro Jr
One other well-known model within the pictures bean bag world is LensCoat, who make a variety of bean luggage that may accommodate a variety of lenses. They’re additionally out there in a number of colours.
We’d advocate looking on the LensCoat LensSack Professional Jr. This saddlebag formed bag can deal with lenses as much as 500mm in size (variations are additionally out there with help as much as 800mm).
There’s a non-slip coating and it’s produced from sturdy water resistant Cordura with bolstered seams. It additionally has two storage pockets, MOLLE webbing straps, and two locking YKK zips that make it simple to fill and empty.
Maybe probably the most fascinating characteristic of this bean bag although is the truth that it comes with a detachable mounting plate with a 3/8″-16 thread. This can be utilized to connect a gimbal or ball head, which means you’ll be able to seemingly use it together with your current tripod head. This provides you the perfect of each worlds – the compact and moveable advantages of a bean bag, with the pliability of a head, making it simpler to trace shifting topics with out having to regulate the bean bag.
Examine value on Amazon here and on B&H Photo here.
Make Your Personal Images Bean Bag
Because of a last-minute baggage mix-up previous to a current African safari, I used to be left with out my pictures bean bag simply earlier than the journey began. Fortunately, my mum is an skilled with a stitching machine, and occurred to have some good high quality thick linen materials at hand.
Between us we got here up with a design for a u-shaped bean bag with a zipper. My mum made it with a heavy calico cloth and a zipper. We then dyed it inexperienced. As soon as in Uganda, we crammed it with dried beans and a few pillow stuffing.
It labored nice, and goes to point out that if you’re a bit inventive, you’ll be able to positively make your individual bean bag answer. Nonetheless, this feature might be finest for these with a stitching machine and a few primary stitching abilities!
Suggestions for Utilizing a Images Bean Bag
Now that you’ve got chosen your pictures bean bag, I wished to share a couple of 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 prime of the digicam slightly than the underside, as in any other case it’s going to get in the best way of the digicam resting totally on the bean bag
- Fill it in vacation spot. If you’re touring, as you seemingly will probably be for safari, it can save you your baggage house by filling the bag in vacation spot slightly 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 effectively. The form of rice means that’s can compact a bit an excessive amount of and means you’ll be able to lose a few of the versatile form advantages of a bean bag. Polystyrene balls can work however I discover them to be a bit too mild and noisy, to not point out environmentally unfriendly.
- If you’re utilizing an natural product to fill your bean bag you’ll want to take care that it doesn’t get moist, and remember that it’d have to be changed on occasion.
Additional Studying
That’s it for my information to the perfect bean bag for safari pictures. If you happen to discovered this handy, you may get pleasure from a few of my different pictures content material. Listed below are some articles to get you began.
- I’ve an in depth information filled with safari photography tips that will help you get nice pictures no matter your digicam is
- A even have a information to the best cameras and lenses for safari, that will help you resolve what to take in your journey of a lifetime
- I’ve a information to my favorite photo editing applications, in addition to the perfect alternatives to Lightroom
- When you’ve taken all of your pictures you don’t wish to lose them! Learn our information to backing up your photos for an concept of the best way to hold all of them protected.
- Wildlife pictures can typically end in noisy pictures. See my information to the best noise reduction software for some concepts on the best way to get the perfect out of your pictures even once they could be a bit noisy
- We’ve a information to how to use a compact camera, how to use a DSLR camera, and how to use a mirrorless camera. We even have a information to how a DSLR works
- Realizing the best way to compose an important picture is a key pictures ability. See our information to composition in photography for many recommendations on this topic
- We’ve a information to what depth of field is and once you would wish to use it.
- We’re huge followers of getting probably the most out of your digital picture information, and do to that you will want to shoot in RAW. See our information to RAW in photography to know what RAW is, and why you must swap to RAW as quickly as you’ll be able to in case your digicam helps it.
- You’re going to wish one thing to run your picture modifying software program on. See our information to the perfect laptops for photo editing for some recommendations on what to search for.
- If you happen to’re in search of extra recommendation on particular ideas for various eventualities, we additionally have you ever lined. See our information to Northern Lights photography, long exposure photography, fireworks photography, tips for taking photos of stars, and cold weather photography.
- Shade accuracy is vital for pictures – see our information to monitor calibration to make sure your display is ready up accurately.
- If you happen to’re in search of an important present for a pictures loving good friend or member of the family (or your self!), check out our photography gift guide,
- If you happen to’re available in the market for a brand new digicam, we now have an in depth information to the best travel cameras, in addition to particular guides for the best cameras for hiking and backpacking, the best compact camera, best bridge camera, best mirrorless camera and best DSLR camera. We even have a information to the best camera lenses.
- If you would like a digicam or lens, however the costs are a bit excessive, see our information to where to buy used cameras and camera gear for some funds financial savings choices.
- We’ve a information to why you need a tripod, a information to choosing a travel tripod, and a round-up of our favourite travel tripods
Seeking to Enhance Your Images?
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It’s out there for an incredible one-off value for lifetime entry, and I believe you must test it out. Which you are able to do by clicking here.
And that’s it! I’d love to listen to about your ideas on wildlife pictures on safari, and am pleased to reply any questions you could have. Simply pop them within the feedback beneath and I’ll get again to you as quickly as I can.
