A DIY bean bag camera support

The perfect safari photo digital camera support

Typical Eastern African photo safaris use Land Cruisers or Land Rovers with a roof that can be flipped up or rolled back. Shooting from such a vehicle takes some practice and cooperation with other persons in the vehicle. A bean bag is an ideal way to support any camera equipped with a long focal lens on the roof top (as illustrated by Thierry in the photo above). It is far better adapted to the photo safari than a monopod or tripod. It is also ideal for air travel, as the empty bag weighs less than 150 grams. Such supports are available commercially, but making one youself is really an easy task.

How to make a DIY bean bag?

The quickest method is to use the material from a worn pair of blue jeans. The example shown here uses a section cut off from one of the legs. My finished bags are typically 20 cm wide x 30 cm long, so I cut a little longer section than needed. The finished bag is neater if the cut leg is sewn with the tissue turned inside-out. Before sewing the leg ends shut, open the leg seam long enough to install a 15 cm zipper which will allow you to fill/empty the bag.

Adding a nylon sling with a plastic buckle will make it easier to carry the bag when filled, easier to adjust the bag’s compression, and reduces the risk of dropping it off roof top.

The finished bean bag is ready for its filling. The roll-over image shows the bag turned inside-out.

Incidentally, if you plan on shooting from the door of a vehicle with an open window or from a security roll bar in an open vehicle you can make an X-shape double bean bag by sewing two of these simple bean bags together, back to back, roughly two-thirds above the bottom (a 6 x 6 cm stitching zone is enough).

What fill to use?

On safari the best fill choice is probably dried beans, bought locally. Rice is fine but heavier, or you can mix them. Additionally, these food items can be given away before leaving. Sand is a bad idea. I have tried lighter filling materials and found their support less effective. The bag should be full enough so that the camera/lens will not make contact with the vehicle (typically 2 to 4 kg depending upon what filling is used).

Note: for use at home sunflower seeds are a good inexpensive filling alternative (and can be used in winter bird feeders).

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