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I use a single (selfmade one) and must admit the manoeuvres are very tricky. One hand on the steer, one hand on the camera

Hi Katja,

I bought that double beanbag three years ago and am extremely happy with it. It's much more stable than a single one if used on a car window, car mirror or gamedrive vehicle. I also always carry a 'normal' beanbag with me but don't use it a lot.

You might also want to checkout this system. It looks to be extremely stable.

I received my double bean bag only 2 days after I placed my order (sent from the UK to Denmark). Haven't used it yet but it looks great and I think I will be very happy with it.

Received my Red Pod, ordered at the Imaging One company that Katja posted a page back.
Looks very good, and is also aimed at people without long lenses as can be seen on the packaging. It will fit under your (video-)camera as well for rocksteady shots.

I'll be trying it out soon!

(P&P was the same price as the Pod itself though.)

I use the ergorest carwindow-mount and a beanbag, looking at the sometimes ridiculous prices you pay for a beanbag I "designed"one myself.
Simply cut off 2 even stretches of old (army) trousers, and sew them close on one end.
Sew 2 small zippers at the other end to keep the filling in, and then sew the 2 similar parts together( at the longest side of course )
You might add a seam in the middle of the 2 seperate parts, to create 4 sections.
You can make it any size you like.....
Don't forget to attach a strap of about 80 cm to secure it to something inside the car, so you won't loose it!

Here is a simple "building plan"...

Link for the whole range of Pods sold in the netherlands
http://www.camerasales.nl/digitale-cameras/7.htm

Could anyone provide me information or what they believe to be a good solution to using a tripod when shooting with a long lens out of a vehicle. Are there any proven attachments that can be fitted to the door or window or is the bean bag your favourite option.

Hi and welcome
Try the Ergorest
Use a 100-300 with 2 x converter with this.
Works well

Up till now I've always used a large beanbag. On my next trip (November) I'll try out a new window mount which a friend of mine has bought for me (local SA made). Beanbags are excellent for stationary shots, but more or less useless for panning. A beanbag is the easiest way to go though because it weighs next to nothing and makes a very stable platform. If you're planning on using a window mount then take a look at the Ergorest (http://www.wholesaledigital.co.za/ergorest.htm)

Check out this thread on beanbags vs window mounts.

I use the "Fat Chick" beanbag mentioned as well as a Manfrotto 679 Monopod with a 234 RC swivelhead. The "Fat Chick" beanbag is as stable as one could hope for but the monopod is more flexible for less static subjects. The biggest lens I use on them is a Canon 400mm L F/5.6 but the "Fat Chick" would easily handle heavier lenses.

Here's the setup I use when I'm in an open vehicle (in private reserves):


This setup consists of a Manfrotto 035 clamp with a Manfrotto 037 Camera Mounting Stud and an Arca-Swiss B1 ballhead. The mounted camera is a Canon 30D with 300 f/2.8 lense. This setup works like a charm in an open vehicle.

http://www.wildlife.co.za/article/archi ... le_003.htm

Here are some pics of the window mount that a friend of mine bought for me. I know it's localy produced in SA but I don't know where you can buy it. If anybody is interested in buying one please let me know through a PM and I'll find out where you can get one in SA.

Hi SVR, I use the Kirk window mount, and Kirk Cobra mount for the big lens 500mm, it allows great panning and good stability. Although bean bags are a great alternative and very handy on all occasions & I carry loads of them always. I fly international to SA, so I carry them empty (my wife made them for me with Velcro so I can empty and re-fill them any time), carrying therm empty saves on considerable weight in the baggage.

Try this link for the Kirk products:
http://www.kirkphoto.com/

if you have to travel from the Netherlands I would go for the ergorest window mount, very easy to use with good stability and it isn't very heavy to take along with only 20 kg. allowed luggage.....