SANParks.org Forums

Could you explain why a bean bag is needed, I've read about
them but never understood the need. I rest the lens on my hand which is on the sill of the car window, would the bean bag be more stable?
/Neil

Or buy a pillow casing , small one with a zipper.
The kinda fancy cushions for furniture.

And stuff with rice.
I always care one around and use it as well.

Neil, I've used both my hand as well as my friends bean bag and believe me the difference is quite vast! The beanbag is definately more stable - or so I found!

Bert, I have tried filling it more, but it gets rather heavy with all the rice. Maybe I sould try the dried bean bit! You don't think maybe the fact that the material is a bit thin that that could be part of the problem too?

Yep! A beanbag is way better than a hand. Better still is to use a windowmount, but I found you need fairly high windows for them, or live with a head full of dents. And you can easily transfer a beanbag from side to side, which you can't do with a windowmount. (And look like a bodybuilder after your vacation.)

Check out the Fat Chick

It works like a charm. Cost ? ZERO Rands.

Thanks, I mustl try and arrange something then. I read somewhere that bubble-plastic (package material) works well, and would certainly be lighter on the flight over.
Has anyone tried bubble plastic?
/Neil

It all depends on the material. Some lighter cottons/poly-cottons can fray when pressure is put on them. Most commercial beanbags are made from heavy-duty cotton like denim. I use calico, which I find is quite cheap and strong. Have a look in fabric shops for scraps and off-cuts which they sell off

Bert's idea of using cushion covers with a zip is a good idea too.

Don't use package material! It's way too light! You need a steady rest, not something that blows away with a little wind.

Just bring over your beanbag, hit the shops, and come out with 3 kilos of rice. Fill the bag, have your trip, and at the end of it empty it into a plastic bag. That you hand to one of the staff, making them happy, and your beanbag very light and flightworthy again.

Saves a lot of volume as well.

In that other thread there was this link with lots of products.

http://www.wildlifewatchingsupplies.co.uk/dbbag.htm

What made me smile was the beautifully camouflaged camera,lens and beanbag perched on a bright red car!
/Neil

OK - done! Will just put MORE rice into my bag! Thanks guys & girls!

So if I buy a 3kg bag of rice in a shop, why can't I just use it
as it is?
/Neil

Because the plastic will rip. Or burst.

You can, but the plastic will tear pretty fast... And then we can follow you all through the parks.

Should have guessed!
/Neil

Don't worry Neil, we can't all be bright!