SANParks.org Forums

Thanks also to H. erectus, Caracal and Mutiman

@H.erectus - For sure there are several things which can be abused as bean bag which we did until now but a bean bag is a bean bag

@Caracal - Will surely do and show us the birds

@Mutiman - Perfect one

I have several beanbags , all homemade . One even made from the sleeve of an old shirt , tied off at both ends , filled with beans . Works great

Pumbaa,

I first begun with a homemade one and finish to buy one,not as nice as the one on birdsasart,though...
Make sure you buy enough rice to fill it,this year i didn't
Though you have lenses with IS,i think it's always better to use the bean-bag when you can

I'm only human, just luuv schleppin
dead weight around!!

Just overdose your make-up bag
and take it along. Believe me it will
suffice.

Hi Pumba

Here is your answer!

http://www.wildlifewatchingsupplies.co.uk/retail/acatalog/Bean_Bags_1.html

C14-ST Double bean bags with shoulder strap
C14.6-ST Large inc liners with strap

Fill with rice on arrival and use in the car by raising the window 5cm or so and the BB fits snugly over and stays put when driving along!

If necessary you can raise the window up with the BB still on and it still works, though not as stable.

It’s not too big and unwieldy though, to pull into the car when the dust is raised by other vehicles or you need to get to the other window fast.

We have one with a strap that is quickly removable and one without and find the strap very useful for going into hides etc.

Once you have used one there is no going back, the BB is essential!!!!!

UKB

I have the manfrotto window mount with a small ballhead that my wife loves, we also have a giotto's window mount that doesn't have a ball head but rotates side to side and up/down - I use it for my DSLR, but we generally leave one mounted on each side window so we can quickly get a shot. We also have a large novoflex mount that works on the side bars of open safari vehicles, but it was very expensive and has only been used a couple of times. I agree with Hawk get a window mount and ball head - manfrotto's window mount is #243 it is inexpensive, but then you need a small ball head to attach for your camera - It is a very worthwhile investment!

Hi all,

I saw recommendations for the ergorest on here, but having searched for it online I can find nowhere that I'm able to purchase it! Is it no longer in production? I've done a search on here and found nothing mentioning that it's been discontinued.

Thanks in advance!

Indeed not produced anymore
Good alernative is the Gorillapod by Joby
More flexible and the strongest can handle 5 kg
but wont work as a window tripod

What a shame! I wonder why they'd stop producing it, it seems to have a lot of good reviews and recommendations! Oh well, maybe Ebay can help me! Thanks

Hi

You can try the Windbag Pro.
http://www.verygoods.co.za/

Or if you really in a rush and need support, buy a pool noodle for R25, cut into sections. Cut a slice down the middle and slip it onto the window pane.

Else there are lots of commercial bean bags that work really well