Mounting a Gimbal head on a beanbag?

Box Brownie

Box Brownie

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Hi all

Ref: the subject has anyone done this for situations such as using a beanbag on a car door or in hide where a tripod may not give the best of positioning?

If so, what make and model of beanbag have you got and how well does such a combo perform???

TIA for the user insight :)
 
I can't imagine mounting a gimbal on a beanbag, it seems a most unstable option to me and I think it would interfer with the gimbal action.
I've not shot from a car door but in a hide I rest the lens on the beanbag, got mine here http://www.trevorhannant.com/
 
Box Brownie said:
Hi all

Ref: the subject has anyone done this for situations such as using a beanbag on a car door or in hide where a tripod may not give the best of positioning?

If so, what make and model of beanbag have you got and how well does such a combo perform???

TIA for the user insight :)
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What i use for shooting from my car (van ) is a piece of thick foam pipe insulation cut to length. I keep it in the van and then it is to hand when I need it. I slip it over the window and raise and lower it to get the required height. Maybe this would do?
 
Thanks for the replies.

Yes, for in car (van) use foam or simpler beanbag would be fine as movement of the user is that bit restricted but having seen a comment somewhere about using a beanbag in a hide where shelf space/'window' frame edge is good to take a bag but using a tripod means you are that little bit stepped back.

I did find a more costly one on WEX but here is what looks like a more budget copy https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B017J4DD3A/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1485685471&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=beanbag+camera&dpPl=1&dpID=51jcxOFP+OL&ref=plSrch

Putting a gimbal or suitable tripod head on that does look quite usable and stable, at least if filled with something like rice or seeds (polystyrene beads being too light and compressible).

PS the WEX I think was a USA manufacturer and UK price at about £80 !
 
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You can use a skimmer pod and a skimmer sac combination.The gimbal head fits onto teh skimmer pod (frisbee type thing) which can be looped into teh skimmersac (www.naturescapes.net)

I like teh pod especially for low level shots (waders etc)
 
nc_killie said:
You can use a skimmer pod and a skimmer sac combination.The gimbal head fits onto teh skimmer pod (frisbee type thing) which can be looped into teh skimmersac (www.naturescapes.net)

I like teh pod especially for low level shots (waders etc)
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Cannot see the skimmer pod on that site? But googling found it :). Food for thought?
 
I have them - if you are near you can comeandsee - where are you based?
 
I would never use a gimbal on a beanbag... the cost to benefit ratio is horrible.
It really depends on what your purpose/need is and the specific situation... and probably the specific vehicle or hide design.
 
Box Brownie said:
In west Surrey area
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Pm'd you.

sk66 said:
I would never use a gimbal on a beanbag... the cost to benefit ratio is horrible.
It really depends on what your purpose/need is and the specific situation... and probably the specific vehicle or hide design.
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I actually prefer it to using a bean bag on its own. Especially if it is a zoom (100-400). I also thinkit gives me greater stability with my 500. Each to their own!
 
nc_killie said:
I also thinkit gives me greater stability with my 500. Each to their own!
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The only way I can see it possibly increasing stability rather than decreasing it is if it allows you to place the camera in a position that would be extremely awkward otherwise. I've tested almost all of the options extensively, and it's led me to invent/manufacture a few new options. But IMHO, there is nothing more stable than a beanbag in the right situation (but it has it's obvious limitations)...
 
Stuart Philpott said:
BB I do like jerry's idea:cool: ,beyond that you might have read this if so apologies but if not http://www.wexphotographic.com/?/arouse/beans.html

Some options methinks

good luck

Stu
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Thanks for the link, the Ergo rest I recall being mentioned sometime ago so a good heads up to refresh info :)

Edit: have Googled for the Ergorest tripod and it seems it is no longer manufactured though the company still make their ergonomic desk accessories.
 
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