hertenberger.co.za

I’ve been searching for a decent beanbag for use with my camera. Strangely, very few camera stores seem to stock such a basic item, and those that do have a rather limited assortment. Whilst many may scoff at the idea of purchasing a beanbag, I’m not the type to fill socks with rice when I want to settle my camera into position…

The pod is a camera support device with a difference: a beanbag with a built-in mounting bolt. Available in many different sizes, these round beanbags are colour-coded for easy identification. Yellow, blue and red models are the smaller ones, with black and silver designed for large cameras or those with long lenses attached. In the middle is my choice: the green pod.

Each pod has similar features, though the bigger models include a flap to remove or replace the stuffing and a strap to steady a long lens attached to the camera. The pod is constructed of nylon and is weatherproof, though that may not apply to the camera it is supporting

On the green pod, the mounting screw is set to the back of the platform, allowing a lens of 300mm to be attached to the camera and supported. The diameter of this pod is about 13cm with a height of around 5cm, making it easy to pack and drag along.

If required, the supplied strap may be placed through the loops on the top of the pod platform and over the lens to steady it even more. In contrast to smaller tripods, the pod has the advantage of providing a more stable, secure base for a camera, specifically when a longish macro lens is used.