wanted: bean bag

looking for a bean bag, if possible a decent one, with panning option would be nice but might go with the standard double bean bag version

has anyone tried the neoprene protection for long lens? are they worth it?
thx

anyone can advise on bean bags and neoprene protection (for sigma 120-400mm)
thanks!
(maybe i should move this to the non classified).

Haven't used them myself, but I've seen a few positive write-ups about this firm, who sell bean bags and lens sleeves amongst many other things. > http://www.wildlifewatchingsupplies.co.uk/retail/acatalog/

Hi, I haven't used a bean bag but have got both a lens coat (on a 150-500 sigma) and an outdoor gear (on Da* 300)neoprene lens covers. Both do a version for the 120-400 Sigma.

The lens coat cover feels marginally thicker than the outdoor gear one but is not reversible and doesn't cover all of the lens sections but is available in more colour options. It does grip the lens well and doesn't slip.

I prefer the outdoor gear one as the stitching on the edge of each section seems to hold the parts in place better, it is reversible and was also cheaper. I bought it as it was recommended by another user on these forums who had supplied the measurements for the 300mm to them. The cover does slip on the Da's hood though probably as the surface is slightly smoother to allow the covers to be reversed.

Both keep the lenses clean and stop any scratches on parts of the lens but neither would protect the lenses from a harder impact. It keeps my sweaty hands off the lenses particularly in cold weather when I remove my gloves and hold a cold lens with warm hands.

The disadvantage is that the covers can slip if they are not tight enough and it makes the switches more difficult to use due to the covered plastic windows. You will notice several people using them will cut out the plastic windows, I haven't done so. It also may offend your design or fashion taste, camo covers are not everyone's thing. I have little design taste so it isn't a problem for me.

I would use them on any longer telephoto but I can be rather clumsy. I've laso added an image of the two lenses with their cover. Hopefully it is of use.

cheers,

Jez

awesome thanks!

Sorry I forgot the links. I bought my lens coat from Wex but a friend bought theirs directly from Lens coat:-

https://lenscoat.com/

the outdoor gear stuff is from here:-

http://www.outdoorphotographygear.co.uk/

They do bean bags as well various types and sizes.

cheers,

Jez

I use these link

Work really well.

Best regards