Camera Bean Bag vs Tripod: Best for Wildlife Safari?

The one thing that’s integral to accomplishing a safari trip in the jungles of Indian wildlife sanctuaries is having the perfect camera gear setup. This allows you to capture some of the amazing wildlife photography and videography you will always cherish for years to come. Amongst that, the most important one is having a camera bean bag/tripod after you are done sorting which camera and lenses to take for the trip, as per your convenience and budget.  

I have been on countless jungle safaris across wildlife parks in India and have taken adventure trips in the jungles in both the summer and winter seasons. I have been on both morning and afternoon jungle adventure trips, and understand why having a high-quality camera bean bag for safari photography and videography is essential for capturing some of the best moments of your favourite birds and animals. It allows you to go and shoot amazing wildlife moments in places that may not be possible with a sturdy and larger-sized camera tripod. 

So, in this blog, I am going to explain in detail what is a camera bean bag, and why it’s a must-have in your wildlife gear before you decide to go on any safari trips. You can also check my YouTube channel also where I have shot some of the best wildlife moments across Indian wildlife parks, just because I decided to include this amazing product as part of my wildlife checklist. I will also explain in detail why having a tripod may not always be the best decision when planning a jungle safari adventure.

So, let’s get started.

Camera Bean Bag Explained: Key Characteristics and Features

It’s a highly flexible and fabric-based support system for a camera and lens setup that is usually filled with materials like beans, plastic beads, or any other similar material. Its main purpose is to provide a softer platform where you can put your camera and lenses and shoot amazing wildlife moments because the terrain of the specific jungle area does not permit the convenient use of a large tripod stand. 

Bean bags for cameras are very different from Tripods.

• They mold to any given surface.
• Best suited for wildlife photography and videography in the absence of traditional camera support systems.
• They are made from water-resistant and waterproof materials.
• A camera bean bag typically weighs up to 2 kg and comes in various shapes and sizes. Some are flat bags, while others may be U-shaped. Some of them may have a mounting plate option. 
• They have anti-fall straps, a YKK Zipper, Velcro attachments, and handles for carrying easily from one place to the other.

Best Bean Bag For DSLR/Mirrorless Camera That You Can Purchase

Some of the bean bags for cameras that you can add to your wildlife gear checklist can include the following options:

• Mounting Plate Bean Bag
• Bean Bag-Multi Camo
• Bean Bag-New Grassland Camo
• Waterproof Ban Bag
• Bean Bag-Woodland Camo
• Bean Bag for car window

Flat bean bags are rectangular in shape and can drape over any surface. On the other hand, U-shaped ones have split-end designs that easily fit around window frames and railings. The ones that have a mounting plate come with a quick-release system and support gimble attachment. This is easy camera gear for beginners and advanced wildlife enthusiasts who want to get closer to nature and capture its true essence.

These are perfectly optimized for nature photography and support a camera to record amazing wildlife moments. They are lightweight and easy to carry around. The best choice a wildlife photographer can make. Many of these can also support big telephoto lenses.

They also come in camouflaged patterns that help in wildlife concealment. 

• For a small mirrorless camera setup, you can buy junior-sized bean bags. 
• Medium ones would do well for standard DSLR cameras. 
• You should go for the pro-sized bean bags if large telephoto lenses are part of your camera gear. 

Why Tripods Don’t Always Work in Jeeps During Jungle Safaris?

There are many limitations of a tripod as compared to a camera bean bag when you go on a jeep safari across Indian wildlife parks.

The biggest one is space limitation. An Indian Safari Gypsy has very limited space and can only allow 4-6 passengers to sit properly. The tripod legs need a larger space to spread across the floor. 

This makes it almost impossible to use a camera tripod in a cramped safari jeep vehicle. Also, the tripod has a three-leg configuration, which makes it unstable or even uneven to use in a Safari Jeep. 

Then come the mobility restrictions. 

It takes a bit of time to fully set up a camera tripod. You start by extending the legs, adjusting the height according to your need, locking the position of the camera, or adjusting the head of the tripod for stability.

Also, in a jungle, animals keep on moving constantly and rarely come to a standstill unless they need to rest or feel safe from the absence of any threat of a bigger animal above their food chain. Now, since these animals move very fast in the jungles, it becomes difficult to carry the tripod with you and capture the moment. It is quite a tedious and cumbersome process. 

So, by the time you end up setting up the tripod, you may lose track of the photographic moment.

So, Do You Need a Tripod For Safari Trips In India?

Well, that depends. Only if you are going to do still photography. But if you are going to be constantly moving in a jeep, then definitely not. 

Also, jeep safari vehicles are practically not the best choice to carry a tripod.

What if there are multiple photographers present in the jeep with you who also have a tripod setup with them? That would make the jeep cramped up.

Also, while driving, the jeep produces lots of vibrations due to the engine, as it’s a proper 4×4 off-roader. That can cause significant shaking in the camera setup on the tripod. Also, it’s a time-consuming process to move the camera tripod from one side of the jeep to the other. They are not suitable for shooting wildlife moments in a moving vehicle, either.

So, you see, there are so many limitations that make it not worth carrying a tripod stand for your camera on wildlife safari trips. These are the situations where a camera bean bag comes in handy and saves the day. 

Only use a Camera Tripod in these situations:

• You need to do still photography and videography sitting by lakes, ponds, or any other fixed location.
• Doing low-light photography and videography requires a long exposure setup.
• If you are carrying a larger jeep for safari that has ample space, then carry a tripod.
• Best for capturing amazing wildlife moments in wetlands.
• You need to do a bit of technical photography with lots of camera settings adjustments.

Advantages of a Camera Bean Bag: Lightweight Alternatives to Tripods

• Highly Flexible: Bean bags for cameras can be easily put on either window frames, car roofs, or tree branches while capturing some of the amazing wildlife moments. They are fast to set up and you can put it anywhere to start shooting immediately. You can easily move them from one side of the vehicle to the other. It can easily adjust as you move or tilt your camera.
• Provides Greater Stability: Absorbs all the vibrations and reduces camera shaking. As it has a wider base, it prevents the camera from tipping even while using a larger telephoto lens. You can also do hands-free shooting and achieve low shutter speeds.
• A Camera Bean Bag is Highly Versatile: It can be used perfectly in uneven areas and conditions where a tripod can surely fail. Best fit for both horizontal and vertical shooting orientations. It protects the camera from dust, dirt, and wet surfaces.
• Highly Portable and Cost-Effective: Bean bags for cameras are extremely lightweight and can be carried around easily. They take minimal luggage space while travelling and come with built-in handles too. Also, they are affordable and significantly cheaper than professional tripods. They are best suited for any type of wildlife safari conditions. 

Conclusion: Tripod vs Bean Bag For Safari Photography And Videography

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Between a Camera bean bag and a Tripod, which is the better budget-friendly wildlife photography gear?

If you are on a budget, you should go for a bean bag rather than a tripod for your camera setup. A bean bag is more versatile and adaptable to any terrain and situation. You can mount and remove it easily on any safari jeep vehicle. Best for fast-moving wildlife photography and videography.

Tripod vs bean bag for beginners: Which is the better option?

For beginners, it depends on what type of wildlife photography and videography you want to do. If it’s going to be still photography, pick a tripod. But if you will be moving rapidly from one place to the other, or need to shoot amazing wildlife moments while being in a safari jeep that is on the go, then pick a bean bag. 

Does a bean bag support a camera setup with a telephoto lens?

Yes, it does. The versatility of the bean bag allows wildlife enthusiasts to use as many heavy camera setups as possible. Also, a bean bag is best for capturing amazing natural moments in a wetland, where the use of a telephoto lens becomes crucial to capture far-off birds in open areas of land. 

What are the various sizes of bean bags available?

A camera bean bag comes in various sizes, like small, medium, and large. You can pick the one that best suits your camera setup requirements and required protection from dust and dirt based on location. 

How to build the perfect wildlife photography gear checklist?

You can connect with the Jungle Revives team, where our experts will assist you in picking the perfect options for building the perfect wildlife camera gear setup. You can also read the blog on packing the perfect Jungle Safari Gear for India and get your doubts answered.