Making your own Bean Bags

Bean bags are very useful for wildlife photography, whether shooting from a car, or for low level field work. Using a tripod set to its lowest setting can be awkward to move with, especially when you're trying to keep as still as possible. Using a bean bag gets you a lower angle, meaning more intimate photos of animals, more diffused backgrounds and foregrounds, as well as keeping a lower profile for yourself to hopefully avoid scaring the wildlife away. The only issue with bean bags can be the price and getting a design that suits your lens.

I've recently tried making a bean bag based on the design in this link, with a few alterations (strap to carry it with, dimensions): http://www.scottfairbairnphoto.com/Scottfairbairnphoto/Tips5_The_Beanbag.html

It took some spare camouflage fabric, thread, 3 or 4 hours sewing (not something I'm amazing at!) and maybe a few kilos of bird seed to fill it with. Bargain! One thing I would stress is to make sure that you sew the seams very well to avoid the bag splitting. The link below also has an interesting plan for a 'foot' to attach to the bottom of your lens:
http://naturephotography.fredhurteau.com/bbagballhead.htm

I haven't got round to making it yet, but it looks pretty helpful!