Mar

12

2010

Filed Under:

Featured, Gear

Comments

2

previous

next

Two homemade sandbags at 15 lbs. each

Any photographer knows that some sort of weight support for their light stands is crucial when you are photographing outside in windy conditions.  I knew I needed to come up with a sandbag solution very soon as I had several outside shoots in the books.

After checking the prices online for pre-made sandbags, I quickly decided that there was no way I was going to pay $35.00 for a 15 lbs. of sand and fabric.  I did a quick search online and soon found a very thorough tutorial on how to build your own sandbags from another photographer.  You can find the tutorial here.  After considering my lack of sewing experience, I asked my mother and grandmother if they would be interested in doing the project.  They graciously agreed and a couple of days later I had two 15 lb. sandbags, and enough material to make 4 more.  We ended up going with a 1” nylon webbing for the handle rather than the 1.5” because we couldn’t find it locally.  I think on the next 4 we are going to use the heavier webbing however.  The 1” seems to be strong enough, but I would feel more comfortable over the long run with a slightly stronger material.  So all in all, it was a great project that I would highly recommend to any photographer who is looking for some light stand support.  The most amazing part of all was the total cost of the project.  We managed to construct 6 sandbags for just over $20.00! So, divided out, that comes to around $3.35 for each bag! Quite a large difference from the original price of $35.00 per bag on B&H.  I think overall the project was a huge success.

Top view

Detail of the stitching on top to connect the nylon webbing

This is the back or underside of the bag

Detail of the stitching underneath. It is important to stich both sides for strength.

Stitching on the side of the bag.

Comments

2

previous

next