Kirk Fat Bag vs. Kirk "hugger"

[buddy4344]

I have noticed a number of photographers recommend the Kirk Hugger beanbag for lens support from a car. I went to the Kirk Enterprises web site and notice they do not appear to sell the "hugger" any longer, but rather now have the Fat Bag (http://www.kirkphoto.com/Fat_Bag_Support.html). This doesn't seem to offer the flexibility of the old design. Does anyone have 1st hand experience to give advice on this?

I have previously used a red "pod", but wanted something bigger and more stable for my 500mm.

[scot079]

Haven't used the Kirk, but I can give a positive recommendation for the Wildlife Imaging beanbagfor use w/ the 500. Great for car window or on the ground

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/product.php?productid=233&cat=0&page=1

[gslusher]

I've used the Fat Bag a lot, though not with a 500mm lens, but a 100-400mm L IS zoom. It works beautifully on top of a car, over a car window, on the ground, over a fence rail or tree branch, etc. The top and bottom have a non-slip (well, more like "limited-slip") material. The inverted-Y shape really helps make it stable and it's higher than a flat bag like the SafariSack or Mag Bag II, both of which I also have and have used, so it's easier to use flat on my belly. However, filled, it's not something I'd like to take hiking. (I've sometimes taken an empty SafariSack & plastic bags out into the woods, then fill a bag & stick it into the SafariSack when I need it. That is not very convenient, though.)

[mn shutterbug]

I found this on another forum:

"Unless you want to pay the ridic price Kirk and some others want for window pods, you can make a large bean bag and fill it with dried peas in a shape thet will drape over the window on both sides and the upperpart serves to hold my 500 f4.5 like a rock. It absorbs all vibration and cost me $2.50. I also use it on the roof and can put it on the ground for low angle shots. When I,m through, it serves as a great arm rest too."