Sandbags?

Having recently purchased an Einstein and some modifiers I'm finding the need for a sandbag for both indoor and outdoor use. I see there are several different kinds of varying weights and some weighted and some empty that you fill with rocks, sand, weights, etc. Any recommendations?

I looked at your gear list...

You have to sandbag a 51" PLM on an Einstein sitting on a Manfrotto 1005BAC Light Stand?

I have two Es and two Impact Air Cushioned Light Stand, Black - 10' (3m), which are comparable I guess or at least close, and I have a 32x48 softbox on one and a 64" PLM on the other that have been standing in my studio no problem. I've even taken the softbox outside in a very mild breeze and it stood just fine.

Indoors they're both pretty solid.

I would like some sandbags or ankle weights for outdoors though!

I got ankle weights from storage that my friends mom never used and they work great.

Be sure you are using your lightstand the right way. I know this sounds extremely basic, but it matters. I always set it up so I have a leg point to the front. See illustration below.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

I buy cheap sand bags from eBay sellers. Much better than ankle weights etc. Buy empty ones and fill with play sand. Mine are double zippered and I fill sand in plastic ziplocks and then put inside sand bags.

I filled mine with rice. Not quite as heavy as sand, but certainly much easier to clean up just in case one gets punctured or the velcro comes loose. I'd rather have rice on my gear than sand...

Pick up ankle weight at Goodwill for about 5.00 or less each.

randys1a wrote in post #12228409
Pick up ankle weight at Goodwill for about 5.00 or less each.

I still say ebay sand bags at < $10 a piece are lot better than ankle weights.

I bought 2 of these a few years back: http://www.skaeser.com …O-STUDIO-PRO-HEAVY/Detail

Quality is good to go, double zippered compartments and solid stitching.

well I took two empty flour sacks, filled em with sand ( we have plenty here) tied it up from top, kept the sand loose and half full so that i can mould the shape, placed it in a plastic bag and then again in another plastic bag up sitde down. aferwards placed it in a bigger shopping bags

I found a couple of old bags that the kids had their portable DVD players in some years ago. These bags are similar to a laptop bag, only smaller. A bag of playground sand from Home Depot.....put sand in HD gallon ziplock bags, double bagged....drop them into the cordura bag, done.

I also have several 10 pound barbell weights that I clip to various things I want to weigh down. I have several of those giant aluminum "wannabe caribiners".....( see photo ). They work good for things like this.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

I fitted my light stands with handles which allows me to easily carry the stand + weights and a modifier all in the in the same hand. I then use the weight bag my boom, and clip it onto the handle, I weigh the stand down with iron 1KG circular weights (max. weight 10-15kg Approx), they are smaller and heavier than sand, and you don't have to worry about cleaning up any leaks, but best of all I can add more or less weight depending on the weather conditions or what size modifiers I'm using, as there isn't any point lugging more weight around than you need to.

MIME changed to 'text/html' | Content warning: script

MIME changed to 'text/html' | Content warning: script

$23.00 for a pack of 4. These work great for me. Ebay seller STEVE KAESER LIGHTING & BACKDROPS.
Regina

http://www.amazon.com …ics&qid=1282285​341&sr=8-7

Wow, lots of good ideas here. Thanks everyone!

shineylewis wrote in post #12230354
$23.00 for a pack of 4. These work great for me. Ebay seller STEVE KAESER LIGHTING & BACKDROPS.
Regina

http://www.amazon.com …ics&qid=1282285​341&sr=8-7

I agree, these are about the best deal you'll find.

I fill mine with 3/8" pea gravel. A 60# bag of washed & screened pea gravel is around $4 at Lowe's or Home Depot. Pea gravel is less likely to leak through stressed seams & doesn't have sharp edges.