Using Saddle Sand Bags and Weight Bags as Counterweights

Saddle sandbags can function as counterweights for photo and video extension arms, tripods, and C-stands. There are three common types of filler for shot bags: water, sand, and buckshot. Some bags come without fillers, which is useful for video or photo shoots in nature when you don't want to carry prefilled bags.

Different Types of Weight Bags

Weight bags come in prefilled options that can weigh from 1 to 200 pounds. The bags feature vinyl, canvas, Cordura nylon, hemp, or polyester. Most feature leak- and water-resistant materials for use around electronics. Saddle sandbags have a flat middle with bags on each side, which are easy to sling over light stand extension poles or camera arms as a counterbalance. Water bags are simple to fill and empty, and are useful for weighing down lighting and studio equipment. Steadying tripods and other photo and video equipment helps you get the best shots possible, free of blurring or unintended movement.

Uses for Photography Sandbags

Boa, saddle, butterfly, and ballast bags are all suitable as counterweights for camera and boom equipment such as extension arms and poles. Circular sand or water weight bags are popular for weighing down tripods, as they offer stability for the center poles. Circular bags are also popular for steadying C-stands and lighting stands outside during windy weather. Place counterweights like saddle sandbags at the end of extension poles to balance the poles for camera equipment. This is particularly useful for continuous overhead shooting, as the opposite end of the pole can become heavy once the camera is on it. Adding counterweights also takes some stress from truss and pipe clamps, which could sustain damage if equipment doesn't balance properly.

B&H Photo and Video carries light stands, mounting hardware, and sandbags to help you expand your equipment. Browse a vast array of lighting, audio, video, and camera counterweights and find the right ones to keep your equipment balanced or steady during shoots.