Photo Rock Bar – an Alternative to Traditional Sandbags

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by Jeff Loch September 30^th, 2019

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If you are tired of sandbags that always swing around or fall when you move your light stands, you should take a look at this new product: Photo Rock Bar. Let’s take a closer look at this versatile product!

Image credit: Photo Rock Bar

Good Old Sandbags

Sandbags are tools that you can find on every film set. Like gaffer tapes, this is an essential piece of equipment to have with you on every gig. You can use sandbags for a lot of things, but their primary purpose is to add extra weight to tripods, light stands, and boom arms. (Safety first)!

Impact sandbags. Image credit: B&H

The design of sandbags has been the same for decades. It consists of two pockets filled with sands and a saddle. Sandbags exist in various sizes, weights, colors, and so on. But the main thing they have in common is that they are heavy and not convenient to travel with. Also, most of the time, sandbags swing everywhere, or even worse, fall of your light stand when you decide to move your fixture.

Taking a new approach to products that are used daily by filmmakers is tough, and as we say, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Otherwise, the Photo Rock Bar is something different that is worth a look.

Image credit: Photo Rock Bar

Sandbags Alternative – Photo Rock Bar

The design of the Photo Rock Bar consists of one single pocket with two straps. There is the word “Rock” in it because the idea is not to fill it with sand, but with, you guessed it, rocks… If you ever damaged a sandbag, you know the main disadvantage of sand versus rocks: it spills everywhere.

The main benefit of the Photo Rock Bar is that it attaches flush to your light stand or tripod. In short, it means that the Rock Bar will not sway in windy conditions or if you move your tripod/light stand around on set.

Image credit: Photo Rock Bar

Once the Photo Rock Bar is fully loaded with rocks, it weighs around 7lbs / 3kg. Another advantage is that you can transport it empty to save weight, and fill it with stones once you arrive at your shoot.

The Photo Rock Bar is made of nylon EVA and measures 30cm x 5cm x 5cm.

Pricing and Availability

The Photo Rock Bar is available now on their website and retails for $45.00.

What do you think of this alternative to traditional sandbags? Do you think it is more convenient to use and transport? Let us know in the comments!