Surplus store, I will haev to check. I like the split down the middle and handles on the production ones. Of course the only other sandbags I have ever seen are the flood ones
Ya I did a search of the entire board and found discussion on the making one, I guess I like the look of professional ones. give I know they will do the same job.
Ya, its nice to have em split down the middle and the handles, and not have to worry about sand getting everywhere. It costs for the convenience and not have to think about getting another thing done, i think our 15lb bags were like 18 bucks each at the Calumetphoto.com store in San Francisco.
Matthews makes some that you can fill yourself. I brought them on a production trip to Russia and filled them with sand or rock in each city I went to. They probably have them listed on their website.
things I have easily "DIYed" for a fraction of the cost (and IMO just as quality result)
dolly/track
sandbags
various flo light kits
bounce boards and all types of ill gaffer sh*t
carmount
cine saddle
water (gotta have it but NOT from evian)
air (dont even get me started on how much they are charging around here for it)