Buteo Photo Gear Hide Aquila Mark III Brown
The Buteo Photo Gear Hide Aquila Mark III in brown is the latest version of the two-person hide. Extensive attention has been paid to areas for improvement, with careful consideration given to feedback from many users and ambassadors of these hides. Thanks to a number of clever design features, the Aquila Mark III offers significantly better protection against precipitation, keeps you perfectly dry in adverse weather conditions, and features improved photo and viewing windows.
The tent offers much better protection against precipitation thanks to smarter design choices:
The tent on the outside
- An additional 'canopy' has been added on 3 sides, preventing precipitation from entering through the insect mesh and providing better protection for your lens against rain
- In addition to rain protection, this canopy also acts as a lens hood, keeping the photo window and your lens more in the shade and therefore less conspicuous
- These canopies can all be folded away when not in use or when not needed. If you leave the tent in place for an extended period, this is also useful as the tent becomes less visible and less susceptible to wind
- The improved construction with longer poles extending all the way to the ground helps the tent retain its shape better
- 8 pegs: longer, wider and stronger than previous versions. 18 cm long, black aluminium, triangular in shape
- The use of (thick) cord loops on all zip runners, and the removal of Velcro, eliminates unwanted noise
- All windows can be sealed with a zip, with no windows left where water can easily enter
The tent on the inside
- All windows and insect meshes can also be operated from the inside using zips
- Cords and 'tunnels' inside the tent are finished in brighter colours for easy visibility in the dark
- Label with instructions
Photo and viewing windows
- All photo windows are significantly larger than before, measuring 40 x 36 cm (W x H). The photo windows also serve as viewing windows (upper portion of the window), and are therefore much wider than was the case with the Buteo Mark II. There are no longer separate, small viewing windows as in the previous version. Using a zip that can be operated from both sides (left/right), you can adjust the size of the viewing window to your preference
- A wide window is available on the left, perfect for filmmakers or when you need more space
- An additional photo window is available within this wider window (the same size as all other photo windows)
- All windows can be fully sealed with high-quality zips so they can be closed watertight (operable from both inside and outside)
- No Velcro has been used, so no more unwanted noise
- The insect meshes in the windows consist of 2 sections that overlap in the middle, fitted with elastic so they wrap snugly around your lens
- These insect meshes are attached to the tent fabric with a zip, allowing them to be fully unzipped if desired or when you want to zip in a snoot as an alternative photo window (see snoot description below)
- The insect meshes are alternately oriented vertically or horizontally. The advantage of vertical orientation is that there is more margin in height, allowing you to vary the height of your lens. This margin is also useful for taller or shorter people. The insect meshes at the front and on the right side are oriented vertically
- The advantage of horizontal orientation is that it makes it slightly easier for filmmakers in particular to pan left/right. The insect meshes on the left side are oriented horizontally
- Photo windows at 3 varying heights, distributed across 3 sides. A large photo window (ideal for filmmakers, among others) is located on the left side
- In rainy weather, it is even possible to close the outer fabric of the photo windows and seal them around your lens using a central zip, so the tent remains well closed while you can still shoot
- The sides you are not using for photography can still be used as viewing windows by partially opening the zip, again adjustable to your preferred size
Shoulder bag
- The shoulder strap of the carry bag/case is longer (but adjustable), making it easier to carry
- Separate compartment on top of the carry bag for accessories such as pegs, guy lines, etc.
Shooting from the hide
The spacious entrance features a high-quality zip, hangs neatly to the side when open, and is fitted with an insect mesh in the same camouflage print. The tent with the door (slightly) open therefore remains perfectly camouflaged.
Once inside the tent, you will notice it is very dark thanks to the black coating on the inside. However, the cords on the zips and the edges of the storage compartment and 'tunnels' for the fibreglass poles in the roof are finished in more prominent colours, making them easy to see in the dark.
The photo and viewing windows are positioned at 3 different levels: two photo windows at the front, at 87 cm (centre of photo window). On the left, at eye level, you will find a wider panorama window with an insect mesh; within this wider window an additional 'standard' photo window is provided. This panorama window is highly suitable for filmmakers. On the lower left, one photo window is provided for low-level shooting, at 36 cm (centre of photo window).
On the right you will find photo windows at eye level, at 75 cm (centre of photo window). The photo windows are fitted with an insect mesh consisting of 2 sections that overlap in the middle, fitted with elastic so they wrap snugly around your lens. In rain, it is possible to close the outer fabric as well and insert your lens through a zip opening. This allows you to continue shooting while you and your equipment are maximally protected against the elements.
All insect meshes in these windows can be partially or fully unzipped. This allows the viewing window to be adjusted to the desired size. These viewing windows are wide, giving you a perfect view outside. On the left and right sides you will find the same options to maintain a clear view. The rear door features a smaller viewing window that can be sealed watertight. The tent has ample space for chairs, tripods with camera/lens, and camera backpacks or bags. At the front you will find a storage compartment for small items.
