Buteo Photo Gear Hide Falco Mark IV Reed
The Buteo Photo Gear Hide Falco Mark IV (Reed) is the go-to choice for serious wildlife photographers who want to shoot at extremely low level without being noticed. This compact single-person camouflage hide sets up in seconds, and packs away just as easily. Perfect for anyone who needs to stay mobile and ready to deploy at a moment's notice. The three fixed lens openings (front, left and right) with integrated snoots allow you to capture sharp images from any angle, while you remain completely out of sight.
The Falco Mark IV was developed by and for wildlife photographers, field-tested and continuously refined. Unlike earlier versions, this hide is 100% waterproof. Thanks to the fixed groundsheet with a hydrostatic pressure rating of 2,500 mm, you stay dry at all times — even in heavy downpours. The tent fabric is made from durable 150D polyester and features no disruptive Velcro.
At the front, a small, clever awning prevents rain from entering the additional viewing windows. These windows can be fully closed from the inside to keep things dark. Above the lens opening there is an extra viewing window with its own awning, so you always maintain a clear view — with no risk of water getting in. The door has also been redesigned: the zip now runs in the opposite direction to better channel rainwater away.
The door features an additional camouflage insect net that also doubles as a rear window or ventilation opening. This lets fresh air in without insects sneaking inside. All three lens openings are fitted with a fixed insect net and a rain cover on the outside. Even the smallest details have been optimised: the open tube of the fibreglass frame can now be sealed with a cap to keep mud out.
At the bottom of the front panel there is a small zip opening, specially designed for those who want to extend a tripod leg outside. This opening can also be fully sealed to maintain waterproofing. Inside, there is plenty of room for a low ground-level tripod or a small three-legged tripod with your camera mounted on it, plus a backpack with extra gear. Thanks to the compact size and dark interior, you are completely invisible to wildlife.
The hide is designed to be set up quickly and discreetly, even in challenging conditions. Assembly is lightning-fast thanks to the three sturdy fibreglass half-hoops. Set the hide up a day in advance so that animals can get used to your presence, allowing you to start shooting the moment you are ready. The four guy lines can be used for extra stability if needed, though this is rarely necessary.
The Falco Mark IV blends perfectly into its surroundings — or rather, disappears into them entirely. The hide is available in three camouflage prints: green, brown, or reed. Using the attached cords, you can easily add natural materials such as branches or leaves. For additional camouflage, a separate camouflage net can be used to help the hide blend even further into the landscape.
For longer shooting sessions in a single location, the optional rain cover is a great solution. This cover matches the colour of your hide and offers even better protection against rain and wind. You can continue shooting even with the cover on: simply roll up the front section slightly and secure it with the cord. This keeps access to the front window open while you stay dry inside the hide.
The Falco Mark IV comes complete with 8 aluminium tent pegs, 4 guy lines, and fixed snoots on every photo window. Everything you need to get started straight away with successful low-level photography.
