Buteo Photo Gear Hide Aquila Mark III Reed

The Aquila Mark III Reed is the latest version of our two-person photohide. We looked closely at areas for improvement, and listened carefully to feedback from many users and ambassadors of these wildlife and birdhides.

Thanks to some clever applications, the Aquila Mark III is much more resistant to precipitation, keeps you perfectly dry in 'bad' weather conditions and features better photo and viewing windows.

• Smarter applications make the tent much more resistant to moisture from precipitation:
  There is an additional 'canopy' on three sides, this prevents rain drops from entering through the insect net and also better protects your lens from precipitation. Besides protection against rain drops, this hood also works as a sunshade, the photo window with your lens will be more shaded and therefore less noticeable.These canopies can all be folded down when not in use or not needed. If you leave the tent up for a longer period, this is also useful because your tent will be less conspicuous, and it will also be less sensitive to wind.
• The improved construction with longer poles that extend to the bottom means the tent keeps its shape better.
• 8 pegs: Longer and stronger than previous versions. 18 cm. long, black aluminium, triangular in shape.
• The use of (thicker) strings on all runners of the zips, and the absence of Velcro prevents annoying noises.
• All windows are lockable with a zip, there are no more windows where water can easily enter.

• All windows and insect nets can also be controlled from the inside.
• Ropes and 'tunnels' inside the hide are in brighter colours for easy visibility in the dark.
• Label with instructions.

• All photo windows are much wider than before, at 40x36 cm. (bxh) The photo windows are also viewing windows (upper part window), and are therefore also much wider than in the Buteo Mark II. So there are no more separate, small viewing windows as in the previous version. By means of a zip that can be operated from 2 sides, you can make the viewing window larger or smaller to your liking.
  On the left, a wider window is still available, perfect for filmmakers, or in case you need more space.
  In this wider window, another photowindow is provided (same size as all other photo windows).
• All windows are fully lockable with high-quality zips so that they can be closed watertight. (can be operated from both inside and outside).
• No Velcro has been used, so no more annoying noises.
• The insect nets in the windows consist of 2 sections that overlap in the middle, equipped with an elastic band so they securely enclose your lens.
• These insect nets are attached to the tent fabric with a zip, thus zipping it all the way open if you wish or if you want to zip in a snoot as an alternative photo window (see snoot description below).
• The insect nets are alternately vertical or horizontal (see photos). The advantage of vertical is that there is more margin in height, so you can vary the height of your lens. This margin is also useful for taller or smaller people. Insectnets in the photo windows on the front and right side are vertical positioned.
  The advantage of horizontal is that it is a bit easier to swivel right/left, especially for filmmakers. Insectnets in the photo windows left are horizontal positioned.
• Photo windows at 3 alternating heights spread over 3 sides. There is a large panoramic window for filmmakers on the left-hand side.
• In rainy weather, it is even possible to close the outer fabric of the photo windows, and use a zip in the middle to close them off around your lens, so that the tent is tight but you can still take photos (see photos).
• The sides you don't use for photography, however, can be used as viewing windows by partially opening the zip, again large or small as desired.

• The carrying strap of the carry bag/foldbag is longer (but adjustable) making it easier to carry.
• Separate compartment on top of the carry bag for accessories such as pegs, guy ropes, etc.

The spacious entrance has a high-quality zip, stays nicely to the side when opened and is also equipped with an insect mesh in the same camouflage print. So the tent with the door (slightly) open is still perfectly camouflaged. Once inside the tent, you can see that it is very dark because of the black coating on the inside. However, the strings on the zips and the edges of the storage compartment and 'tunnels' for the fibreglass poles in the roof are more prominently coloured, so they are still easy to see in the dark.

The photo and viewing windows are provided at 3 different levels:

• Two front photo windows, at 87 cm. (centre photo window).
• On the left you'll find a wider window with an insectnet, in this wider window a 'normal' photowindow is provided.
• One photo window is provided at the bottom left, if you want to shoot at low-level, at 36 cm. (centre photo window).
• On the right you'll find another two photowindows at eye-level, at 75 cm. (centre photo window).

All photo windows are equipped with an insect net, these consist of 2 sections that overlap in the middle, fitted with an elastic band so they securely enclose your lens. In case of rain, it is possible to close the outer fabric as well, and put your lens through a zip opening. This allows you to still shoot, but protects you and your equipment to the maximum from wind and weather.

All insect nets in these windows can be partially or fully unzipped. This allows the viewing window to be resized as required. These viewing windows are wide, so you have a perfect view to the outside. On the left and right side you will find the same options to keep a good view there as well. There is a smaller viewing window in the door at the back, which can be closed watertight. The hide has enough space for your seats, your tripods with cameras & lenses and photo backpacks or bags. At the front, you will find a storage compartment where you can store small items.