Kwik Camo question

[scot079]

I'm researching this kwik camo blind/drape (http://www.naturescapes.net/store/product.php?productid=150) and I have a question in case anyone has used it.

Does the blind have a port to look thru the blind without looking thru the lens?

Thanks

[Tom Reichner]

Hello, Tim!

I do most of my wildlife photography from a blind, and so I was interested in this product you mentioned.

As to your question, no, I haven't used this product. But I did just look it up. They say, "A mesh camo window allows you to vew wildlife without disruption, or you can unzip across the top of the window for a totally unobstructed view." I would think that you could simply unzip this window part way - say just enough to see thru - to allow you to see out of the unit without exposing too much of yourself to the quarry.

If you do get this blind, please keep us informed about how it works. In my opinion, it looks like a very good product that would be effective in the field.

- Tom

[scot079]

Thanks Tom, I'm definitely in the market for a camo drape and this one seems to be popular

[Tom Reichner]

Tim,

What species do you plan to shoot most? I see you live in Maryland, so I was thinking perhaps waterfowl.

[scot079]

I don't really have a specific species in mind, probably what I would use it for is staking out the feeders. Another blind I'm also considering is the Ameristep Doghouse because I'd be able to move around more without disturbing my subjects. But that's just something else to carry!:D:rolleyes: The search continues...what did you have in mind Tom?

[Grafixwld]

I don't know about the quick camo drape other than the link you provided. I do know that the Doghouse is a decent blind and two people can cram into one. You might consider the Ameristep G10 it weighs about 6 lbs, 8 lbs less than the doghouse but room for one only. If you're dead set on the drape thing you could just buy some camo material and make your own. You might also consider a quiet camo poncho (not plastic), camo mesh gloves, and face mask and go with a lens cover or camo cloth draped over the lens.

While I've spent a fair amount of time in blinds I prefer to just camo myself up, use scent block, and be more mobile. It's not as warm or comfy but it works for me.
Good luck
Phil

[Methodical]

Grafixwld do you have any pics of your set up

Al


I don't know about the quick camo drape other than the link you provided. I do know that the Doghouse is a decent blind and two people can cram into one. You might consider the Ameristep G10 it weighs about 6 lbs, 8 lbs less than the doghouse but room for one only. If you're dead set on the drape thing you could just buy some camo material and make your own. You might also consider a quiet camo poncho (not plastic), camo mesh gloves, and face mask and go with a lens cover or camo cloth draped over the lens.

While I've spent a fair amount of time in blinds I prefer to just camo myself up, use scent block, and be more mobile. It's not as warm or comfy but it works for me.
Good luck
Phil

[Methodical]

Scot what did you end up with and do you have any pics of the setup

Al

I don't really have a specific species in mind, probably what I would use it for is staking out the feeders. Another blind I'm also considering is the Ameristep Doghouse because I'd be able to move around more without disturbing my subjects. But that's just something else to carry!:D:rolleyes: The search continues...what did you have in mind Tom?

[ssim]

I have a couple of drapes similar to what is shown in the link. Mine have a series of holes in them with loose fabric over top of the holes. Somewhat similar to what you would see draped over a vehicle. Even if I have it draped over me, I can always see what it going on around me due to these holes. I got mine at a local sporting store. One of them is 14'X8' and the other is 4'x8'. They are fairly thin but strong material and they roll/fold up into a very manageable size.

Sorry, no pictures but they work great and the larger one I can fashion over branches/trees when out in the bush so that I have more of a blind rather than having to wrap myself up in it.

[scot079]

Scot what did you end up with and do you have any pics of the setup

Al

Well I ended up going for the Ameristep Doghouse blind. It's very roomy and folds down to a carryable little package. The only downside is that you cannot see overhead; there is just one window on each side of the blind.

[Methodical]

How's it working out for you?

Well I ended up going for the Ameristep Doghouse blind. It's very roomy and folds down to a carryable little package. The only downside is that you cannot see overhead; there is just one window on each side of the blind.

[Quizzical_Squirrel]

My Kwik Camo has just arrived and I've spent the last 10 minutes laughing at myself in the mirror while doing camoflage ghost impressions and then almost inevitably tripping myself up in it and bruising my knees.

Now I want to figure out how to use it so I can start taking photos of wildlife and scaring the UPS man but it's got so many holes I can't figure out what I should poke out where. Am I supposed to be looking through the mesh?

[Methodical]

When you put it over yourself just make sure the netting is over your face (or you are looking out of it) and everything else will fall in place. The large opening in the front is for the lens. The slot with the velcro just in front of the netting area is for a flash and bracket, the 2 holes on the side are for your hand to go thru and make adjustments to the flash...although I can do that without taking my hands out of the blind. Once it set up you don't have to change it.

Mine came already set up for the lens and what not. I used mine for the 1st time last weekend and so far so good. I was photographing different woodpeckers and they were coming very close to me without fear. The only issue (but not really an issue though) is I had a quick chair (i.e. sat down using the blind) which I think is best for shooting waterfowl or other birds or animals when you are trying to get on eye level with them. So experiment both standing and sitting.

Btw, which model you have...winter or summer


My Kwik Camo has just arrived and I've spent the last 10 minutes laughing at myself in the mirror while doing camoflage ghost impressions and then almost inevitably tripping myself up in it and bruising my knees.

Now I want to figure out how to use it so I can start taking photos of wildlife and scaring the UPS man but it's got so many holes I can't figure out what I should poke out where. Am I supposed to be looking through the mesh?

[Quizzical_Squirrel]

Thank you for your advice Methodical - I really appreciate it!

I've just had a quick practice indoors, following your advice and I think I've got the hang of it now. I plan to try it for the first time at home over the weekend to see if I need to make any adjustments (eg the length.)

I bought the summer 4D version as I'm figuring it's going to get warm and humid here soon (CT) and I'll be glad of the lighter weight.

I was just looking at your Flickr photostream - you've got some really good pictures there and I'm very envious because I'm a long way off that at the moment!

[Methodical]

Thank you for your advice Methodical - I really appreciate it!

I've just had a quick practice indoors, following your advice and I think I've got the hang of it now. I plan to try it for the first time at home over the weekend to see if I need to make any adjustments (eg the length.)

Glad to help. You gonna try it out in the backyard?

I bought the summer 4D version as I'm figuring it's going to get warm and humid here soon (CT) and I'll be glad of the lighter weight.

I have that version also. You may want to wear some neutral colored (tan, green etc.) clothes with it because you can see thru it a bit because it is light weight. I usually have on camo clothes...because the pants and light weight shirt has so many pockets and the shirt is long sleeve (help with bugs).

I was just looking at your Flickr photostream - you've got some really good pictures there and I'm very envious because I'm a long way off that at the moment!

Believe me I did not always take photos like that...I had to crawl too, but photos here, on Flickr and other sites just inspired me to get better.



Thanks for the kind words.


Have fun...Al

[Larry Weinman]

I use the quick camo occasionally for birds but I have found that if I sit down and lean against a tree the birds tend to ignore me. The one thing that I can't eliminate is movement and wildlife always seem to be looking for that. On the other hand it is cooler then a popup blind. They get incredibly hot on a warm day. Wildlife are acutely aware od their environment. Setting up a blind in their territory is no different then someone setting up a blind in your living room while you are asleep. Do you think you would notice it when you got up in the morning? I think the only effective blinds are those that you set up and leave in place for long periods of time

[Tom Reichner]

Setting up a blind in their territory is no different then someone setting up a blind in your living room while you are asleep. Do you think you would notice it when you got up in the morning? I think the only effective blinds are those that you set up and leave in place for long periods of time

You are absolutely right about this, and I speak from much personal experience. Frankly, I don't feel like leaving a manufactured blind out in the middle of nowhere on public land - anyone could steal it or vandalize it. Or simply think that it was left behind and forgotten. That's why, after having bought two blinds, I now stick to blinds of my own making. I build them on site, from natural materials I find in the area such as dead grasses, twigs,branches, etc. Much more effective at blending in, they don't cost anything, and they won't get stolen (although they could get vandalized).