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I am considering buying a shooting blind later this year. I'll use it to photograph backyard birds from my back deck so that my equipment and I don't have to sit out in the cold, rain, and wind. It may also help me photograph some of the more skittish birds, such as flickers and other woodpeckers
An initial online query at Cabela's showed several brands and models. The evaluations and comments were all posted by hunters with respect to their specific needs. Many of the needs of photographers are probably the same, but some may be different. I would appreciate any comments and recommendations from those who have used shooting blinds.
I should add that I plan to set up the following inside the blind: a walker to sit and move around on, a small table to set a camera + 100-400L II telephoto zoom and other things on, and my 600L telephoto + camera mounted on a tripod.
My main concern is maneuverability and shelter from the elements for me and my equipment. Concealment is not a primary factor as so far only the flickers and small woodpeckers are skittish about my presence.
I’ve not used one, unless you count my car (works quite well with a wide variety of animals, they see people as threats but not cars).
That disclaimer aside, I’d look at dedicated photo blinds. This one for example, has some nice features. Lens sleeves, slits for tripod legs to stick out, etc.
I have no experience with this one, never heard of the brand, just like what I see of it.
Thanks, Bob. I'll check it out tomorrow. The ones listed on Cabela's website list specifications such as dimensions and footprints, which is helpful.
I guess hunters use "blinds" while photographers use "hides."
Watched the video. Looks like a first rate system, maybe a little too much for my needs. I certainly like his taste in cameras and lenses.
It may be that in my case, a canopy will be sufficient, although I would like the wind protection of a blind.
Cabela's® The ZonZ Hub Ground Blind maximizes your concealment and game-spotting visibility a total of 11 windows that provide 360° visibility of your hunting area, and each window is covered with...
www.cabelas.com
The largest model: Specialist XL – Roomy 5-hub design with a total of 8 windows. 2 sides of the ground blind utilize 3 triangle-shaped windows each to maximize vertical and horizontal shooting zones. Extra-large single windows on the other 2 sides have 2-panel covers, letting you adjust openings from the top, middle or bottom. Incredible 88" hub-to-hub width. Foot print: 67" x 67". Ceiling Height: 76". Weight: 25 lbs.
One term used in the write-ups that I don't understand is shoot-through mesh. Bearing in mind that these are for huners and not photographers, is a hunter expected to shoot a gun through the window mesh? You can only do that once.
Not sure I like the idea of "shoot through mesh". I think it would definitely have an affect on image quality. I'd want to be sure I can poke a lens out unobstructed.
Oh, just noticed you say it's for hunters. What the hell? Like you say, how does that work? LOL!
Well then... Apparently you do shoot through shoot through mesh, and they sell rolls of replacement mesh. It appears to be designed to hide any movement and avoid detection.
Here's a review on whether you should should through it and how it will affect your bow hunting if you do. In case you decide to trade your Canon in on a Smith & Wesson.
Show Promo Image One of the hardest things about photographing birds is that they usually know you’re there. Whether it’s by seeing, smelling, or hearing you, our fine feathered friends are always acutely aware of your presence, especially when you have a giant telephoto lens pointed at them...
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