Buteo photo gear shelter aquila mark iii reed

The Aquila Mark III Reed is the latest version of our two-person shelter. We've carefully considered areas for improvement and listened carefully to feedback from numerous users and our ambassadors. Thanks to several clever features, the Aquila Mark III is much more resistant to rain, keeps you perfectly dry in inclement weather, and has improved photo and viewing windows.

The tent on the outside

• The tent is much more resistant to precipitation due to smarter applications:
• An additional 'canopy' has been added on three sides to prevent precipitation from entering through the insect net and will also better protect your lens from precipitation.
  In addition to protection against precipitation, this hood also functions as a lens hood, as the photo window with your lens will be more in the shade and therefore less noticeable.
  These shelters can all be folded away when not in use or not needed. This is also useful if you're leaving the tent up for an extended period, as it makes it less conspicuous and less susceptible to wind.
• The improved construction with longer poles that extend to the ground allows the tent to retain its shape better.
• 8 pegs: Longer, wider, and stronger than previous versions. 18 cm long, black aluminum, triangular in shape.
• Using (thick) strings on all zipper runners and omitting Velcro prevents annoying noises.
• All windows can be closed with a zipper, so there are no more windows where water can easily enter.

The tent on the inside?

• All windows and insect nets can also be operated from the inside with zippers.
• Ropes and 'tunnels' inside the tent are made in brighter colours for good visibility in the dark.
• Label with instructions.

Photo and viewing windows

• All photo windows are much larger than before, namely 40x36 cm. (wxh). The photo windows are also viewing windows (upper part of the window), and are therefore much wider than was the case in the Buteo Mark II. There are therefore no longer separate, small viewing windows as in the previous version. By means of a zipper that can be operated on 2 sides (left/right) you can make the viewing window larger or smaller to your preference.
• A wide window is available on the left, perfect for filmmakers or if you need more space.
  Within this wider window there is an additional photo window available (the same size as all the other photo windows).
• All windows are fully lockable with high-quality zippers for a watertight seal (operable from both inside and outside).
• There is no more Velcro used, so no more annoying noises.
• The insect nets in the windows consist of two sections that overlap in the middle, fitted with an elastic band so that they fit snugly around your lens.
• These insect nets are attached to the tent fabric with a zipper, allowing you to unzip them completely if desired, or if you want to add a snoot as an alternative photo window (see snoot description below).
• The insect nets are alternately vertical and horizontal. The advantage of vertical is that there's more room for height adjustment, allowing you to vary the height of your lens. This room is also useful for taller or shorter people. The insect nets on the front and right side are vertical.
  The advantage of horizontal is that it's easier to pan to the right or left, especially for filmmakers. Insect nets on the left side are horizontal.
• Photo windows at three different heights, spread across three sides. A large photo window (perfect for filmmakers, among other things) is located on the left side.
• In rainy weather, it's even possible to close the outer fabric of the photo windows and zip them up in the middle around your lens, so the tent is securely closed, but you can still take photos (see also photos).
• The sides that you do not use for photography can be used as viewing windows by partially opening the zipper, again large or small as desired.

Carrying bag

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

Photographing from the tent

The spacious entrance features a high-quality zipper that, when opened, stays neatly attached to the side and is also fitted with an insect screen in the same camouflage print. Even with the door slightly open, the tent remains perfectly camouflaged.
Once inside the tent, you'll notice it's very dark due to the black coating on the inside. However, the zipper pulls, the edges of the storage compartment, and the "tunnels" for the fiberglass poles in the roof are brighter colors, so they're still easily visible in the dark.

The photo and viewing windows are provided on 3 different levels:
Two photo windows at the front, 87 cm apart (center photo window).
On the left, at eye level, you'll find a wider panoramic window with an insect net. This wider window also includes an additional "normal" photo window. This panoramic window is ideal for filmmakers.
At the bottom left is a photo window for when you want to take low-level photos, at 36 cm (center photo window).
On the right, you'll find photo windows at eye level, 75 cm (center photo window).
The photo windows are equipped with an insect screen. This consists of two sections that overlap in the middle, with an elastic band to ensure a snug fit around your lens. In case of rain, you can also close the outer fabric and slide your lens through a zippered opening. This allows you to still take photos while providing maximum protection for you and your equipment from the elements.
All insect screens in these windows can be partially or completely unzipped, allowing you to adjust the viewing window to your desired size. These viewing windows are wide, providing a perfect view outside. The left and right sides offer the same options for a clear view. A smaller viewing window is fitted in the rear door, which can be sealed to ensure a watertight seal.
The tent has ample space for chairs, tripods with cameras/lenses, and photo backpacks or bags. There's a storage compartment at the front for small items.