Buteo photo gear shelter tent aquila mark iii snow

The Aquila Mark III Snow is the latest version of our two-person shelter tent. We have looked extensively at areas for improvement and listened carefully to the feedback from many users and our ambassadors of these shelters. Thanks to some smart applications, the Aquila Mark III Snow is much more resistant to precipitation, keeps you perfectly dry in 'bad' weather conditions and has better photo and viewing windows.

The tent on the outside

• The tent is much more resistant to precipitation thanks to smarter applications:
• An extra 'shelter' has been fitted on 3 sides, which prevents precipitation from entering through the insect net and will also better protect your lens against precipitation.
  In addition to protection against precipitation, this hood also works as a lens hood, the photo window with your lens will be more in the shade and therefore less noticeable.
  These shelters can all be folded when not in use or when they are not needed. If you leave the tent for a longer period of time, this is also useful because your tent will then be less noticeable, and the tent will also be less sensitive to wind.
• Due to the improved construction with longer poles that extend to the bottom, the tent retains its shape better.
• 8 pegs: Longer, wider and stronger than previous versions. 18 cm. long, black aluminum, triangular in shape.
• The use of (thick) strings on all zipper runners and the omission of Velcro prevents annoying noises.
• All windows can be closed with a zipper, there are no 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.
• Strings and 'tunnels' inside the tent are made in brighter colors to ensure 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 (top part of the window), and are therefore much wider than was the case in the Buteo Mark II. There are no longer separate, small viewing windows as in the previous version. You can make the viewing window larger or smaller to your own taste using a zipper that can be operated on 2 sides (left/right).
• A wide window is available on the left, perfect for filmmakers or if you need more space.
  An additional photo window is available in this wider window (the same size as all other photo windows).
• All windows can be completely closed with high-quality zippers so that they can be closed watertight. (can be operated from inside and outside).
• Velcro is no longer used, so no more annoying noises.
• The insect nets in the windows consist of 2 parts that overlap in the middle, equipped with an elastic so that they properly enclose your lens.
• These insect nets are attached to the tent fabric with a zipper, so you can unzip them completely 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. 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 larger or smaller people. Insect nets at the front and on the right side are vertical.
  The advantage of horizontal is that it is easier to swivel to the right/left, especially for filmmakers. Insect nets on the left are horizontal.
• Photo windows at 3 varying heights, spread over 3 sides. A large photo window (perfect for filmmakers, among others) can be found on the left.
• In rainy weather it is even possible to close the outer fabric of the photo windows and close it with a zipper in the middle around your lens, so that the tent is properly closed, but you can still take photographs (see also photos).
• The sides that you do not use for photography can be used as a viewing window 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 has a high-quality zipper, hangs nicely on the side when opened and is also equipped with an insect screen in the same camouflage print. The tent with the door (slightly) open is therefore still perfectly camouflaged.
Once inside the tent you can see that it is very dark due to the black coating on the inside. However, the strings on the zippers and the edges of the storage compartment and 'tunnels' for the fiberglass poles in the roof are more strikingly colored, so that they are still clearly visible in the dark.

The photo and viewing windows are provided on 3 different levels:
Two photo windows on the front, at 87 cm. (middle photo window).
On the left you will find a wider panoramic window with an insect net at eye level, in this wider window there is an extra 'normal' photo window. This panoramic window is very suitable for filmmakers.
There is one photo window at the bottom left, if you want to photograph at low level, at 36 cm. (middle photo window).
On the right you will find photo windows at eye level, at 75 cm. (middle photo window).
The photo windows are equipped with an insect net, which consists of 2 parts that overlap in the middle, equipped with an elastic so that they properly enclose your lens. In case of rain, it is possible to close the outer fabric and insert your lens through a zipper opening. This means you can still take photos, but you and your equipment are maximally protected against wind and weather.
All insect nets in these windows can be partially or completely zipped away. This allows the viewing window to be adjusted to size as desired. These viewing windows are wide, so you have a perfect view outside. You will find the same options on the left and right sides to maintain a good view there too. There is a smaller viewing window in the door at the rear, which can be closed watertight.
The tent has enough space for chairs, tripods with camera/lens and photo backpacks or bags. At the front you will find a storage compartment where you can store small items.