Buteo photo gear floating tent floating hide grebe ii

Developed by and for nature photographers: the Buteo Photo Gear Floating Hide Grebe II originated from practice. After extensive testing with the first version, all insights, feedback and wishes from photographers and ambassadors have been incorporated into this new design. The result: a floating shelter that works even more efficiently and is even more comfortable to use. Everything to help you get closer to wildlife, without disturbance – and with the perfect shot as a reward.

Important features Floating Hide Grebe II

• Tent cloth now extends all the way to the bottom of the tube, completely in reed camouflage.
• Fixed snoots at the front and back, integrated into the tent canvas.
• Front aperture and snoot are lower for an even better low angle.
• Reinforced frame with improved umbrella system.
• Better fit of the safety net for extra security.
• The viewing windows have been made larger at the front and back. Above the snoot and to the left and right of it you get more visibility - without compromising on camouflage or protection against insects.
• All viewing windows can be closed with a magnet and easily kept open with a loop. In the field this saves time and convenience.
• On the sides you will find strategically placed handles, making the whole thing better balanced during transport - and therefore easier to carry, even if you have to walk a bit with your gear.
• The two accessory bags with Velcro are still included, but in this version they are waterproof (except for the zipper). Dimensions: 20x13x13 cm. You decide whether you mount them at the front or at the back, depending on your setup and preference.
• The supplied foot pump is also more robust, solid and built to last a long time.

Assembly is simple: pump both air chambers full, place the mounting plate (or plates) and your tripod head, add the safety net and storage bags (if necessary), assemble the tent with the umbrella system and attach the canvas to the tube. Ready to use.
Please note: there is an extensive manual included. Read it carefully before you enter the water.

The PVC used is sturdy and durable – the same material as in inflatable rafts. The double air chambers provide maximum safety. The ends of the tube are tapered, with extra camouflage to blend in perfectly with the landscape. Each attachment point of the tube is double reinforced.

You can easily attach extra nets, bags or accessories to the D-rings. The tent canvas is made of 150D polyester with a hydrostatic pressure of 2,500mm – resistant to rain showers. Please note that the windows are not waterproof; Rainwater can enter through these openings.

Overview of the viewing windows:

• Front: 1 window above the snoot (20x7 cm), 2 side windows (10x7 cm) and 1 larger window above (22x11cm).
• Back: identical to the front.
• Left: 3 observation windows (22x11cm).
• Right: 3 observation windows (22x11cm).

All windows are equipped with an insect net and are easy to open or close with a string.

The camouflage makes it possible to get close to birds and mammals without them recognizing you as a human. You don't stand out, which means you can often take spectacular photos of animals just a few meters away. The tent canvas has our well-known reed print and offers extra attachment points for branches, reeds or an extra camouflage net. With 20 sets of loops and strings you can camouflage your hide to perfection.

Thanks to its compact size and light weight, you can easily take the Floating Hide Grebe II with you to local nature reserves, lakes or ponds - or even when traveling by plane. This way you work flexibly, wherever you are.

Prepare well:
Check your hide thoroughly before departure

• Safety first.
• Know how deep the water is.
• Determine your goals (which animals do you want to photograph?)
• Check whether you are allowed to enter the area.
• Light conditions are essential:

Visit the location in advance and plan your shoot well. This way you enter the water prepared.

Into water? This is how you go about it:
Preferably find a place where you are not visible to people or animals. Get your things ready on the shore, in a safe place. Enter the water through a reed collar or other vegetation - this way you will be less noticeable as a 'human'. Use the two handles to carry the hide and once in the water, gently pull it along with the handle at the front or secure it somewhere with a rope.

Photographing from the Floating Hide Grebe II: the fixed snoots camouflage and protect your lens against splash water. They are made of the same waterproof material as the tent canvas and form one whole with the tent. The all-round view is excellent through the insect net windows. You photograph from an extremely low point of view – especially at the back, where your lens is literally at water level.