Bird Bothering The LensCoat Way

Perhaps that's the wrong way to put it - let's try again...

Unobtrusive Wildlife Photography The Lenscoat Way

Looks better. And really it is closer to what LensCoat are trying to achieve with their products.

You've seen them before in this weblog column - they are the neoprene sleeves and pouches that are designed to fit over many popular cameras and lenses to allow the photographers to blend into the surrounding bush so that they can capture good wildlife shots. We use them here in the rental section to cushion the lenses that go out - they are good for that as well as for the camouflage aspect.

Go browse on the new LensCoat Australia webpage and see the vast variety that is available. If you go to the LensCoat company site you can also see one of the most intriguing of their products  - and apparently we will also be able to supply it upon special order.

I'm thinking of their Nature Hide. It looks like you can slip into it yourself and then use it to drape over a tripod, camera and lens. You resemble nothing so much as a pile of brown and green trash with a hole for a telephoto lens to look out of and a dark mesh panel to breathe through. Presumably in the bush this does not frighten the deer, kangaroos, and lesser spotted weevil warblers. If you take to wearing it in Hay Street you are inviting trouble and a trip in the divvy van or the council tip truck.

Note for those who wish to wear camouflage garments out in the bush during deer season: You may be hoping to get a few good shots but so are the people carrying the rifles. They may be less careful and discerning than you. The neoprene sleeves on the Lens Coat products will resist tree branches and the odd brush with rocks but are no proof against a .30-06 soft nose. Consider an orange jacket seriously...