Buteo photo gear Buteo photo gear hide Falco Mark II Reed

The Falco Mark II has been developed by nature and wildlife photographers. Extensively used, tested and improved where necessary. The Falco Mark II is the one-person hide for low-level nature photography that we currently offer in no fewer than 6 camouflage patterns.

Thanks to the simple hoop construction, this tent can be set up and folded again and again without any problems. As soon as you take the hide out of the bag, it automatically unfolds and takes shape. Then secure the tent with a peg on each corner and your hide is ready for use!
In addition to the standard fiberglass poles, this tent also comes with extra fiberglass poles that can be disassembled.

Falco Mark II Reed comes standard with fiberglass poles (one piece) so that the hide can be set up quickly.
In addition, 3 fiberglass poles are included, each consisting of 5 smaller parts. The big advantage is that you can store the tent much smaller with these poles, so that it fits in a backpack or bag; ideal for travel or transport!
If you prefer to use aluminum poles (stronger), check out these Falco models: Falco Mark III, Falco Mark III Snow or the Falco Mark III Reed.

Perfect camouflage

If you are often in the field, you will soon notice that birds and mammals are very shy of people. Not surprising when you consider that these animals have been hunted almost everywhere for centuries.
Camouflaging yourself and your equipment with a photo tent is the best solution for successful wildlife photography. The basic idea is that the animals no longer see or recognize us as humans, and therefore do not feel threatened.

With the Falco Mark II tent, you are quickly and perfectly camouflaged and you can photograph beautifully low to the ground (low-level). Due to its compact size, you can easily place the tent between or under vegetation and camouflage it extra with branches, leaves, reeds, etc.

Easy, fast and mobile

The advantage of your own mobile hide is that you can take it with you anytime, anywhere and quickly deploy it when an opportunity arises.
This light and compact camouflage tent is easy to take with you when you are out and about in your area, going further away or even traveling by plane.

Preparation and placement

It is fun and useful to visit a nature reserve in advance and prepare well, so that you can photograph purposefully with your lying photo tent. But an incidental encounter can also turn into a great photo session because you can quickly set up this hide.
Preferably use the environment as much as possible; if possible, place the tent against or under existing vegetation so that everything becomes one whole. Due to its small size, this is generally quite easy. Preferably do this the day or evening before so that birds and mammals can get used to it. The tent can be additionally secured with the supplied pegs and guy ropes, although this will not often be necessary.

The Falco Mark II also has the option to attach extra camouflage, such as branches, leaves, reeds and so on. These extras can be attached using the strings. If you do this well, your hide will blend in even more with the environment and that is exactly the intention! Another option is to use an extra camouflage net, which you can find on our camouflage nets page.
However, make sure that you have a good and clear view with your camera.

The tent fabric itself is made of a strong material (polyester 150D) that lasts a long time. The photo hide is perfect for use for short periods (up to several months). If it is in full sun for a longer period, the color/camo print may fade somewhat. In rain/showers you still stay dry due to the Hydrostatic Head of 2,500 mm. But keep in mind that the weather resistance may decrease if it stays outside for months or even longer.

For a little more comfort, but also to keep yourself and your belongings dry, there is the possibility of using an extra groundsheet. The tent itself has a groundsheet but this is not always sufficient in wet conditions. The groundsheet can optionally be placed under or in the tent.

Imagine yourself lying in your tent, well prepared and ready for action. Suddenly you see a beaver, a grebe or a wader appear in front of your tent, which you then beautifully photograph at your favorite low level. For nature photographers, there is nothing as beautiful as successfully photographing birds, mammals or other subjects in nature, which makes the sometimes long wait worthwhile. At that moment it is nice to be able to rely on your equipment!

Photographing from the tent

The tent has high-quality zippers at the front and back, and the entrance is also equipped with an insect screen in the same camouflage print. The photo tent with the door (slightly) open is therefore still perfectly camouflaged. At the front, the tent can be opened completely, which makes it easy to place your tripod and equipment.

Once inside the tent, you will see that it is very dark due to the black coating on the inside. At the front is the photo window. Optionally, a snoot / lens cover can be attached here, which also camouflages your lens and protects it against possible rain and dust. An additional advantage is that your hands are invisible from the outside when you operate the camera.

The lying tent has just enough space for yourself, your (ground) tripod with your equipment, and a photo backpack or bag. On the sides are storage pockets where small items can be temporarily stored. The viewing windows with an insect net give you sufficient overview on all sides, and can also be used for ventilation.

In this tent, we advise you to use a ground tripod because of the small space, the low level and it can also be placed completely in the tent. A 'normal' tripod is also possible, but then one leg is placed outside the tent. Preferably a compact but sturdy tripod. The use of a (special) ball head is then also recommended because a swing head or gimbal can hit the tent canvas, which can be seen by animals and deter them! We offer the perfect ball heads for this job.

So if you are looking for the perfect low-level hide to photograph mammals and/or birds, and which can also be easily placed and is easy to take with you, then the Falco Mark III is the best option for your photoshoot!

Experiences of our specialists

• Lie perfectly stretched out in the tent, even for tall people.
• Perfect low-level photography.
• Viewing windows give you a good overview of the surroundings.
• Easy and quick to set up and store.
• Blends in perfectly with the surroundings due to its compact size.
• Strong construction and strong polyester.