I am pleased with your products, such as the beanbag with the strap, but bean bags have become one of my more familiar camera support, as these are simple (often no need to drag along a tripod) and very good in allowing low angle photography that I do quite a lot of (although it gets you normally very dirty) ...,,, I have another large dome hide in Iceland and Im very happy with it, and so far, it has survived my very rough handling and various strenuous conditions at home in Iceland. Sometimes I have actually walked towards animals and birds but staying inside the hide and they seem to be much less scared of a walking tent compared to a walking human (and at the same time providing a comedy act for by-standers). Similarly, I have simply put the hide over me without the poles, and that seems to break up the lines of my human form. Further, this Advantage Timber pattern appears to act as a good camouflage to other animals....and once to myself..last summer I forgot a beanbag with this pattern on a rocky beach, and despite a considerable search, I failed to find it again, clearly blending very well with the rocks and the brown algae on the shore...

Stefan - Iceland

Hi Kevin,

Over the last few years, I have purchased quite a bit of equipment from you and without a shadow of doubt, it has been a very worthwhile exercise. The baghides, scrim netting, Lens covers etc are all superbly made and I have no doubt they have helped me achieve some very good photographs.Just recently, I purchase a standard hide ( camouflage) and I used it today for the first time. After reading your tips on photographing woodland birds, I set up a log ( with spike), drilled x amount of holes and baited with peanuts. I have attached a pic as a result...nuf said. I was delighted !.
All the very best Kevin, If I need anything else, I know where to come.

Yours,

John Freeman, Pembrokeshire

Just a quick email to thank you for the excellent service in fulfilling my recent order. Standard dome hide ordered on Sunday delivered before eleven on Tuesday. As always with yourselves brilliant service and a first rate product. So straightforward to use I actually erected it and installed in front of a log feeder in the dark on Tuesday night. On checking it on Wednesday morning it needed no adjustment at all and was ready for use. Well done Kevin and the Team. Brilliant product and service as with all my other orders.

Brian Simpson

Sirs

I have used your website for the first time last week. I have to thank you for a totally first class service. Good communication and fast delivery.

I was do impressed I have just placed another order!

Thank again

Louise - from Witheridge

Dear Sir/Madam,

My goods arrived this morning as ordered. I'd like to thank you for the prompt and efficient service, and for the helpful advice received when I made a telephone enquiry prior to ordering. The products are, needless to say, exactly what I was looking for. Although my favoured subjects are landscapes rather than wildlife, it was a wildlife photographer friend who recommended I look at your products when I mentioned I wanted a discreet raincover for my camera. Word-of-mouth is definitely a powerful tool!

Yours faithfully,
Alan Bremner

Dear Sir

Thank you for your prompt service, I received my order this morning and I am very satisfied with the product. In these days of mistrust and doubt about internet purchasing it is most refreshing to find someone who actually gives a first class service, and I shall recommend you to my photography friends.

Mike White

Hi Kevin.

Just a note to let you know that my order arrived safely on Saturday morning and I'm really pleased with everything. The leg wraps are not only a good fit and functional, they look great as well!

As for the hide, I expected good from yourselves, but I have to say that it even exceeds my expectations both in terms of quality and effectiveness. I went to my parents for lunch yesterday and took it to show them and my Mum commented that she wouldn't like to have to make one for fifty quid! The Velcro strap around it is a nice finishing touch too.

I've not had chance to try it in the field yet but gave it a brief trial run in my lounge of all places! I have window feeders and the great tits which are usually quite shy, never flinched apart from when I moved and even then the only reaction was cocked heads and then continued feeding. That was at a distance of 2 to 3 feet, obviously a little closer than I'll be working with a 500 mm! I was reading a blog last week and a guy who was using one had stated that waders were wandering within 2 metres of him which I can already believe. I'm really looking forward to getting in amongst the action.

Once again, thank you very much for your time and the trouble you've taken to give me one to one advice and help. I just want to reiterate that it's appreciated and not taken for granted.

Kind regards.

Rob.

Hi Kevin and Staff,

I would like to say thank you for your fantastic service and patience you talked me through your range of equipment with great knowledge and understanding.

I purchased a large Dome Hide, groundsheet and Snoot to fit on Tuseday 16th August 2011 they arrived as agreed on Thursday 18th August 2011 I then ordered a roll of Camouflage Form Tape(mossy Oak) and two packs of Twizzle pegs that same afternoon and they arrived early morning Saturday 20th August 2011.

I have to say I am very impressed with the Large Dome Hide it took me less than ten minutes to erect including the guide ropes at the first attempt the quality of the Dome Hide is superb there is a lot of room for me a large padded comfortable lightweight chair and all my equipment.

Once again Kevin I would like to thank you and your staff for a great service.

Kind Regards

Steve Crowhurst

Dear Sir,

I recently purchased two waterproof covers for camera lenses - a C80.2 and a C80.2.7. I am delighted with the service, price, fast delivery, quality and looks. Both got tested on the day of arrival as I was photographing a sports event in the rain and both came through with flying colours. Great product.

Thanks,

Jimmy McElroy,
Tuam, County Galway, Ireland

Dear Sir/Madam,

I just wanted to say thank you for the products I bought from you, and for the extra information you supplied, especially with the Bushnell camera, it was very helpful. Also the camera and lens cover is fantastic, no more protecting my camera with plastic bags in the rain.

Sincerely,
Ondine Roche.

I would just like to say a big thank you for the fantastic service I received after ordering 2 lens cover sets, I am delighted with the products and the delivery was also very quick once a specification query was sorted over the phone. These days it is very rare to find a company that cares about their customers in the way you do and you deserve to do well, so many thanks again and I will be sure to recommend you and pass on your details at every opportunity.
Kind regards
Dave Clark

Hello Kevin and other staff of Wildlife Watching Supplies,

Once again a BIG thank you for the great service during the purchase of my lens cover for my Sigma 150-500. I fitted the covers and I'm very chuffed with the look and quality. Thanks again.

Kind regards
Martin

Hi Kevin

Just a line to say how pleased I am with the Lens Covers you made me, once again another great product from you.

Regards
John Draper

Order for rain cover placed on a Wednesday night arrived at my door Friday lunchtime. Superb service Devon to Scotland in such a short time. This was my second order and won't be my last.
W. Middleton

Hi Kevin, what can I say. Well, a very, very big thank you, the bean bag came in the post today. You have gone that extra mile to keep this customer very happy.
So, a message for your message page -

For anyone that might be a bit reluctant to buy items on line and worry about that the item might have to be returned, don’t worry, as Wildlife Watching Supplies “WILL” go that extra mile to make sure that you, the customer is well looked after. I know first hand that they do,and if you are thinking about buying a good bean bag, I think that the Double Bean Bag with the shoulder strap is about the best you could get, so thanks to all at Wildlife Watching for sorting my problem out within a week of returning the goods, well done.

Comment from Kevin Keatley:
As a Company, we send out thousands of orders and occasionally, something will need to be returned. A true test of a business is how they deal with it and the quality of the customer service. For us, it's of the highest importance and we do our best to offer a quick response and a personal service.

Hi Kevin,
The infra red light beam is brilliant piece of kit and one that now is always in my kit bag. I'm off to see if i can get some swallows now, there's no end in what you can do with it if you use your imagination.
Cheers Dean

Dear Wildlife Watching Supplies
The lens cover set arrived by post early am today and the order was placed pm two days ago. A highly efficient and much appreciated service. The C61 Neoprene set is of excellent quality, proved easy to fit (less than 5 minutes) and just what was needed. Many thanks for your help and advice and for the excellent service.
Regards
Peter.

I have good news for you! I received my order this afternoon and everything is in perfect condition and am very delighted with it. The delay was caused by the poor postal service. I don't really know how to thank you sufficiently for the help and concern that you have given me and Wildlife Watching Supplies is a great company and I will be your loyal customer forever!

Kind regards
Alzahri
Malaysia

For years I was looking for a winter photo blind that I could set up and just leave up and at the same time be durable to withstand all of the winter elements that we have in Minnesota. About 6 years ago I found a blind on the internet from Wildlife Watching Supplies (referred to as "Dome Hide") in the UK ( http://www.wildlifewatchingsupplies.com). This is a small blind which is what I was looking for, this allows my lens to be eye level with the birds that I photograph. I put the blind up in the middle of November and take down in the middle of March, this is my 6th year so that is 24 months of being set-up during Minnesota's winters. It is still just as good as the day I bought it. My main goal for winter photography from this blind is Ring-necked Pheasants but I also set up a feeding station for backyard type birds. If you go to the gallery under Avian/game birds all of the pheasants on this gallery have been taken from this blind. Pheasants are one of the most skittish birds that I photograph, so my lens is totally covered with a "snoot" and I peek out through small covered holes on the side of the lens. This blind is set up for afternoon light and my favourite conditions are from +10 F to -10 F with clear skies and calm winds. With maybe a snack and a thermos of hot chocolate I am good for about 4 hours of sitting. Over the last few years there are many blinds that are really designed for hunting and these all work excellent for photography.

I also use one of those blinds for photographing Wild Turkeys but these blinds from Wildlife Watching Supplies are designed specifically for nature photographers. When choosing a blind it is important to determine what you intend to use it for, there are many great blind manufacturers out there. Some hunting blinds will work great for photography and some do not. If you happen to be close to a Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shop, or Cabelas or any other sporting goods store such as those, go and check out the blinds they have in stock. Also many photography web sites will sell blinds or lead you to certain type of blinds they use or like. I do know my winter photo blind has allowed me to get many images of the elusive Ring-necked Pheasants, because of this blind I have been able to make many sales of this very colourful and elusive game bird.

Good Shooting
John - Minnesota

Hi Kevin,

My lens cover arrived today & it's GREAT!!

Congratulations on such a a brilliant service and product...it's why I only ever use you for my photographic equipment.

Best wishes,

Richard Bedford

Just received the C80 2.5 camera and lens cover, just like to thank you for the excellent service you provide and quality of the product, will definitely be using your services again in the near future. I can recommend your services and products 100% to anyone.
Once more, thank you again. Mick Cooke, Derbyshire

I've seen many examples of hides/blinds in the past and have always regarded them as a bit rubbishy and not really fit for the job. The C30.1 dome hide was a very pleasant surprise. It's extremely well made and the materials are certainly heavy duty which should give many years of service. Erecting the hide takes only a few minutes and is straightforward and simple. There's plenty of room for two photographers, chairs and equipment etc. Money well spent. If all your products are of this quality Kevin then I'll certainly be back.

Thanks Wildlife Watching Supplies for a genuine, quality product. PixelBloke

Hi Kevin

Just wanted to say thanks for the new hide.

I have attached the image of one of my old hides from you; it’s over 10 years old and has been outside 70% of its life. Admittedly, it’s had several repairs after being trashed by peccaries in Brazil and mice in Sussex. I still hope to get use out of it for a couple of years at least!

Thanks again Kevin

David Plummer

Hi,

Thanks all for prompt deliveries of various gear that I will be using for my bird photography: all arrived mint, with the minimum of fuss - I love that!

Tord S Eriksson
Sweden

Dear Kevin and team,

I just wanted to thank you for the exemplary customer service you have delivered this week. My original order was placed at the weekend, posted out Monday and arrived Tuesday. For what was a very minor fault (we left a velcro tab off a C38 tripod leg sleeve) with one item your response to my email has been absolutely fantastic and went much further than expected!

Paul Moss

Just received my bag hide, beanbag and lens cover at 12.30pm today, ordered at 1.30pm yesterday - Devon to Cumbria in 23 hours. It was my first order from you, it won't be my last, the quality of the
items is superb.

Many thanks, Alan Miller. Brampton, Cumbria.

Hi

I have just been reading Kevin's Blog and I think its great,along with the amazing images. I have never been pleased with my wildlife photo's but I now have renewed enthusiasm. One question,how do you avoid the never ending stream dog walker's????

Cheers
Patrick

One year and half ago I bought you an superb hide. Some of the photos I have taken with it are on my website. Congratulations for that excellent product, it keeps clean, dry, good camouflage and is light, easy and quick to assemble, very very good.

Ernesto - Spain

Hi,

A huge thanks to everyone – this was my second order in the last few days and everything has been excellent, as usual. This order arrived the morning after it was ordered as I had marked it urgent – service can’t get much better than that.

I would, and do, recommend your products to anyone who is interested.

Jim Dodds

Hi Kevin,

Thank you for such a speedy turn around. Goods received and working perfectly. Looking forward to a 2 week North Ron field test.

Toby Collett
Assistant Warden
RSPB Reserve

Many thanks for my rain cover which arrived on Thursday which is excellent service. Now I can get out in all weathers instead of having to leave the camera indoors. Excellent, speedy service - many thanks again. Patricia Macfarlane

Hi Kevin & team

The hide arrived today. I didn't twig it at first. The delivery man handed over a package and I thought well, it can't be that hide I ordered, it's too early and the parcel's way too light. I had other things ordered, prints and such like, and assumed it must be an over-packaged wedding album or something. I can only congratulate you on your speedy supply and am mightily impressed by the distinct lack of weight. As you know, wildlife tackle is horribly heavy: I won't even notice this. I've looked at the accessories you've supplied and it all looks bomb-proof. Can't wait to try out the hide.

Thanks again for a very professional service.

Regards and thanks for a brilliant service.

Tony.

Hi,

Received my lens covers yesterday and I am very happy with them they fit perfectly. Good fast delivery, many thanks. Willie

Hi,

I'm very pleased with the order I made from you.
C30.1 Large Dome Hide with Larger Left and Right Side windows and Zip at Back Door and Ground Sheet.
C14.3 Bean Bag with strap.
C33L Bag Hide.
C9.2 Grip/Rucksack.
C49 Scrim Cover.
C60.002 Lens Hood Cover

All I've ordered is made of high quality. I'm really fan of your C30.1 Dome Hide Large (I took the full option one) and I really recommand it to any person interested in that kind of outdoor photography.

Price a really good for the quality you get. Shipping charges are peanuts. And result are a photographer very happy and well geared.

Laurent Dieu, Belgium.

Hi Kevin,

I just wanted to let you know that I received my C26 fold out seat today 7th Aug after only 4 days and two of them were the weekend. Your staff never cease to amaze me, my last order arrived after only three. I now have everything I need and am really pleased with all the kit, the C80 double layer cover is right on the button and the tripod leg covers are also spot on for the job. I know I will be back for more in the future. What more can I say. Thanks for everything. Don,t forget to pass on my thanks to your staff.

Dave Pinheiro (Portugal)

Staff - Wildlife Watching Supplies

I recenty ordered a Double Bean Bag, Lenshood cover and scrim for use on my regular visits to RSPB Leighton Moss in Lancashire. As most of my bird photography is done from a hide where space is at a premium a tripod becomes a hinderance. On my last visit another bird photographer was using your equipment and kindly let me borrow similar items to try. Needless to say I was impressed and on my return home ordered the same and was not disappointed.

Order to dispatch was a brief couple of days even though I had ordered on a bank holiday and on the first working day I received a very helpful phone call confirming that the items were on their way. I received them the next day. They were packed well and they fully came up to expectation. The manufacture is good and the Bean Bag strongly stitched and comfortable to carry with the carrying strap attached.

I would have no hesitation in recommending both your products and excellent service to others.

Very many thanks,

John A Jones

Many thanks for the prompt and efficient service you have provided. My C61.1 neoprene lens cover set arrived today. I am well pleased with the product which is now on my lens. I look forward to making further purchases from you in the near future.

Hi Wildlife Watching Supplies team!

Very pleased with my lens coat for my 300mm lens (C61 APG) - great design, already proven on my other lens to great effect! Very quick delivery indeed too.. no nonsense!

Service how it should be.

Many thanks, Dom Kavanagh (Aug. '10)

I would just like to say that finding your website has enhanced my photography.

Your products are the best and your service unbeatable. I genuinely believe that without your service I would still be fumbling around the countryside wondering why all the wildlife was avoiding me. After a couple of pound spent on a camouflage bag hide and some lens covers I have become the invisible man and seeing how full of life the countryside is.

Kevin Rees

Hi Kevin, my order came this morning, the neoprene cover fits like a glove, really nice, thanks very much.

Kind Regards, Paul

Thank You.
Products just received by Royal Mail. Excellent service and excellent products.

Regards
Don Esslemont

Hi,

Just want to say thanks. My first order was perfect, excellent products and quick to arrive. My second order had a slight problem, but after a brief phone call the problem was sorted in seconds by your polite, helpful and friendly staff. I often get asked about my photography equipment and I always recommend Wildlife Watching Supplies to all I meet. I will be ordering more equipment soon.

Keep up the high standards that you have set yourselves.

Thank you.

Graham Simons

Amateur Wildlife Photographer

I ordered the C80 2.5 all in one camera & lens cover & the C60 lens hood cover in neoprene. I rang on 1-04-10, the member of staff I dealt with was brilliant, she was efficient & above all really helpful. Taking in to consideration the following day was a Bank Holiday, I received the parcel the day after.

The products are excellent quality with a high standard of finish.

I will definitely be purchasing from you again, cheers mate.

Shaun.

Hi Kevin.
Let me tell you. Excellent service and products. I bought months ago the Neoprene protection C61.7 for my Nikon 200-400 and C33 Bag Hide. Great products and good price. Thanks
Timothy Prospero
Switzerland

Hi Kevin,

Came today,very pleased,best lens hood cover I have ever seen,thanks Ian.

I received the order on Saturday. Brilliant, Thank you. The All-In-One camera & lens cover was put into good use on Sunday during a walk in bracing wind, snow & sunshine on out local beach in NE Scotland. Don't know why I never got one before! Many thanks for your good advice & quick delivery. Hope the move went (is going) well.

Best Regards
Jim

Just wanted to say how excellent I thought your recent service has been. I ordered a lens cover set for a Nikon 500mm. The order process was quick, easy and secure. Emails kept me appraised of progress and the order was despatched and delivered quickly. I'll definitely be coming back to this site for more products and dropping hints to Father Christmas this year :-)

All the best

Rob

Hi,

I received your e-mail with regards to returning my bean bag, I could not reply as I was working away at the time. I took your advice with regards to the inner bags being slightly larger and put it to the test a couple of weeks ago for the first time, I normally carry my camera attached to my tripod and slung over my shoulder, but not anymore, this has to be the best purchase I have made in a long time, I'm really sorry I did not reply straight away when you asked for my card details for a refund, but I'm more than happy that I was not quick to return it back as little did I know I had the best piece of camera gear bought in a long time just sitting in my drawer.

Once again really sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Kind Regards from a very happy customer.

Marco Pesaresi.

Very best personal regards,

It worked brilliantly and I can totally recommend it and I have used a few. Kevin understands well what is required by wildlife cameramen in the field and the functionality and performance of the hide was exceptional. Within 48 hrs Otters were passing within 14ft of the hide and looked totally relaxed. We also had strong winds during my Time in Mull and the hide stood rigid with all the Scottish weather thrown at it!

Michael Leigh-Mallory
Wildlife Cameraman.

The upper rainforest canopy of the Orinoco Delta is where your large dome hides have been for the last few months, filming for BBC's Natural World series. They are certainly the best hides I have used, either bought or home made, for use up trees. They are the best for their size and price. (You could do an even bigger one for those of us poor souls who have so much filming gear!) The service was fast and reliable. Many thanks,

Graham Hatherley, BBC Cameraman

Rod and Mary Prouty

Dear Sirs

Thank you for my order received yesterday. It was ordered late on Thursday and delivered at 8.15 am on Saturday. Superb service. The goods are exactly as described and fit perfectly. I really appreciated the email telling me that the goods had been despatched as I was able to wait in for the post and not have the inconvenience of having a card left and a trip to the Post Office for collection.

Thank you again.

Yours faithfully, Pat Welsh

Hi Kevin,

Just like to say thankyou for the C80 camera/lens cover incredible service & superb products i will be buying from you again in the near future.

Paul sharples

Many thanks for the very efficient and speedy service. The items i ordered from you over the last few months, ref:- Bag hide, Bean bag, tripod cover/lens & camera covers, are all well made and i am highly delighted with them. Living in the Pembrokeshire countryside, they have enabled me to get some lovely photos of the local wildlife. If I need any further items, i will certainly be heading your way.

Cheers,

John Freeman

May I take this opportunity to praise my latest purchase from you; namely the 5 in 1 Jacket. An awesome piece of kit that I have had the opportunity to test in the recent inclement weather. I only made one mistake and that was to wear a thermal all in one suit underneath the jacket resulting in my having to constantly unzip the jacket to cool down when walking in the snow. Standing still waiting for the wildlife I had no problems at all. The following day when a mini blizzard blew through my location I stayed toasty warm and dry again. Can't wait to purchase the 2 in 1 trousers.

Paul Harratt

Hi Kevin

I received my order on Friday, thanks for the speedy response, and I am very happy indeed with it. The all in one lens and camera cover you recommended is perfect, and it is loose enough to allow the zoom and focus rings to be used (and even the OS to switched on and off with a little practice) and the lens end cap saves a lot of fiddling about in the field.

By the way the scrim idea for the gimbal style tripod head worked reasonably well considering I can’t sew for toffee.

Cheers

Chris Went

Thank you for making great quality products!

It is obvious that these products are designed and developed by people who actually use them for the purpose intended. They are simple to use, devastatingly effective and equally dependable. You instinctively know a product is right when it enhances the experience and takes nothing away. In my case it's being in the field longer, closer to the subject and in far greater comfort. The first item that I purchased was the large Dome Hide (in advantage). I have since started a collection of your products by recently adding two C60 Lens Hood end covers (in Advantage) for my 500 f4 and 300 f2.8 and the all in one C80.3TL (in advantage) Camera and lens cover after using a colleagues. Needless to say, all items performed superbly time after time. Keep up the excellent attention to detail.

Jason Hardy - Hampshire

Thanks very much..

Sean Naylor

Dear Kevin

This is just a note to say how pleased I was to recieve the camera cover and the monopod sleeve. The Quality and Workmanship certainly exceeded my expectations. They both fit like a glove, please pass on my comments to the people who make them.

Many thanks

Mike Gibbons

Dear Kevin

Thankyou for the excellent service, my C13.1.5A beanbag arrived the day after I placed the order and supports my equipment very well. I am thinking of buying a hide in the future and will definately check your website first.

Regards

Rhod Llewellyn

Just a quick line to thank you personally for the kit that you recently manufactured for us.

As a company which specialises in both urban and rural covert surveillance, we often need to trial equipment and techniques as soon as they become available, and your bespoke service of designing and manufacturing kit at short notice to assist us with camouflage and concealment has proven invaluable.

As you know we operate throughout the year in all weathers and environments, and in all of that time we have never received anything but excellent service from any of your products and service which says a great deal about your company.

Kind regards
Andrew
Covert Surveillance Specialists

Hi Kevin,

Purchased a dome hide and snoot from you earlier this year. Marvellous kit and well made; stands up well to the inclement weather hereabouts. Whilst not the most adventurous of photographers, have been amply rewarded by my investment.

Regards, B. Gudgeon

Hi Kevin,

I’d just like to say thank you very much for providing a fantastic service on my recent purchase. I bought a C33L-G Bag Hide very happy with the quality of the product and shipping time to Australia was incredibly fast.

Thanks again and I’ll be sure to recommend your store and products to all my crazy birding friends out here in AUS.

Regards

Craig Miller

Hi Kevin

The bungee cord and end plugs arrived today. Thank you very much. I am sure you are aware of the dome's ability but I have been extremely impressed with it withstanding gusts of wind in excess of 70mph. Pitched on grass it obviously offers the flexibility required to withstand these gusts. The pegs and guy ropes do the rest. Very impressive.

Thanks again
Richard

Hi Kevin

The lens camo sets that we ordered for the Sigma 800mm F5.6EX DG and the Nikon AF-S 300mm f2.8G ED VR arrived safely yesterday and after a bit of head scratching I got them on to the lenses in the right order. I must say my wife and I are impressed with the product, pretty well a perfect fit and certainly seems as though it will give the lens plenty of protection against the weather and minor knocks. Christened the lenses at our local nature reserve at Langoford lakes today, got some nice shots of the Reed Buntings, Willow Warblers and Chiff Chaffs.

Many thanks for the excellent service.

Regards, Dave Townend

Hi Kevin,

I’ve been using your C33L lightweight Baghide since 2006 very successfully and with great satisfaction. I appreciated mostly the following features of the BagHide (summer version):

- It blends perfectly to the surrounding vegetation
- It completely hides the photographer and its equipment even glossy metallic parts are almost invisible from outside
- The photographer can have 360 degree overview around himself, as the hide-material leaves free sight if put very close to the eyes
- The BagHide is completely noiseless. Even with shy animals the photographer can slowly move inside and no disturbing noise is produced by the hide material
- It is lightweight!

The BagHide has become a consistent part of my wildlife photography equipment. I carry it with me from backyard shootings, to alpine excursions and of course to my overseas photographic trips.

Kevin, thanks again for your support.

Manuel Presti - Wildlife photography

Have finally gotten round to look at the new hide canvas that you made me and have mated it to the Jamie Woods frame and it's a perfect fit, absolutely spot on, I am absolutely chuffed and can't wait to start using it

Thank you very much indeed

Kind regards

Larry Corbett

Wow what an incredible service! I want to thank you very much for sending my camera cover so quickly. Now I can rest assured when it rains on my survival weekend.

THANKS A LOT!!!!

Best regards,

D. Westerhout

Cheers & may your business go from strength to strength..

Sean ( A very happy customer Indeed )

Malc Richings
Cheshire

For nearly 3 months now I've been using one of your standard dome hides, a bag hide and one of your neoprene lens covers to monitor and photograph a pair of Kingfishers nesting near my home (with the necessary Schedule 1 Licence of course).

I've had some superb results (a few examples are enclosed) and I just wanted to say how excellent your products have been. The quality is unbeatable and the dome hide is both a joy to use and is xtremely effective as I've been able to get shots of these birds from as little as 6 feet away without causing them any disturbance what so ever.

May I also congratulate you on the excellent service I received from your staff, both over the telephone and in terms of the speed with which they were able to process my orders and arrange delivery of the goods. If only every mail-order/internet supplier could match the service offered by you and your team.

Regards

Jeff Harrison

Dear Kevin,

Thanks for the beanbags which I've been using for several weeks now. They are performing really well, and the double version is proving very stable on the car window-ledge. For fieldwork, I've filled one with a mix of split peas and polystyrene knuckles to save on weight and add a bit of bulk. Seems to work well.

Cheers, Paul S

Paul Sinte

Hi Kevin/Helen,

Just wanted to mention that the camouflage cover is great - fits well and has had some use in sub zero temperatures in Sweden and it made the lens, Canon 300 f4 IS, C60 set, a lot more pleasurable handling experience. Thanks for the very prompt service too!

Best regards, Matt Latham

Hi Kevin,

Just wanted to give you some feedback regarding your Baghide product. I have the non-waterproof version which is fantastically light and when in the bag hide, my vision of the surroundings are unobscured due to the see-through material used. I was prompted to give feedback due to my experience last weekend. I was concentrating my camera on a birdfeeder (whilst I was pouring a cup of coffee!) when it suddenly went quiet and a Sparrow Hawk landed “10 feet” away from me onto the feeder perch. Unfortunately, the perch was a bit lightweight for it and it flapped around and had to fly off again. I would hardly have got it’s head in the frame with my 500mm lens, it was that close. An amazing experience for me and I have no doubt that this would never have happened if I had not been using your baghide product. I don’t go anywhere without it now and I can shop in Tesco’s without been noticed!!!

Regards

Graeme Lee

Tripods are among the largest pieces of photographic equipment you are likely to carry in the field. A large modern tripod may not weigh as much as a super telephoto lens, but it takes the same space or more. You may carry it in the field attached outside a backpack or roller case. However, if you need to move it some distance while shooting, you will quickly realise how poorly it is optimised for carrying. Almost all tripods have no built-in padding, and many have a number of projecting handles, knobs, bolts and sharp edges that make its carrying more uncomfortable than any other piece of equipment. Some people find that they can carry an open tripod a short distance by putting a leg in front of a shoulder and the two other legs on one´s back. Probably, most photographers close the legs (with or without collapsing them) and place the tripod legs on one shoulder, holding the tripod balanced with one arm. The latter may be the only sensible way to carry a tripod that has a central column. Either way, the friction of the legs against the shoulder bones is an experience one does not look forward too.

Savvy photographers avoid this problem by adding a padding to the largest segment of the legs. Commercial products as well as home-made solutions are available. The latter consist of plastic foam sleeves (designed for insulating hot water pipes) kept in place by an elastic "sock" sleeving and/or tape. Cork or rubber tape used to pad bicycle hand-bars, tennis racquets and other sports implements may also be used.

Commercial tripod leg wraps are also available, although from just a few sources. The quality of these accessories is variable, especially with regards to durability. Foam padding kept in place by an elastic netting around its outer surface does not look very reliable to me, because this material can easily stretch out of place, and probably is not very resistant to abrasion. A sewn cloth sleeve enclosing the padding on both sides seems more durable. I use tripod leg wraps made by Wildlife Watching Supplies on two Gitzo tripods.

These leg wraps are made to order, and you are required to specify the length and circumference of the tripod legs, as well as the tripod model (probably, as a way to avoid mistakes on your part). The wraps are reversible. Mine are Advantage Leaf on one side and standard camouflage pattern on the other.

In Gitzo tripods, the portion of the legs closest to the head mount is fitted into a metal sleeve of higher diameter. You can choose either to include this portion in the length that you want covered by the padding, on to leave it exposed. I opted to cover it in one of my tripods, and to leave it exposed in the other. Both solutions work, although covering it probably makes better sense (like in the above example).

The rubber padding is sufficiently thick and stiff to prevent pain while carrying a tripod with a heavy lens mounted (but take care to lock the tripod head tightly, or the lens may swing and hit you on the head). The cloth sleeve is thick and durable (it is the same cloth used to make hides and outdoor clothing), and the wraps are kept closed around the legs by velcro strips running along the entire length of the wrap. For this reason, the wraps cannot be used on tripods with a central stabilizer. If you plan to use this type of wrap, check that your tripod, when closed, has a space of at least 1 cm between the legs and the central column (you can get away with small protuberances, like the rim of the cap that attaches a hook at the bottom of the column in Gitzo tripods).

These leg wraps are well made and fully functional, but not entirely without problems. One of these is that they may slide up and down the tripod legs, especially if the length of the wraps is less than the length of the leg segments. Thus, you better choose wraps long enough to cover the whole leg segment. Another problem is that the wraps, even when mounted as tight as possible, rotate easily around the legs. You must remember to get a good hold with your hand around a leg, or it may wiggle out of your grasp. It should be possible to attach a length of adhesive-backed velcro lengthwise on the leg segment (perhaps on the leg side facing the centre of the tripod) and sew a corresponding length along a side of the wrap (where the velcro strip used to keep the wrap closed is already located). However, this strip will be visible if you reverse the wraps or temporarily use the tripod without them. Thus, there is no easy, problem-free solution. Even with these drawbacks, the leg wraps have increased substantially the portability of my tripods, as well as their aesthetic appearance (at least in my opinion). I keep the wraps on at all times, also when working indoors.

Wildlife Watching Supplies also make loose tubular cloth sleeves in a variety of camouflage patterns, long enough to be pulled down and cover fully extended legs, as well as a cover for the tripod mount and lens and camera covers. They also have an elastic tubular sleeve (not padded) that can be used on other equipment. If you wish, you can camouflage your entire camera and tripod, except of course for the front of the lens.

Enrico Savazzi
Reviews of C30 std dome hide and C37 padded tripod leg wraps by Enrico Savazzi - Sweden.
http://www.savazzi.net/photography/wwslegwraps.htm
http://www.savazzi.net/photography/wwshide.htm
www.savazzi.net

Hi Kevin,

Received my order today, and I just wanted to let you know that I am very pleased with this product. It is a perfect fit for my 80-400mm lens. Also, the design makes it very easy to operate the camera and lens. Quality is very high as expected, and I look forward to trying it out in the field. Many thanks for a smooth transaction and another fantastic accessory for my kit bag ; )

Regards, Iain Kitkpatrick

Hi Kevin

the two C80R covers arrived early the next day. Superb construction and ease of use. Highly recommended. Roll on the weekend. Thanks again and best wishes to all at Wildlifewatchingsupplies.

Colin Carter
Colin Carter photography

Hi Kev and team

I have received the camera and lens cover i ordered from you and am over the moon with them.Today i took them out to try and photograph some of exmoors red deer but unfortunately the mist was very thick,still managed to find several on lower ground though but the wind was in the wrong direction so i will try again another day.I am interested in alot more of your products so you will be hearing from me soon.

Thanks very much James Verney.

Dear Kevin,

Thanks for the dome hide before christmas, that was great and very efficient which allowed us to ge the hide set up before christmas. Thanks mate. Apologies for not getting back to you sooner but it sbeen hectic over the last month but here is a few sentences below. Thanks for a great product.

The dome hide - what can I say? The ever sceptical me has spent most of my life so far outside spending hundreds of weekends out all night in different manufactured tents and home made shelters. I can assure you I've had more than my fair share blown away in the middle of night in gale force winds and driving rain.

We had been making hides ourselves but had decided to purchase one of the WILDLIFE WATCHING SUPPLIES dome hides for its ease of putting up and mobility if I needed to shift it. I live up on the west coast of Scotland and had decided to use it out in the hills on some friends land. We were only going to use it for a couple of weeks but things were going well so we decided to leave it there. Anyone who watches the weather will have realised that for the best part of the last 3 months of 2006 on the west coast of Scotland we've had plenty of gales and driving rain. To put it bluntly it felt like the day after tomorrow was really happening!!!!

One morning after a particularly bad night of strong winds and driving rain the phone rang. It was my friends who owned the land to tell me that their 6 foot fence which had been concreted in had blown down and that the chances of my hide being there was zero. I'm sure I could hear a little snigger in their voice. I wandered up there expecting to see no hide as it had been blown over the hills and somewhere far away. I arrived there and trudged the couple of kilometres. I couldn't see the hide and then my eyes adjusted and I managed to pick out the well camouflaged hide on the side of the hill.
In fact there was nothing out of place apart from one broken guide rope. This is what happened over the last 3 months. The heavens gave all it could and still that hide stood there. I can only say what an outstanding product this has been so far. It withstood some of the most intense storms of 2006 in a very exposed position and it took it all. It's been that good we have brought another dome hide for another project because this winter looks still to be a wet and windy one in Scotland and we need something which we can rely on to withstand whatever the elements chuck at it!!!!

Richard Shucksmith
Scottish Association for Marine Science
Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory

Hi Kevin,

The c33 bag hide absolutely fantastic just arrived today only ordered 2 days ago pretty good for xmas and as for the foldaway chair its more comfortable than my sofa cant wait for the sun to come up and get out and try them in the field im expecting great things from them.

cheers neil

Was very pleased to receive my Large Dome Hide today. Excellent quality and a fantastic service. I was kept fully up-to-date with the progress of my order; well done.

Nigel Fairclough

Hi Kevin,

I recieved the Neoprene lens cover for the Nikon 200-400mm this morning. I think it is absolutely superb and it fits like a glove! The workmanship is first class.

Thanks and regards - Chris Lloyd.

Hi Kevin,

My camera and fingers thank you warmly for the fleece. Although it wasn't as cold as 2002 it did still go sub-zero and the wind-chill helped. Funny thing was the temperature dropped just a day or two after I left. All the other people on the expedition were interested (or jealous if you like) so you may get some more requests. As well as working nicely with a tripod I also used it hand-held and the Velcro closure wrapped well round my left wrist keeping the wind out. Special triple layer C80 "all in one" camera and lens cover with heat pack pocket (see heat pack - Ed). (Stops battery drain in cold condition). Top layer proofed polycotton, lightweight waterproof nylon middle layer and inner fleece layer with heat pack pocket.


I have attached a picture of one of the locals.
Cheers, Tim.

Just a quick thank you for the excellent service. Ordered Monday, delivered Tuesday. I can't ask for better than that. The wraps fit the Gitzo 1348 very well and save my shoulder from a lot of abuse with a 600mm on it :)

Kev Lewis

Hi Kevin,

The All in one cover that I got from you worked wonderfully. On a recent trip sailing from Falmouth the Lisbon, Portugal it wasn't just rain from above and the side that the cover helped with but splashing from the sea below.

Many thanks...Paul
Streamline Web Design

Dear Kevin,

Many thanks for a great service in supplying the Barn Owl Centre with both the C14.3 double bean bag & the 600mm lens camo cover. Now in use, these items are already proving to be a valuable asset & already in use, helping me to do the job in hand with more ease. With better lens stability & with the bonus to blending better in to the Owls natural surroundings it is helping me to improve photography skills no end. In the near future we will be looking at acquiring from you further kit like dome hides etc.

Its a pleasure to do business with you.

Vincent Jones
Centre Director/Conservation Officer
The Barn Owl Centre
www.barnowl.co.uk

Hi Kevin,

Just to say a big thanks for my Dome Hide, it has worked a treat and has enabled me to get some amazing shots notably some of kingfishers. Just been reading your tips on photographing Kingfishers and it made me sit back and smile as I too had them sitting on the hide just above my head within in a few minutes of setting up as well. At the same few visits I managed some shots of Goosander, Common Sandpiper, Heron and Grey Wagtails at before unattainable closeness.

Chris Grady

Hi Kevin

Just to let you know I received your order this morning. Excellent Service. The jacket fits like a glove and I am very, very pleased indeed, with its quality.

Thanks Again for everything, Bert

Hi,

This weekend I tried the new C33L bag hide, and it was a great success! I was able to photograph Red-throated diver at a very close distance, without being boiled ;-). I big thanks for your help!

BR, Niklas

It is vital to keep warm while sat quietly in the midst of winter. Since investing in some excellent clothing from Kevin Keatley of Wildlife Watching Supplies, I have always remained dry, warm and well hidden by its Advantage camouflage pattern. I wear a 5 in 1 Jacket consisting of an outer coat, a water & windproof lining and an inner fleece (that are all detachable). With this I ware a pair of Six-Pocket Trousers, made from the same soft hardwearing outer material and also having a detachable water & windproof lining. In winter I use a pair of Thinsulate Mitt/Gloves and a fleece hat. I frequently use a Mini Dome Hide from Wildlife Watching Supplies. This has a sewn in ground sheet. The hide is quick and easy to put up and always provides excellent protection from the rain and wind, while providing good visibility from within.

Allen Lloyd - http://www.allenlloyd.co.uk

"I was able to capture the illusive Piliated Woodpecker, thanks to the camouflage camera gear your company provides. You have great products and I will promote as often as I can. Thanks for your help! I am sure the dome will be a future purchase as well."

Valerie Mongold. U.S.A.

Dear Kevin,

Many thanks for supplying, so quickly, all my bird photography camouflage gear. My images testify this more than any words can. This one of a Short-eared Owl. Was taken so close to the bird that I actually had to setup further back because. I was closer than 4.50m that my 500mm prime lens allows!

Thanks again,

Richard Bedford.

I bought your lens and camera covers last week and have been pleased with the quality and design. Pushing through the undergrowth without worrying about scratches allows you to concentrate on your surroundings and wildlife.
I look forward to trying the hide i ordered.

I could not help sending you this Picture of my early attempts. This post is based on yours with a feeder at the back. Shame the Starling chose to sit on the top showing the cut surface. Back to the drawing board
Robin Jones

Dear Kevin and WWS team,

I just wanted to write and express my thanks for your incredible patience over my frequent changes of mind about what it was that I actually wanted to buy when I purchased my dome hide earlier this year. I ordered a product from you. It came in good time and excellent condition and then I changed my mind about what it was I actually needed and you accepted it back without any quibble at all…twice! Your quality of service is second to none and I would never hesitate to recommend you to anyone. Eventually, I settled on the small dome hide and it has been a great choice. It has been put to good use in my garden, photographing garden birds including our first ever blue tit fledgling and a local robin. In the coming year I plan to take it with me on camping expeditions as it is both light and compact. My ambition is to use it to photograph wild mammals and kingfishers.

I have looked at your tips for photographing badgers and they are really useful. Now I just need to find some badgers to photograph…again your website helps with contact numbers for local badger groups. I really cannot recommend your service highly enough, thank you very much. .

Sherie

Congratulations on the effectiveness of the cape hide I bought from you a while ago. I thoroughly recommend the effectiveness of 'Advantage' pattern as purchased from Wildlife Watching Supplies in Devon.

I popped down on the local marshes for a spot of birding. Being a brilliant, cold crisp day I decided to wear my bright mountaineering equipment for warmth, and comfort, and took my bag hide along to tone things down.

I sat below the lip of the sea bank on an insulated mat, set up the scope and threw the bag hide over me and settled back for an enjoyable afternoon as the tide ebbed, the mud banks emerged and the waders flew in.

About 20 minutes later I heard voices coming along the sea wall. A couple stopped about 10 metres away. The man said to the lady
"This is a good spot - just hop onto that mound over there and take a photo of me!"
The woman walked in my direction ! When she was less than 10 feet away, I had to quickly poke my head out of the hood window and say "I'd rather prefer it if you didn't" The incoming waders were not the only airborne specimen !! We all saw the funny side, exchanged banter and they went on their way.
So well done Wildlife Watching Supplies .. Oh and it works excellently for bird photography as well.

Chris Tatam.

Thanks for the quick response and shipment. I simply love the products. The Camera sleeves and tripod Sleeves work great and the "critters" are not spooked :))

Thanks
Val Mongold, Fulks Run VA, USA

Introduction

Whether you are a keen photographer, avid bird watcher, videographer or super sleuth (I believe “Spook” is the trendy term for this) a car provides an excellent hide for observing without being observed. Most species will tolerate the close presence of a car, when an approach on foot would cause a rapid exit. For disabled photographers / birdwatchers, and I know quite a few, their car is the only way of enjoying the great outdoors. The problem with a car is that even the most luxurious comes without an integral tripod mount, so supporting a camera or telescope (and keeping the image stable) can be a real nightmare. Those of us who have tried to set up a tripod inside the car will testify that this is a no go, so clearly we need another solution.

Beanbags

Beanbags are the simplest car support device, sitting on the door window they quite happily support lenses up to 600mm. The beanbag shown is the one I use, which has double pockets and is made by Wildlife Watching Supplies. The reason for the double pocket is to make a “V” shape when mounted on the window, which hugs your lens / telescope a lot tighter (thus making it more stable). Be aware of cheap imitations, there are several similar designs on the market but all the others are too small to hold anything substantial. They are cheap for a reason.

Beanbags are highly portable and whenever I travel I always take a couple of empty ones with me. As I write this I am on safari in Africa and I am using my beloved beanbag on every game drive. The vehicle has no windows or bars so no other mount is practical (see later) hence the beanbag on the dashboard supports my 500mm lens perfectly.

[Our beanbags can also be purchased from Warehouse Express - Ed]

Wildlife Watching Supplies Dome Hide

I am not the biggest fan of hides, preferring to stalk animals rather than sit in a small confined space for hours on end. Unfortunately there are a lot of animals that are very shy and to get close enough to them requires a degree of concealment. The WWS Dome hide is the one I use, I have 2 in Real Tree camouflage for general UK work and a snow tundra one for arctic silliness. These dome hides are small enough to be carried around with your gear and can be erected within minutes should the need arise. The Real Tree pattern provides all the camouflage that you need for even the most elusive of species, I generally use them when working with my Barn Owls or Hares. I have used them as far afield as Brazil, setting up next to a popular perch for an Amazon Kingfisher. The major problem wasn’t the kingfisher but the likelihood of a snake crawling inside to take refuge overnight! One big tip, when you get in the hide for the first time stay rock still for 5 minutes before putting the lens through the front slit – you never know who is watching.

[Our Dome Hides can also be purchased from Warehouse Express - Ed]

FEEDBACK FROM DAVID HAYNES

I'd like to thank you for the prompt delivery of the hide and accessories I ordered just prior to my recent film trip.

The trip was a great success. We are making a documentary about a particular animal found in only one location and until 4 years ago, believed extinct.

It was always going to be a tough shoot - aside from the environment (no roads, vehicles, communications, running water or electricity), the animal is extremely timid. It has only been seen on a handful of occasions by the scientist studying it, and then only accidentally - no-one has ever successfully used a hide to get close and see it in its natural environment.

So there were no certainties when the trip was planned. This animal is endangered, any actions on our part that disturbed it could potentially be negative both to the scientific study and the animals' health and we didn't know whether its acute sense of smell would detect the hide and make it avoid the area.

But after 7 days in the hide, I became the first person ever to film this elusive animal in its' natural environment. Subsequently, it was captured twice more on film. Your hide was pivotal in our success - the large dome allowing a heavy duty, full spread broadcast tripod to be used.

I can heartily recommend your products to others and will be buying some more accessories (such as a snoot) before we return to the location next spring. Once again, our success will depend entirely on the use of your hide.

Many thanks for your help and for providing such essential products.

Very best wishes

David Haynes
Documentary Director.

Update: The beanbag I ordered has now become a "can't live without" item in my kit bag. It's allowed me to get some great shots that would be impossible with a tripod". Iain Kirkpatrick.

Just wanted to drop you a line to compliment you on your excellent dome hides. I've just spent the last month filming for a BBC Natural World and worked almost every day in the hide, it performed superbly.

I was filming on a Scottish Island with some of the strongest winds I've ever experienced (according to the shipping forecast, severe storm force !!!). The hide stayed put through out, coping with the conditions better than hides twice its weight. Hope to replace all my hides with dome hides soon.
Robin Smith. Cameraman.