subscribe 0330 333 1113 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I 23 November 2019 41
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MPBWildlife Watching
Supplies Long and Low
Dome Hide C31.1
● £366
● http://www.wildlifewatchingsupplies.co.uk
If you want to blend into your surroundings and
have a portable waterproof enclosure to protect
you and your gear, buying your own personal hide
is worth considering. Wildlife Watching Supplies
produces a variety of hides and the C31.1 is
particularly good for low-level photography with its
low-opening window. It measures 2.15m long,
1.25m wide and 1.1m high with pockets around
the base. There are three different printed
patterns to choose from so you can match it to
the type of shooting environment you plan to use
it at most. A groundsheet and kneeling mats are
also available.
Gitzo Gimbal
fluid head
● £359 ● http://www.
gitzo.com
If you photograph birds,
wildlife or sport with a
heavy telephoto lens and
are after a tripod head
that provides superb
balance, control and
support, gimbal heads
don’t come much better
than this. Useable with
any tripod with a 3/8in
mounting screw and
supplied with a
detachable pan arm, it’s
a mighty fi ne example of
an accessory that makes
light work of
supporting
heavy kit.LEE Seven5 Deluxe Kit
● £436 ● http://www.leefi lters.com
The LEE Filters Seven5 system is a brilliant fi lter set-up
for users of small, mirrorless cameras and lenses. This
deluxe kit includes a 0.6ND hard grad, 0.6ND soft
grad, 0.9ND hard grad, Big Stopper, Seven5 circular
polariser and Seven5 fi lter holder, which is everything
you need to balance the exposure between sky and
foreground, eliminate distracting refl ections from water,
or extend your exposure times to convey a sense of
peace and stillness. The only thing not included is an
adaptor ring to fi t your lens, but these are available
separately in a range of sizes.
LowePro Powder
Backpack 500AW
● £259 ● http://www.lowepro.com/uk-en/
This beast of a backpack offers ample space for
outdoorsy types who’d like to carry their photo
kit as well as a few days’ worth of clothes;
waterproofs; 15in laptop; and personal gear
such as headphones,
smartphone, keys,
wallet, sunglasses
and other
accessories. The
features for the
price can’t be
faulted and the
shoulder straps,
sternum strap and
waist straps
distribute the
weight of heavy
contents very
effectively. The only
downside is that it
exceeds many
airlines carry-on
baggage allowances.Rotolight
NEO 2 with
barn doors
● £318 ● http://www.
rotolight.com
The NEO 2 combines
sophisticated fl ash and
continuous light features
in a robust, easy-to-use
and portable package. It
boasts electronically
adjustable colour
temperature and zero
recycle time, and with
the optional barn doors
you’ll be able to modify
the shape of the light to
prevent unwanted spill.Lastolite HiLite
Background 6x7ft
● £397 ● http://www.manfrotto.com/uk-en/lastolite
Lastolite’s HiLite backgrounds allow photographers to
take high-key portrait images on location and in
restrictive spaces. The white background can be
rear-lighted so there is no longer a need to use a
background light behind the subject, and because the
background is illuminated the subject can stand directly
in front without casting a shadow. Better still, it’s
collapsible, allowing it to be easily stored and
transported. This large 6x7ft version is ideal for
full-length portraits and
small group shots.
Larger 8x7ft
(£619) and
smaller
4.5x3.5ft
(£184) versions
are also
available.