Nitehawk Pop-Up Chair Hide for Wildlife Photography - Detailed Review
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- Опубліковано 23 лип 2024
- Join me for a detailed and unbiased review of the Nitehawk Pop-Up Chair Hide. I'll run through all of the features of the chairs, as well as my opinions on the pros and cons of using this hide!
I originally got this hide as a time-saver when scouting new photography locations, as it allowed me to quickly set up a hide rather than creating one. This is perfect for those situations when you're not sure where the location of a hide should be, or even if the new location is a good one!
Overall I'd say this is a great hide, and definitely one I would recommend for anyone. If you're interested in buying one please consider using my affiliate link below.
Amazon Affiliate Link
Nitehawk Chairhide - amzn.to/3hb3HyS
00:00 Introduction
01:37 Why a Chair Hide?
03:10 Chair Hide Breakdown
07:31 Inside The Hide
10:15 Using The Hide With A Camera
11:36 Deploying The Hide
12:25 The Verdict!
ABOUT OUR CHANNEL
Hi, I'm Simon Eardley. Welcome to my channel!
Wildlife photography doesn't have to be complicated. Join me on my adventures as I try to capture the magic of nature in both photograph and video form. I'll share with you the tips and tricks I've learned along the way, helping you capture the best images possible.
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Great review Simon, it looks great, will have a serious thought about getting one !
Thanks Simon. I have been looking at this hide after your buzzard video. This has made my mind up to buy one.
That’s a great bit of kit I think one will be heading my way very soon. 👍🏽
Hi Simon the nitehawk chair hide arrived on Saturday really pleased with the quality and the price
Reviewing was spot on many thanks great Chanel stay safe
Nice one, bet you cant wait to get out and use it now. You could practice speed drills in the garden👍🏼
Thank you, I recently found your channel and it has really helped narrow down some no-nonsense, good value gear options. There are some amazing bargains out there for birding & photography and also some tat! I really enjoyed your comparison of gimbal and video head. For those of us setting out, it’s great to hear from people like you as it can help avoid expensive mistakes. All the best!
Thanks Steve, i appreciate those comments. Best of luck in your gear choice, dont be worried about buying used gear either. Some great bargains to be had off folks that want the latest stuff!!👍🏼👀💰
just purchased one from amazon great review many thanks
Cheers Si 👍. They are just the ticket for what I do and thanks for lending me yours to try out 🙂👍
Any time Rick, looking forward to using it a bit more when all this social turmoil is over. Stay safe 👍🏼😊
Super review of a product I have looked at many times but remained dubious about due to the low cost. Now I'm ready to take the plunge & buy one.
Many Thanks for sharing this honest review, & to the other followers that have added their own comments from their experiences.
Best of luck with it Nick, for the money you can't go wrong!!👍🏼
Thanks for the review Simon, going to order one tomorrow and catch up with all of your videos over the coming days (nothing else to do as I have been furloughed). Great T Shirt by the way, love the Foo’s.
Cheers Mark thanks for the support and yes, the mighty Foos. Best band out there bar none !!!
Thank you for sharing this video. It has been very informative. I am looking for a chair like this one.
Glad it was helpful!
A great review Simon
just ordered one of these they do look good and just what i need should be with me in 3 days or less thanks for the reveiw very usefull
Good luck with it Sean👍🏼
I find it absolutely brilliant myself. So quick to use and it's very well built and seems to be fairly waterproof also. And it's a lot smaller and cheaper than other pop up hides. Well worth the money
Great value for money Andrew👍
Where do ya get one ??
The hide is mint! Cheers for the reviews I’ve bought one now! Happy Days stay safe 👌😁
Cheers Amanda, I'm sure you'll get some great images using it 📷👀🤞
Thanks for the review, just ordered one.
Hi Lorne, hope you enjoy it!👍🏼
On your recommendation, Simon my lovely wife bought me one for my birthday what a lovely surprise to. I’m sure it will get well used .Thank you Simon, Thank you Nitehawk for creating a comfortable chair and an awesome hide. Simon your review was outstanding.
Cheers John, good luck with the new hide 👍🏼📷
loving your vlogs simon right up my street. i,ve owned a stealth gear 2 man pop up hide for 3 year and used it once just find it too cumbersome to carry with camera gear, and also got to take chair. anyway just ordered one off these, thanks for excellent review. keep vlogs coming.
Nice one Ian , hope you like the hide and glad you found the video useful. The built in chair is a great feature.
Great review Simon - I bought one and have used it quite a few times for Kingfishers.
Extra points:
You have to show it who is boss to get in back in its bag after use
It does not do down-hill lies. Because of the geometry raising the back legs by a couple of inches lowers the hide front by what seems like about 6 inches or more (it feels like - I haven't measured it). The easiest solution is digging the back feet holes with a trowel in order to square off the blind. I also 3D printed some little feet pads for it to save the sinking feeling on damp ground.
I attach my scrim with clothes pegs around the larger front opening.
Apart from that it is a valuable addition to my hide collection. Thanks Simon
Great tips Rod, I like the sound of the 3D printing. I'd be making allsorts !!👍🏼😆
Brilliant stuff...thank you👍
just bought one. cheers mucker
Great video Simon. Really enjoy your channel.
Thanks Nigel👍🏼
I’ve got one for my hide work as well as the two man;-) great bit of kit and pretty robust:-) good review, cheers Simon 👍
Thanks Richard.
Thanks for reviewing this hide. I've been looking for one to use near my trail cam for deer fox and badger and possibly the odd owl as I've heard them on my trail cam but not seen anyway thanks again.
No problem Barry, theyre definately a good addition to your concealment kit👍🏼
Great review Simon Thank you for Sharing. My wife & I both bought one each after your Review. I'm just recovering from Bowl Cancer and can't walk too long a distance with out a walking stick & usually need to sit for a rest. Been managing with a stool in a carry bag but it offer no protection from the elements and we were looking at getting a hide for our wildlife photography. The chair hide option is Great as it combines a chair & hide together less to carry when you have a Tripod & Camera bag too. Will be using them where locations don't have a hide or even if a hide is over crowded with this covid thing its great to be able have your own space. They are definitely Very well made not to Heavy & easy to put up/ take down. Was surprised they even thought of having Velcro tags to hold windows open. We have subscribed to you channel and loving the videos. If you search for Quedgeley Town Wildlife on UA-cam we have started our own wildlife channel there. Thanks again for the Great review on the NiteHawk. Happy Photography & Stay safe . Regards John & Tracey
Hi John, glad to hear youre making a recovery from your illness, getting out in nature is one of the best therapies around I'd say. Keep getting out there and you'll get your strength back. Good choice with the chair hide, theyre a great value item. Maybe consider the Tragopan Monal V2, its a superb 2 person hide and it would be nice for yourself and Tracey to sit in together. I'll check out the channel and thanks for subscribing, all the best. Simon👍🏼📷
Thanks Simon for the review I will take a look at that! Ant
Thanks Anthony
I’ve just ordered myself one looks like a really good bit of kit
Great value David 👍🏼
I love them chair blinds (hides). I have been using them for years and I agree with everything you said about them. I always get the "Two Man" blind. It's not much more weight but you have more room for you pack and other things.
I often stake mine down because I leave it for days or weeks sometimes. Get bigger and longer stakes, the ones that come with them are way too short. You can use carabiner clips from the stake to the blind to make it easer to get in without pulling your stakes. You can also stake them through the feet of the chair. It really helps to keep them from blowing away. Always take a closed cell cushion to set on because these blinds are not 100 % waterproof.
Great videos Simon...
Thanks David, some good tips there. ATB, Si👍🏼
Just bought one of these mate after watching your review. Can't wait for this storm to pass so I can try it out. I want it as much for wind protection on our estuary as anything. Gets bloody cold down there!😃
Theyre a good bit of kit Andy
Nice review Simon I've had one about 2 years now I always have the big flap open and peg some scrim net to the ridge above the flap I have had squirrels 3 feet away from me and they didn't know I was there as you say for 50 quid they are great
Cheers James, yeh ive done a hack where ive added 5 small hooks to hang the scrim from. Makes a big difference👍🏼📷👀
@@simoneardley Great review! Any chance you can share a picture with hooks and how exactly you added them? Also what scrim net did you use? Thank you!
David Hodgkiss. GREAT REVIEW SIMON IT LOOKS TO BE A GOOD QUALITY HIDE AT A VERY GOOD PRICE
Hey Simon! Great review. I have one as well different brand but have only used it in my back yard. I think homeland security and black helicopters would surround me in some of or local areas here in Calif. of the US. LOL I really like it and it even has a cup holder built in the armrest ! Sayin' hey.... Greg
Haha, that'd be a bit of a shock whilst youre sat there minding your own business. It'd certainly be a test of the pegging points if a BlackHawk came and hovered over you !!!🤣
Really good review many thanks. I would have liked to see how easy it went into fold up and went in the bag. Had problems with that aspect of pop up hides before.
Yeh thats something i should have put in the video really Jeff. Once i had a few attempts i found the best way was to lie it flat on the ground and its dead easy. Not the usual fight ive seen with the 'pop up' hoop type hides.
Pegging it down is handy if you set it up in advance so the critters get used to it, and leave it until you return (eg the next morning). Thanks for the review!
Yeh, thats a good shout !!👍🏼
Looks good mate, i do love a hide, I think I’ll grab one lol 😉🤙
theyre good, theres an Amazon link in the video description 👍📸
Thanks for an excellent video - very well presented. Looks a great product - but just wondering how easy to fold back up and put away
Yeh on reflection i should have put that in the video. What i usually do is open the strap to its full extension, lie the hide down flat and wrap the strap around it, its really easy to put away👍
Love the shirt!
The best band out there bar none. Seen them twice now live , they were awesome!! All the best
I have a great pop up hide I can get two people in, but I do like the look of this so I sent for one yesterday, should be great down Arne nature reserve for the deer.
Good luck with the deer📸👍👀
They are a great hide to use, I’ve owned mine for 5 months and used it in some of the worst weather I’ve been unfortunate to go out in, I’ve stayed completely dry, wind proof and fairly warm and like u simon I’ve had all my kit in there with me. Plus u cant forget the trusty cup holder lol. Great review and likewise I will definitely recommend this chair hide also.
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@Marley Axton Instablaster ;)
@Xavier Koda Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and Im trying it out now.
Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Xavier Koda It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy!
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Hi Simon,
I have just got myself one of these chair hides.
I've not had chance to test it out just yet, but it seems to be sturdy and well made.
I was wondering whether to treat it with some Fabsil Gold before using it.
I am going to put some hooks on the rib part like you did for the scrim net.
Thanks for putting us onto this...😎👍👍
No worries, glad youre happy with it. Ive not felt the need to proof it yet as ive not exposed it to too much weather yet but fabsil would certainly be the stuff of choice if needed. Might be wise to test on a small section first 👍
Great Demonstration, I fell in love with this tent. Unfortunately, Amazon US doesn't carry it. So I will order it directly from the Nitehawk Co. In the UK. Thanks for showing us.
Your'e welcome Sal, hope you manage to get hold of one .
Cheers Simon, you need to ask for comission as I too have just bought one it gets delivered tomorrow, Getting into this wildlife malarky now. Managed a Red Footed Falcon on the very 1st day of getting my zoom lens so was dead chuffed, anyway onwards and upwards from the Pendle Hill Area, Lancs
Nice one, hope youre pleased with the hide. Theyre a great bit of kit👍🏼📷👀
Purchased one of these after watching this video and would agree with your comments Simon. The one thing I would say is they are definitely not waterproof. I got caught in an unexpected downpour and while you don't get soaking there is water ingress from various points. I think I will try the Fabsil Gold on it. As you summerise, it's a great bit of kit for the money.
Yeh you cant go wrong for the money, good shout with the Fabsil 👍
I have the same one except its a two man chair, its had its days now chairs falling apart, my biggest problem with it was it was quite heavy plus if i had it on my back then i couldnt carry my camera bag, saying that i had shots i would never have got without it. I think im going to buy the single chair like you got looks a lot lighter thx for the vid top man
Thanks Paul, you cant go wrong with it for the money. Cracking little hide.
You have taste in music :).And bird photography of course.
I think this is going to fit my needs perfectly. Can I assume the take down is as easy as the set up? Great review, you know have a new sub!
Yeh the take down is really easy, i forgot to film it so i'll put it in another film soon. Thanks for the sub👍🏼
Nice Rhubarb! :)
Thanks! 😁
Thanks for the review Simon. I spend a lot of time at the top of hills in Wales. I'm more interested in it's potential for providing shelter from wind and rain while bird surveying for three hours at a time. I could imagine the frame buckling and the seams splitting in a brisk wind. I'd love to hear your opinion. Thanks.
Couldn't have timed this better as I ordered one on the weekend. Looks like it will be just the job for what I have planned. My only gripe would be that it may need some scrim over the openings,easy fix though. Cheers Simon.
You'll not be disappointed Robert, i havent found the need for scrim as the dark interior helps to conceal you. What i usually do is drape a scrim scarf over my big lens just to break up the outline.
@@simoneardley mine arrived today. Very pleased so far, particularly by the amount of space at the front. I was expecting it to be more cramped. I have a job in mind for it on Friday morning so will have some better idea of it then.
All the best, Robert.
Nice one, let me know how you go on with it👍
Hi Simon. My plan yesterday morning was to try and photograph a tawny owl at its roosting spot. I was out at 03:30 to get in place before the bird returned from its nights hunting. The tree is at a nearby badger sett that I have worked over the years. I had the hide set up in place and it worked really well. As you say, so quick and easy to set up. The owl flew in at 06.00 without hardly giving it a glance. Unfortunately, it perched in a spot where I was unable to get any images. I could possibly get some in future but only if I trim some covering branches first (due to the inaccessible location). Obviously I won't do that as it would spoil the owls roost leaving it more exposed and prone to being found by other birds.
A bit of a shame but then that's wildlife photography for you.
@@robertlawrence7958 Great to hear that it seems to be doing the trick, unfortunately it doesnt always go to plan. Have you thought of putting your own suitable perch up in the perfect spot and trying to tempt it on to that?
I cant say enough how much I like your video, this was a great review. Just one question: seen the video of you car camping, Im considering using my qashqai as a mobile hide , on places like Corney fell looking over Ulpha, a great moor with buzzards, larks, warblers. Any tips? Ive thought of leaving the hatch open but having camo netting over the rear, making a reasonable comfortable area to sit grateful for ideas. Also if no dead sheep about how do you get buzzards to come to you?
Thanks for a great review, Simon on this product. May I ask how does it perform in the rain.
Cheers John, its pretty good in a shower but not 100% watertight in a heavy deluge. A coat of Fabsil makes a big difference.👍🏼
Great review Simon, thank-you. Whats it like to pack away? stay safe!!
Easy Steve once you get the hang of it. On my next film i'll do a demo of it being packed away👍🏼😊
Simon these are great videos and are very informative - this is not to do with the chair but camera. I have a Canon 90D and although it has silent continuous it isn't really that quiet and just wondered when you shoot on continuous do you use a silent mode or does normal shutter noise not really affect the birds/wildlife?
Hi Andy, depending on how close I am to a subject I generally try and use quiet mode on my d500 but it aint that much different. It definately has an impact especially on owls who have great hearing and deer too. Try a couple of pieces of scrim over the camera to muffle the sound. Certainly the cheaper option to going mirrorless!!!
Hi, Thanks for that, have been looking at getting one of these but to be honest the cheap price did put me off a little, like others here just wonder how that chair will stand up to heavy weight sitting on it and also the zip fasteners, are they well sewn in ? Thanks again. Russ.
Seems well made to me Russell, depends what you call 'heavyweight'. Im 13 st and im confident that im going to get plenty of use out of it. Zips are well sewn in too. Hope this helps
Hi mate I’ve ordered this hide from amazon should be here by end of week will go to my sisters farm where Buzzards fly around and other wildlife thanks to u I’m doing more love watching your UA-cam channel keep up the good work thanks
P.s I’ve added you on Facebook too
Nice one Dave, good luck in the new hide. 👍🏼📷
My nighthawk hide has come today roll on weekend 😝
Hey mate great video. Totally random but wondered if you might be able to help. I'm looking at getting one of these but for a totally different purpose, I want to use it as a camping toilet and was wondering do you think it would work to cut a hole in the seat and be able to use it for that purpose?
Dont think it'd work that Reece, the way the chair folds out would mean the legs would be in the way!! Good idea though.👍🏼
Looks a decent bit of kit mate. At fifty odd quid its a decent enough price too. 👍
It is John, for that price you cant really go wrong mate👍🏼😊
Loved you review Simon. Have you used the hide a lot since your review? If so, how is it standing up to the wear?
Its had a fair few outings and its standing up really well David to be honest. Im thinking of giving it a coat of waterproofing which should help keep it in good nick. Great little hide for the money👍🏼📷🦉
Looks great, but I really would not want to be sitting in that in a Tornado!! 😂. Stay safe! 😊
😆😆
Simon, I recommend that if there is a US Amazon link that you also include the US Amazon affiliate link in your descriptions..
I'll check it out an amend, thanks👍🏼
Hi Simon,thanks for the review.
Whats the attachments to the chair like,still holding?
Also,what tripod and gamble are you using? Cheers
All good upto now Brian. I use the ifootage tc9 fastbowl now but don't use the gimbal head anymore. I use the mvh 502 video head from Manfrotto.
Hey Simon, great review mate, BUT, comfort? How long can you sit on the seat in the hide and remain comfortable? I'm a pretty big bloke and at 105kg will the seat last and is it comfortable enough and structurally sound for long stays? Thanks for your great channel.
Bruce
Hi Bruce, im 13st so im sure a few more wont hurt. Seems really well made as long as youre not going to dive on it, it should be fine. Comfort wise, ive fallen asleep a few times in it !!!😆😴
Hi Simon.....Just another question for you, The camouflage tape that you have wrapped around your gimbal does it stick to the gimbal or does it stick to itself.
Hi John, the tape only sticks to itself. Once you take it off there is no trace of it ever being there.👍🏼
Interesting review Simon. I have one question for you. You stated that you put one tripod leg towards the chair, with the other two legs away from it. I would have thought the complete opposite, with one leg placed outside the hide and the front zip brought down to the protruding leg. The other two legs would be placed parallel and close to the front of the hide. Could you explain your rationale for doing so?
Hi Roger, fair question. I just find it works this way for me. If you have it with the two tripod legs nearest to you then the tripod can get in the way of your legs, simple as that really. If you have the single leg to you then you can get the camera closer to you and you dont have to stretch forward as much. I suppose everyones different and it's a trial and error thing. Hopes this clarifies things 👍🏼📷
Great review Simon, looks good, but as with all pop ups, how easy is it to pack away please?
Thanks Alan, it really is easy to pack up. Im going to do a short film this week to demonstrate it as a few people have asked me the same question.
@@simoneardley Cheers Simon, look forward to it!
Thank's for the review! How is it with Heat in summer?
Not too bad actually, i tend to open the small side windows to allow some more air flow.
And now for the million dollar question (or quid) would you buy it again a year later or would you prefer something else with the knowledge you have now? Your video's really have me pumped up to get a hide and have a try myself!
Good question Mark, yes I would buy it again. For the money, you cant go wrong. Yes there are more expensive options but its a great design and works really well.
Great video just a quick question
With wildlife photography I was always taught to down to ground level .....do you have enough space to get on the ground to take photos? 🤔🤔🤔 I'm 5 foot3
Hi Sarah, definately not enough room in this hide to get on the floor even at 5' 3". The seated position is the only way of shooting. Ground level is a great principle but only if your subject is on the ground. I like to adopt the principle of " eye level", as long as your level with your subject you'll not go far wrong. Obviously the size of your subject and distance from it had a major factor in the final results. Hope this helps 🙂👍🏼
@@simoneardley thanks for your advice I think I will buy it....oh and im you're newest subscriber
Great review but say it would be handy in bad weather at a road bike racing at Scarborough, Isle of Mann or forest car rally
Ive no doubt it would be handy for those kind of events 👀👍🏼
@@simoneardley worthwhile getting if the North West 200 motorbike racing is taking place in Portrush Northern Ireland in May or later date of August.
Wow you look younger on this one! :-)
Hahha, it was yonks ago!!🤣🤣
Would have been nice for you to demonstrate how you collapse and put it away.
Youre right mate, apologies.
Just bought one after watching your review. If I don't get pictures of cheetahs hunting Roe Deer in the fields of Lincolnshire, I will hold you responsible Simon.
😆😆 I look forward to seeing those images!! 👀📷
Hello Simon, when the big zipper in front is open for your lens, don't the birds and animals see you at once?
Hi Matthias, ive attached a piece of scrim that hangs on some small hooks to aid concealment.
@@simoneardley Thank you, this is a good idea. Have a good time and stay save. Best regards from Bavaria.
Can you tell me what the weight capacity of the chair is please? I'm quite a big chap! LOL
Sorry Ash, ive checked with the company and dont give a weight capacity.
@@simoneardley Ok no worries.
how do you pack it back up again
It's fairly easy Sean. You fold the hood back, fold chair up and just squeeze the whole lot together. Clip the strap around it. The bars that form the hood are springy, so you squeeze altogether and tighten your strap as you hold the tension. Tightens it all up for the bag. Couple of times doing it you will be grand
@@simoneardley yes worked it out the hardest thing is getting back in the bag you have had yours a while now how does the bag hold up when your carting it around wear and tare
Dont be frightened of getting plenty of tension on the strap. The bands are spring steel and are designed to be compressed. I dont have any issues getting it in the bag, just tighten it up a bit. The bag seems fine up to now, no issues👍
Looks really good but how easy it to fold down.
It's fairly easy Kevin. You fold the hood back, fold chair up and just squeeze the whole lot together. Clip the strap around it. The bars that form the hood are springy, so you squeeze altogether and tighten your strap as you hold the tension. Tightens it all up for the bag. Couple of times doing it you will be grand.
Thanks Andrew one on the way.
As Andrew says its easy once youve done it a couple of times. I usually lie it flat on the floor to pack it away👍
Cheers Simon one on order.@@simoneardley
watch out if you ever spot one of these at ur looking beach, mid day, crowded ,
😆😆
One thing missing. You did not show how quickly you could put it back in the bag.
Good shout Neville, Its on my to do list mate 👍🏼
U put stakes in from inside !
Tried to buy one in Canada but the wanted 320 dollars for it here.
Wow, thats a whole lotta dosh !!
My worry is the weight and size as well as your camera gear, a long walk and shoot is going to be a bit of a hoik.
I wont lie to you, most sessions involving a walk are a bit of a hoik!!💪🏽😃
I’ve already got one of these. It’s a neat bit of kit.
Constructive criticism: The video could have been scripted better, as it was a bit repetitive at times. Also, I would have liked to have seen you pack the hide away into its bag at the end of the session.
Overall, though, I liked the video. 👍