MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I have been looking at different camoflage options for both my Sigma 150-500mm and Sigma 800mm lenses, and there are several options on the market. I have also been looking at options for camo on a tripod so I could blend in with the surroundings completely and get closer to my subjects. Everything I have looked at that is photography specific seems to very high priced and not really all that specialized.
So today I went to my local Cabelas and went through their "bargain cave" where they sell returned, discontinued, and damaged items. I found a nice camo long sleeve stretchy sport shirt and also a nice pair of stretchy lightweight camo pants, all by Seclusion 3D. Total cost $19.98.
I cut a sleeve off the 2XL shirt and trimmed it to fit over the 800mm lens. The other sleeve went on a lower tripod leg. The body of the shirt fit really nicely over the top half of the tripod and overlapped the mid joints. The lower legs of the pants made mice covers for the other two lower tripod legs. I need to break out the sewing machine and hem over the fabric cuts, but all in all I think it is a very economical and effective alternative to a couple hundred dollars of camo specialty items. Nothing is permanently attached and will come off and go back on in second and is all totally washable.
Necessity is the mother of invention as they say.
The tripod is a Bogen 3046 (plain aluminum) with the 2 stage legs. I have another Bogen 3246 (black legs) with a gimbal head on it and will probably do something with the trunks portion of the camo pants to make a cover of sorts for the Gimbal.

Unsewn camo pieces installed.

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

Make sure you show us the finished product. You might have just started a new business.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I am not that good of a seamstress, I seriously doubt anyone would but them from me. But I thought it was a good idea after looking at my setup in the woods and seeing just exactly hoe much it showed up even without me standing behind it.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

All I see is a ball head and a rug! When you going to show us your tripod. :-D Nice job MT. Now I have to go Good Willing.
Erv

alienmurphy Loc: Alaska

:D Good Will Hunting

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Me too!

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

What Camera? "I don't see no stinking camera."

Singing Swan

ET....Call Home!!!!!

Dback4430 Loc: Lockport Il

Before you go all out , just break up the outline a little bit , and subdue the shiny spots . Make yourself a gilly suit and use the lens hood . For wildlife , id be worried about the smell more than them seeing you . Most critters will smell you long before they see you .

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Kind of like hunting. Leave your cloths outside so they get the human smell off. But let it be known MT, I didn't say you smelled. :-D
Erv

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

Neat idea. I would have though of the camo tape that some people use.

Kim LeBlanc Loc: St. charles, Mi.

I have been doing the same thing for years! Use the sleeves from old camo hunting cloths for my lens. Pull over lens until you have a nice fit, then cut off excess at each end. Also protects surface of lens, I always leave my on. Tri-pod, I used pipe insulation (Foam) on legs. Pads leggs for carrying & in cold weather keeps fingers from getting cold when handling tripod. Also use old camo hunting cloths to wrap legs over the foam secureing with electrical tape.

bioteacher Loc: Brooklyn, NY

Maybe you could spill some Bourbon or Scotch around to get rid of the human smell (LOL) - what a waste of booze.

RedHot-30 Loc: Albany, New York

MTSHOOTER: Funny you mentioned this, as I was just having the same conversation 2 days ago with a friend.

I am a Custom Car Uphosterer, and have been thinking about doing this, and am trying to come up with other things that photographers could use, in order to make it worth my time.

If anyone has other ideas for products that would be of interest, could you let me know, as I would be interested in the possibilities.

Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

It would be nice if the fabric was waterproof as well as I like to shoot in the rain. Might want to put elastic at the ends so it stays put. I really like your idea.