What an absolutely stunning creature! Have never seen a Kingfisher in the wild. Magnificent. And I applaud the "sacrifices" that you and Pops make for your craft - it is such a tough go, I see.
Such a beautiful hide! That was surely a wonderful experience! I have never even seen a kingfisher in person. Thanks so much to you and Pops for sharing your day with me.
Wow! Dan and Pops thank you so much for the lovely shoutout ☺️ a stunning video as always, I was crying at one point when pops discovered the massage chairs and turned it up 😂 just brilliant 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Well what can I say,superb sublime spontaneous video, what a luxury hide you two looked like you were having the best time, I certainly was, some amazing footage and captures of the stunning Kingfisher, keep them coming, cheers to both of you Derek
Another top drawer performance guys! Such a great watch, with a great mix of information, tips, hilarity & recommendations. Absolutely brilliant stuff! The ‘paid/baited hide’ debate will always rage on, but as you have proved here - it’s not the only food source the wildlife will utilise & deep down most of the haters know it too. Anyway, keep on keeping on guys! All the best, Nick
Another cracking video. I honestly love watching the kingfishers etc. - Such a great little bird and so majestic and colourful. You and Pops have all of us crying laughing in most of the videos. Just a great connection that is completely priceless.
Thanks very much, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻 Just checked out your channel and it's very impressive, I'm going to give using my phone as monitor a try after watching your video.
"Moment of Impact" is perfect! It's one of those once-a-decade shots! Well done. I'm so very jealous of you two. The hide is one of the best I've ever seen and being able to enjoy bird photography Father & Son is priceless!
Happy New Year Dan and Pops! Well, that was an entertaining start to the year …. I thoroughly enjoyed it 🙂 That is certainly a 5* hide with all its facilities. I’m glad you guys didn’t completely ruin its reputation through an X-rated strip to the underwear 🤣The heated massage was quite enough 🤣🤣🤣 Beautiful Kingfishers and stunning photography from you both, especially those dive shots. Dan …. Ask Pops to buy you a second camera body for your birthday 🙂 Richard
What a cracking video, not just for the Kingfisher but the entertainment value was top notch. Had a good laugh with you too. Keep up the great work. The best double act on TH-cam 😂😅😂
I must say that you guys are the only ones ever to make me laugh out loud whilst watching a wild life video. I was in touch with Staffordshire hides in November and am looking to book a day with them as soon as our local ferry company can come up with a schedule. The images you and Pops got are fantastic and I cant wait to get there. By the way you know what you can get Pops next Christmas, a massaging chair. Thanks guys great video. Andy
So Im enjoying the video and thinking " why hasn't he mentioned WiFi?" Then you dropped the heated massage chairs - !!! Fantastic video, great location and as you say it must be the best hide in the UK.
Fantastic video and foties from both of you. I've had a double dose of pops this weekend as I saw him on Phelps long eared owl video too. Great to see the two of you having lots of fun. 😀😀😀😀😀
Cracking video guy's and stunning shots, I think this is the second video at the Staffordshire kingfisher hide and I have already pegged it on my Google maps, I just need to get in contact with Tim to book my visit. I'll be taking both my 2 R6MKII with me lol and my video cameras and leaving my R7 behind. I just need to get a funny person to go with me, do you rent out your pops on a day rate Dan 🤔😂🤣 Seriously educational and entertaining you have another subscriber 👍 ATB Andy 😁
Saw Pop's moonlighting on Mike Phelps channel. Better up his pay or he might move on...... LOL Great video. Always enjoy seeing you gents having a good time. Maybe with the extra loot he gets moonlighting he will buy you a Z8. LOL
Great video, nice to see you both looking well. Not a fan of hides(all too easy IMHO) having spent 1000's of hours waiting on and photographing Kingfishers in all weathers on my local river. Your images were great and loved the laughter in the video. Keep up the good work. They are amazing birds to photograph especially when they have young.
Fantastic video Dan and pops and a great start to 2025 for the channel. The setup looks absolutely fantastic and the hide is amazing. 👍 Some stunning images and some great comedy thrown in! 😂 just love the diving shots.👍 look forward to the next one. Mike Phelps is just fantastic, started following him on insta and YT after your wildx postcard. Ever thought of a crowdfunding for that second body? 😂 cheers Ian
Happy New Year to both of you and your families. You have started the year very impressively and now I am curious what else you have planned for us. I hope 2025 is a productive year for both of you and that you will keep bringing us more wonderful experiences and images.
So - buymeaNikon instead of coffee 😂 - share your ‘pain’ Dan - another brilliant and uplifting video from you both - love your chemistry - lost my Dad over 10 years ago and at time was too focused on work to do this sort of thing - so many regrets - TY for sharing your relationship insights - really look forward to your videos 😊
Well, been quite a while since I watched your tubes. Brilliant is all I can say, got me hooked, on the phone and booked a day end of January. Only an hour away to boot. Figured on doing some water level shots. So, did you leave it on manual focus for those diving shots. Can't wait now and need to catch up on your videos for more inspiration. Cheers.
Thanks very much. Yes pre-focus on the area most likely to receive the dives using a stick and then turn it onto manual focus so as not to change focal point. You will have an amazing time 👍🏻
Dan, I apologize for sounding like a broken record, but I just love your videos, especially seeing the interaction with you and Pops. Fantastic video, as always, the King Fisher has been one of my "white whales," I just haven't had good luck in trying to capture one. Thank you for sharing. Happy New Year.
Great start to the year lads!!! The hide looks fantastic. Unfortunately here in Ireland we do not have the quality or volume of hides to choose from.👋👋
Thanks very much Des, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻 I'm certain as more people get into the hobby and the market grows in Ireland people will start to see the economical value of hides and the numbers and options should start to increase.
Hi Dan, Gotta ask. at 25:41 you have captured a dive with very sharp bird, but a tail trail at 1/3200 (?) - Was this one with flash or did you add the blur in post? Cheers Clive
Brilliant video. Been planning on visiting for a while now and for the dive shots alone it looks great. New subscriber 👍🏻 you guys are great apart from being nikon through and through 😂
Hi Dan and Pops - Loving the videos - keep them going. The video was that good I thinking about travelling down from Scotland to the hide. What lens choice would be ideal for this hide set up. Could you get away with the 180-600mm z lens.
Thanks very much Alan, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻 As for lens choice I think the 180-600’s minimal focal distance. At its shortest focal length of 180 the minimum focal distance is 1.3m which should be okay. When you get up to 600mm the minimum focal distance is 2.4m which I think if memory serves me correctly would take you beyond the perch distance from the hide. I would check in with Tim about it as he will know the distance of the perch from the hide 👍🏻
Thanks for sharing this video and your experience. It was fun to laugh along and to dream about a future visit. What month of the year was your visit? Looked like late fall, but I wasn't sure how long the leaves hang on the trees in this part of the UK. I may be nearby in November and wondering if the hide would be productive then too.
Thanks very much Judd. The video was recorded in November so the colours of fall were still very vibrant. The hide was extremely productive at this time also, so should coincide with your visit perfectly 👍🏻
Thanks very much James, really appreciate it. I think that 150mm might leave you feeling a bit short for the perched shots but for the diving shots it would be great. Are you shooting full frame or crop sensor?
Thank Tim, I use the Manfrotto MVH502AH Fluid Head, this is a mid-range video head as you can pay considerably more for video heads. The main advantage of the more expensive heads is weight, this head is heavy but perfect for the job I need it to do. I use a gimbal head from Gitzo when doing photography only but it doesn't give me the smooth panning required for video. I also use a ballhead for when I am not doing wildlife photography. Hope that helps Dan
@ Thanks Dan, like the idea of ground pod n was thinking of adding a fluid head to my kit for that very reason. May bump into you soon if you’re over this way. Tim
Great video/stunning images again Gents and a Happy New Year to you both . .Great to see Pops looking so well and given we all know it's really Pops's channel I've a question for him....Is he missing the 800mm Z lens at all. (after trading for the 400mm TC )? I 've got the 800mm and love it for my birds in flight shots (especially Owls in flight etc, smaller birds where you just can rarely get close enough and appreciate it's never meant to be a hide lens and you guys are doing a bit of hide stuff), but I'm missing the wide aperture. I'm just wondering if the weight /size increase has been an issue at all if carrying decent distances or any other regrets/thoughts ? Are you finding the reduced noise is allowing a bit more cropping etc to compensate? Bear in mind, a bit like Dan with the second body, I'm trying to justify spending the same as a small car on more kit !! (I've already told the kids I'm spending the inheritance so... !! ) Apologies as realised I've turned a short question into a long one !! Good luck in everything you both do in 2025, you keep making me think about resurrecting my YT channel !! :-) ...ps thought for a new video.."retro confectionary" for photographers (Marathon, Texan bar, Fruit Salads 🙂)
Thanks very much Nigel, you should definitely resurrect your channel. It would be great to see what you get up to. I will see if Pops can respond to your questions. All the very best mate 👍🏻
I am so glad I popped into your video, I am just planing to build a similar hide for the kingfishers and was looking into this hide on instagram. Could you please tell me what is the purpose of that little bowl in the water (in front of the GoPro below the perch)? Is it for the fish, so that they would stay in one place? I love your channel and subscribed instantly. Keep up the good work
Thanks very much I appreciate it. The bowl is a basket which is submerged in the water. It holds the fish more centrally for the diving shots. It can be taken away if you are not interested in the diving shots 👍🏻
Fabulous video Dan, always enjoy your banter with Pops, there’s always someone who will put down hides, but there are no guarantees that you’ll get the shot, that’s where the patience and perseverance comes into play, although the fire and heated massage chairs are a definite bonus, Happy New Year to you both..
Dan, I've never seen anything like these shots! Absolutely amazing! And what a place!! And Pops with his heated massage chair!😂 bless him!
Thanks very much, really appreciate it. We had such an amazing day and I would thoroughly recommend this hide to anyone.
All the best 👍🏻
without doubt the best video you and pops have done , i love the king fisher. well done dan and pops .
Thanks very much Ashley, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Amazing shots with great humor.. love it a lot ❤
What a hide! Cracking video Dan - I was crying with laughter when 'Pops' discovered the massage function! TH-cam gold! Thanks mate
Thanks very much Adam, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Great video Dan and Pops, some stunning images - and you had me laughing out loud in some places! Thank you so much.
Thanks very much John, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
You had me laughing right along with you. Thanks for the levity.
Thanks very much Fred, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Very entertaining video. Love the kingfishers. Glad "Pops" had 2 cameras with him.
Thanks very much James, really appreciate it.
All the best 👍🏻
Thanks Dan enjoyed the video say hi to ya dad
Thanks very much mate, I really do appreciate the support 👍🏻
Great video! Love your relationship with your dad! It’s wonderful to see! 😊 and what a great hide!
Thanks very much Philippa, appreciated as always ☺️
What an absolutely stunning creature! Have never seen a Kingfisher in the wild. Magnificent. And I applaud the "sacrifices" that you and Pops make for your craft - it is such a tough go, I see.
😂😂😂 it was incredibly difficult but we are prepared to make the sacrifice in the name of our art!
All the best
Such a beautiful hide! That was surely a wonderful experience! I have never even seen a kingfisher in person. Thanks so much to you and Pops for sharing your day with me.
Thanks very much Jon, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Superb yet again.
@@NikCan66 thanks very much 👍🏻
'I've turned the intensity up' that did it for me. Brilliant 🤣🤣🤣🤣
😂😂😂 classic Pops quote
Wow! Dan and Pops thank you so much for the lovely shoutout ☺️ a stunning video as always, I was crying at one point when pops discovered the massage chairs and turned it up 😂 just brilliant 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Cheers mate, certainly couldn’t have done it without your help!
All the very best 👍🏻
can anyone hire that hide.matty top notch
@@matthewmcelvogue9609 yes it’s available to hire for anyone, there’s a link in the video description 👍🏻
Well what can I say,superb sublime spontaneous video, what a luxury hide you two looked like you were having the best time, I certainly was, some amazing footage and captures of the stunning Kingfisher, keep them coming, cheers to both of you Derek
Thanks very much Derek, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Just an amazing video. The relationship between you two is heartwarming. I giggled for most of the video. Thank you so much
Thanks very much Stephen, all the very best 👍🏻
Another top drawer performance guys! Such a great watch, with a great mix of information, tips, hilarity & recommendations. Absolutely brilliant stuff!
The ‘paid/baited hide’ debate will always rage on, but as you have proved here - it’s not the only food source the wildlife will utilise & deep down most of the haters know it too. Anyway, keep on keeping on guys!
All the best,
Nick
Thanks very much Nick, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
I’ve said it before but it’s such a joy to watch you both especially laughing and stirring each other
Thanks very much Warren, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Like two kids let loose in a sweatshop😂🤣, brilliant video couldn’t stop laughing thanks both.
That is exactly what we were like 😂😂😂 thanks Albert
Danke! Wouw, was für super tolle Bilder! Einzigartig, fantastisch! Beste Grüße Rainer
Vielen Dank, Rainer, ich freue mich sehr über deinen Kommentar und deine Unterstützung für den Kanal.
Fantastic, such marvellous entertainment, and beautiful kingfisher photography, the hide is on my future list for this year thank you both 😊
Thanks very much Alan, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Brilliantly entertaining, you two are lovely together. All the best for 2025 📸
All the best to you to Sue and thanks for your continued support 😊
Dan pops just happened to find channel. Brilliant. You are like morecombe and wise.thanks
@@matthewmcelvogue9609 thanks very much Matthew, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Brilliant video and photographs….. certainly more comfortable than I was on the River Kent this morning! Thanks Dan and Pops.
Thanks very much Lynda, all the very best ☺️
Great video guys. Love the father/son interaction between you both as well as the photography. Precious memories for you both.
Thanks very much Gordon, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Another cracking video. I honestly love watching the kingfishers etc. - Such a great little bird and so majestic and colourful. You and Pops have all of us crying laughing in most of the videos. Just a great connection that is completely priceless.
Thanks very much, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Just checked out your channel and it's very impressive, I'm going to give using my phone as monitor a try after watching your video.
@@danwillis_photography Hi and Thankyou very much, I appreciate the kind words
cracking video and cracking shots
Thanks very much Adrian, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
fantastic as always guys
Thanks very much, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Great photos love the marathon snickers reference and 2 naughty
Schoolboys with the vibrating chair. Keep it up.
Thanks very much Andrew, all the very best 👍🏻
Such fantastic photography as always Dan & Pops.Loving the fun you both have together 💙
Thanks very much Anne, all the very best ☺️
Both of users have absolutely fantastic relationships just so funny Some spectacular images
Thanks very much John, all the very best 👍🏻
nice vid young pops and pops🤣. well done dan
Thanks very much Ian, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
"Moment of Impact" is perfect! It's one of those once-a-decade shots! Well done. I'm so very jealous of you two.
The hide is one of the best I've ever seen and being able to enjoy bird photography Father & Son is priceless!
Thanks very much Anthony. Thanks for the compliment it’s really appreciated, all the very best 👍🏻
Fantastic video and photos,
And Paps is a legend!
Thanks very much, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Brilliant video, really enjoyed the fun you have with Pops, the photos are amazing as always
Thanks very much Maria, all the very best ☺️
Great laugh guys, Laurel and Hardy modern day...😂😂 Great shots, see you soon Pops.👊😊
Thanks very much Keith, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Brilliant video Dan and superb location. Looks like you and pops had a great day. Rob Arundell
Thanks very much Rob, all the very best 👍🏻
Super video as always Dan 🎉
Thanks very much Andy, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Absolutely brilliant 👏
Defo a place I'd like to visit..
Thanks very much Craig, all the very best 👍🏻
Great video and great explanation of the set up (from yourselves and what is available at the hide).
Thanks very much Jason, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Happy New Year Dan and Pops!
Well, that was an entertaining start to the year …. I thoroughly enjoyed it 🙂
That is certainly a 5* hide with all its facilities. I’m glad you guys didn’t completely ruin its reputation through an X-rated strip to the underwear 🤣The heated massage was quite enough 🤣🤣🤣
Beautiful Kingfishers and stunning photography from you both, especially those dive shots.
Dan …. Ask Pops to buy you a second camera body for your birthday 🙂
Richard
Funny you should mention that, my birthday is coming up in February 🤔🤔🤔
Thanks very much Richard, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
What a cracking video, not just for the Kingfisher but the entertainment value was top notch. Had a good laugh with you too. Keep up the great work. The best double act on TH-cam 😂😅😂
Thanks very much Kevan, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Wouaaaaa de superbes photos 👋👍👍. Merci pour cette vidéo et votre belle humeur.
Bonne année 2025
Amicalement
Michel
Merci beaucoup Michel.
Bonne chance à vous et aux vôtres pour 2025.
Another fantastic video Dan and Pops keep up the great work and a Happy New Year to the both of you
Thanks very much Michael, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Happy new year dan and pops.
You two are brilliant together, so many laughs.
Thank you for another great video. Stay safe.
Thanks very much Mike, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
I must say that you guys are the only ones ever to make me laugh out loud whilst watching a wild life video. I was in touch with Staffordshire hides in November and am looking to book a day with them as soon as our local ferry company can come up with a schedule. The images you and Pops got are fantastic and I cant wait to get there. By the way you know what you can get Pops next Christmas, a massaging chair. Thanks guys great video.
Andy
He would definitely love that, the only problem would be I'd never get him out of it 😂
Thanks very much Andy, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
So Im enjoying the video and thinking " why hasn't he mentioned WiFi?" Then you dropped the heated massage chairs - !!! Fantastic video, great location and as you say it must be the best hide in the UK.
I couldn't agree with you more!
Thanks very much Keith, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Very funny. This set up was high on the list before seeing this.
Thanks very much Dave, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Absolutely brilliant love the diving shots Dan you’ve soon have 2 cameras 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks very much Dave, I can only dream!. All the very best 👍🏻
Always said hides supplement the animals & birds food intake, great video mate, you'll have to take pops up to the Osprey Hide this year
I'm so looking forward to the Osprey hide mate I cannot wait!!
Really appreciate the comment and support Norman, all the very best 👍🏻
Fantastic video and foties from both of you. I've had a double dose of pops this weekend as I saw him on Phelps long eared owl video too. Great to see the two of you having lots of fun. 😀😀😀😀😀
Thanks very much Andrew, all the very best 👍🏻
Amazing photos and video! I really wish I had access to something like this near me.
Thanks very much Louisa, appreciated as always 😊
Cracking video guy's and stunning shots, I think this is the second video at the Staffordshire kingfisher hide and I have already pegged it on my Google maps, I just need to get in contact with Tim to book my visit.
I'll be taking both my 2 R6MKII with me lol and my video cameras and leaving my R7 behind. I just need to get a funny person to go with me, do you rent out your pops on a day rate Dan 🤔😂🤣
Seriously educational and entertaining you have another subscriber 👍
ATB Andy 😁
😂😂😂 I just might start renting him out!
Thanks very much Andy, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Saw Pop's moonlighting on Mike Phelps channel. Better up his pay or he might move on...... LOL Great video. Always enjoy seeing you gents having a good time. Maybe with the extra loot he gets moonlighting he will buy you a Z8. LOL
I saw that video and have drawn up a contract for future such ventures 😂
Thanks very much Todd, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
😍😍😍Happy new year for you , your family and also te biggest Pops
Happy New Year to you to 👍🏻
Wonderfully shot again Dan. Happy New Year to you and Pops from Antigua
Antigua, well that sounds amazing!
Thanks very much Mark, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Great video, nice to see you both looking well. Not a fan of hides(all too easy IMHO) having spent 1000's of hours waiting on and photographing Kingfishers in all weathers on my local river. Your images were great and loved the laughter in the video. Keep up the good work. They are amazing birds to photograph especially when they have young.
Each to their own I guess.
Thanks for your feedback Mark and your support of the channel, it's appreciated.
All the best 👍🏻
Brilliant video and shots again Dan Happy New year to you and pops
Thanks very much Kenny, all the very best 👍🏻
Great to see you guys having fun, great video as usual, loved the content, wishing you both a very happy birding for 2025.
Thanks very much, all the very best 👍🏻
Stunning photos from both of you! Loved this video - I'm still laughing. But thank you so much for not taking your clothes off.
🤣
🤣
Thanks very much Debbie, all the very best ☺️
Fantastic video Dan and pops and a great start to 2025 for the channel. The setup looks absolutely fantastic and the hide is amazing. 👍 Some stunning images and some great comedy thrown in! 😂 just love the diving shots.👍 look forward to the next one. Mike Phelps is just fantastic, started following him on insta and YT after your wildx postcard. Ever thought of a crowdfunding for that second body? 😂 cheers Ian
Crowd funding, now there's an idea 🤔🤔😂
Thanks very much Ian, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
@ no worries Dan just a thought! 😃
You guys crack me up 🤣🤣 great video again.
😂😂 Thanks very much Carl, all the very best 👍🏻
Happy New Year to both of you and your families. You have started the year very impressively and now I am curious what else you have planned for us. I hope 2025 is a productive year for both of you and that you will keep bringing us more wonderful experiences and images.
Thank you 🙏🏻
We’ve got a number of exciting adventures planned and of course, Pops and I are going to Kenya which should be amazing 🤩
So - buymeaNikon instead of coffee 😂 - share your ‘pain’ Dan - another brilliant and uplifting video from you both - love your chemistry - lost my Dad over 10 years ago and at time was too focused on work to do this sort of thing - so many regrets - TY for sharing your relationship insights - really look forward to your videos 😊
Thank very much mate, I can imagine how that must make you feel.
All the very best for 2025
Well, been quite a while since I watched your tubes. Brilliant is all I can say, got me hooked, on the phone and booked a day end of January. Only an hour away to boot. Figured on doing some water level shots. So, did you leave it on manual focus for those diving shots. Can't wait now and need to catch up on your videos for more inspiration. Cheers.
Thanks very much. Yes pre-focus on the area most likely to receive the dives using a stick and then turn it onto manual focus so as not to change focal point.
You will have an amazing time 👍🏻
Dan, I apologize for sounding like a broken record, but I just love your videos, especially seeing the interaction with you and Pops. Fantastic video, as always, the King Fisher has been one of my "white whales," I just haven't had good luck in trying to capture one. Thank you for sharing. Happy New Year.
Thanks very much Ron, all the very best and a very happy new year 👍🏻
Great start to the year lads!!! The hide looks fantastic. Unfortunately here in Ireland we do not have the quality or volume of hides to choose from.👋👋
Thanks very much Des, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
I'm certain as more people get into the hobby and the market grows in Ireland people will start to see the economical value of hides and the numbers and options should start to increase.
Hi Dan, Gotta ask. at 25:41 you have captured a dive with very sharp bird, but a tail trail at 1/3200 (?) - Was this one with flash or did you add the blur in post? Cheers Clive
Great observation, I added the blur in during my post editing as I liked the effect.
Cheers
Thanks - darn, thought I’d missed a trick! Lol 😂
Brilliant video. Been planning on visiting for a while now and for the dive shots alone it looks great. New subscriber 👍🏻 you guys are great apart from being nikon through and through 😂
Thanks very much mate, all the very best 👍🏻
Fantastic guys, looks an amazing place. I take it for the diving shots, you only use manual pre focus , I take it the camera can’t focus fast enough
Thanks very much Alun, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
Not sure about PG rated, I think it is bordering on X!! Great video.
😂😂😂😂 Thanks very much John, really appreciate it.
All the best 👍🏻
Hi Dan and Pops - Loving the videos - keep them going. The video was that good I thinking about travelling down from Scotland to the hide. What lens choice would be ideal for this hide set up. Could you get away with the 180-600mm z lens.
Thanks very much Alan, appreciated as always mate 👍🏻
As for lens choice I think the 180-600’s minimal focal distance. At its shortest focal length of 180 the minimum focal distance is 1.3m which should be okay.
When you get up to 600mm the minimum focal distance is 2.4m which I think if memory serves me correctly would take you beyond the perch distance from the hide.
I would check in with Tim about it as he will know the distance of the perch from the hide 👍🏻
Thanks for sharing this video and your experience. It was fun to laugh along and to dream about a future visit. What month of the year was your visit? Looked like late fall, but I wasn't sure how long the leaves hang on the trees in this part of the UK. I may be nearby in November and wondering if the hide would be productive then too.
Thanks very much Judd. The video was recorded in November so the colours of fall were still very vibrant. The hide was extremely productive at this time also, so should coincide with your visit perfectly 👍🏻
Great video, Thinking of going there later this year. Do you think I would get away with a 40 - 150 lens?
Thanks very much James, really appreciate it. I think that 150mm might leave you feeling a bit short for the perched shots but for the diving shots it would be great. Are you shooting full frame or crop sensor?
@ cropped, OM1 with 40 -150 pro. I do have the 100-400 but I just like the 150 better.
@ OM is micro four thirds giving you a crop factor of 2x so your 40-150 plus crop factor would be perfect 👌🏻
Looks a great hide that Dan.
Could I enquire what video head you’ve got attached to the ground pod?
TIA, Tim
Thank Tim,
I use the Manfrotto MVH502AH Fluid Head, this is a mid-range video head as you can pay considerably more for video heads. The main advantage of the more expensive heads is weight, this head is heavy but perfect for the job I need it to do. I use a gimbal head from Gitzo when doing photography only but it doesn't give me the smooth panning required for video. I also use a ballhead for when I am not doing wildlife photography.
Hope that helps
Dan
@ Thanks Dan, like the idea of ground pod n was thinking of adding a fluid head to my kit for that very reason.
May bump into you soon if you’re over this way.
Tim
Great video/stunning images again Gents and a Happy New Year to you both . .Great to see Pops looking so well and given we all know it's really Pops's channel I've a question for him....Is he missing the 800mm Z lens at all. (after trading for the 400mm TC )? I 've got the 800mm and love it for my birds in flight shots (especially Owls in flight etc, smaller birds where you just can rarely get close enough and appreciate it's never meant to be a hide lens and you guys are doing a bit of hide stuff), but I'm missing the wide aperture. I'm just wondering if the weight /size increase has been an issue at all if carrying decent distances or any other regrets/thoughts ? Are you finding the reduced noise is allowing a bit more cropping etc to compensate? Bear in mind, a bit like Dan with the second body, I'm trying to justify spending the same as a small car on more kit !! (I've already told the kids I'm spending the inheritance so... !! ) Apologies as realised I've turned a short question into a long one !! Good luck in everything you both do in 2025, you keep making me think about resurrecting my YT channel !! :-) ...ps thought for a new video.."retro confectionary" for photographers (Marathon, Texan bar, Fruit Salads 🙂)
Thanks very much Nigel, you should definitely resurrect your channel. It would be great to see what you get up to.
I will see if Pops can respond to your questions.
All the very best mate 👍🏻
I am so glad I popped into your video, I am just planing to build a similar hide for the kingfishers and was looking into this hide on instagram. Could you please tell me what is the purpose of that little bowl in the water (in front of the GoPro below the perch)? Is it for the fish, so that they would stay in one place? I love your channel and subscribed instantly. Keep up the good work
Thanks very much I appreciate it.
The bowl is a basket which is submerged in the water. It holds the fish more centrally for the diving shots. It can be taken away if you are not interested in the diving shots 👍🏻
Fabulous video Dan, always enjoy your banter with Pops, there’s always someone who will put down hides, but there are no guarantees that you’ll get the shot, that’s where the patience and perseverance comes into play, although the fire and heated massage chairs are a definite bonus, Happy New Year to you both..
Thanks very much Derek, all the very best and a very happy new year 👍🏻
wish i can join there mate.
Thank you 🙏🏻
A very comfy place but i wondered whether there is a toilet.
There isn’t a toilet unfortunately. All the best 👍🏻
😂😂
Cheers mate 👍🏻
joking apart Dan if u did need a second body u could borrow a proper camera my R5 im not joking
That's really kind of you Mike, thank you 🙏🏻