Jump to content

Canoe or kayak for wildlife?


nathangardner

Recommended Posts

I am toying with the idea of getting a canoe or kayak for photographing wildlife. Does anyone use one for photography? And what

kind/specs? Are there boats that can be manned by either one or two people? I want something I can use solo, but my fiancé or friend

may want to tag along sometimes. I would like something that is suitable for both ponds and streams. Any ideas? Also, does a sit on top

kayak design work better for photography?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Always an interesting topic that many seem to have a strong opinion on (look <a href="00ZPio">here</a> for some good ideas). Small watercraft can be a great way to sneak up on hard to reach subjects.</p>

<p>I personally love using a sea kayak for my photography outings on the water however by your wants/needs (namely taking people along) a canoe may be more suitable and cost effective. I have two kayaks just in order to take folks along but this can become expensive; at least more expensive than a single canoe in my area. It is also trickier wielding your gear until you get more comfortable with the craft.</p>

<p>I personally like a sit-in kayak v.s. sit on for my outings just due to gear storage and stability. I would recommend renting a few different craft (or borrowing?) to do some trials prior to committing to buy; you would have a much better idea of which suits your needs.</p>

<p>Good luck.<br>

James</p><div>00ajCJ-490649684.jpg.f7c97eda85ded7b4adda7d3726aa5f56.jpg</div>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<blockquote>

<p> "I would recommend renting a few different craft (or borrowing?) to do some trials prior to committing to buy; you would have a much better idea of which suits your needs."</p>

</blockquote>

<p>+1</p>

<p>Nathan,<br>

I've had some experience many years ago with a camera in a canoe, but I was the third person onboard and when I was actually shooting, the other two were doing the down stream whitewater handling of the canoe! So, it was great!</p>

<p>However, when by myself, or with another person on small lakes, ponds and non-whitewater streams & rivers, I like a 12 foot aluminum Jon Boat. A 10 foot is o.k., but can get a little small for two people and gear, but would do fine too.</p>

<p>The flat bottom on the Jon boat provides a pretty stable platform on the water and will allow you to move around a bit without tipping the boat over and drenching your gear. It's pretty light weight for what you get, and although I'm in my upper 50's I can handle it by myself when necessary. Of course, that's using a Pickup Truck with an 8 foot bed and tying it in the back, . . . no trailer needed!</p>

<p>It's not too bad to get into the water, and when necessary I can drag it across weeds and a few rocks when I have to with 60-70 lbs. of photo gear in the boat.</p>

<p>I first started just using a set of Oars, then graduated to a fishing electric (Minnkota) Trolling motor.</p>

<p>My biggest complaint about the aluminum Jon boat is that it's noisy when moving around unless you're careful. For some reason, wildlife don't like the ringing noise aluminum produces!</p>

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>It's a tough call. I've used both...I generally find a canoe better for my shooting, but that's probably because I grew up using canoes. Kayaks may be more manoeuverable in some circumstances however - I'm just not as competent with one. I recall that the wildlife photographer, Doug Herr, who occasionally frequents this site, uses a kayak and I think I recall a float tube with waders.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>I recently bought my first kayak. While photography wasn't my main consideration for getting one, it definitely played a factor in my decision making process. After doing quite a bit of research on-line, I finally settled on <a href="http://www.perceptionsport.com/kayaks/PRS_Conduit"><strong>this one.</strong></a> I decided that I wanted a longer kayak for stability and efficiency. I also wanted 2 dry compartments for longer trips (overnight), which pretty much ruled out all of the sit-on-top kayaks.</p>

<p>For solo trips, in my opinion, a kayak wins hands-down. They are generally smaller and more maneuverable in the water, and are generally lighter than canoes, which makes them easier to maneuver on top of a vehicle by yourself. I also like that it has the dry compartments in case I decide to bring my expensive camera gear along. Thus far, I've only brought my old D50 and a couple of cheap zooms with me that I keep in a dry bag between my knees when not in use.</p>

<p>For trips with more than one person, well that's a tougher call. There are tandem kayaks, but they are pretty big, about the same size as a canoe. I personally wouldn't want to try hauling either around by myself on days when I wanted to hit the water but couldn't find anyone else to go. Canoes are roomier than kayaks and can carry more stuff. For more than one person, I think I'd go with a canoe over a tandem kayak (although my <em>first</em> choice would be multiple kayaks). In my research, I did come across someone that makes a kayak that you put together in sections, so it can be either a tandem or single. I think it was sit-on-top only though, and I"m not sure how durable such a thing would be. You'll have to Google it, I don't remember who makes it.</p>

<p>Anyway, what works for me might not work for you. Like others have said, renting both first would be a good idea. If you decide to go the kayak route, I would strongly recommend that you study up on the safety aspects of kayaking and practice doing things like getting into and out of the boat while in the water, and other stuff like that, in a place where others are around before striking out on your own. A swimming pool or a shallow pond would be a good place to do this.</p><div>00ajLV-490817584.jpg.85cdc456ecec4d4a83ce2794233f0486.jpg</div>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>I have a little duck boat, which is basically a widened kayak 10 ft. long and 34 inches across. It's VERY stable. Being camo colored it's great for wildlife photography. I've also made a camo blind for it. I use it for duck hunting more than photography. Kayaks are more manueverable and easier to handle. They are faster and have much less wind resistance on the lakes. I'll take a kayak every time unless I need to haul a lot of stuff. I have two kayaks so I can take a friend along. I'm just not a canoe guy--they seem less efficient and have a higher profile.<br>

Kent in SD</p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Here is the kayak my friends use for nature photography. Some even use a tripod in the kayak to hold a lomg tele, like a 300mm f 2.8 or a 500mm f4.0.<br>

<a href="http://nativewatercraft.com/boat.cfm?id=5">http://nativewatercraft.com/boat.cfm?id=5</a><br>

Look at the links within the link.<br>

I am not sure if a 12 ft can hold two people. I think the 13 ft model could. I do know that the Native Watercraft brand gets good reviews from photographers who want a sit in kayak.<br>

Joe Smith</p>

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>I like a canoe for photography since I can setup the tripod in it. It works remarkably well for longer lenses without VR. I can't get the same stability in the kayak. Plus in the canoe I can keep the camera and lens in a waterproof pelican case. I find the kayaks too impractical for wildlife photography, but I really enjoy paddling them just for fun.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Ok, here's one more question. I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be taking an 800mm on the water (especially since it's not mine), even in a more stable canoe, but my 400mm f/5.6 would be no problem. For those that have used a kayak or boat to approach wildlife; Would a 400mm from a kayak be more effective than an 800mm from land?</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Renting a bunch of different boats is a

great idea. Probably your best bet too,

but I will throw in my own 2 cents as

well.

If you think you will be bringing friends

a canoe is your best bet. I have a

shorter boat that I've outfitted for solo

or tandem, its a whitewater boat so it's

not that stable, but if you sit

properly(kneel) its fine once you adjust.

However, solo canoeing is a bit

challenging to pickup, especially in

rough water. The learning curve on a

kayak is a lot shallower for sure, but it's

harder to bring friends.

 

Also in a canoe, you could glue in

some attachment points and have a

pelican case secured right at your

knees for easy access. You could

potentially attach dvrings to the case

itself even. Just make sure you keep

the seal clean on the case.

 

Canoes are cooler then kayaks

anyhow. Get some floatations, learn

about ferries and eddy turns and you

can get to a lot of places.

 

 

I've crept up to water birds and

photographed them with a 300mm lens

in a canoe. One other point re canoes

if you're paddling tandem you can

switch off photographing and position

holding duties.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>For photography, kayaks are much easier. They're easier to hide with camo blind material, so you can get away with a shorter lens. They are much shorter and fit into tighter spots. They are much lower profile, again making them easier to hide and also have less wind resistance which makes them easier to control and paddle. They have a lower center of gravity. You can paddle them faster and with less effort. THey are easier to transport on a vehicle. They are generally lighter to pick up and load into a vehicle if you are by yourself. Canoes work well for family outings and times when you need to transport a lot of stuff or people. I don't think they're as practical when you are running them solo though.</p>

<p>One other thing I'll add is about using a tripod. When floating, a boat tends to drift around a bit. This makes it difficult to use a tripod as you have to constantly move it. There are often also small waves slightly rocking the boat, again defeating the purpose of a tripod. When I do use a tripod in my kayak, I either jam the kayak into the cattails along shore or run it aground to stop the movement. For free floating kayak, that's why I bought the Nikon 80-400mm VR, so I could easily shoot handheld. I use my body to compensate for any rocking of the boat, and can easily keep the lens on target as the boat slowly drifts around in the current or breeze.<br>

Kent in SD</p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Try a pack canoe. This is a small (12ft. or less), very light (<20lbs) canoe that is paddled from the bottom of the canoe using a double-bladed paddle, although a single-blade can also be used. Generally these are solo boats, although some manufacturers make versions for two paddlers. Very stable once you are seated, much lighter and easier to portage and cartop than most kayaks, open top is easy to load and retrieve gear. Not fast due to their short length, but quick and easy-paddling, quite maneuverable, remarkably seaworthy (bobs over the tops of waves rather than cutting through them). Originally designed for use in the Adirondacks in the late 1800s, they were resurrected by some small boat builders (Hornbeck Boatworks -- extremely popular in the ADKs, Hemlock Canoe, Placid Boatworks, Vermont Canoe) Recently, some of the larger canoe manufacturers have added them to their line-up (Swift Canoe, Wenonah Canoe, Mad River Canoe, Old Town). In my opinion, most people who get recreational kayaks would be better served by a pack canoe.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

<p>I own 4 diffrent types Kayaks a Touring 17 footer which I took on a 21 day backcountry tour in Alaska, a inflatable which I use in rivers a 14 foot fiberglass Easyrider for day tripping and my photo kayak a Hobie Mirage Revolution 13. The reason I bought the Hobie is because I can drive the boat and shoot at the same time it is a sit on top but I find it more useful as a shooting platform than a sit inside kayak. It is more stable than my touring kayak when just floating still and there is plenty of room in it's two hatches and my Pelican case sits right on deck for easy access. There is plenty of room to setup a tripod on deck and great to ride side saddle or when using my underwater housing to dive in and out of this kayak.<br>

Down side it is a sit on top so there is no protection from the weather and waves will get you wet. the other thing is when using the foot drive there is no reverse. I have been Kayaking for years and when the sit on tops came out I though they were a joke. but now I find my Hobie is my goto kayak for photography and fishing. <br>

They do have tandoms but afer owning a tandom Kayak it is no fun to paddle a tandom solo. so ended up buying a 2nd for my wife.<br>

<a href="http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaks/mirage/revolution-13/">http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaks/mirage/revolution-13/</a><br>

<img src="http://riwong.smugmug.com/Travel-Journal/Kayaking-Point-Adolphus/DSC7666/32489446_fy6nd-M.jpg" alt="" /><br>

All this gear fit into my touring Kayak on a 21 day tour in Alaska.<br>

<img src="http://riwong.smugmug.com/Travel-Journal/Kayaking-Point-Adolphus/DSC7661/32489361_M8dKa-M.jpg" alt="" /><br>

Kayak loaded with all my gear.</p>

<p> </p>

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
<p>I've used a 15 ft canoe for years and I'm really happy with that choice. So many times I've come across a unique photographic opportunity and with my camera (1DsmkIII) and 400mm zoom sitting on the bottom of the boat I'm ready for action. My canoe is a 15 foot "Bob Special" weighing 45 lbs. Very manoeverable and stable.</p><div>00aoDh-496233584.jpg.c0a6c0a2702844e5ab47d9f9bd76762c.jpg</div>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 5 weeks later...
<p>Both canoes and kayaks have huge advantages in their own fields. It depends what kind of trips you are planning in what kind of environments. Fast moving rivers? Still lakes? multiday? daytrip? Alone? with family? 50lbs of gear? 200lbs of gear? etc. Canoes are the most versatile as far as number of people and amount of gear but I am a fan of Kayaks myself (you can always pick up a second cheapy kayak for tag alongs, I actually prefer(and have myself) 2 solo kayaks to 1 tandem because you can pack more stuff into 2 solo's then you can in 1 tandem). I don't know what kind of $$ you are working with but IF you have the money to spend look into a HOBE kayak. Hobe's have something called a Hobe Drive, it is a foot paddle system under the bottom of the boat. You need a bit deeper water then a traditional kayak BUT you gain the ability to be completely hands free as you move around or even maintain location while in any sort of current without having to constantly pickup and put down your paddle. Also the hobe drive fins are always underwater, so no water slapping, meaning you can paddle along COMPLETELY silently which I'm sure I don't have to tell you is a huge advantage when trying to sneak up on skittish wildlife.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Hi Nathan --- I use a 12 ft. Necky sit-in kayak. I think a sit-on-top would be too unstable! To answer your question about focal length, 400 should be enough and sometimes may be too much. When you are in a boat (kayak or canoe), it is easier to get close to a bird because they do not see the shape of a human while you are sitting in the cockpit. I have actually beached my kayak within 5' of a bird on an island in the bay. In this case, I was too close shooting at 420mm and wished I had a zoom lens. Kayak photography is an art! While you will be able to get closer, you also have to contend with wind, moving water and in some cases quickly moving subjects. So, technique will be very important. I have had success beaching my kayak in an area where I know there are birds and patiently waiting for them to come to me. If you stand up, the birds will be history so position yourself in the right direction and wait. Use the side of the cockpit to stabilize your lens. And don’t forget, you are on the water so be careful to protect your equipment especially if it is salt water. BTW, nice bird portfolio, Nathan, which already looks like you are shooting from the water! Tony -- nice loon shot!</p><div>00auYO-499227584.jpg.010aa96a71f9807abf824a3180ae6f74.jpg</div>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

<p> Hi I have some other points to make if they weren't made already. I use a sit on top Native kayak for fishing duck hunting and photography. It's very stable and easy to handle.<br>

Anyone that has fallen out of a kayak will tell you that a Sit inside is more difficult than a SOT. You may need a paddle float and a few practice events to get the hang of it. <br /> <br>

I have had both and I only use the SOT. Plus it's a fishing model so it has much more storage and little compartments.</p>

<p>Good luck!<br>

Tom</p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...
<p>Buy the boat for where you're going, not what you're shooting. If you're in lake country and have a lot of portages to tackle, take a canoe. If you don't have portages, take whatever you prefer to paddle. For access to gear, I think a canoe is more convenient, but as you can see from the other postings many people have found ways to make kayaks work well.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

<p>Wow--tough question. Here's why: for most kayaks, you really need to choice if it's a K-1 (one person) or K-2 (2 person) and it's a fundamentally different boat depending on that difference.<br>

If your SO is very likely to tag along and you don't want to be in separate boats....get the canoe. Even a smallish canoe can handle 2 people without too much gear.<br>

Now, if your SO isn't likely to tag along often, I'd get a kayak. Much easier to get in and out of, flatter bottom (if you don't get a touring kayak) so you can get into wetlands and marshes easier, much easier for one person to handle, if you get a sit-on-top then that's ideal of easily getting in and out of while in the water without tipping everything. In fact, you can get an inflatable kayak (no, I don't mean one of those cheapy Sevylor's) that you can hike into backcountry or schlep on a plane but handle class-III white water with.<br>

For solo work, I'd choose a kayak hands down. Much more stable, easier to get in and out of while in the water, less tippy, easier to carry by yourself. But if you're talking the option of 2 people, unless your SO is VERY small and you're willing to buy a floating brick (like a Keewee), the cockpit or length will be too small to handle 2 people comfortably.</p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...