I am looking for Old Town Kayak suggestions from which to photograph. I am 6'5" weigh 210, and have a knee I need to keep slightly flexed. I know Dirigo, Camden, and Vapor models offer an angler version that could work. I am just looking for experienced advice. THANKS.

Like I told you the other day - Vapor 12XT dummy!

Otaaay!!! I'll try that one but I'm looking into the Camden too. Is that the angler vapor?

I have and use two Necky's seat-in kayaks. One is a 14-1/2 feet for creeks and such and I also have a 18 feet that I use for more open water locations.

I load them both with two bodies, my 800mm, 500mm, 400mm, 70-200, flash and of course tripod but that will depend on the location.

Good luck!

Hi Cecil,

I bought a Hobie Pro Angler. The big advantage is the mirage drive which allows me to propel the kayak without using a paddle, thus my hands are free.

The biggest issue I am facing is that there is no convenient place to keep my camera. Storage is located far forward and behind the seat, making it difficult to get to gear. Otherwise, the Hobie works really well.

Best regards,

Bill

I keep my lens between my legs when I shoot from the kayak but mostly, I get to a location, hump off and set up the tripod and gear.

I don't know where you are but here in Florida the Sit-in kayaks can be very hot compared to the Sit-on-Top kayaks. They do have somewhat of an advantage with having more room to store your camera gear when under way though. If you do get a Sit-in be aware that you will need some sort of bailing device/pump as the water is trapped in side.

The only time the inside gets wet is during re-entry. I then use a sponge to bone dry the inside. Quick process and very effective.

Yup...

Bought the Vapor 12xt angler. Thanks all.

Check out the Folbot Yukon or Edisto. They have the added advantage of being able to fold them into 2 duffle bags and fly with them. There is also an outrigger kit if you need stand up stability. I love my Yukon. It is very stable and has lots of capacity.

I'm not in Florida but it gets pretty darn hot in the summer in the Carolinas as well. I've never found it to be too hot in my sit-in yak. In cooler weather the sit-in design provides better protection from hypothermic causing elements such as wind and water.



Not only more room but better protection from the elements. Dry-bag = good protection. Dry-bag stowed under the deck/under a cockpit skirt = better protecion.




This should really be a non-problem 99.9%. You'll get a little bit of water in the boat when boarding, a few drips and splashes here and there, but nothing significant unless a wave breaches boat or if you capsize. Both of those "significant" situations should be very, very rare. The greatest risk of capsize occurs when entering and exiting the boat. All that said there are plenty of little hand-pumps sold for kayaks. Combine a pump with a sponge and you're good to go.

FWIW I'd estimate that at least 50% of my wildlife photography takes place from the cockpit of a kayak. It's not unusual for me to be out 2 to 3 times a week. I paddle 12 months a year on sounds, in estuaries, on black-water creeks/rivers and in swamps.

I see you already made your choice and purchased a kayak. Let us know how you like it. Although it's too late to have an effect on your purchase decision of the kayaks listed I would've suggested either the Dirigo or Camden. Sit-ins provide so much more versatility.

Native Ultimate 12. Picked one up a few weeks ago, tried it yesterday. Very stable, can mount a big lens on your tripod and set it up right in front of you as you sit. Native Kayaks website has videos of it being used for photography, or you can watch Wild Photo Adventures as Doug Gardner uses this kayak in the Everglades.

Dave Redman

There are several photographers that use Native Watercraft for kayak photography. They are basically a hybrid boat... a cross between a kayak and a canoe. In rough, open water I'd prefer the additional protection afforded by a covered kayak but I'm sure they're great in protected water.

FWIW, last season was actually the 3 season of Wild Photo Adventures. It just happened to be the first year it was broadcast nationally. In past seasons Doug has used a variety of kayaks in the series. I suspect it's more a matter of what the "guest host" or local outfitter has avaiable than his personal preference.

I've never tried the tripod thing myself. In my mind it doesn't seem like a good idea. The following is a paragraph from my ebook An Introduction to Kayak Photography. Keep in mind it is just an opinion:

I agree, I would never use a tripod in a kayak. There is just way too many things that can go wrong, if it happens when on land the rig hits the ground but on water you are much more restricted in your movements and if things go wrong it's in the water.