I'm quite close to getting a 150-500. Which got me thinking on camouflaging it a bit. I've had quite a few experiences where merely the slow movement of the D300+70-300 to my eye was enough to spook my model.
Now, there's the lens coats of course but I was wondering to ask my wife to construct some sort of ghillie suit-like construction to cover the lens and body.
Has anyone ever tried something like this? Good idea? Bad idea?
Seriously though, that sounds like a brilliant idea. The only issue I can think of might be to make sure nothing can flop over in the field of view of the lens.
Well, my wife cut a leg from some old olive drab pants I had lying around. Initial test is promising. If it works we'll add some color and perhaps some tufts of fabric. I'll keep you posted.
I did coats for 300 and 500 primes from neoprene. I wanted neoprene for the padding. Measured the circumfences of the lens sections, substraced ~1/4 inch to get some stretch in the final tube for better grip on the lens. The stretch in the neoprene made it also possible to work with rectangular patterns for moderate conical lens sections, just take the measures from the smallest circumfence.
The tricky part was to find 3mm or 2mm neoprene with suitable patterns. Much easier if you are located in the US, as shipping is often a deal breaker for us North of the border.
Anyway, for neoprene and neoprene glue I paid less than $30 with material left over for additional 1-2 larger lenses. The glue works great and forms a stable bond, no sewing required (not trivial with the common household sewing machines).
In Feb 2008, I posted in this forum info on how to make your own flexible neoprene/fabric lens hood for the 500mm, as well as covers for the lens body, tripod legs and Wimberley head. I like the flexible hood because it fits my photo backpack (Lowepro Vertex 300) easily, while providing good padding. You'll find it, with photos of the rig, by going to the following thread. 3mm neoprene in a variety of colors, including camo, and adhesive, can be ordered through Seattlefabrics.com: