anyone use a kayak for photography

[matthewo]

well having a lot of rivers and lakes around here, sometimes also an easier way to get closer to wildlife is the water. anyways. i have a car, and the seats dont fold down so i have no room for a kayak transport. the only option at this point would be an inflatable one

i found this cheap one Intex K1 Inflatable Kayak

it actually has pretty good reviews. stability shouldnt be a problem, i have seen them used in the ocean over waves, and in rough rivers. anyways, i would be doing none of that, i plan to use it in very calm conditions, and speed and agility, and even good turning isnt really too important as, i will mostly just be taking it easy. big thing is could i get a tripod setup in it decently enough. i plan to use a 300mm 2.8 telephoto lens, on a large ball head tripod. i also plan to get a small dry box that will hold the camera and lens, if for some reason something goes wrong.

 

[flow]

I have used an inflatable kayak. Not that one, but unless it has some MAJOR stabilization/stiffening from bow to stern, I wouldn't recommend one. I weigh considerably less than the max "suggested weight" on ours, and even so - with me in it, it had a significant lowered point in the center. Not quite "folded up" around me, but if you saw it from the side, you could tell where I was sitting by looking at the shape of the bottom - I'd be right on top of that bend. Really impairs the hydrodynamics. It was paddle-able (in calm conditions), but very difficult to steer since it wasn't a straight hull anymore. The lack of rigidity made it very difficult in anything above a very minimal chop, and since it weighs next to nothing, even significant wind caused trouble. It's in the garage, we haven't used it in a few years.
For a photo base (I can still shoot from the kayak, they're great for scooching waaaayyy up into the mangroves, just using a hard one), I would look into one of the small sport models. They get down to around 6 feet - surely you could put that on the roof rack? You'll be cramped in it, but at least you'll get back to the dock.
When we go out as a family - we put a three-seater on top of the car. It overhangs the roof in front and back, but we lash it down good with ratcheting straps, tie bow & stern loops down, and it works great.

 

[pixmedic30 2]

I tried using a Kayak for photography once...couldn't get it to mount on the tripod. and i couldn't figure out what lenses to use on it.
in the end, i just went back to my Nikon for photography.

 

[jlo24141]

ive got an inflatable kayak i haul around with me in the caddy. they are worth it, and not much of an issue once you figure out where your center of gravity is. it's not too hard to keep them moving forward, but when you paddle the front likes to move to the opposite side. just keep switching sides until you find your groove.

i also use a small drybox and all that- but im not sure about the tripod. you would have to take something flat to put the tripod on, and remember that you will always be moving- even if it's just a tiny bit.

good luck- and get it! they are fun!

 

[jlo24141]

oh what the heck! my kayak was like $150 used! but mine is a two person one... and this one looks a lot nicer. sure wish i had seen this before. drop that 70 bucks!

 

[matthewo]

lol good one...i hear you can get a converter to mount your nikon F mount lens on the kayak...

I tried using a Kayak for photography once...couldn't get it to mount on the tripod. and i couldn't figure out what lenses to use on it.
in the end, i just went back to my Nikon for photography.

 

[matthewo]

yeah i mean for $70 including a crappy paddle, why not try it, even if i cannot get it to work for photography it will still be fun.

 

[invisible]

i hear you can get a converter to mount your nikon F mount lens on the kayak...

But will it meter properly?

 

[Snakeguy101]

That style of rubber ducky has no tracking in the water and everything WILL get wet. It will also exhaust you because you have to steer with your torso. Try a frame kayak. You will be much happier:

Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Inflatable Kayak

 

[MK3Brent]

Do it all the time.

I have a tandem, which is a little more stable.

You don't have to transport your boat inside the car, for years we put our wood kayak on the roof of a 71' VW beetle.

These days it's a Olde Town kayak

 

[flow]

That style of rubber ducky has no tracking in the water and everything WILL get wet. It will also exhaust you because you have to steer with your torso. Try a frame kayak. You will be much happier:

Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Inflatable Kayak

That kind's been on my wishlist for a while, to replace the 'bubble boat'. Really glad we only paid around $60 for it, we're hoping it will salvage itself as a pool toy for the kids.

 

[cgipson1]

I used to have a 14' fiberglass kayak when I lived in Florida... and did some photography out of it. You need something stable, with the seat very low in the kayak. The lower your center of gravity, the more stable it will be. I wouldn't recommend most inflatables unless they have a solid frame, or at least a solid floor. If you throw a camo net over you and learn to paddle very quietly, you can sneak up on a lot of wildlife. I miss doing that....

 

[CouncilmanDoug]

a hard sit-in kayak would be much better

 

[matthewo]

yeah, i would love to have a hard one, but its not possible at this time

 

[cgipson1]

yeah, i would love to have a hard one, but its not possible at this time

One company, I think it may have been Olde Town, used to make an inexpensive 12' fiberglass kayak that was under $300.00 but I don't know if they still do or not.