First Thoughts on the Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum
The Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum promises to be a versatile and convenient tool for positioning trail cameras in the field. Covert Scouting Cameras, a brand I’ve come to respect for their generally reliable scouting equipment, aims to provide an easily adjustable and portable mounting solution with this product. It boasts a 360-degree rotational ball mount, extendable aluminum shaft, and ground stake compatibility, all at a price point that’s definitely appealing.
For years, I’ve wrestled with makeshift mounting solutions for my trail cameras. Leaning cameras against trees, rigging bungee cords, and even lugging around heavy tripods – all in the pursuit of the perfect angle. The frustration of a perfectly framed shot ruined by a shifting camera or a flimsy mount is all too familiar. I hoped this field mount would finally provide a reliable and easy-to-use alternative to these haphazard methods.
Upon unboxing, the aluminum construction immediately struck me as reasonably sturdy, though not exceptionally robust. The mount is lightweight and collapses easily, which is a definite plus for portability. The ball joint seems to allow for a good range of motion. It felt like a practical piece of kit; however, it also felt a little less robust than some heavier duty options I’ve used in the past.
Compared to some generic camera tripods or DIY solutions using metal pipes, the Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum wins hands down for its specific design for trail cameras and ease of adjustment. Cheaper tripods are often too bulky, lack the right type of mounting hardware, and are generally overkill for the task. This product appeared tailored precisely to the needs of a trail camera user.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited by the potential for easier camera placement and a more stable mounting solution, but also slightly concerned about the overall durability of the aluminum construction, especially when faced with challenging weather conditions or rugged terrain. At this price, I was hoping to get functionality over rugged durability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum on a scouting trip for whitetail deer on a property I manage in central Texas. The terrain is a mix of open fields, dense brush, and creek beds. I wanted to strategically place a few cameras in high-traffic areas, and this mount seemed perfect for the job.
The weather was typical for that time of year – dry, dusty, and windy. I tested the mount with two different Covert Scouting Cameras models, as well as one Bushnell camera. Setting up the mount was simple enough. Extending the shaft to my desired height and securing the camera with the ball mount was straightforward. The ground stakes, however, struggled to hold firm in the dry, packed soil.
The biggest issue I encountered was the wind. Even with the stakes driven in as far as possible, the camera wobbled noticeably in moderate gusts. This resulted in blurry footage and an unstable camera. The rotational ball mount was easy to adjust but didn’t lock down quite as tightly as I’d hoped, leading to some minor slippage over time.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum has shown some signs of wear, but nothing catastrophic. The aluminum shaft has developed some minor scratches, and the plastic ball joint has become slightly looser, requiring more frequent tightening. The stakes also started bending after multiple uses in rocky soil.
Despite these minor issues, the mount has largely held up. It has survived a couple of rainstorms with no signs of rust or corrosion. Cleaning is simple – just wiping down the aluminum shaft and ball joint with a damp cloth.
Compared to my previous method of strapping cameras to trees, the Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum offers significantly more flexibility in terms of camera placement and angle. It does not, however, offer the same level of stability as a heavy-duty tripod or a firmly secured tree mount. For longer term reliability, it seems that the ball joint will be the first point of failure, followed by the aluminum shaft itself.
Breaking Down the Features of Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Covert Scouting Cameras
- Product Name: Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum
- Material: Aluminum shaft, plastic ball joint, steel ground stakes.
- Extension Range: 23″ collapsed to 48″ extended. This provides versatility for different terrain.
- Mount Type: Rotational ball mount offering 360-degree rotation and adjustability. This feature is crucial for precise camera positioning.
- Base: Removable 6″ foot plate and removable 6″ ground stakes. The foot plate offers stability on flat surfaces.
- Weight: (Not Specified, but estimated to be around 1-2 lbs). Its lightweight nature makes it easy to carry in the field.
These specifications are important because they determine the mount’s portability, adjustability, and overall stability. The aluminum construction balances weight and durability, while the ball mount enables precise camera aiming. The extension range allows for use in various terrains, while the ground stakes are intended to secure the mount in soft ground.
Performance & Functionality
The Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum generally performs its job adequately. It allows for easy and relatively stable camera placement in the field.
Its strengths lie in its portability and adjustability. It allows for quick camera positioning. Its weaknesses are its limited stability in windy conditions and the somewhat flimsy ground stakes.
The product meets expectations for its price point, but doesn’t exceed them. It is a functional tool for basic trail camera mounting but lacks the robustness and stability of more expensive options.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price. The aluminum shaft feels reasonably sturdy, but the plastic ball joint is the weakest point.
The mount is user-friendly and requires no special skills to set up. Adjusting the camera angle is simple and intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum should last for a few seasons of use. The aluminum construction is resistant to rust and corrosion, but the plastic ball joint is susceptible to wear and tear.
Maintenance is minimal – just wiping down the mount with a damp cloth after each use. Replacing the ground stakes with more robust options could extend the product’s lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum comes with the removable foot plate and ground stakes. There are no officially supported accessories for the T60.
While there are no specific customization options, the standard camera mount thread allows compatibility with various trail cameras and potentially aftermarket ball heads for improved stability. Stronger, aftermarket ground stakes designed for tent camping can be used to improve overall stability.
Pros and Cons of Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum
Pros
- Lightweight and portable design makes it easy to carry in the field.
- Extendable shaft allows for flexible camera placement in various terrains.
- 360-degree rotational ball mount provides precise camera angle adjustment.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Simple and intuitive setup requires no special tools or skills.
Cons
- Ground stakes are not very effective in hard or rocky soil.
- Plastic ball joint is not as durable as metal alternatives.
- Limited stability in windy conditions can lead to blurry footage.
Who Should Buy Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum?
The Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum is perfect for hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and property owners who need a portable and adjustable mounting solution for their trail cameras. It’s best suited for use in areas with relatively soft ground and minimal wind.
Those who should skip this product include users who require a highly stable and durable mount for use in harsh weather conditions or rugged terrain. Additionally, those willing to spend more for a more robust option may want to consider alternatives.
Must-have accessories or modifications include heavier-duty ground stakes for improved stability and potentially an upgraded ball head for more secure camera positioning.
Conclusion on Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum
The Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum is a decent entry-level option for trail camera users seeking a more flexible mounting solution than simply strapping cameras to trees. It offers good portability and adjustability at an affordable price.
While it has limitations in terms of stability and durability, it’s a worthwhile investment for those on a budget who need a simple and convenient way to position their cameras in the field.
The price is justified for the functionality it provides. I would recommend it to beginner trail camera users or those who primarily operate in calm weather conditions.
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and portable trail camera mount, give the Covert Scouting Cameras T60 Field Mount Covert Wireless Cameras 23″-48″ Aluminum a try. It might just be the upgrade you need to finally get that perfect shot!