Pros: Fantastically bright, versatile and compact every-day-carry torch/flashlight that's built to last. Eco mode of 3 lumen great for low-level task lighting and can provide an insane 430 hours (almost 18 days) of continuous light on a single battery. Battery charge level indicator is a handy addition. Rechargeable 18650 batteries work well. Also accepts CR123a Lithium … [Read more...] about Fenix PD35 v2.0 LED Torch/Flashlight Review
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Hawke Frontier EDX 8×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Superb image quality and premium build quality deliver excellent all-around performance. Contemporary design looks great, is ergonomic, lightweight and a delight to carry and use for extended periods in the field. Top notch accessories complete the package.Cons: Minor observations rather than real "cons" -- lack of thumb indents feels a little strange if you're used … [Read more...] about Hawke Frontier EDX 8×42 Binocular Review
Hawke Endurance ED 20-60×85 Spotting Scope Review
Pros: Crisp, high-resolution image, impressively bright and sharp across the field of view. Fast, accurate focussing thanks to dual focusing knobs. Tough magnesium-alloy body. Included stay on case functional and effective. Excellent optical quality at a very compelling price point.Cons: Not many, at the price -- as with most zoom eyepieces you get a slight "tunnel vision" … [Read more...] about Hawke Endurance ED 20-60×85 Spotting Scope Review
Vanguard Alta+ 264AO Tripod Kit
Pros: Compact, lightweight yet sturdy tripod that folds small for transport but extends to a decent height for comfortable use. Capable of supporting a full-size spotting scope or DSLR camera equipment securely. Two-way pan-head is smooth and easy to adjust with just one hand. Designed with birders in mind for spotting scope use. Flip lock-legs convenient and effective making … [Read more...] about Vanguard Alta+ 264AO Tripod Kit
Panasonic Lumix GH5 & Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm
Pros: Professional build quality and comprehensive feature set, incredibly compact and light for an 800mm 35mm equivalent focal length setup, fast accurate autofocus, superb image stabilisation in the body and the lens made hand-holding at long focal lengths possible. Did I mention it was compact and light.Cons: Autofocus sometimes struggled to isolate small subjects (i.e. … [Read more...] about Panasonic Lumix GH5 & Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm
Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 Review
Pros: The big one is reach -- at 600mm on my Nikon DX format body it gives a staggering 900mm 35mm equivalent. Excellent image quality throughout the zoom range. Autofocus is quick and responsive, with minimal "hunting" and once locked on stays locked on (as long as you can keep the subject in the frame... sometimes a challenge at extreme focal lengths). Very good build … [Read more...] about Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 Review
Kite Caiman 8×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Solid entry-level binocular that's comfortable and easy to use. Light, yet robust, this is an easy to handle binocular with good all-round ergonomics. Optically it delivers an impressively bright, sharp image across most of the wide field of view. Neutral colour balance, great contrast and minimal chromatic aberration.Cons: Slight "halo" effect on the periphery of the … [Read more...] about Kite Caiman 8×42 Binocular Review
Gear Review: Rockfish Groundhog Mens Wellington Boot
Pros: extremely comfortable, supportive and robust boot. Fully waterproof and adjustable. Excellent fit with ordinary socks. 5mm neoprene lining keeps feet lovely and warm even on the coldest of days. "Grippy" soles make for a sure-footed walking experience whatever the conditions. Reflective tape on the back a nice touch to help you get seen in twilight.Cons: Functionally … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Rockfish Groundhog Mens Wellington Boot
Vanguard VEO 235AP Travel Tripod and VEO 37 Bag
For the wildlife enthusiast travelling light can be a real challenge. While you don't want to lug around too much heavy equipment, you also don't want to compromise too much on getting the best views of the wildlife you encounter while you're away from home.The main concern, of course, is optics. A quality, lightweight pair of binoculars is perhaps the single most important … [Read more...] about Vanguard VEO 235AP Travel Tripod and VEO 37 Bag
Vanguard’s new travel tripod impresses
When you're travelling, or even if you simply have a way to walk from the car to a favourite viewing point, carrying a bulky scope and tripod can be a tiresome business.There are solutions out there of course -- things like scope carriers (I use the Cley Spy MulePack to tote around my Meopta Meostar S2 on our Discover Wildlife Experiences). They make carrying bulky … [Read more...] about Vanguard’s new travel tripod impresses
