Pros: Super bright and compact. Massive versatility in light output and functions. Extremely lightweight and portable for a light this powerful. Great battery life. USB C in body charging for the included 21700 Lithium Ion battery.Cons: Heats up quickly at highest output level (built in thermoregulation safety feature kicks in). "Anduril" user interface a bit complicated if … [Read more...] about Sofirn IF25A LED Torch Review
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Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: The best binocular I have ever used: period. Exquisite ergonomics, incredible image clarity across the field of view... and what a field of view. The NL Pure takes immersive viewing to a whole new level.Cons: Slight detectable seam in the rubber armour where it meets on the inside of the barrels. No locking mechanism on the dioptre adjustment. … [Read more...] about Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review
Fenix PD35 v2.0 LED Torch/Flashlight Review
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
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
Book review: Finding Birds in Ireland: The Complete Guide, 2nd Edition
Published in 2007, the first edition of "Finding Birds in Ireland: The Complete Guide" by Eric Dempsey and Michael O'Clery soon became the definitive guide to the best birdwatching locations in Ireland. Intelligently laid out, and impressively comprehensive, this widely praised book set a new benchmark for this type of "where to watch" field guide.You'll find my review of … [Read more...] about Book review: Finding Birds in Ireland: The Complete Guide, 2nd Edition
Olivon T650 Spotting Scope Review
Pros: Crisp, high resolution views with good colour and contrast throughout most of the 16-48x zoom range. Excellent wide angle eyepiece delivers expansive viewing experience without "tunnel vision" common with budget scopes. Standard 1.25" astronomy eyepiece mount means compatible with a vast range of third party eyepieces.Cons: Non-ED version reviewed does suffers … [Read more...] about Olivon T650 Spotting Scope Review
Book Review: The Helm Guide to Bird Identification
Have you ever struggled to tell your bar-tailed from your black-tailed godwit? How about differentiating your dabbling ducks, or getting to grips with gulls and grebes?No matter how experienced a bird watcher you are, there are always species that will prove tricky, and there will be times (sometimes lots of them) when you're not quite sure what species you're looking at. … [Read more...] about Book Review: The Helm Guide to Bird Identification
Book Review: Britain’s Dragonflies
Dragonflies and damselflies are the all-stars of the insect world. Large, mobile, active predators -- with the possible exception of cephalopods (octopuses, cuttlefish and squid) the odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) are about as exciting as invertebrates get.In Ireland we have 11 species of damselfly and 22 species of dragonfly, and while identifying some of them … [Read more...] about Book Review: Britain’s Dragonflies
Minox BL 8×44 HD Binocular Review
Pros: a good looking pair of binoculars with excellent build quality and superb optical performance. Very bright, crystal-clear view with plenty of fine detail, wide field of view with large central sweet spot and minimal edge softening. Good colour and contrast. Very good low-light performance.Cons: accessories could be a bit better. Strap and case perhaps don't … [Read more...] about Minox BL 8×44 HD Binocular Review
Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Spotting Scope Review
Pros: Sleek, modern-looking scope that feels solid and well made. Quite compact for an 82mm scope. Very bright, sharp image at 20x magnification that is very good up to about 40x, showing plenty of detail with good colour and contrast. Wide central sweet spot with marginal softening out towards the edge. Dual focus controls make fine-focus easy.Cons: Image degrades … [Read more...] about Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Spotting Scope Review
