Ireland's wildlife logo.

Wildlife Accessories

Sofirn SP40 Headlamp Review

Pros: Convenient, lightweight and robust headlight with four very useful brightness levels. 1,200 Lumen “Turbo” mode ludicrously bright. Convenient recharging via micro-USB. 3000mAh 18650 battery included. Magnetic base makes for a convenient and versatile work-light when detached from the head-strap. Wide beam pattern ideal for headlamp and use and general….

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….

Vanguard Alta+ 264AO Tripod Kit

Alta+264AO

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….

Vanguard VEO2 265CB travel tripod

VEO2 265CB with full-size scope

Pros: incredibly lightweight tripod and versatile ball-head suitable for both spotting scope and photography. Excellent height for a travel tripod. Cons: a little light to hold a full-size spotting scope steady in all but the calmest conditions (ideal for a small 50mm travel scope or even a 65mm standard scope though)…..

Gear Review: Vanguard Endeavor Bags

Pros: Designed with the birder / nature enthusiast in mind. Neutral olive colours and robust, non-rustle fabrics, thoughtful design. Insulated food pocket inspired. With three sizes in the range there’s a bag for every occasion Cons: Hard to find anything specific to fault here… a couple of spurious features I’d question….

Vanguard VEO 235AP Travel Tripod and VEO 37 Bag

VEO235AP -- impressive travel tripod from Vanguard

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….

Vanguard’s new travel tripod impresses

Veo 235AP Travel Tripod in use

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….

Gear Review: LED Lenser P5R.2 Rechargable LED Flashlight

P5R.2 Charging

Pros: Great looking, exceptionally bright little rechargeable torch with excellent build quality. Small, sleek, lightweight and robust — ideal for slipping in a pocket or pack. Outstanding flood-to-spot functionality with LED Lenser’s patented fast-focus system. Extremely versatile little light. Convenient magnetic charging system powered through USB. Cons: Proprietary LiIon battery limits replacement options…..

Gear Review: CJ Wildlife Apollo “Easy Clean” Seed Feeder

House sparrow enjoying the Apollo Feeder

Pros: Quality finish and materials. Robust construction. Easy and convenient to dismantle and clean (no tools required). Innovative “feeding rings”. Ventilation system keeps food fresh. Cons: None so far. Rating: Highly Recommended Price: from €21.95 for the 3-port feeder to €31.95 for the 7-port feeder An excellent all-round seed feeder that’s built to last from….

Fenix PD35 compact LED torch / flashlight review

Pros: Outstanding 850 lumen performance from a 14cm (c. 5″) torch that fits in the palm of your hand. Great build quality. Insanely bright, clean beam with floody central spot and a large “spill” that illuminates the peripheral area. Excellent throw distance for a 20mm reflector. Great versatility with five brightness….

Gear Review: Universal Digiscoping Adapters from Novagrade

Pros: compact and light — easily throw in a pocket or camera bag. Universal… adapts easily to fit most scope eyepieces and unique interchangable “gripper” system works with any smartphone. Very easy to fit and use… simple, twist to secure, twist to release mechanism. Cons: the smartphone adapter can be a bit….

Gear Review: Lensmaster Gimbal RH-2 Tripod Head

Lensmaster Close Up

Pros: Strong, lightweight and easy to set up. Professional grade finish. Very smooth pan and tilt, and extremely stable and well balanced once you’ve found your gear’s centre of gravity. Excellent for photography (with long lenses or digiscoping), but also surprisingly effective for normal “scoping”. Competitive price for a top quality gimbal….