Recent content by Flats

My only other bags have been bigger, and probably too big. I had a naturetrekker AW which was too heavy and bulky, and so I now use a Kiboko 30L, which is awesome. I have no experience of anything between these two sizes!

I rate the ThinkTank streetwalker pro very highly. I use for birds, and it handily takes a pro body, a 500mm f4 sized lens (not attached), 2 converters, one other medium lens (say a 135 f2 or 100 f2.8 or 24-70 f2.8), a spare battery and a few bits and bobs. Monopod strapped on, it's not heavy...

Try and set up a perch near the feeders, that they will land on to check all is OK before feeding. A perch near water is often used.

Have been trying to set MA based on one of the moire pattern methods and using live view vs AF. Seems no difference anywhere between -2 and 2, i.e. I AF, then switch to live view at 10x and cannot get the pattern any clearer whatsoever! Has anyone got a better method?

I bought a 200 f2 a while back s/h on this forum, and have used it exclusively on a 5D3 since then. TBH I have never been overly pleased with the results. Fine for the most part, although difficult to get bang on sharpness, but nothing to write home about. Yesterday, for the first time, I stuck...

SW Optics is in Truro.

I've got both, they complement each other well. If I could have only one, the MKIV would win. The ratio of use is 90% MKIV, 10% 5D3 - then again my primary interest is bird photography.

I've used an airport acceleration v2. To carry almost exactly what you want to carry. It was great. The only thing to bear in mind is that it was deeper than the web-stats suggested, and to get it anywhere close to those stats you had to take the laptop sleeve out and have nothing in that front...

Interesting, looks like they're ripping off Gitzo! Were it not for the 10kg support limit, could be excellent. 10kg is insufficient for my needs though. I want at least double, preferably more, for maximum rigidity. The body, lens, Wimberley and converters can weigh up to 8kg. Rgds Jonathan

I would prefer to carry a tripod in my hand luggage - that is the sole factor here. I want to be able to step off a plane with everything I need in my hands. A tripod that is 48cm long fits in in my camera bag alongside my lens. Anything over 52cm does not!

Spiked feet.....any ideas why Gitzo decided to introduce non-removeable spiked feet onto their systematic range, including the travel models like the 4552TS which people might like to carry as hand luggage (else why buy a compact tripod?). On paper, other than being perhaps slightly too short...

PS, I recently did some hummingbird photography, and learned a lot on the fly! For future trips I might do things a bit differently with multiple flashes, but here is my experience with regular kit. http://www.justbirdphotos.com/blog/2012/11/hummingbirds

Yes, I typically use a monopod whilst travelling, the Gitzo 5561T. As a birder more than a photographer, it is ideal for "on the move" photography. However lately I have become rather more focussed, if you will excuse the pun, on pure photography, and am using my 3530 and wimberley close to 100%...

I am considering getting a very sturdy tripod for travel, specifically bird photography. The compact size of 48cm is perfect, as is the weight and load specs. I am however worried about the max height of 134cm. With the Tripod head in place I would top out at around 145cm. My current tripod has...

Many Canon lenses require the addition of a front filter to complete their weatherproofness. Personally I stick B+W UV MRC filters on all my lenses that will take them. I note not difference in image quality with or without the filter.