The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Has anybody attended the Birdfair this year?

I have never been and I was thinking of going on Sunday, but I am not sure if it is worth it? I assume that it will be crowds everywhere and queues to look through the optics. I would accept the hassle if there were some bargains to be had, or some unmissable feature, but until somebody posts to say how good it was, I am assuming that either nobody went or it wasn't very good!

Any hint would be helpful.

I am also contemplating buying a bridge camera so that I can take some pictures of what I see when I am out birding. Can anybody tell me if the difference is all that noticeable between the full frame DSLR cameras and the bridge type camera?

Best wishes

Gordon

The difference could well be described as astonishing, but who uses a full-frame DSLR for anything but landscape or weddings? APS-C format is the most commonly used and would still have much better image quality than most bridge cameras. Your best bet is to hire or borrow both and see for yourself before spending out lots of wongas!

David

Hello David,

Thank you for replying to my post.

I had assumed that bridge cameras were APS-C format! I also thought that the monster lenses being carried were all fitted to full frame DSLR's to get the best possible results.

I have a Sony NEX-5 compact camera that takes interchangeable lenses and that is APS-C format. I would use that, but there are no telephoto lenses available that are above 200mm. I noticed that Sony have just brought out a NEX-7 camera, which may eventually include suitable telephoto lenses.

I also have a Lumix DMC-L 10 (four thirds system) with a 14-50 Leica zoom, which is the equivalent to a 28-100mm, I could use that with an Olympus 70-300 (35mm equivalent is 140-600mm) lens, but I thought that the 'four thirds' system format would be too small compared to full frame or APS-C format.

Sounds like you have to pay out a lotta wonga to get acceptable results or convince the bird to pose two feet in front of you, which basically means that I am snookered!

I will have to part exchange the Sony and Lumix for a APS-C DSLR!

I saw a clip with Dean Eades at the BTO. The lens that he was using was a 500mm with a two-times convertor, which I think he said cost a mere £7000!

Best wishes

Gordon

Hi Gordon,

This post maybe a little late for your intended visit tomorrow, but I would thoroughly recommend a trip to the Rutland BirdFair. Yes,there are many people, but they are fellow travellers intent on the enjoyment of the occasion and releases one from the parochial for a day. I went on Friday and caught-up with birding colleagues unseen from, well, last year's Fair! As Sunday is the final day it's often an opportune time to collect last minute bargain sell-off's!

Richard...

Hello Richard,

Thank you for your reply and it is not too late.

If there is a chance of a last minute sell off, I am going!

I have a memory like a sieve and as a on and off birder for nearly forty years, I am not sure if I would recognise/remember any of my old acquaintances!!

Now what do I need most? posting.php?mode=reply&f=2&t=17375#

Best wishes

Gordon