What great shots, and such endearing creatures. One of these days I *will* make the pilgrimage to see these guys in the flesh.

Top stuff

Very nice shots, and some great cuteness going on there as well! I wonder whether the second and third could perhaps be lightened a little? They are cracking pics

Regards

I agree. nice shots with a narrative. Well done. If I was being really picky, it's a shame that one of the edges of the wing is cut off in the pic where the heron has his wings spread, but it's never all that easy to get such shots of these guys. The London Wetland Centre is great place to go though!

Great stuff

A great set and the shots of the terns in flight are absolutely beautiful! They have a real elegance

Regards

I use a Lowe Alpine Primus AW and think it is great. Plenty space for camera + lenses in the bottom section and other kit in the top section. It has a tripod 'bracket' on the outside and has a rain cover for really bad weather (although unfortunately the rain cover won't cover a tripod if you have one mounted on the outside of the bag). It can also give a bit of a sweaty back on a hot day as it doesn't have an 'air-circulating' back-facing side.

Might also want to look at the Kata bumblebee - I know people here on the forum have recommended it previously

Regards

It depends what you want to take pics of really. If I were going to the places you are (especially the national parks) I might be inclined to take a long lens for wildlife and maybe something wider than 17mm for really wide shots and some funky angles (could be cool for some close-up mountain bike actions shots). Given that I assume it all has to be man-portable and (probably) carried in hand luggage on a plane (??) I would probably pack the DA 55-300, which gives very sweet results for the price and is a lot smaller and lighter than many other 300mm lenses, and one of either the sigma 10-20mm or the DA 10-17 fisheye.

But that's just me If I had any room left I would probably try ad squeeze in a macro lens (Prob DA 35mm) and a flashgun+cable, but it would depend on space, weight and usage really... (oh and maybe a siggie 30mm f1.4 as well (dang the pack's getting heavier))

Don't know if that helps at all?

Regards

That is a beautiful shot - the sky looks huge! awesome

Regards

I believe I have improved. Certainly over the last couple of years. Looking back at some of the pics I was most proud of a couple of years ago I fear they would not quite cut it for me today. I think as well as thinking more about the shots before I take them, more than anything I know the camera better, and how to get the most out of it, and my PP is significantly better I think. I am also taking a lot more pics these days. In fact given the chance I would do little else!!

Many thanks Duncan. I should also add that it was a pleasure to 'transact' with Duncan. Stress free, speedy and good communication throughout. - and of course an excellent product.

There's plenty to photograph at Kew isn't there! I rather like the greenhouse roof pic, and numbers 7,8,9 and 10. I think I took a shot of the same cactus/flower as you have in 9 and 10 last week! 7, 9 and 10 are beautifully sharp, and the DOF is interesting in 8

Regards