Amazed how this thread has run! Like many here I admire most those who have the skill and vision to see their final image in their head when setting up a photo. Those who bought Outdoor Photographer this month will have seen the work of Henrik Spranz http://henrikspranz.photoshelter.com/index who goes to great lengths to get it right in camera with amazing results. This includes finding the right (antique) lens for a soft image rather than tweaking about later, despite or because of his main job as a software engineer.

Some say the only test is the end result, that how it is achieved is irrelevant. I don't agree, and also cannot correlate photography with painting but admit I can't quite put my finger on why. Maybe because a photo implies that it is a true and realistic record of something seen. Another example: there is a photographer who goes to great lengths to set up and take dreamlike underwater photos of women in floaty dresses reclining on a coral bed. It would have been much cheaper and easier to Photoshop instead, but knowing the process somehow makes the end result more appreciative. Put it this way, if I was in the market to buy photos I would happily pay thousands for such an image but not a Photoshop cobble.

The harbour steps are just below Greenage's, but from JR's point about learning the bird's routine this as I say was an exception due the storms. I next saw him (or his cousin) a couple of days later on a small rock out at sea way out of telephoto range. Colourwise they look black at first but if the sunlight catches them the feathers have an extraordinary iridescent sheen, and a scale-like pattern. Plus an emerald green eye, so look a bit prehistoric.

I get mine on subscription, but there was no book!

Anyone noticed SRS Microsystems has some reductions on lenses this weekend?

I meant an adjustable monopod head with a screw thread rather than with a QR plate. I just found it fiddly holding a heavy lens/body combination in one hand and getting the QR plate to engage properly with the other, especially if you have to hold the safety catch open with your thumb at the same time. A QR plate is much easier as a two handed operation on a tripod.

One point I found is that it is easier to attach a camera or lens to a threaded head connection on a monopod head than using a quick release plate, and as you can leave it attached whilst walking around the quick release has less advantage anyway.

Manfrotto distribute Gitzo, not Giotto. Sorry, shouldn't add meaningful posts after a couple of glasses of red!

I use a Giotto carbon fibre monopod with a twist lock which somehow means that locking/unlocking one section doesn't do the same to the others if you see what I mean. Very light and rigid, used with a simple Manfrotto monopod head (Manfrotto now own Giotto and regard it as their premium range).

Ooops, sorry, I was looking at the Camera Pricebuster website which is usually pretty reliable but doesn't list the new model, oddly. SRS seem to give the best deal at £109.00.

Time a new converter was introduced.