Posted by Brydon Thomason on Thursday 26th April 2012 | Reviews

The Páramo Velez Adventure Light Smock truly is a versatile piece of kit. Over the past 12 months this has been my favourite and pretty much every day item of clothing when out and about in the isles. I’m often asked if I had to take just one jacket/outer-layer on a trip, which would it be, well this is the baby!

I have always had something of a preference for a smock in any case so that was an immediate attraction and advantage for review. Overall it is a very comfortable and easy wearing all round jacket, (which is how I wear it most of the time) but also as an under layer (with the Halcon for example).

As a personal preference and balance of comfort, functionality and practicality I find that this really is a superb all-rounder. Only on the wildest of Shetland winter days do I need to opt for a ‘heavier’ outer layer. With a good base and under layer I find it very light, cosy and windproof. It is more than up to the job in wet weather too. By layering up under the smock I certainly get good use out of it and possibly trust too much in it, but that’s simply because it’s up to the mark. The only issues I have found in wearing it in the wilder weathers is that it lacks the external pocket for a bit of hand warming (although by opening side vents you can access inside pockets) and also perhaps most notable is that as a consequence of its wonderfully light material it is quite prone to catching the wind and thus quite noisy.

But these can hardly be used against it nor seen as a disadvantage as essentially it‘s not designed for these conditions. If anything the very fact I often wear it in such conditions is a testament to its versatility in itself.

In milder summer and warmer weather (conditions which are unfortunately all too often rare here in Shetland!), this is the perfect piece for me and potentially where it comes into its own. A single base layer or T shirt with the smock is pretty much all I find I need to wear during the summer months. In the warmer days I never feel sweaty or clammy in it and find that with the side vents open its ideal for all day wear.

Yes indeed, this is my favourite Paramo piece to date, although there are more items on their way…

We are proud members of the Páramo Nature Pro scheme.

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Posted by Brydon Thomason on Sunday 29th May 2011 | Reviews

My introduction to Stealth Gear was with the Extreme Jacket Vest (and trousers). The jacket was like no other I had worn in terms of functionality, build quality and design. I had only been wearing the jacket for a matter of months when the Smock was launched.

Needless to say I couldn’t help myself and was enthusiastically intrigued to try it out, especially as the Smock was much more the style of jacket I typically prefer. I’m not entirely sure why this is maybe just the general fit that the style of a smock offers. In the past I have owned several ‘smocks’ of different designs, brands and materials.

When I unpacked it and before I had even tried it on I knew it would be my new favourite SG garment. The fact that it was noticeably lighter weight was the first thing I noticed and liked. One large pocket on the front replaced the many different pockets offered in the other jackets whilst there was splendid ‘hand warmer’ sized and lined pockets at either side. In short (and from a personal perspective) it was a much simpler and snugger fitting and slightly lighter weight option to the other jackets in the SG range.

The ‘kangaroo’s pouch’ style front pocket is certainly roomy to say the least and can easily manage mid-range sized lens and DSLR body. I personally however find it best for carrying my binoculars. I have lost count of the number of times I have laid off my bins whilst my adrenalin levels were peaking during a lengthy stalk (often crawling) especially whilst photographing Otters, only afterwards having to retrace my path to pick up my ‘bins’.

The only other two pockets are two small zippered breast pockets, either side of the neck zipper, which opens as far as the chest and I find is far enough. These two pockets are perfect size for all I often need/want to carry; my mobile (always on silent!!), spare battery, lens cloth and extra memory cards- inside the SG card wallet of course which is clipped into the small D rings and concealed inside the zipped pocket.

The Smock also comes complete with most other extras the other jackets have such as hood, mozzy/midge face net (which I use more for camouflaging my face), storm cuffs, removable elbow pads and has the same functional arm pit vents and side openings which I have open most of the time for crouching, crawling and extra venting.

I mention its lighter weight; this is because it lacks the multiple layers of material which the multiple extra pockets have on the other jackets. Most of the time I wear it (now bear in mind we are roughly 60 degrees north up here in Shetland!) either with just a T shirt on or just a long sleeve sweater but in winter it works brilliantly with the SG fleece. Needless to say, as with all the ‘gear’ the benefits of the forest green tones and the ‘rustle proof’ material make a world of difference when working with species as shy and secretive as wild Otters (both for me personally and indeed my clients when wearing the gear we supply them with on our workshops).

All in all it a fantastically functional, comfortable and brilliantly designed jacket – in my opinion the best one (or should I say personal favourite) in the Stealth Gear range.

Brydon Thomason

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Posted by Brydon Thomason on Sunday 29th May 2011 | Reviews

Out of all the kit you feel you should have as a wildlife photographer, a bean bag surely has to be a ‘must have’. Personally speaking I very probably use a bean bag far more than a tripod, whether it be balancing over a barnacle covered boulder in the ebb photographing Otters or out the car window, with camera and also telescope.

As a photographer Otters are undoubtedly my favourite subject and signature species. Perhaps surprisingly to some there are actually few occasions when a tripod may be practically used when stalking Otters (there are however exceptions to this of course). It is imperative that your silhouette blends in and merges into whatever your surroundings may be, whether it be boulders on a shore line or the contours of a grassy bank – your silhouette must not be seen.

With a bean bag it becomes much easier to lay flat or crouch tight against a boulder than if you have a tripod or monopod.

I was thrilled when I became aware that Stealth Gear were launching their own bean bag a few months ago. It came as no surprise what so ever when arriving in the post I saw that its design, engineering and manufacture was (as par for the course with all Stealth Gear products I have been supplied with), nothing but quality.

Previously I have used bean bags but it’s surprising just how many little gripes you can make about a bag of beans! But SG has come up with the good’s and designed a bean bag and (like all their products) that is just for photographers.

The bean bag itself is effectively ‘saddle’ shaped so it hangs/spreads itself very well either on solid ground or a car window. There is good sized zipper on one side which makes it easy to fill and empty when travelling whilst on the other there is a cheeky wee zipper for an accessory pouch.

One of my favourite features is the adjustable strap for carrying which even has a free moving cushioned section for comfort when carrying over the shoulder and for long hikes this is certainly
appreciated, especially as I often end up carrying two, one for myself and one for my Otter photography clients! It also has two different options for the strap to connect.

The general size I found to be just right both for carrying when full and also for what could be used on it; easily large enough for larger lenses such as 300 2.8, 500 and so on. The build quality is superb also and the material is waterproof – all in all it has brought the bean bag forward to a brand new level!

Brydon Thomason

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Posted by Brydon Thomason on Friday 29th April 2011 | Reviews

I remember with great fondness when, as a boy of 11, I was given my first ever pair of binoculars. I felt that I had come of age as a birder! They were a pair of Carl Zeiss 8×30 Jenoptems and were a gift from my parents. I will never forget that feeling of owning my first proper ‘bins’; they opened up a whole new dimension to the world of birds that fascinated me so greatly. Having only borrowed binoculars from the local RSPB warden (on my home Island of Fetlar) on our regular outings, owning my own pair unleashed my ornithological independence; I was officially a ‘birdie man’ (as we are generically known in Shetland)!

Even back then, over 24 years ago, I knew with a sense of pride that not only did I own my first pair of binoculars but that I owned a pair of Zeiss! They must have hung around my neck on an almost daily basis for over ten years. They are still to this day my ‘by the window bins’ at my parents’ home back in Fetlar. Every time I lift them to my eyes it never ceases to amaze me just how good they still are. The sentimental value they hold to me is priceless.

Many years have now passed and during which time, as many a birder does, I have experimented with different brands and sizes and have owned and sold on several pairs of bins. For me personally, and I’m sure for most birders, whenever I have the opportunity to have a peek through a new pair of optics, perhaps a new range or latest model, I just can’t help myself. Often this can prove to be a bad idea as it can leave you thinking that you need to upgrade or maybe even switch brands all together. These are exactly the thoughts I had a couple of years ago when I first had opportunity to look through the then new Zeiss Victory FL’s. At the time I wasn’t really in a position to replace my bins, regardless of how impressed I was; the temptation was however always there though.

Recently however when the possibility arose for Shetland Nature to be sponsored by Carl Zeiss, I was both thrilled and proud to have such a fantastic opportunity, especially having been tempted by the prospect of once again having a pair of Zeiss around my neck. To have such a relationship with one of the most respected and internationally renowned leaders in the optical world is a privilege.

So, about my 10x42s: as far as optics reviews go mine will perhaps come across as less conventional and lacking in technical detail, as I confess it is far from an area of expertise for me. When reading optics reviews a lot of this detail goes over my head! However, on a more down to earth basis, field of view, physical feel and general build are easier opinions for me to convey. On my first ever look through a pair of 10×42 FL’s, three things immediately impressed me: the marvellously natural and clear, bright light; how lightweight they were in direct comparison to my previous binoculars; and also how swiftly you could change focal distance from close to infinity by just a mere quarter of a turn of the focus knob. If I’m honest their general shape and feel in the hand were the only very minor points to leave me undecided.

Not long after it was a pair of the Zeiss 8×42’s I looked through, and again the same immediate quality of the image and overall brightness was superb. This time the shape and feel in the hand seemed less of an issue. By the time I opted for my own Victory FL’s and they arrived in the post these very minor personal concerns had long since been forgotten.

Focus

Probably the most impressive feature was then (and still is) the speed at which you can switch focal distances, especially in comparison to similar spec and for a pair of ‘tens’ that’s very important. You can literally be viewing a subject at down to but a few metres (close focus of 6.6ft) and with a just a quarter or so of a turn you can focus on distant birds.

Rain guard

Another of my favourite features is the pliable rubber rain guard which fit over the eye cups. There seems to be the perfect balance of the rubber rain guard being soft enough to be manipulated but stiff enough to sit firmly in place and not come loose.

Around the neck

These are a hybrid of cordura and an angled neoprene section which sits very comfortably round the back of the neck. Long days in the field is pretty much a prerequisite for a naturalist and guide so their remarkable light weight along with the cushioned neck strap means I can wear them all day

Finish and feel

I found the overall feel and appearance of the rubber coated finish to the bins both attractive and functional; most of all the thin ribbed/ridged elongated lines help provide a good and comfortable grip in the hands. And as with most kit (if I can get it) I went for green. The shape of the binoculars, which I admit I initially thought could have been slightly better designed, actually contributed to just how well they sit and ‘balance’ in the hand.

Over all I have been absolutely delighted and very impressed with the 10×42’s and I like most others who look through them cannot fail to be impressed by the outstanding overall image quality, a quote I read from an independent review described the Victory FL range as “world-class optical excellence” and that pretty much says it all!

Brydon Thomason

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Posted by Martin Garner on Thursday 16th December 2010 | Reviews

A Review by Martin Garner

Back in 1980 I wrote a couple of pocket-sized booklets filled with the bullet points of key identification features for lots of really rare birds. Just in case one day I bumped into some of them and couldn’t remember what to look for.

I had a little dream. One day I would publish these little bullet point booklets – surely others beside me would value such a tool. I never got it published. Instead Nils van Duivendijk has done something like it, only made a much better job of it. The Advanced Bird ID Guide is far more comprehensive than anything I had conceived and much nicer looking! If you haven’t seen a copy yet, you may be a little taken a- back. It’s like no other ‘field guide’ indeed, bird book of any kind, which you will have seen before. No illustrations – well apart from 2 plates of comprehensive monochrome topographical illustrations near the start. The rest is text, just text.

Originally published in Dutch in 2002, this English version is extensively updated and superbly edited by Shetland Nature tour leader Rob Fray. Covering some 1,300 species and subspecies, it’s hard to image more detail and data squeezed into such a well organised, compact space.

First feel is of a handy compact, spiral notebook-sized soft back book. An inviting colour front cover with a ‘three- fingered’ adult female harrier – Pallid or Montague’s. These are not always easy so I decided to check the harrier section to see how well it would perform in helping me confirm (or otherwise) my identification hunch. A quick check reveals an immense amount of data on Harriers. And within less than 2 minutes the photo is easily assessed – yes it’s a Montagu’s.

Each species data section has pink, left hand margin highlighting which age/ sex / plumage category is being discussed. Next to this, the bullet point list of characters. This ranges from 2-3 lines (e.g. Mediterranean Strom Petrel) to 1-2 pages (e.g. American Herring Gull).

I have worked with Nils on the very thorny subject of Steppe Buzzard identification. So I am already familiar with this incredible attention to details and sharp eyes. As I have thumbed through the content, again and again I have discovered details about species and subspecies which are well beyond my ever ability to ever commit to memory. It’s hard to see how it won’t quickly become part of my normal kit – one for my car kit bag and one for the book shelf at home. At such a reasonable price too, it’s likely to reduce the hesitation to purchase. So Yes, I am a fan.

On our recent Shetland Nature autumn birding break we even came up with a new verb – ‘to Nils a bird’. Meaning: To gain more information of a bird identification features or perhaps to correctly age it or sex a particular individual– one just needs to ‘Nils it’. A quick and easy process!

Should you get one? No book is truly ‘essential’. But with my book shelves groaning and space at a premium- here is surely the greatest mass of bird identification data in one very small easily accessible place. I can safely say now, that mine won’t be available to be loaned out for the foreseeable future – so you need to get your own! For as little as £10.00 a proper bargain too.

Martin Garner

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