Search results for: photography buying guide binocular buying guide
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by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
IN THIS ARTICLE
1. Outdoor Essentials2. Power Solutions3. Binoculars4. Bags and Backpacks
Exploring the outdoors is truly what life is all about, and odds are there's an outdoor enthusiast in your life. You'd think knowing their hobby is enough intel to aid you in finding the perfect gift but turns out that there's a lot of gear in the arsenal of the average outdoorsman. Fear not, for we have put together this carefully
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
There’s an old adage that gear doesn’t make the picture, it’s the photographer. This is partly true. A super-telephoto prime with a fast aperture will make quick work of busy backgrounds, and the faster focusing systems of high-end full-frame cameras will more easily track a bird’s eye in some of the most challenging lighting conditions. But there’s another factor to consider. At the heart of the image is a creative eye and technical proficiency. High-end camera gear only serves a purpose once you know what you’re doing.
In this guide, we’re
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
When we head out into the great outdoors, there’s nothing more we need than our camera and lens. So long as you have a charged battery and an empty memory card, there’s little more you could ever need—that is, until that battery dies, it starts to rain, or a bird poops on your lens. How do we prepare for these inevitable conundrums? We bring the pertinent accessories, that’s how.
Smaller
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Ever find yourself still struggling to make out a bird, even when your binoculars are trained directly on it? No matter how steady you hold yourself, you simply just don’t have the reach. You could get a stronger pair of binoculars, but these come with inherent drawbacks, such as stability issues and, of course, a heftier build. What’s our solution?
It’s only natural that after using a pair of binoculars, some birders will find that they yearn for more, and the only way to practically get more reach is to use a spotting scope. These are
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
It's only natural that after using a pair of binoculars, some birders will find that they yearn for more, and the only way to practically get more reach is to use a spotting scope. These are essentially terrestrial telescopes, using one optical path to magnify an even greater distance than our typical handheld optics can manage.
As covered in our guide to choosing a spotting scope, finding the right scope can be as
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Solar eclipses are awesome spectacles of nature that are irresistible to photographers. Besides eclipses, the star at the center of our solar system is an amazing photographic subject—even when it is not being partially or totally blocked by the moon. If you want to photograph a solar eclipse, or just photograph the source of our fragile planet’s warmth and light, you need a solar filter for your
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Bird-watching, known colloquially as birding, has quickly become one of the most popular past times for nature enthusiasts of all ages. In this fast-paced digital world we find ourselves in, getting outside and winding down to the sounds and sights of birds is quite therapeutic.
Every hobby has its fair share of essential gear,
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Bird watching and photography seem to go hand in hand. While there are some who prefer to enjoy the sights free of distraction, there are others who like to record their findings to share with others. To do that, we need a camera and picking one can be overwhelming. Many opt for the tried-and-true bridge camera, but these are limited in the quality they can deliver.
For
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Choosing a pair of binoculars can be as easy or as daunting as you want it to be. We’ve covered the technical aspects of binoculars, from magnification to glass quality, and how they affect your choice, but not everyone wants to get into all that. While yes, once we know the basics, we can better choose the pair that meets our particular needs, but that assumes we want to get into all that. If you do, check out our
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Optic size is measured by what it can do, but when you’re new to the hobby, this can be confusing. Pick up a spotting scope or any pair of binoculars and you’ll see them adorned with a set of numbers like 8x42, 7x32, or 20-60x80. What exactly do those numbers mean and what do they tell us about an optic?
At the most
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Binoculars are a birdwatcher's best friend. They allow you to get close-up views of distant objects without having to actually get close. Some birders use spotting scopes and others use cameras with telephoto lenses, but you may be hard-pressed to find a serious birder without a pair of binoculars at the
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are right around the corner! Finding the right gifts can be a challenge, especially when it seems like they already have everything. Luckily, we’ve got the best gift ideas for the outdoorsy photographer parent in your life. Whether mom and dad are avid hikers, bird watchers, beachgoers, or polar bear guides in Svalbard, Norway, we’ve got you covered.
Camera
In a surprising twist, a camera is our first suggestion. One of the first things any outdoorsman should consider is a tool to record what they see so
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
There is nothing that can replace the extreme close-up view of a rare bird in the wild. Binoculars can get you close but, if you want to look the bird in the eye or confirm that identification for your life list, you need a spotting scope. Spotting scopes pack incredible magnification in a generally simple and lightweight package that is
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
As the holiday season fast approaches, you may find yourself looking for the perfect gift for the photographer in your life. With all the gear on the market, finding the right gift can seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular gift items for both digital and film shooters.
35mm Film and Beyond
Film is back and there are plenty of vibrant stocks to choose from. You can never go wrong with
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
What is the best pair of binoculars for kids? The short answer is: That depends on the kid… and the binoculars! There are so many brands, types, sizes, and price points for binoculars, where does a person begin?
Before we take a look at a few binocular options, if you want a comprehensive education on the parts, features, components, and all other things binoculars, check out the