I'll get some footage somehow, even if I have to get them before they wake up in the morning.

I think I may be a little fitter by the end of the three weeks dragging that gear up and down the slopes.

More great photos by the way Guy.

Hello Guy Great shots. Nice to see some butterfly action this time of the year. I especially like the Queen of Spains beautiful and very fresh looking. Do you get these up the Val d'Herens at the end of June as I've never photographed or video'd them before. Actually I guess much of what I'll see th...

Thanks Gruditch

Appreciated.

Hi Gruditch

Ironically the 50-500 was the best of the bunch, it was the only one to use the Sigma EX glass.

Was this the older non OS version or the newer model. I noticed a rather worn example of the non OS lens on EBay going for around £250 if anyone was interested.

Hi Gill Yep I'll be after butterflies mainly but all the other wildlife of the Swiss Alps will be captured on film if willing to pose for me. Get the plugs in early for my next film to go on sale. I use the Sigma 150mm Macro lens which is similar to the Sigma 180mm and slightly sharper according to ...

Hi Gill

60x magnification is great but not easy to hold still. You need a good old big tripod. My gear weighs in at around 15 to 20 kg in all and I'm gonna be lugging it up some Swiss mountains this year.

Good for building the muscles up though.

I've read that the new sigma 150-500 is pretty good and certainly much better than the old 170-500. I've also read good reports for the Bigma but not sure if this was an old or new version. I know there are two versions as the rubber grips are different on them but not sure on the specs. I wasn't sl...

Hi Gruditch I had heard that the 170-500 was not a great lens compared to the newer 150-500 which is why the 150-500 is a lot more expensive at the moment for second hand. I think the Bigma just has too much zoom from 50 to 500. This will always affect the clarity of the pictures especially at the 5...

Hi Gill Nothing wrong with ants and rabbit poo. makes you appreciate the end result all the more. I'm definitely going for 500mm (Sigma second hand zoom due to price) when I can afford it (should be around £500 compared to several £1000's for canon primes as they only do a 100 - 400mm in their zoom ...

Sorry Gill forgot to mention some brilliant shots also

I'm going to have to have another look at the photos I've taken with the 18-55mm IS. I agree it's not the best but I don't think it's the worst either. Yep build quality is pants and it's very light but if you get one cheap, they can go for around £50 on EBay as folks are dumping them from their kit...

Great stuff Gibster

Somebody get that man a tripod though

Hi all Can someone tell me what is exactly wrong with these 18-55 lenses. Mine doesn't seem too bad although I only use for general stuff not macro work. I know the original 18-55 non IS lens was totally rubbish but I thought the newer IS version was supposed to be better. Anyone who has one of thes...

Great Beer photo Guy.

What species is it?

Saw this fella a couple of years ago. Unfortunately in eclipse plumage.

We've never met before but now I know why Zonda.

You're doing an excellent job worthy of the praise.

Zonda I'm truly impressed with your bird photos. That Greenfinch is absolutely stunning even if it is just a garden bird. Quite right alot of patience is required for most wildlife subjects that move. Not so much for flowers or fungi. Patience and a bit of luck always helps. Keep up the good work. I...

Totally agree Nigel.

I found the Downy Emeralds only perched high up in the pine trees when I was at Thursley, so had to try for flight shots. I think at least 1/2000th of sec for shutter speed though. Got one decent shot but that was enough.

nigpd

Had a look at your flickr site. Especially enjoyed the dragonfly shots. The flight shots are great. Dragons are another passion of mine. Hope to film some this year.

Got some flight shots of Downy Emerald and Emperor at Thursley Common in 2009.