AA BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY

IN FOCUS.   In our opinion one of the better suppliers of optics due to their experience and technical knowledge. We used to sell photos in their Titchwell branch and know the staff there to be highly qualified. Not the cheapest, but at least you're not sold something by a volunteer with little knowledge.

LOVE GARDEN BIRDS.   Currently the best value bird food suppliers, combined with an excellent delivery service. An e-mail newsletter will give you regular special offers. We have tried several suppliers in the past and only once had a problem with sunflower hearts (from Eastern Europe), but prices vary.

ONE-STOP NATURE.   Established by our old friend Richard Campey (ex In Focus, finder of Ancient Murrelet etc.) The shop caters for many things including optics but specialises in smaller wildlife, so microscopes to moth traps. The only place I know in Norfolk that sells such things, based in Burnham Deepdale. Very interesting website if you're looking for a new or added interest.

ES PHOTO.     Based in France, this shop specialises in large Canon lenses, and usually has pre-owned 500mm and 100-400mm in stock. The owner, Erin Salmon, is a New Zealander, and although I haven't (yet) purchased anything, he is the most helpful guy I have come across for advice on lenses etc. He has a UK warehouse so that is no problem, and prices are very competitive. Above all it's a one-to-one transaction and really genuine.

WEX PHOTOGRAPHIC.    Over the years my main supplier of Canon equipment, and a really good mail order service. Prices are competitive, and delivery rapid. A really good website, not always the cheapest but pretty close usually, plus they offer interest free instalments.

WILDSOUNDS.    Probably as good a source as anyone for books and sound media, birders themselves and not delving in to other subjects outside of wildlife. A huge range, many at discount prices, and most importantly Duncan donates large sums to conservation projects through various tie-ins with other organisations. Definitely our number one choice.

CAPTURE ONE PROCESSING SOFTWARE    Only available online, this is Photoshop's rival, but it doesn't have an "elements" equivalent. This makes it expensive, but considerably less than the full Photoshop, and offers are sometimes available. Elements is fine, but I find Capture One far better in most areas. You do need to know a bit about digital images though.

CLEY SPY.    Another supplier of optics whom we haven't used, but my travelling companion Mike rates them. Well situated for anyone that lives in Norwich or Norfolk, having shops at Glandford and Cley Marshes visitor centre.

PARK CAMERAS    Another supplier of photographic items, but a Canon specialist. Similar to Wex in many ways, but the only dealings I have had with them have been a couple of purchases. However the website seems excellent, and they seem to have a good range of used equipment.

EAST COAST BINOCULAR REPAIRS.    The official repairers for Zeiss in East Anglia (and probably beyond) I had a pair of 10x40 BGAT's refurbished and the work was excellent. At present, as it's a one-man operation, Gary can't work on other makes, but this is largely due to the pandemic.