Vanguard Endeavor ED II Binoculars (10×42)
With winter over, spring migration has begun. I have seen many species of birds in my local area, including the familiar singing sparrows. If you are an avid ornithologist and are interested in good quality binoculars at a reasonable price, I recommend the Vanguard binoculars. I had the opportunity to try the Vanguard Endeavor ED II 10×42 binoculars and I was impressed by the sharpness. Alternatively, the 8×32 model is lighter, making it ideal for longer walks but it does have a wider field of view.
Also, to make long days of birdwatching more enjoyable, I recommend that you use a carrying strap: Vanguard Optic Guard. It is designed to distribute the weight of the binoculars on your shoulders; this will allow you to carry your binoculars all day long without experiencing neck fatigue.
Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A telescope with 20-60x optical zoom
If you are planning to watch Snow Geese or Ducks, you will appreciate the versatility and image quality of the Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A telescope. Its angled zoom lens offers a large magnification range of 20 to 60x, making it easier to spot birds.
You will be able to spot Snow Geese at 20x and see if they are wearing an identification collar – at 60x you will be able to read the numbers on the collar. This zoom magnification range will bring a new level of detail to your birdwatching adventure.
The optical quality is very good and the color rendering is very accurate, which is essential to appreciate the richness of the plumage.
The relatively light weight for this type of telescope will not be a handicap on your field trips.
VEO 2 AM-264TR monopod
I had the opportunity to use the Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A telescope with the VEO 2 AM-264TR monopod. This monopod has three stabilizing tabs at its base, which provides a much better stability than a traditional monopod. A joint positioned at the junction of the monopod and the three legs allows you to move with your subject – this is very useful to follow a bird that moves from a branch to the ground. The monopod consists of four aluminium sections that offer lightness and strength.
If the weight of a telescope and support set is important to you, this lightweight monopod is be ideal for traveling longer distances while practicing your hobby.
Vanguard Alta Pro2 Tripod
To make the most of your telescope, I recommend using the Vanguard Alta Pro2 263 Av tripod with a Vanguard Alta PH-114V video head. The stability of this tripod will allow you to view your subjects at 60X, with a steadier image than you could obtain with a monopod.
The head mounting plate features two clamping screws, so you can attach it securely to the telescope for more stability. The multiple tightening screws on the base of the head also contribute to better stability.
Endeavor 1600 carrying bag
Since you have invested a fair amount of money for your birdwatching equipment, you should think about protecting it and making it easier to carry in the field.
After using the Vanguard Endeavor 1600, I was impressed by the design, and the attention to detail.
Inside the bag, there is a pocket to accommodate your telescope. This is ideal, especially when your treks cover more challenging terrain.
The bag features a lumbar support belt to better distribute the weight of your gear. The bag frame is designed to provide good ventilation for your back, and there are side pockets for carrying water bottles.
There is a very convenient tripod carrying strap on the bag, which will allow you to keep both hands on your binoculars so you won’t miss any of the spring migration action!
Happy birdwatching!
Author:
Daniel Dupont is a professional photographer specializing in nature photos. He has taught photography at CEGEP in Quebec for nearly 25 years. The author of seven books, including three technical books, he has hosted many workshops in North America and South Africa.
To view more of Daniel’s work, please visit: www.danieldupont.ca
