Hi,
the Kite backpack sure is nice but was not available when I bought my german mulepack clone a few years ago...
https://orniwelt.de/optik/fernglaeser/zubehoer/358/mulipack-stativtragesystem
It seems the Kite offering is quite a bit larger (no way to put multiple big water bottles into the mulepack - fine for a guide, some sandwiches and a pair of 8x30 bins and a small water bottle on the outside) and seems to be easier to attach (you don't want to take off them mulepack often - it's a hassle).
Btw I just found an older thread with a nice tripod... just not so easily available over here...
https://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=380094&highlight=audubon+tripod
https://www.theaudubonshop.com/product/birder-tripod-legs-only/
That and a 500AH will probably support your scope nicely if the current combination with the backpack leaves room for improvement.
Joachim
I am glad to see that you have a good opinion of the Kite. It looks like a very viable option. While it is currently on sale, I am trying to refrain a bit. A contact of mine is due to pay me, for a pair of binoculars that I sent him, any time now. If he gets me paid before the deal changes, I am going to grab it before the price goes back up.
Thank you for the tripod recommendation. That looks like just exactly what I need. Their guarantee is pretty impressive. I might check the local birder specialty store, just to see if they happen to carry that item. I am not strictly a birder, so I did not think about them before. I would love to patronize them, but doubt that they are open currently. We will see.
I attached one of the hundred or so photos I took this morning. 30mph winds, clouds with the occasional peek of sun, and a distant target, did not help my end result. But, I was elated to have a chance at getting a shot of the little American Kestrel. They are ranked up there with my favorite birds.
I did not realize he was there at first, since he was around 100+ yards away. I did a quick scan with my binoculars, and realized that he was a kestrel and NOT just another blackbird. As soon as I got him in my sights, he dove off of the branch after something.
I waited approximately 15 minutes, and he reappeared. With the tree moving AND my tripod vibrating in the wind (the backpack helped immensely), I think I was lucky to get anything identifiable. I cropped it, and touched up the lighting (I think). 60x with no digital zoom, so it was vignetted.
I know this thread has changed because of our circumstances but these are worrying times - it seems that Italy will be going to total lockdown with full home confinement as their deaths rise to near 4000 and Iran are experiencing 1 death every 10 minutes and California has also locked down.
Joachim.....
Flocks of Twichers have been seen bulk buying seeds ( nice one Joachim - good to see a bit of humour). Are you allowed to circulate? What have they done for the self employed and poorest in your communities .....we are hoping today that our Government will pay these sectors directly via our tax system to safeguard them?
My wife and I - 68 & 69 unfortunately have severe health problems and have been in isolation for a week now. My son came round this morning with 3 of our grandchildren, twins of 4 and one 8 and parked on our drive which enabled us to talk to them from a safe distance. All schools are shutting from tomorrow but 2 of my kids are on the frontline so very vulnerable and my other other son had what we think was the virus 3 days ago so his family are also isolated. Panic buying has exploded stressing everyone - and home grocery delivery spots have stretched to 2/3 weeks away.
I see Forums - 'What can you see from your window today? ' ...... A great idea.
I have run out of wild bird food so will struggle to attract the variety to my garden.... I really have been contemplating going to the local garden centre to get some but will be going against advice.
Here's a rubbish pic of a Blue Tit in the garden.
Keep smiling
The news keeps getting more shocking. Our youngest son (17) had airline tickets to visit our oldest son and daughter-in-law. However, I am going to ask for a refund. Refund or not, I do not think it would be wise to allow him to travel right now.
I am afraid we have not seen the worst of this yet. If things continue to spiral downward, I do not want him on the other side of the world from us. Plus, if he carries it there or back to us, and then it gets to my folks, well, it would be a heart-breaking scenario.
He is not taking the news too well, but...
I am sorry to hear that you and your wife are not only at risk due to age, but also due to health. We will keep you both, and all of us, in prayer. I hope that the seclusion will prevent sickness for you both.
I love the photo of the Blue Tit. That is great that you caught that from your window. I am not sure if that bird is in the U.S., or not. It is beautiful. There do not seem to be many vibrant birds in our immediate area. But, I think sometimes the common birds that ARE vibrant, become less-so in a person's mind. I think of the cardinal, blue-jay, and birds like that. They are beautiful, but we see them every day. Seeing the Blue Tit still puts our jay to shame. lol
I don't know if there are any settings that I could have changed to get a better pic of the kestrel. It definitely looks better on my phone than it does on the computer. Maybe since it was so distant, and light was so low, it is impossible. ???