British Bird Fair - info please (1 Viewer)

[Craig H]

I know it's a long time off, but I'm prepared to wait if the answer is what I'm hoping!

Is it any cheaper buying new optics at the bird fair? Is it a case of buying direct from the manufacturers or are there just different optics retailers there? I've been several times but never ventured into the optics marquee.

Also, is it right that the manufacturers will do a mini service whilst you wait, so to speak? If so what's the charge?

I'm thinking of upgrading my scope and wouldn't mind my bins cleaning up. If its cheap at the bird fair I won't be rushing in yet!

 

[Cheshire Birder]

I would suggest some reasearch to narrow down youtr chouice of telescope based on price, weight, lens diameter etc. (basically the specs you want). Try the models at the birdfair and then shop around. To be honest some of the companies in Birdwatching and Birdwatch magazines will do better offers. Take a copy with you (or get one there) to see what the best deals are.

CB

 

[Alf King]

Cheshire birder is right - the Bird fair is primarily a showcase for the manufacturers as far as optics are concerned. They are more than happy to sell you their products there if you insist but they generally expect that most visitors will be using the opportunity to select models for purchase elsewhere, when they will be considerably cheaper.

It's probably not common knowledge but, ever since the early days of the fair In Focus have been a primary sponsor. One benefit that they gain from this is that most other optics retailers have been dissuaded from attending in the past leaving the field free for IF. As they don't sell all of the key brands then making comparisons at their stand may lead to some models that you wanted to examine being unavailable there.

As a final point though - do go! It's great fun, there's loads to see and you will be amazed at the things that suddenly become vital necessities that you might not have been aware of beforehand.

 

[keith]

One of the best days of the year for a birder. you couldn't ask for better.

 

[Steve Dudley]

It's probably not common knowledge but, ever since the early days of the fair In Focus have been a primary sponsor. One benefit that they gain from this is that most other optics retailers have been dissuaded from attending in the past leaving the field free for IF. As they don't sell all of the key brands then making comparisons at their stand may lead to some models that you wanted to examine being unavailable there.

In Focus, as a main sponsor of the Bird Fair, and as far as I know, have been so since year one, had the fair to themselves for quite a few years. But they are no longer the only optical retailer at the show as Viking Optical are now a co-main sponsor alongside IF, so, for those wishing to purchase, you should find that all popular brands are catered for between these two optical retailers plus other manufacturers such as Opticron and others who are also at the show.

 

[Richard Klim]

I'd recommend treating Birdfair as any other trade fair - a great opportunity to see and try what's on offer, but then buy later wherever you can get the best deal. The quality manufacturers seem to be falling over themselves to provide the best possible after-sales support nowadays, so there's little to be gained from buying from any particular retailer - just find the cheapest!

 

[Craig H]

Ta folks.

 

[Brian2]

I'd say go, enjoy the day and the stalls, shows etc and then go to the various supplier stands and try all the makes etc...All the major brands have there glass to try aswell In focus etc..try them and then once you found the one you like go and do your homework on price and deals etc....Lot's of companies will offer good package deals

As others have said..it's a cracking day out