The last couple of weeks have been rather a saga. I decided to take the plunge and invest in a new lens for my mirrorless camera - a Canon RF 100-500. Lighter and far more portable.

I intended to trade in my other camera - the 1DX MK2 - and my old lens the Canon 100-400 that the new lens would replace. Having accepted the offers for trade in prices from Wex, I sent both of them off for inspection. Problem - the camera had dust on the sensor that required cleaning and that would take 3 weeks. As a member of Canon Professional, I asked for it back, took it to the Canon repair centre Elstree and got back the next day.

Resubmitting it to Wex, they still claimed heavy dust spots on the sensor, sent me photos to prove it, back to Canon, another clean and this time Wex accepted it. Relieved to say the least.

So I now having the new lens and matching 1.4 and 2x converters, I tried them out on Saturday in my garden.

Greenfinch

Chaffinch

Dunnock

and a very tatty Blue Tit

Three or four weeks ago, I noticed a flock of 9 house Sparrows in my garden - the first for 20 years - and they seem to have taken up residence so here was a great opportunity to take photos.

and a shot I particularly like, a female in the fuschias.

Now for a proper trial in the field.