The recently concluded 36th Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race was a resounding success. Participation was extremely encouraging, with an astonishing 58 international and 50 domestic teams taking part in the various competition categories. Additionally, 71 photographers registered for the photography competition, thus making the 36th iteration of this venerable bird race its most successful yet.

Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race 2025 – Camera and Optics Vendors Overview

In addition to the bird race and photography competitions, the Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race is also the event where camera and optics brands showcase their latest and greatest directly to the birdwatching/bird photography consumers. This year’s event had more than 20 international brands participating, in addition to the main sponsor.

Main Sponsor

For this year’s event, the main sponsor is YL Camera (M) Sdn Bhd, a well-known photography and optics equipment retailer in Malaysia. This company has been a constant presence at the bird race over the years, and also regularly participates in other birding/bird photography events throughout the country.

Camera and Optics Vendors Overview

Additionally, many of the famous camera and optics brands have a presence at the event. Each vendor had their own booth, where visitors could try for themselves the various cameras and optical equipment on the spot. For example, one could borrow and use a camera system for a few hours, testing it for themselves in the field. What better place to test birding gear than at one of the best birding spots in Malaysia? This is certainly one of the best things about visiting the Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race.

Camera and Optics brands 

The brands that were present at the event are:

Digital Cameras, lenses and accessories

1. Nikon 
2. Canon 
3. Fujifilm
4. Sony
5. Lumix
6. OM System
7. Tamron
8. Sigma

Camera support (tripods, monopods, tripod heads, etc)

1. Gitzo 
2. Manfrotto
3. Leofoto
4. YC Onion

Memory cards and camera bags

1. Lexar 
2. Lowepro
3. Tenba

Binoculars and Scopes

1. Swarovski Optik
2. GPO (German Precision Optics)
3. Goview 
4. Optisan
5. Omicron
6. Kowa
7. Pentax

Special Offers

Yet another reason to visit the Fraser’s Hill Bird Race is to avail of the extra special prices that these companies provide over the course of the weekend. Most, if not all, of the participating brands usually will promote their products with special ‘bird race’ only offers, which are cheaper than their regular offers. These prices are only valid for the weekend and can be very tempting!

Conclusion

The 36th Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race was certainly a memorable event, and not just for the competition participants. Visitors to the event had the chance to try out for themselves the various camera and optical equipment on display from the participating brands. Not only that, many of  these equipment were on offer at very tempting bundles and prices.

For those who missed this year’s event, fret not, for next year’s event will likely be just as great, if not better! We will post the dates of next year’s event on Birdwatching.asia as soon as it’s announced.