7D+400 F5.6 +1.4TC=I like!

Due to lack of funds for 500 F4 I went cheap route and got "poor" version of 500ish lens
My ultimate setup would be 1D mkIV+ 500 F4, however that would land me in the doghouse.
Today I pulled a trigger and got an used 1.4x TC to add to my current setup of 7D and 400 F5.6L.
Surely there is no AF but to my surprise my camera focuses nicely when using live view! Attaching few samples of live view/manual focus shooting. I kinda like it, of course with static subjects only.
Comments and critique are always welcome.
Thanks for stopping by.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/kris_n-ski/7030777993/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/kris_n-ski/7030777767/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/kris_n-ski/7030777573/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/kris_n-ski/7030777277/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/kris_n-ski/7030778249/

Your focusing is on the dot. Nice work!

awesome 560 f8!
your focus is great.
i never thought about live view for AF with TC

They are very good Kris. I've tried similar and had some success with live view, although it's a bit slow. Also remember that the combo would AF with a 1DIV at f/8 using centre point.

Great results Kris.

Excellent results with your set-up.

Thanks all!
1D mk IV would be ultimate solution to have some AF, and it is cheaper than 500 F4
IMHO it is matter of time and softening of the CFO to get the funds

Those of us who can't afford to go beyond a 400 f/5.6 have to be creative, Kris. And your results are very good.
By the way, I use a Kenko 1.4x and AF works very well with the 400 f/5.6 which is the main reason why I chose it over the Canon.

Very nice, interesting shots and dialog... I suspect for your setup to function properly, you need excellent light.

Dave

Yes Dave, indeed it was very beautiful and sunny day.
Fully understand limitations of higher F numbers, even without TC I pack as soon
as sky becomes darker.
I am grateful for any light that allows to make some decent pictures.

@Levina
I did hear about trick with Kenko 1.4 TC, I did get one while ago, however, that copy
did not work too well with my lens so I returned it. After that I gave up on TC's until yesterday
This 1.4x II stays with me for good

These are great Kris, looks like that's a great combination.

Those captures have outstanding IQ Kris with or without a TC!
As you said, it does help to have bunches of light and a static subject, but your results prove it's a viable alternative to the "doghouse combo" -
BTW - the 1 image you don't have labeled looks to me to be a female Indigo Bunting.

Thanks Steve for the ID.
To be honest I labeled that as a LBB (little brown bird) most likely female house sparrow.
I will dig that, since it would be my very first Indigo Bunting

Very nice! Your MF is spot on. Wish I could do this, but my eyesight doesn't permit it.