Darnit I need to learn to focus quicker

I was out round a local pond when I spotted this chap, I really need to work on my manual focusing. I was using a 75-300 lens with x2 convertor, (handheld) I got shots when a crow decided to see him off but they were even worse than these two - oh well, practise, practise, practise.

It's pretty hard to shoot birds with manual focus. I can't do it unless they are sitting still.

canonloader wrote in post #3308513
It's pretty hard to shoot birds with manual focus. I can't do it unless they are sitting still.

Yeah, trouble is the AF was having trouble, don't know if its because I had the x2 on

What camera body and what's the lowest f/stop on the lens? A f/2.8 will still AF on a 30D with a 2x on it, but a f/4.0 won't. You can tape the pins, but I would not recommend it. It makes the lens chatter and can burn out the USM motor.

canonloader wrote in post #3308581
What camera body and what's the lowest f/stop on the lens? A f/2.8 will still AF on a 30D with a 2x on it, but a f/4.0 won't. You can tape the pins, but I would not recommend it. It makes the lens chatter and can burn out the USM motor.

It's a 400d lens f: 4 - 5.6 so that is most likely why - (I need the lottery win)