Help me get some new gear please...

I shoot mainly birds and I have a 400D+100-400L. I'm thinking since some time to get a 1.4X TC and a 300 F4 but not really sure so here are my questions:

1) What are the other birders think about this combo ... consider that I can't afford the 2.8 and I'm happy with the 1-4... just wondering to try new things with a prime (and have some bucks to spend)

2) As I'm going to be in the states next weekend... can someone point me a good retailer in Chicago area?

Thanks for any hint!

Check out Helix Camera

310 S. Racine, Chicago, IL 60607

Thanks pixelharmony! ... that looks like a place to visit next Saturday

the 300 w/ 1.4 TC produces horrible images. i would avoid that combo and get the 400 5.6 it produces better images at 400mm than the 1-4 and it has a much faster AF.
see this thread:
http://www.prophotohom​e.com …sl-vs-300mm-f-4-1-4x.html

You could also check out Calumet while in Chicago, they are a world wide retailer that I have had a lot of luck with here in MA. I believe their Chicago location was one of their first ones. The guys here in Boston live and breath photography and recently lowered their prices that match most online companies.

http://www.calumetphot​o.com

mackidbrendan wrote in post #5860296
the 300 w/ 1.4 TC produces horrible images. i would avoid that combo and get the 400 5.6 it produces better images at 400mm than the 1-4 and it has a much faster AF.
see this thread:
http://www.prophotohom​e.com …sl-vs-300mm-f-4-1-4x.html

How does the 400mm perform with 1.4 TC?