300 F/2.8 + 1.4X for Birds?

mandozilla wrote in post #7426527
Thanks gasrocks
Great picture 4x4rock!, I shoot mostly small birds (and the big ones are far way )
romulus_be: Do you have any sample using the 3x wide open?

I don't have samples with 3.0 only with 2.0

Below some examples (some already cropped) with 300 2.8 with 2.0 extender, most of them action shots, some at slow shutter speeds

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

silvex wrote in post #7429656
100-400 3lbs
300L f/2.9 IS 5.6lbs
500L 8.5lbs

the 300L being smaller than 500L.

How do you plan to drag the 300L in rough terrain?

Why not a 400L 5.6 ? Now you like to pixel peep for sharp shots. How do plan to get SHARP shots after walking in rough terrain and then handholding a 5.6lbs lens? I just don't get it....I mean do you expect the birds will NOT heard wlaking and not hear you getting ready ? Most of the times birding is waiting and waiting AND waiting...it is not chasing...chasing and chasing. YOu will never get good shots...most of the times birds hang around the same place.

I see what you mean, and certainly agree with your point about the territoriality (if this word exist at all) . Walking not necessary mean puffing or breacking a record in speed ... it just mean that I personally like to find the waiting spots well away from people and I leave in the middle of the alps ... (though agree that it takes a while until I can handhold anything at all ) ... As said I'm not a pro and not need to be effective, just to have fun

I ruled out the 400 5.6 for the lack of IS, maybe you're right and need to reconsider that

Thanks for those pictures farmdog_fan and romulus_be!
Additionally I've never heard of a "bad copy" for the 300. This gives me a good idea on the capabilities of this combo for birding and though might be a compromise compared with the 500, it will suit me well

Thanks guys!

Here are some 2x examples. I just received this combo on Friday and I am quite pleased with the 2x results. Sorry these are not exactly birds though.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

I bought the 300mm f 2.8 because I like to hike and although this lens is no lightweight hiking without pain is very doable. For large birds I use ot with a 1.4 TC for smaller birds or more distant birds I use the 2X. Its a very versitile combination.