400mm f5.6 and 1.4 tc

[joekid]

Originally Posted by Roy C

Sure, overall results using a tripod will always be better whether you are using the bare lens or a tc but if I had to use a tripod all the time I would give it up as a bad job. To say that adding a converter to the 400mm f5.6 will definately need a tripod is certainly not true providing you have good light and a fast shutter speed. I have been out today and taken over 100 shots (handheld) with this combo and got a load of sharp shots - I aim for a min of 1/1000 sec and get it by upping the ISO to 800 (noise is almost non existent on the 30D at this ISO) AF causes very few problems but I admit there is a knack to it (see my earlier post in this thread). I will upload some sample shots if I can [I have been unable to upload to WAB for almost a week now].
I have also recently been doing some trial shots with a 2x converter (this time with a tripod and manual focus) and was blown away by the IQ - I have been trying to upload samples with no success but will keep trying.
By the way I have taken over 40k of shots with the 400mm f5.6 and as you say, it is an excellent lens.

i hate carting gear around myself.(spinal injury, and a monopod) look forward to seeing the shots, have a good one.

[Chris P]

The 400mm in combo with the 1.4x converter works like a charm on 1 series cameras (center focus point only) unless you tape the pins
but for my stuff I always use the center focus point any way... the story on my 20D is not as good with the combo - but still produces some really high quality images

you must remember that its a pretty slow lens to start with at F5.6 but its the best hand hold-able long reach lens that is available

in low light it does not compare to the Canon F2.8 lenses, but they cost many thousands of pounds to buy

I would highly reccomend this combo
Chris