1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
I wanted to report back on the use of the 1.4X teleconverter added to my 100 - 400 mm telephoto zoom lens. I'm attaching three images, a perched belted kingfisher, two burrowing owls and a wood stork coming in to land. Note that all three images were taken at the maximum zoom, namely, 560 nm (with the extender). One of the three images represents a bird in flight. Admittedly, autofocus was slowed with the extender but I've kind of learned how to deal with it. Harder to lock on a bird quickly with the extender particularly when the bird is closeby when I first recognize the photo opportunity. Easier if I spot the bird somewhat far away and can prepare for it. As for image quality, I think it's still pretty good as long as lighting is good. As for specifications, I used a Canon EOS 80D, an EF 100 - 400 mm f/4,5 - 5,6 IS II USM zoom lens plus the 1.4X III extender. Overall, I'm very happy with it and generally use it unless it's a cloudy day. I also purchased a Canon Powershot SX60 for more reach but, frankly, I don't like it as much as my 400 mm zoom lens with the extender. It's terrible for birds in flight or for warblers moving quickly through a tree because autofocus is much slower than the 80D setup.
I've shot the Sigma 150-600 C all of last season & it has benched my 100-400 L IS Ver 1 which is quite sharp. I finally got a shot I've been after for the last 2 seasons because for once I decided to use the right shutter speed because I really wasn't after prop blur. I have come very close at getting this result at 1/500 a few times but I think this confirms that the Sigma is sharp enough for most hand holders. Wing span is 88 inches & it's flying right to left doing rolls, I've turned it for the crop. (note slight prop blur even at this setting so likely at full power). First the full frame then a crop to the autographs of the Snowbird pilots 3 years ago & ISS Commander Chris Hadfield. Shot hand held with a 1D mark 4, Sigma 150-600 C @468 mm, f 6.3, 1/2000. At the end of the season I started shooting that lens on my 7D2 with excellent results & I plan on using it together next year along with the Canon 28-300 L IS on the 1D4.
