100-400mm + tc 1.4x or 2x ? which tc is better?

[David Stephens]

Dave and Roger, thanks for your tips.
Maybe I'll choose manfrotto 055 and ball head 488rc4. Is it a good combination?
or manfrotto 055 and 322RC2 HEAVY DUTY GRIP BALL ?
I not only use it for birding but I also use them for landscape photography.

A ballhead is a good alternative, particularly if you go hand held for BIF.

Despite it's name, Manfrotto only recommends the Heavy Duty Grip Ball Head for light camera/lens combinations. OTOH, I see a 468MGRC4 that would suit your camera/lens weight. I don't see a 488rc4, but I suspect that they're similar with one being an older or new model than the other.

Looking forward to your images.

Dave

[Edy Subiyanto]

Dave I just post my image on eager to learn images critique... waiting to read your comment

Thanks

[Mark Owens]

I'm posting this photo at the recommendation of Alfred Forns. He thought it was a decent example of a high ISO (3200) shot @ 560mm (100-400 @ 400mm plus 1.4x Kenko TC) in poor lighting conditions. I frequently use the combo of 1D3/100-400/1.4x Kenko TC with what I think are good results. I probably wouldn't use the combo for BIF's in poor lighting, but for perched birds (such as above) or slow moving wildlife, good results can be obtained if you get the exposure close to correct in camera.

Exif is intact, but here's the basics: Canon 1D MkIII, 560mm (Canon 100-400 @ 400m with 1.4x), ISO 3200, 1/250s, f/9, Manual, noise reduction to background, no noise reduction on the bird.