[joe chow]

If I have a 70-200mm 4L and 350D, now, I want to try bird hunting as a beginner. What is the most suitable plan?

1. addition of a Cannon 1.4X
2. addition of a Tamrom 2X, since AF still works as I know
3. 300mm 4L IS
4. 400mm 5.6L
5. 100-400 5.6L IS

Please also advice the quality of choice item 1 and 2 and its usable.

[beancurdbean]

3. 300 4L IS +1.4x

Plan 2 no AF

[tam_dominic]

I have 350D + Sigma 100-300 F4 + 1.4X and quite satisfy with it.

Your item 3 should be superior because the IS feature and prime lens.

Happy shooting !

[kkyy]

plan 1

[genewch]

Option 1 comes first. Since you have a 70-200mm f4, a 1.4x extender is an easy and cheap solution. You can try it first and make good use of what you've already had. The extender keeps you versatility too. If it can't satisfy you, then a 300mm or 400mm prime comes to consideration. However, the longer focal length you use, the more specialized use of your lens. Unless you use long tele lenses often, it's somewhat wasting to leave long tele lenses in your storage cabinets. A shorter focal length retains more possibility of proper use. So, if for me, I'd choose a 300mm rather than a long 400mm.

[joe chow]

I have bought the 1.4X of Canon, it is found no significant change in quality. Since the Aparture was reduced to 5.6f, I think that I will use up to ISO 800 for hunting big bird, thanks to 350D low noise!!!