hello from west texas

[pdog109e]

Hi, new to the forum after googling a bunch of 300mm + 2x TC results lead me here.
Longtime amateur bird photographer that used Canon, but in 2022 I switched to Sony and bought A1 and 600F4. Dream combo and I've been loving it since but I keep reading about how the 300 2.8 with 2x TC is just as good as 600F4 at half the price and weight. Well I already bought the 600F4 (buy once cry once) and its awesome but if I could cut the arm workout in every time I go birding it would be nice. I have traveled to Costa Rica with the 600F4 and it wasn't too terrible, and I only hand-hold, never use tripod or monopod. I use a black rapid strap to hold the camera when not in use/walking around but still have fast reaction time. I've been seeing here, and youtube some folks selling 600F4 and going with 300 with 2x TC. As a 99% bird photographer I would feel like having the 2x glued on the 300 so seems weird and lately i've been using the 1.4x TC more and more to justify my self keeping the 600F4. Anyway, just rambling and saying hi, looking forward to learning more about sony and photography, thank you. Attached is a recent pic of a Dusky Flyatcher, with 1.4x TC on 600F4.

 

[Unframed Dave]

Welcome. I'm another 600f4 user. I absolutely love it, I haven't tried comparing it to a 300mm with 2x. I'd like to think it's as good, but I've never seen any meaningful tests. Always processed and always compressed. Always differing conditions.

Let's say I'm sceptical.

Also, my shoulder has become hardened to lugging it about using a monopod. I literally walk miles with it.

Good luck with your endeavours.