I was pretty good handholding the 300 by it's self, but with the 1.4 and the loss of another stop I have exceeded my limits. Like I mentioned I was unsure at first, if it was me or the TC but, the above photos prove it's me:) The main reason I have yet to really use the tri/monopod to date is the moving targets. I am always shooting birds or small animals and to track them from tree to tree while keeping a pod on the ground was difficult. The second thing I found awkward was loosening the ball head for repositioning then tightening it for the shot was way to slow. Do you guys leave it on a minimal drag setting and never really fully tighten it? I mean for shooting the moon, I am hands free and remote, but for chickadees or hummingbirds, well, I am not that fast:) Am I missing something simple here, or are you referring more to a somewhat stationary subject?

Jim, I am always leaning up against stuff. A tree, rock, root, my knee anything that’s stable. Sometimes with work where I use the flash, I will hold on to a leg of the tripod for stability. Thanks.

David, I am surprised that the AF works better through the Nikon TC. I probably should have bought that one, but for now I will have to work with the Kenko. Again, to keep your hand on top of the lens, how do you adjust the ball head. Or do you just leave it a little stiff and move it without loosening the head?