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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Jim Lundberg" data-source="post: 1501254" data-attributes="member: 58911">I own the 300f2.8. I mount it on a monopod/ballhead. I have a pad attached just below the ballhead that rests on my shoulder with the lens cocked back over my shoulder like an open shotgun. It is a comfortable setup and easy to swing off and set up for quick shots. I swap shoulders now and again and have hiked for 6 hours like this. I use the bare lens when proximity allows such as in my backyard blind. The bare lens in good light allows flexibility with the settings. I use the 1.4x walking around in the woods. The 2x convertor slows the autofocus somewhat except in good light. My brother owns the 300f4. Our recent birding adventure, my brother expressed frustration with focus speed of his f4. He used my f2.8 and was impressed with its autofocus speed even with the 2x attached. I have grown accustomed and expect quick focus from the 2.8.  There are times I want more reach than the 300/2x convertor offers. Regards, Jim</blockquote>