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Message: <blockquote data-quote="HokkaidoStu" data-source="post: 1367922" data-attributes="member: 504">I have the same lens as Cartman with an older lower spec body (the 400D).Here are some tips that from my experience with the 100-400, sorry if it repeats what others have already said...........1. The lens likes sunshine. Sometimes on a grey day you just have to give up and go home. I realise there are a lot of grey days in the UK winter.2. The IS works well and I find you can get sharp shots handheld down to 1/200, assuming the bird isn't moving around too much of course.3. You still have to be very close to small birds to get a decent picture. I'd say keep the T/C for moon shots and develop your stalking skills. 4. I find AV the best mode. The lens is better at F8 than F5.6, if light conditions permit F8 I'd recommend using it. Good shots at F5.6, 6.3 and 7.1 are still possible of course.5. I'd urge you to shoot in RAW and postprocess your shots. The software that came with your 40D (Canon DPP) is actually pretty good especially as it's basically free. Try Photoshop later.6. I don't know the 40D but I guess it's better at higher ISO settings than my 400D. I rarely go over 400 (800 at a pinch) but with the 40D ISO 800 is maybe OK?</blockquote>