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Message: <blockquote data-quote="avwh" data-source="post: 1377735" data-attributes="member: 72588">I think you've probably hit the practical limit of what that lens and a 2x TC can give you, at least for smaller birds (I too was expecting worse, as I only use 1.4x TC on a 300L IS and 500L, and most bird photographers I know have not had great results with a 2x TC; most I know have gone to the 1.4x and sacrificed some reach for better IQ).For backyard birding, a 300L f4 IS isn't THAT expensive (especially used, which is how I got mine); coupled with a 1.4x, you'd have 420mm reach - more than the 2x + 200, with less image degradation. The 300L IS is a good handheld lens, and probably would give all the reach you'd need in a backyard (it's also a practical outdoor sports lens).If a longer lens is out of the question, I'd suggest considering a camera body upgrade - I'm using a 40D, and IQ is usable all the way to ISO 1000-1250 for birding, and I regularly shoot at IS0 800 without even needing noise reduction. A higher ISO would give you much better flexibility in low light conditions. (I've also had good luck shooting at indoor sports events with the 70-200L f2.8 IS at ISO 1600; after noise reduction in pp, I've been delighted with the results.)</blockquote>