Still very happy with my 1000, using the "oh so simple" manual is a joy. Spent a happy hour or so attempting to get a shot of a Teal taking off. Ended up manual prefocussing on a group and used the remote. Never quite cracked it but still pleased with the one shown. Approx 45 mtrs.
Same for the Bartailed Godwit, manual and remote, waiting for bird to display its tail, this a little closer, about 35mtrs.
https://flic.kr/p/2aZxNZG 1200mm 1/500 f5.6 iso125
https://flic.kr/p/PZW82M 1700mm 1/500 f6.3 iso 160
I find the oft repeated comment about "poor low light performance" and a "lowly f8 at 3000mm" What would you expect when zoomed out that far?And then we have the super f5.6 at 2000mm ? That large diameter glass certainly helps.
Here are a couple taken from my conservatory through double glazing with reflections on the glass. Both hand held.
Long tail tit, hand held 800mm 1/60 f5.6 iso 800 18mtrs. pretty gloomy light
https://flic.kr/p/2cBhjAt
and this from same spot, 2600mm f7.1 1/125 iso500 bright sun
https://flic.kr/p/2dVtBGm
The Bird setting is my most used setting, but it is not restricted to 800mm, one can zoom in and out to suit image required and and can be switched to manual if wanted, especially useful where bird is in foliage or on a fence behind a bush. Another quick touch of a button and you can set the focus to Infinity, I have not fully explored that yet, but I am hoping it will help with BIF at 50mtrs or more.
Today was a little disappointing with the poor light until I spoke to a DSLR man who hadn't even bothered to take a single shot....and therein lies the truth of the matter, that damned massive zoom that I stiil keep trying in poor conditions, and end up with poor shots, when in reality I should not be taking any pics at all.
Den