D500 with 200-500/5.6 + Tc-14 III

[Andrew]

All shoots with monopod, gimbal, auto ISO, f/8, 1/160 of second
Big-tits and jay, blind, some from dystans 3-4 meters, very thin deep of focus.

Other comments: too stiff zooming and difficult to reach manual focus ring - gimbal on the way.

[elsa hoffmann]

I just love what that lens can do. I have yet to try it with a TC.
You are brave shooting at 1/160!

[Andrew]

Yes, looks like VR is doing it job!
But remember: monopod with gimbal....

[PedroS]

Some photos showing what can be achieved with such a combo...I'm afraid only for register, as too many compromises are present.
Shooting that zoom naked, on a monopod is already hard, now, with a TC plus a gimbal (can you explain your rational here)... not much as a result.
But again, sometimes that's the only way to get a photo.

[Andrew]

I am shooting from blind, taking in consideration small "window", limited movement right and left, monopod is more convenient, gimbal is giving me easy to use support. In some situation, in different hide I am using tripod with gimbal. TC was added just for testing and with only small birds(no raptors) present, gaining some experience. Will see...
My previous set was D750 with 200-400+TC-14 and quite often nesesery shutter speed was in range of 1/1000 sec.

Also that was really my second session with this lens, will see...
I hope I did explain my rational-if not, next question, please!

[Erik Lund]

Double lines in the fore- and back ground are usually tell tales of VR working to combat motion of the subject, moving the VR element and thereby ruining the f and bg. 
Also a TC often gives rough looking f and bg,,,

[Andrew]

Erik-thanx for explanation!
Are you talking about last pic?

[Erik Lund]

Yes especially the last one.

[Andrew]

Again-thanx for explanation!

[elsa hoffmann]

I must admit I basically never use VR as I shoot birds at around 1/2000 or so, which means VR isnt doing anything anyway.
I personally dont like the effect VR creates
Having said that - if I would shoot below 1/500 I probably will also engage VR

[PedroS]

Elsa, you are right, above 1/500 VR should be off. And below it depends...

Never used the 200-500, so can only comment from others photos, but it seems to handle better TCs than the older sister 200-400, which I used with relative success.
I just use monopods until 300mm and with good light, otherwise always tripod.
I know how it's "living" in a hide... but a tripod always pays its dividends.

[stenrasmussen]

Another important point IMO is to let the VR/VC/IS/OS enough time to stabilize before making the shot. The other factor, as pointed out here, is the shutter speed at which the stabilization is supporting the achievement of sharp images and not counteracting such goals.

[Andrew]

Pix from today will be coming...

[MILLIREHM]

Other comments: too stiff zooming and difficult to reach manual focus ring - gimbal on the way.

Just did short testing with the 200-500, so not a lot to say about it

but gimbalwise I always use my Wimberley with the knobs on the right side, so it can't get in the way when focussing
Mostly i shoot without fixing the knobs, if its fast shootin i have no time, if its time enough i can as well operate it with right hand.

Using gimbal with tripod though never gave it a try on monopod

[Andrew]

Few from yesterday after snow falling, rainy, dark...
No TC, no VR, 1/250 of sec. and as usual-monopod with gimbal.

I never try knobs on the right-re: gimbal.

Monod with gimbal-in my opinion-is quite good in tight space, as a blind...
MILLIREHM-just try it!

The close-up with zoom set for 500mm, others 250-300mm