Shooting small birds from far away

[mbrager]

I finally acquired the new Tamron 150-600. Others have mentioned this lens, especially HBG who did a helpful review. A monster lens, does have VC so handholding is possible, but I used a monopod for decent stability. On my 7D, full extension is 960 mm. Focus seemed fast enough, but some of my longer shots were soft. Here's one I like, although the bird's pose could be better. I think it my be a female red winged blackbird.

[Hillbillygirl]

Nice one MBrager, and really likin' that bokeh. Looks almost as you may have a Savannah Sparrow there though.

Did you give AI focus a good run on this lens with your 7D, as there were some major issues in the beginning, which Tamron has rectified as of now?