Thanks Loupey for feedback on this, it proves clear crisp pictures can be obtained with TC's and without tripod/monopods, and you have always impressed me the way you handle manual mode, this may seem a strange thing to say, but i keep trying with my bird flight shots in manual, but before i get the focus right the subject has gone,especially on an oppertune shot, its frustrating and im sure im doing something wrong, but its a challenge. So if youve got any tips on it please im all ears!

Sounds like the weather is very harsh over there, and that again is so frustrating when you want to go out with the camera, especially bird photography, but its been like that here for a while now, although not harsh, just wet and very muddy.

Oh hubby has just come home with a big bunch of flowers, hmmm, macr shots i think tonight! Lol.