After some comments on various photo boards in regard to the Nikon V1, FT-1 and 70-300mm combination I decided to spend some time using it.  I headed up to the Celery Fields nature reserve in Sarasota County and stopped off at the Venice Rookery on the way back.

Recent rains had made for some changes in conditions.  There was heavy flow in the Celery Fields and many of the marshy areas were immersed.  The birds were pretty well scattered as a result.  I did manage to find this Limpkin at the Celery Fields and two pairs of ducks at the Rookery.

The 70-300mm VR is larger and heavier than the 55-200mm VR that I usually walk around with.  It’s enough that you feel that you are carrying a lens with a camera attached rather than a single unit.  Since it also reaches an effective 840mm at full extension the extra weight and need for steadiness meant that I completed the rig with a monopod.

Since I like using the 55-200mm for closeup work, I tried the 70-300mm for the same purpose.  I don’t think it measures up to the 55-200 in this regard but the results were acceptable.

As I was preparing to leave the rookery I noticed something in the water.  This is a straight from the camera shot with a tight crop of the same image.

In summary, I like the combo but think I really would have preferred a tripod to a monopod at 840mm equivalent.  The problem is that once I get to lugging that kind of gear, the D300/D90 and their associated gear start to become more attractive.