ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

Thank you to everyone who responded. As could be expected, there were a range of answers to my question as well as various other tidbits of information and opinions on related topics. In my former life, I was in the market research industry, so naturally, I wanted to tabulate the responses. Here goes:

On the specific question about using the stabilizer:

Have a stabilizer and use it: 2 (However, it should be noted that no one seemed wildly enthusiastic)
Don't have one but use a tripod/gimbal head/Sidekick: 5
Handhold - don't use any support: 5

The most fiercely debated issue involved VR. Almost everyone who handheld the lens kept the VR on, usually in Sport mode. The jury was split among the tripod users whether to use VR or not.

I thank the folks who relayed the information about the bird population at Bosque so far this season. I will report back after my trip about Bosque, Bernardo, and any other location we may end up at.

Personally, I went ahead and ordered the Kirk stabilizer to go with the Kirk foot already on my lens. I'll report back on this as well.

Happy Holidays to all!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I think you will notice a more positive control over the lens - this will impact AF placement and compositional accuracies and will also help in stabilizing for longer shutter speeds when locked down.
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