Hi,
The 645 A* 300/4 is excellent. Works well with the 1.4x TC. It's OK with the 2x TC. That means I only need carry the 300 and not two additional lenses. That's a big plus for the backpack. I have the 645D, 45-85, 80-160, 200 and 300 in there. Covers a lot of bases and I can actually hike about with it all. Sometimes these lighthouses require a bit of hiking and boating with the backpack and a tripod. That's enough for me.
One day, I went to Oak Island NC and shot that, then switched to the 300 and 2x TC and turned around and shot Old Baldy. Then I went to the ferry and headed over to Bald Head Island. Shot that one and switched lenses again and turned around and shot Oak Island from Old Baldy. Would I have preferred having one of those 600mm lenses for this? Yes! But I wouldn't want to have to had to carry it along as well!
Old Baldy (Bald Head Island NC) from Oak Island.
Oak Island NC from Bald Head Island.
Anyway, worked out fine to show one lighthouse from the other. This is the only time I have seen one lighthouse from another anywhere I've been on the East Coast of the US. But it isn't the only time Ive needed to use a boat.
Here is another 300 plus 2x TC shot. Cape Lookout from where one gets a boat on Harker's Island. The lighthouse is several miles away across several small low islands and lots of water. And. man! was the air roiled that day!
I went back another day to head over for some shelling (not shooting) and had my Nikon Df with me and a 150-600 zoom and the monopod I usually have with that lens. So, I took the opportunity to shoot with different air. Not as bad, but more wind and so more spray in the air. These are a great pair of shots to show the fun of using long lenses when it comes to conditions.
Stan