[davidmanze]

 If it's traveling light for BIF that you want the last thing you want is a tripod, Take your D7100 (or equivalent) and your Tamron/Sigma 150-600mm, set it to 1/2000 at F9 auto ISO, AF-C, D21  max FPS and go out and shoot birds in flight.... I go out with a over the shoulder back pack type bag on my bicycle with only the Tamron on the body in it and a spare battery. I keep it simple.

 

  The more gear you have the more kerfuffle you make setting it up......quietly,stealthily, and softly softly catchy monkey!

 

 Hand-holding is no big deal and produces the most interesting photos! 

 

 

  https://www.flickr.com/photos/124690178@N08/