Thanks for that. Off to India for a tiger safari next year so light and centre point after should be ok. I'm thinking manual focus using the 2x could lead to missing some shots.
Been to India to Bandhavgarh (in fact I'm off again in 4 weeks) and I'd suspect you won't need an extender very often, I just checked my EXIFs from the last trip in 2011 and in fact the majority of my shots were taken with a 1 Ds mk3 and a 70-200 2.8....generally at the long end.
I also had with me a 7D mk1 with a 300 2.8 so effectively 480mm.
If t's Bandhavgarh you're going to, you'll generally be shooting in reasonable to harsh light, early start then back for breakfast, the parks are closed during late morning till mid afternoon as the beasts generally snooze then and it's hot and uncomfortable to travel anyway!...and you go back in about 4 iso till dusk, and then you must be out by a certain time or heavy fines are imposed on the drivers.
I presume you'll have a 2nd body?....it's very dusty and you won't want to change lenses unless it's really necessary, and do take a couple of old pillowcases for storing the cameras with lens attached when they're not in use.
I'd be very happy to discuss things in more detail by phone, if you want that please just pm me.
FYI this time I'm taking the 100-400 mk2 on the 1 Dx and will have a 400DO mk2 on a 1D4 (and a x1.4 for that if really necessary).
Things have changed in the last couple of years, they no longer do the elephant rides I gather, which is a great pity as you could get great shots and also get closer to the action as now you can only stay on the roads, and some parks have strict route guidance.
Great trip though, you'll really enjoy it and I hope you get some good sightings!!
George.
PS and take a monopod for use in the jeep, v. useful!