Terry
Yes it does seem a bit out of character. My wife and I love camping and when possible I throw in the 400mm which is a seriously heavy lens and hope that a bird will oblige.
The lens may be front focussing a tad, but I have not checked it closely to confirm or deny.
I like the wide aspect as it gives our feathered friend lots of space to hop off into. But of course there are arguments to the contrary which are quite valid.
Mal