Quote Originally Posted by ddt0725
...the weight of the larger ones really scares me and I will be doing quite a few hours of walking the trails

Denise that is a justifiable fear. Owning the 500mm I can tell you it is a job to take it out any where. I have mine in a full size back pack, carrying it anywhere for a couple hours is a job. When carrying it out of the backpack one can put it on a good monopod and shoulder it. But its still a lot of work.


Not to sound sexiest, but there are a lot of women if they asked me I would think it would be a mistake for them. I know my wife couldn't handle it. If you try just know your in for some work.


But if you ever think you want to buy one, I would suggest renting one just as you mentioned so you could give it a try to see how it is. Once you see the IQ it produces you will want it for your own.