Why do I do this?

[Roy]

Thanks. Yes, we usually hike 10 plus miles a week with the gear. It doesn't get any easier. Good that you're riding. I do believe exercise helps us stay not only in physical shape but helps keep our minds sharp too. Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

Getting old is better than the alternative.
Mirrorless cameras may be smaller/lighter but wildlife lenses still remain big and heavy. And they outweigh the camera by a significant amount.

 

[jeffnles1]

Getting old is better than the alternative.
Mirrorless cameras may be smaller/lighter but wildlife lenses still remain big and heavy. And they outweigh the camera by a significant amount.

yep.
Agree on lens weight. The 500PF really interests me for the weight savings over the 200-500. Just not sure I would like giving up the versatility of the zoom. I shoot a lot in the lower to middle ranges of the 200-500. Most are at 500 but when I need something shorter there would rarely be enough time to swap out for a different lens and if I'm carrying a 300pf and 500pf and a 1.4 teleconverter along with me would I really save any weight over the one zoom and maybe a wide angle? My usual "kit" when in the field is D500, 200-500, and 105mm macro. Some days I'll leave the 200-500 at home and bring my Sigma 100-400 instead (especially if I'm not going after tiny birds).

Jeff

 

[Woody Meristem]

That's one of the best explanations of why I spend time in forest and field with a camera. Thank you for articulating that which so many cannot even though they fell it deep down inside.

 

[jeffnles1]

That's one of the best explanations of why I spend time in forest and field with a camera. Thank you for articulating that which so many cannot even though they fell it deep down inside.

thank you.

 

[marksand35]

Getting old is better than the alternative.
Mirrorless cameras may be smaller/lighter but wildlife lenses still remain big and heavy. And they outweigh the camera by a significant amount.

Roy so true!! I go by the saying the more birthdays i have the older i get. So if I’m still having birthdays I must be doing something right. So keep them birthdays coming.