I have a monopod, a lighter weight and a heavy duty tripod plus I shoot a lot handheld. Given where I am shooting, what I anm shooting and how I feel that day, I will use any of the above to get the shots. I can only handhold the Z9/800PF combo for a few shhots at a time and not for a whole day of shooting. If walking around, I will use the monpod with a ball head and Induro Sidekick gimbal. This works for a while and then I take a rest break on a benchor other rest spot to recharge. If in a fixed location like a blind or platform with the 800 PF, 500PF or even the 100-400 I will use a tripod so I can get some rest. I agree the heavy tripods help on uneven ground where the longer legs and weight help avoid off balance tipping of the camera/lens - like roadside shooting of birds in a marshy area. We each can pick the tools that assist in our individual situations.