Ginnie and I shot with a professional guide this week that used a Canon R5 + 100-500 lens. This combination is roughly the same weight as our d500/500pf primary setup, is 45mp, has eye tracking and is about the same price as the D500/500pf. It seems a viable alternative for Nikon users desiring a single camera/lens configuration. On the flip side the lens is f/7.1 on the long end.
Ginnie and I found the zoom configuration attractive because we found that the 500pf on a DX body is often too long. We needed to carry a second body in a quickdraw config with a shorter lens attached. To accomplish this, we purchased two 300PF lenses from forum members who indicated that they rarely used the 300pf once they obtained a 500pf. Our experience was different, possibly because we are using a DX camera as opposed to a D-850 and possibly because we typically carry two cameras. On the other hand, the 300pf clearly showed us the benefit of a f/4 lens. We now know why some are willing to carry those 600mm f/4 monsters.
For those like us who desire a 5# maximum setup, the canon R5/100-500 is worth considering. That being said, Ginnie and I concluded that we would continue with our D-500/500pf-D-500/300pf dual setup.
Ginnie and I found the zoom configuration attractive because we found that the 500pf on a DX body is often too long. We needed to carry a second body in a quickdraw config with a shorter lens attached. To accomplish this, we purchased two 300PF lenses from forum members who indicated that they rarely used the 300pf once they obtained a 500pf. Our experience was different, possibly because we are using a DX camera as opposed to a D-850 and possibly because we typically carry two cameras. On the other hand, the 300pf clearly showed us the benefit of a f/4 lens. We now know why some are willing to carry those 600mm f/4 monsters.
For those like us who desire a 5# maximum setup, the canon R5/100-500 is worth considering. That being said, Ginnie and I concluded that we would continue with our D-500/500pf-D-500/300pf dual setup.