I understand. It is still a large and substantial lens. However, I guess it is all relative because it feels much lighter than my older 500mm F/4 G which was 8.5 lbs. The older G model was also very front heavy, which made hand holding virtually impossible for me. The newer E FL model feels as if it lost all of the weight from that front glass element, which makes the balance infinitely better. I wouldn’t want to hand hold this lens all day, but for short durations it is certainly manageable. I mostly shoot large lenses from a monopod anyway.
If you’re looking for lighter alternatives, you’ll want to check out the 500mm F/5.6 PF (for F-mount) or the newer 600mm F/6.3 (for Z mount). I have not actually owned these, but many here have them and speak very highly of them.