Quote Originally Posted by zrfraser
Long lenses aren't going to be small and hand holding with high shutter speeds certainly isn't as hard as it is sometimes made out to be. I think the Sigma 50-500 would be a good choice. It covers a wide range of focal lengths and although heavy, it is still manageable if you can prop or have fast shutter speeds. A monopod is going to be needed for extended use, but I don't think it will hinder you like a tripod will.

Z
Well the Minolta 500mm is autofocus, about 1/4 of the weight and a lot shorter than the the just over one foot long Sigma lens. The Minolta is easily handholdable where according to the reviews, the Sigma is a problem at 300mm and beyond.

Most important is that the Minolta lens is 1/4 of the price on ebay of the $1,000 sigma lens.

Ronnoco