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Yes, I always hand-hold it. I could never follow a bird if I had it on a tripod or even a monopod.

Yeah! Me either. I think that lens is a really great one for hand holding. I see guys with the bigger primes and they are sooo heavy. The shots must amazing but man i would be hurting lugging it around

Yes, for sure. Even this thing is too heavy for me after a half hour - maybe one hour tops. I can carry it all day long but I'm talking about actually using it, pointing and trying to hold still.