Sadly, the time has come where I have to replace my dear D500, and I look to my friends and colleagues at UHH for guidance, and solace. Her weight, when coupled with my 70-200 f 2.8 has just gotten too heavy and too bulky for me to carry lately, especially to the high school ice hockey games that I shoot. I have no choice but to switch to lighter gear, if I am to continue my sports photography activities.

I suppose that would take me into the realm of mirrorless/MFT cameras. While I have done the research in terms of the specs of the various brands, I would appreciate input from those who have actually used MFT cameras (Sony, Olympus, Fujifilm, Lumix, etc.) in those situations where the D500 excels. In a word, I want smaller and lighter but of at least equal quality. The D500 has served me very well for indoor sports photography, in these areas: superb low light performance, a burst rate of at least 10fps, camera body ergonomics with ease of handling for fast moving action shots; great Auto Focus; and a rational and user-friendly menu system (or one that has a good a guide as Steve Perry's). Because I don't use a tripod or monopod for the type of sports photography I do, I recognize that much of the weight I'm complaining about is attributable to the long lens I use. So, I'd also be grateful for any suggestions as to comparable lenses for MFT bodies which are substantially lighter in weight. Fortunately, budgetary limitations need not be considered.

Many thanks,

BJW