Need to purchase a good long range lense

[bowhuntertex]

I am shooting a Canon 30D and really need a long range lense. I work outside on different ranches all over the country and would really like to be able to take close up shots of animals that are a 100 yards out or so. Don't want to break the bank, but I know I will probably need to be in the $1000 range.

What are my options?

[Full curl]

I have the Canon 100-400 and really like it. You can find it for $1200.00 used.

[Casey]

100-400 or 300mm f4 would be my suggestion. They're in your budget if you don't mind one gently used.

[bowhuntertex]

What is the difference between the two lenses Casey? And I forgot you moved to Bulverde.....welcome to our side of the world

[Casey]

100-400 gives you some range in focal length (reach) but is slower at f3.5-f5.6 The 300 is fixed focal length, which typically equates to a sharper image, but you don't have the flexibility of zoom. It is f4 throughout it's focal range. You really can't go wrong with either. I bought my 300mm f4L IS used off Fred Miranda for a little under your budget.

[bowhuntertex]

Thanks for the info Casey

[Hillary]

Not a canon shooter, but I am a fan of the fixed lens glass.
I have a 70-200 f/2.8 that speaks for itself, but sharpness that you get from fixed glass stands alone.