We've committed to some volunteer work in the Rio Grande Valley -- Sept, Oct, Nov.  A great birding and wildlife area.  There's even an ocelot terrorizing the birds in that area.  My goal is to capture him with this:

http://www.adorama.com/CA40056AFU.html

Of course, we'll be taking it down for a trial run ... as soon as it arrives.   

The price sends a shiver down my spine

I know it's a bit more on the price, but why not get the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM, it will give you greater range.  I know that the prime will be a little sharper, but the greater range in case your closer might be nice to have.

All the stuff Race said plus, I rented the 100-400 for an event and wasn't satisfied with the focus (speed).  And, I've gotten myself into a mess by having both Canon and Nikon equipment.  Everything from 12mm - 300mm is pretty much covered with Nikon.
And, the 400 will be used almost exclusive for birding/wildlife.  I'm really liking it so far.

Race -- I do have a monopod.  Mostly, tho, will keep it on a tripod.

And, I use my truck as a blind, mounting the lens on an attachment that clamps onto the window.  Works great.

Oh even better. I think you are right about the focus speed but since I'm using a 40-D and T2i, and older ##-Ds I can't really be fair about that. If I had a 7-D or a 1-D then maybe I could see what the lens had to do with any of that. With the extender, it's hunting and almost impossible to use autofocus. I know people who use them on the 1-D and they work just perfectly.

Also I forget that some people aren't always mobile like I am. I have a tripod, somewhere? LOL OK that's a lie, I have three in the car, but for video, holding a flash, time lapse, all kinds of things, but not for photo shooting. I'm walking climbing fences, stairs, paths, panning, jumping in and out of vehicles sometimes, and tight places. Some are where tripods are banned, and starting last year they want no monopods in pit lane. I image some dope walked around whacking people and now we all lose our rights.

So I forget that other people aren't  mobile, and actually stand in one spot. When I climb a half mile up a steep hill to get a shot, I'm not carrying a tripod! 

That 400mm is a sweet lens, just like any 70-200 by Canon, one of the best of the line. Super sharp and nice color. Extenders ruin good lens quality, but sometimes it's necessary to get the shot.

I'm pretty sure this is the 400mm - 2EX, far edge of a gravel trap and shot through a chain link fence.


2012 Lola T-70



Good luck finding that puddy tat.

All the stuff Race said plus, I rented the 100-400 for an event and wasn't satisfied with the focus (speed).  And, I've gotten myself into a mess by having both Canon and Nikon equipment.  Everything from 12mm - 300mm is pretty much covered with Nikon.
And, the 400 will be used almost exclusive for birding/wildlife.  I'm really liking it so far.

Race -- I do have a monopod.  Mostly, tho, will keep it on a tripod.

And, I use my truck as a blind, mounting the lens on an attachment that clamps onto the window.  Works great.