Originally posted by Ho_agie . . . . I think I have a good setup for my interests, which is landscape, nature, and wildlife. I have no illusions of making money from my photos, but enjoy the stress relief of getting outside and the creative aspect of photography. I have found that there are just some shots that I need a longer focal length for. I'd be willing to throw in for one more lens to capture that eagle that won't move any closer or that elk I'm not risking getting any closer to. . . .
some clarifications which might be helpful to get good recommendations:
I agree the low end of the budget - $300 is very unlikely $600 might be doable
what does the OP mean about getting outside ?
is weight and size an issue ?
are we talking about a blind situation where a tripod or monopod can be used or will the OP be on the move, by car or foot, looking for target of opportunity ?
what distance between the photographer and the " target " is anticipated ?
will the noise of screw drive be a problem ?
would the OP be willing to look at a " mirror " lens ?
some can be quite good, some quite bad