Wildlife Lens?

[tarnis]

Looking around trying to decide on a new lens for wildlife...  I guess I'm presently down to being able to afford a modern 300mm f2.8l IS or a 500mm f4.5l...they seem to go in the same pricing circles used BUT I don't know that I can get repair work done on the 500.  How long do those focus motors last typically?  Kinda scarey spending that much on a paper weight.  On the other hand the 300 I can use with a 2x and maybe sell a year or two down the road to fund a 500mm IS.

Any suggestions?  Presently I'm shooting with a 400 f5.6 on a 50D.

[Bob Atkins]

I'm shooting with a 500/4.5L and I love the lens. The repair issue is of some concern since many parts are no longer available for it, but generally the long telephoto USM lenses are very reliable. Of course that doesn't help you if your lens is the one lens in 10,000 that fails!

I had a 300/2.8L at one time but I much prefer the 500/4.5L.