Which telephoto lens for ski competitions?

[lynn]

Hi!

My camera was recently stolen on vacation. I'm an amateur, so I just replaced it with one very similar to what I had before..the Canon Rebel EOS T5i with both the 18-55 lens and the 55-250 lens (with IS). Those two lenses work fine for most of my purposes. But, all of my kids ski competitively. I can only take photos from the bottom of the ski course (only athletes and professional photogs are allowed on course...and so I need a telephoto lens that reaches farther than the 55-250...it just doesn't reach enough. My budget is pretty limited. So I was looking at the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM which is about $650. Will this get me much more distance than the 22-250? Or am I wasting my money? If it won't get me much more distance, what could I buy that won't break the bank? It seems like the next level up are are L lenses that are pretty expensive. Do I do a refurbished Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM?
Any thoughts? Thanks!

[maxjj]

Hi welcome aboard?
Like you mentioned the 70-300 will only gain you a little bit, the best choice would be the 100-400L.
If you do go for a 70-300, seriously look at the tamron VC SP USD 70-300, its a better buy than the 70-300 is usm.