<p>I second the suggestion to rent. I have several great Canon lenses, but my longest is 200mm. On a trip to Yellowstone, I rented the 100-400 from LensRentals.com. Their service was great, and the price was very affordable for a 1 1/2 week trip. I am awaiting the same lens to arrive from them for an upcoming trip to Alaska. I works well with a tripod but also has IS and works fine without one if necessary. For a 10 day rental I am paying somewhere around $100, but I am not sure about the cost to take it overseas.</p>