Good zoom lens

Hi. I'm new to dslr's and still trying to understand the differences between all these lenses. I just got my 40D with 17-85mm lens. I want to be able to shoot outdoors (landscapes, scenery shots, etc.). I probably won't be using it alot for low light conditions but I'm sure there will be on occasion where I will need too - but its not a deciding factor on purchase. I use to shoot a Sony H1 with a 12x optical zoom (36-432mm). I want to get a good zoom lens that will give me the same range (and hopefully better quality) than the Sony. Will the Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS give me the same (or close to) zoom range? I know its comparing apples to oranges but wanted to get a general idea on what would be comparable. My budget is in the $500-700 range. Thanks for your input!

I have heard great things about the 70-200 F4L, I just ordered one with my 40D.

Ceyber wrote in post #5752460
I have heard great things about the 70-200 F4L, I just ordered one with my 40D.

you won't be disappointed, it's an excellent lens

It would compliment the 17-85 that the OP already has very nicely. Although it will clearly fall a long way short of the zoom range that the H1 gives the IQ and AF speed will be much better. That said to get more reach with the quality that the 70-200 f4 offers will cost a lot more.