What is best way to learn how to use telephoto lens on Canon EOS Digital camera?

I have a Canon EOS 350 D. Today I bought a Opteka 500 mm 8.0f lens. The instructions with the lens were not enough for an amateur photographer like me.

That;s the digital ELPH, right?

It's actually quite simple. Don't over complicate it. You attach the lens and use the camera's own zoom. The lens simply magnifies the camera's actual zoom.

Hello. Unfortunately, from what I've heard, this lens is a manual zoom, so it won't work with the cameras automatic zoom feature. That would make it more difficult, because instead of the camera automatically zooming in perfectly, you would have to judge this for yourself. The best bet would be to switch this lens for a more expensive automatic zoom meant for this type of camera, to make your life easier. There is no point putting out all that money for a good digital SLR and then skimping on the glass. The photo is only going to be as good as the lens that's on it, no matter how expensive the camera.

Trial and error. I assume you know how to remove and replace the lens. I have no experience with this lens but you may have to use the auto setting on the lens or alternatively, manually match the fstop settings to your camera [suck it and see]. Some zoom and telephoto lenses are harder to focus than a standard lens. Again trial and error taught me a lot about photography, and it's great fun. Hope all goes well.

1. Find out how to change lenses on your camera.
2. Do it.
3. Take pictures. With digital, it doesn't matter if you make mistakes. THEY ARE FREE!
4. Just do it. You'll figure it out.

A 500mm lens for 90 bucks?! (Retail at Amazon.)
Well, it has a fixed focal length and a fixed aperture. If your 350D's light meter doesn't work with it, set the camera to manual, use f/8, and fiddle with the shutter speed until you nail the exposure. Learn to use the camera's histogram to evaluate the exposure after every shot.
500mm on a 350D works out to an effective focal length of 800mm, so set it on a tripod, aim it a a chipmunk 3 towns away and shoot some pictures.

swell since it is digital you PRACTICE,
learn how steady you need to be
learn cropping pixles
500mm,,,,??, pretty grainy, adjust your A settings