Need help on a lens selection for youth football

I have been searching for the last few days and have read multiple posts on the topic and think I have an idea of what I need. My youngest son is 6 and just started playing flag football. I have a canon 50D with a 50MM 1.8, 85MM 1.8 and a 28-135 IS F3.5-5.6. Non of those lenses work worth a crap for football. But my 85MM has done me right when it comes to basketball. Based off what I have read the 70-200MM L USM IS or NON IS on my 50D should do the job if I have access to the sidelines, and I do have access. My first choice was the 70-200 F4, but it seems that lens wont help me much as it gets darker. below are a few factors to use to help me in this decsion.

Budget: 1200.00
Access to the sidelines: YES
Need the lens to be used for more then just football: YES
Body; Canon 50D

You have your choice of three of the four 70-200 Canon lenses. I previously had the 70-200 f/4 non-IS and it was great for daylight sports, but not so great as the sun started to go down. For that you could take a look at the 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS. The fact that you are going to be using it for more than sports may make the 70-200 f/4 IS a viable option. It's not going to help for sports in low light but the IS will make it more versatile for other shooting and it's fantastically sharp. It will come down to deciding if the faster glass or IS better fits your needs. Of course there are third party lenses available but I have not used any of them so hopefully some others who have used them will chime in.

I shot a LOT of youth football last year, mostly with rented 70-200 2.8L and 300 2.8L and had fantastic results with my 7D. It was great getting in so close with the 300 2.8 but found the flexibility of the 70-200 to be a big plus as well. That said, I purchased a 70-200 2.8L II in the off season and will be using that primarily this year. Most games were during the day so low ISO, high frame rates so the IS was not necessary even though I have it.
Give your budget in mind, I would lean towards the flexibility of a 70-200 L, in either 2.8 or 4 without IS - possibly in pre-owned to save some money if possible. If budget gets expanded go for the 2.8L IS and you'll never have want for another lens in that range.

Refurbished Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 non IS fron Canon Store for $1,159.20 plus sales tax and shipping. Currently in stock: http://shop.usa.canon.​com …uct_10051_10051​_269491_-1

I would figure that 6 yr old flag is by and large played during the daylight hours. You could consider the 100-400L although at f4.5-5.6 when it gets towards sunset, you have to raise the ISO to retain shutter speed. And it gives you a bit more reach at around the same cost for pre-owned. This is a better field lense for soccer, football and lacrosse as he gets older as well. I would choose this over the 70-200 f4. It would be a toss-up between the 100-400 and the 70-200 f2.8 IS II though because that is a great lense. 200mm seems like lots of reach until you are shooting across the entire field and then want to crop it in PP.

Thanks everyone, This helps me a lot.

If the games are daylight hours, you can most definitely get away with 70-200 f/4 model. In our area, most programs allow for the kids to experience one game under the lights during the season. The rest are played during the day.

If night games become regular, an f/2.8 lens will become a necessity. Either way, I would suggest one with IS capability. My results have always been better using the IS feature compared with turning it off which some recommend.

dave

Don't forget the Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS. Will hit right at your budget number and is very good.

consider the 70-200 2.8 seriously as this lens will do you good both out/indoor shots. Good luck on your choices.

Sigma 70-200 OS.

Reasons:
2.8
OS
great IQ
long warranty
great price

I decided on the Canon 70-200 F2.8 NON IS, This lens would be for football on a budget and would also work with my 85MM 1.8 for basketball when I can't get on the baseline. The only problem is Canon is now out of stock and I wont have the money in my account until tomorrow morning. I hope they update the site often, but the price is about 155.00 vs brand new for the same lens. The sigma looks good also but I read several comments about it not focusing as fast, and I need speed for what I am going to use that lens for 99.9% of the time.