Sports Photography

What is a good lens for Sports Photography? I'm not a rich man so try to keep it within about $800.00. I like the Canon 70-200mm f4L USM (non IS) but I also like the Sigma APO 70-200 2.8. Any suggestions? Experiences with either? Anything I should look out for?

You might need to narrow it down a little - indoor basketball / volleyball -> Soccer == very different requirements... Also depends on your access to the action.

Generally folks recommend long & fast for sports.
Indoors - an 85/1.8 to 135 f/2 should work well - if you can live with fixed focal length.
Outdoors - the 70-200 2.8 is usually recommended, but may not be long enough for some sports.

arkphotos wrote in post #5793839
You might need to narrow it down a little - indoor basketball / volleyball -> Soccer == very different requirements... Also depends on your access to the action.

Generally folks recommend long & fast for sports.
Indoors - an 85/1.8 to 135 f/2 should work well - if you can live with fixed focal length.
Outdoors - the 70-200 2.8 is usually recommended, but may not be long enough for some sports.

Agreed, there are too many variables involved. What are you most interested in?

As others have said, too many variables. The 70-200 2.8 is probably the most versatile for most situations. However, ideal is dependent upon those variables.

Shot sideline last season on NFL game.
Most popular and used lens was BY FAR 70-200 2.8. Then Teles, and last Wides.

in your budget, I would say a sigma 70-200/2.8 is the best bet if you shoot indoor sports

or if you shoot both and want to stay withing that budget a canon 70-200/4 and a 85/1.8