Noob help! buying a lens for amateur kids sports

Canon 70-200 2.8 non-ISO. You won't be disappointed.

I shoot outdoor sports with the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 NON IS. In bright mid day games I add my 1.4 extender which gives extra reach but stops the lens down to 4.0

I agree with others that the next step after the lens is to consider upgrading the body.

When you get ready for indoor sports down the road, consider the lighting in the gym and if strobes can be used. You may need to go with the 85mm f/1.8 when the time comes.

Since you shoot the young kids, check out Exposure Manager, the offer TOPPS custom baseball cards. I whish I shot the targeted age group to be able to offer them. PM me and I'll send you a link with the info on them.

Thanks for all the replies, this stuff can be a bit overwhelming at times.

If your shooting into the evening you will want something that will get you at least f 2.8. F4 won't get you fast enough shutter when the sun starts to go down.
Dave

I used to shoot with a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8. It worked pretty darn good, at least my copy did. These days I use a Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 for almost all of the outdoor sports, sometimes with a 1.4xTC on it to give me 420mm.

Here's the 70-200 in action. Both shot through the backstop fence.
Mike

Caleb rounding third.

LSU,

Looks like our situations are similar. I actually just bought the 70-200 f/4L non-IS for the exact reasons you listed. I borrowed a friend's prior to buying and after using it I couldn't do with out it. I found it in the "Sell" forum and should receive it later this week.

It's a tough decision but from everything I've read and seen I think it's worth the investment.

Good luck

Sigma 70-200 2.8 owner here. I actually have the ex dg apo (pre-hsm) and I find that I can still AF quickly enough to get by at critical moments. Check this:

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http://lh3.ggpht.com …/s1280/20090620​HLL928.JPG
for those who cant see it..