Home Forums Gear Photography Lens for sports photos?

I'm going to be the off man out here. Having been a sports shooter for a long time, I'm going to say save a few extra bucks and get something with at least f/2.8. Anything less will be a adventure in frustration. I thought I could get by with the Canon 70-200 f/4L. While the reach "field-side" was good enough, even the F/4 was limiting come sunset. I've used the Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC and have been very impressed. The focusing speed is a little slower than my Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS II but it's also $1000 cheaper for 95% of the results. Another option is the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II (Man, they like long names). I've read good things about that lens as well but if I'm going third party lens, I've always been a Tamron fan. Don't be afraid to ask to shoot from the end zone of the sidelines. I've never been told no...
Field side you can really get some good shots with the 70-200: