AF-S 80-200 f/2.8 or 70-300mm VR for KC Royals & Kids Sports

I have narrowed my search down to these two lens. I plan on using this lens for Pro ball games, and also my children's sporting events.

The good think about the Royals being so bad is that good seats are fairly easy to come by. I am struggling as to weather I need 200 or 300?

I really don't want to bring a tripod to the game, that's why I am debating over teh 200 2.8 or the 300 with VR.

Has anyone used both or one of these lens, and which one do you thing would be the best for what I'm looking for. Should I also consider the 18-200 vr?

Thanks in advance!!!

Jack

for sports I'd recommend the 80-200 f/2.8

keep in mind that VR only helps prevent camera shake, not to freeze movement. to freeze movement you need bigger aperture to gain higher speed

Day games the 300Vr would work but for night games you will need the 2.8. The VR won't help on action shots. I used 1/500 at f2.8 ISO 400 on this shot and it was not after dark (7:10 pm) but quite overcast. Later that night I had to go the ISO 1000 at F2.8.

Can you tell me about how many rows up your were when taking this shot? Awesome Picture!

I was in the first row of section 6 at PNC park. This seating chart will give you a good idea of location:

http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/ballpark/seating_pricing.jsp

I got some shots off the field too. This one was at ISO 1000:

Here is one from a couple years ago at 1/1000. Behind the dougout.
Day game, so plenty of light and the 300VR would have worked well here.

Great timing on the last shot. Very nice.

I think I'm going to go with the 80-200, unless I decide to spend more money for the 70-200 VR.

Thanks again for the help!