help choosing a lens for low light sports

[cindabjo]

I currently have a canon digital xt with a telephoto lens 75-300. It takes awesome action shots for most outdoor sports like baseball and football but as the season wears on I find myself in lower and lower light situations. I try not to use the flash too much as I do not want to disrupt the game. I also would like to shoot indoor basketball but would prefer not to use a flash if possible. Can anyone suggest a low light lens or possible setting for my current lens that could help with the lighting issues?

THANKS!
:D

[mjsneddon]

What is the end product for your images - screen or print? And, if print, what size? I don't shoot sports and this might be a really stupid idea but here goes: The fastest lens you can get for a reasonable amount of money is a 50mm f1.4 which would be excellent in low light. Obviously the field of view is a compromise. However, if the end use is for your computer screen or small prints, you can "zoom in" quite a bit by cropping.

My other suggestion is just to crank up the sensitivity. I regularly do this on my 20D and 5D and I don't find the noise level to be unacceptable.

Just my two cents.

Have a great day.

[faisal]

Whats your budget...???

Got any images to show us exactly what kind of lighting you shoot in and how far from the action you sit...??

[TheWengler]

What focal length do you want? Something like the 200mm f/2.8 might be nice for outdoor sports, but probably too long for indoors. The 85mm f/1.8 if you want something shorter or maybe the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 if you want a zoom.

[cwphoto]

200/2.8 would be a great choice. Good value and super sharp wide-open.