I assume you are shooting college sports indoor and outdoor. Any of the lenses will be excellent in the hands of someone who knows how to use them, pay more, get more. F/2.8 would be needed for indoor sports, you need a fast shutter speed, and f/2.8 may be marginal.


No need to get IS for sports, due to the fast shutter speed used to freeze action. If you want handheld photography with a T2I, IS is very helpful to avoid blur at low shutter speeds.


I found the lenses at maximum aperture in order of sharpness to be:


1. 70-200mm f/2.8 IS mk II


2. 70-200mm f/4 IS


3. 70-200mm f/2.8 NON Is


4. 70-200mm f/4 NON IS


5. 70-200mm f/2.8 IS (had 5 of these)


All lenses are at least very good, and the top two are extremely good.


As noted, a 85mm/1.8 will be excellent for less $$, add a 70-300mm IS (non L) for outdoor sports and tou will have a excellent combo.