btbg

If the 80-200 is a 2.8 it isn't useless. The best part of the balloon festival is in low light. also a tripod has major advantages especially if you like to shoot hdr.

What lens or lenses is best depends on how close you are allowed to get. At some balloon festivals you can get very close to some balloons making wide angle very appropriate.

However, other festivals rope people off away from the balloons making it necessary to shoot with a longer lens.

If you want to get close consider checking into volunteering to be on one of the balloon's crews. You may not be able to take as many photos but you will have much better access.

dmraves Loc: Austin, TX

At the ABQ Balloon Fiesta, there are no restrictions on access. You have full access to the field.

btbg

Good then go wide with the fastest wide angle lens that you have. Tripod will still help first thing in the morning.

banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

Throw away the Rebel. Bad name.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Both your wide angle 10-20 and your longer 28-300 will get a lot of use, but that would require 2 cameras. There is always a lot of on-ground prep and demonstration activity, making the wide angle very handy since the crowd is usually pretty close to the scene. Also good for getting a lot of balloons in one shot. There will also be plenty of longer shots as the balloons lift off. You won't have time to get close to each balloon as they launch. If you only plan to take one camera then I would go with the 28-300. Morning launch preparation starts in the dark usually. Don't forget a good flash.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

A parachute