cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

It's the night games that require the faster, heavier, more expensive lenses. In your situation, I would suggest the 70-200 F2.8, or some variant of that. If you want a Nikon, and you want to be under $1600, you will need to purchase used (KEH). Today, there are quite a few lenses available that can help with what you want, just keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Best of luck.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

I agree with MT Shooter and others who suggested it - the AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR sounds like it would be the right lens for both events. You ought to have sufficient reach to get good images, and the light-gathering ability of a wider available aperture are both good to have for the low-light situations. Also, the 70mm end of the focal range will allow you to get some good shots of subjects closer to you. At the wedding, this will undoubtedly be needed.

If you have a shorter focal length prime lens that is f/2.8 or below, you could carry that as a spare. It might come in handy at the dinners and receptions that occur with weddings.

One more suggestion: Practice using the lens before going to the wedding. That will give you a very good preparation so you will be used to the lens and be able to get the best possible photos. A new lens is always somewhat different from the others, and you don't want any surprises when it counts. Knowing the camera/lens combinations capabilities as well as limitations goes a long way toward understanding when you need to move closer or farther away. [People usually talk about moving your feet with prime lenses, but it is also true for zooms. A few feet one way or another can make a huge difference in what images you will produce.]

Pre-owned or refurbished lenses should be considered. Buy from a "trusted vendor" such as B&H, Adorama, and others that have been mentioned on this site. Those are the two I have dealt with, along with a refurbished directly from Nikon. Their integrity is proven, which is what makes them trustworthy.

Have a great time at both events!

Susan

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I've done well shooting kids soccer games during summer from the sidelines with a cheap 50mm f1.8. However, baseball isn't so convenient to get great shots with that lens. Perhaps the best, is to use the already mentioned 70-200mm f2.8. Great for sports. All NFL photographers have that lens.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

You don't mention the age of your grandson, but on the field can get pretty hairy, pretty quickly. Unless it's tee ball, an umpire won't let you get on the field. I have been a coach, league director, umpire and professionally a sports reporter, albeit mostly shot video. Balls fly around in odd places and for the most part, you are a little bit blind peripherally. Stay alert and keep your outside eye open while shooting. takes practice to see 2 things happening at once, but the last thing you want is to get hit or cause a dead ball stopping play! You will definitely get yelled at by a crowd of unforgiving parents if that happens! The younger the players, the more absurd the parents (they think 8 yr olds play like the major leagues on TV). You may think you are going to join the cute youngsters on the field and grab a few shots, but at least one very vocal, overly intense parent (if not several) are not going to see it that way.
Also, unless you have some kind of other permission, there is usually a designated area for photogs, just off the field of play. Dugouts are fine if the coach doesn't mind, but I find the best is behind 1st base in foul territory on a diagonal line between 3rd and 1st. A lot of action happens at first base, you get a clear view of 2nd and home plate, too. Best of luck and come back to post your shots!

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

I took photos at a college baseball game using my 70-300mm, and most of the shots were at 220mm. [The 70-200mm f/2.8 is on my wish list!]
My position was usually on the sidelines near 3rd base. To stay out of the way I did not venture into the outfield at all. Here are some examples of what I got, some cropping [not much] and edited to emphasize the players and to clean up the background!

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...confirm this. 80-200 f2.8 is a great lens and can be had well under a thousand...I used one for years and sold it when I got my 70-200 VII, but see virtually no difference in quality.

ecurb1105

You seem to be asking two different questions. Do you want a long lens for night-time sports or a fast wedding lens? For general sports with your half frame D500, I'd suggest a 180mm f2.8 and for a fast wedding lens a 35mm f1.4.

Robeng Loc: California

When I phonograph sports, I usually use a Nikon 200mm-400mm lens. Not cheap though.

Rob

pmackd Loc: Alameda CA

Nikon's 200-500mm is an f5.6 lens. Not considered low light. Great in bright light and very heavy to hand hold. Consider the 300mm f4 VR PF...just above your price range but a great lens and easy to hand hold at only 26 ounces. On a DX camera the effective focal length is 450mm. Unless you are shooting professionally I doubt you need more reach than that. On the D500 you can easily crop 2x or even 3x and still have decent IQ. You could also buy one of Nikon's earlier 300mm f4 used for well under your max. price range but they are much heavier. Other than that a used 70-200 f2.8 with or without a 1.4x teleconverter would fit your budget and might do the job.

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

EXIF data shows the top picture was taken with a 70-300mm 4.5-5.6 lens on a D500.

Bill_de Loc: US

A couple of responses showed the 70 - 200 F2.8.

If I had to choose based on what you are going to shoot and the camera you have, that would be the one. I would prefer a larger aperture to a higher ISO.

SquareRoot Loc: southeast Missouri

I also recommend 70 - 200 F2.8. I bought my used lens on eBay.
I shot these pics last night. The first 2 long after sundown and well
back from the screen. The next 2 from just past the 3rd-base dugout.

SquareRoot Loc: southeast Missouri

Some 'twilight' shots with the 70 - 200 F2.8 last night.
No tweaking nor cropping.
The last shot shows how far you can reach with it.

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hbbozsr

Hi Guy's,
Just wanted to say thanks for all your inputs on the low light lens, my wife bought me a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR, sure hopes this one works, if not I will be trading it back in.

HBB

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

That particular lens, the latest in Nikon's 70-200 (or 80-200) F2.8 lenses is, IMHO, one of the best lenses and designs in this range that they have ever produced. For sports, a lens of this type is essential, and this one packs a lot of punch. I have owned one since release and the more I use it, the happier I am with it! You will not be disappointed! Best of luck.