Telephoto lens for Canon

chrispeas
You probably aren't going to like my answer... the 28-300 is what you are asking for and come with a $2500. price tag. It also weighs in at over 3.5 pounds. usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_28_300mm_f_3_5_5_6l_is_usm Otherwise you are going to be stuck changing lenses. Historically the reason for using an slr was the ability to easily change lenses to a lenses designed specifically what you wanted to shoot. The more specialized a lens is the better it performs in terms of clarity, lack of vignetting and sharpness of image from center to edge. Technology has made lenses like the 28-300 possible that wasn't possible a few decades ago but they come with a big price for that engineering know-how.

As for a lens hood. A wide angle lens needs a shallower hood so the hood isn't obstructing the field of view the lens has. On a long distance telephoto lens it does not have a wide angle so you are going to want a deep hood. If you have a bout 9 minutes I think you'll find this tutorial helpful. www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_m0MfAjNsk

Is there a reason you don't like switching out lenses?

It sounds as though it isn't even during one situation, having to go back and forth for one event, but that you want different lenses for different occasions (unless I'm misunderstanding). One for close ups for dd's events, one telephoto for ds's.

Not sure how much reach you need for football...250mm? 300mm? 400mm? That would help you to determine what lens would be best for that purpose.

I would rather have a couple of really good lenses, and switch them out to get the photos that I want, then invest in a ton of money (for me!) for an 'all purpose' lens. 

Or maybe a really good point and shoot would be better suited to your needs.